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For this mock draft, we'll base the selections off of Walter Football's six-round mock draft, updated on March 4th. There are some projections in this edition that are surprising (like CeeDee Lamb falling to the Eagles). Here's what we're hearing/speculating, and projecting based on this mock draft:
1. Gem State Bruins select...RB D'Andre Swift MIA (Georgia)
This past spring, Brucey's crew traded away their 2020 first round pick to add an extra 2019 first round selection. Brucey would end up trading away that pick for running back Phillip Lindsay. Little did anyone know, Brucey's crew would have their worst season in CRFL history, meaning Gem State is picking 1.01. Ouch.
The Bruins acquired D.J. Chark, providing depth to an already string receiving crew. Still, BPA (best player available) has always been the approach for Gem State. There are rumors that Gem State is shopping long-time star running back Todd Gurley in an effort to have an additional first round selection, giving the Bruins the option to be picky at 1.01. Jeudy is in play here, but with Gurley deteriorating, Gem State can't pass on Swift here.
2. Wind River Bison select...WR Jerry Jeudy LV (Alabama)
The Bison had a shocking 2019 campaign. The addition of Keenan Allen didn't produce elite results, and the tandem of David Johnson and Alvin Kamara flopped. The Bison's needs at wide receiver are slightly more pressing than running back, and Jeudy would produce right away in
3. Rockcliffe Bulls select...WR CeeDee Lamb PHI (Oklahoma)
Speaking of teams who were plagued by injuries and underperformance. Injuries to Saquon Barkley and Adam Thielen, combined with Baker Mayfield bombing, hurt the 2019 Bulls. They'll bounce back by adding CeeDee Lamb, a potential star.
4. Vito's Vikings select...RB Jonathan Taylor BAL (Wisconsin)
The Vikings found a gem in Chris Godwin and out-performed expectations, but still have a bunch of needs. Taylor would initially be in a RBBC, but eventually would be the bell-cow in a run-first offense, something the Vikings would benefit from should they draft a rookie.
5. Connell Conquistadors select...RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire KC (Louisiana State)
This selection weighs the situation factor heavily. Several talented players are taken ahead of CEH in Walter's mock draft, but Edwards-Helaire being the starting running back for Kansas City has RB1 written all over it. Conquistadors would be thrilled with this pairing.
6. Spokane Syber select...RB J.K. Dobbins LAC (Ohio State)
The Spokane Syber have a solid foundation at quarterback and wide receiver, but running back is far and away their most pressing need, even after acquiring Kerryon Johnson. Dobbins was a superstar at Ohio State, rushing for over 2,000 yards his final season with the Buckeyes. If he's drafted by the Chargers in round 2, clearly they'd have a vision for him worth investing in.
7. Tri-State Raptors select...RB Cam Akers TB (Florida State)
The Raptors had an amazing 2019 draft class, drafting A.J. Brown and Miles Sanders and acquiring Devin Singletary via trade (Singletary has since been traded to Huskerfan). There is no clear need here, so BPA is the right call. Walter Football is projecting combine star Cam Akers to Tampa, where he would clearly be the RB1.
8. Huskerfan...WR Laviska Shenault GB (Colorado)
The Emerald City Bucks (formerly Northern Lights) traded this pick to Tri-State, who in turn traded it to Huskerfan. Options become are boom-bust after the 1.06/1.07 or so, and Huskerfan will gamble on Shenault becoming the WR2 Aaron Rodgers has desired in Green Bay.
9. Brucey's crew select...QB Joe Burrow CIN (Louisiana State)
Brucey's crew managed to find a way back into the first round, albeit later in the round. There are needs abound for Bruce, but unfortunately the running back and wide receiver options at this point are toss-ups for fantasy. The Crew have been in the quarterback wilderness for ages, as evidenced by Derek Carr occupying the starting spot on the current roster. Burrow makes sense here, and could finally be the solution for this team long-term.
10. Desert Dreamers select...WR Henry Ruggs DEN (Alabama)
The Dreamers broke out in 2019 as one of the league powers, and will probably look for a wide receiver here. Henry Ruggs impressed scouts at the combine, leading some to believe he might be the first wide receiver selected in the NFL draft. Denver, like Green Bay, is a bittersweet landing spot. Courtland Sutton is the WR1 in Denver, but the Broncos selecting a wide receiver in the first round shows a commitment to passing for Drew Lock.
11. Spokane Syber select...RB Zack Moss BUF (Utah)
Yes, this is a bit of a reach. Moss would have to compete with Devin Singletary in Buffalo, but again, Syber has a dire need at running back. Moss is the next option available late in this round. Syber should double down and hope Moss replaces Gore as the red zone running back, or maybe even out-performs Singletary.
12. Tri-State Raptors select...WR Jalen Reagor BUF (Texas Christian)
Reagor has blazing speed and fits the mold that Marquise Brown was for Baltimore last spring. Like Baltimore, Buffalo isn't a pass-heavy offense, limiting Reagor's upside, but Tri-State will gladly select a wide receiver that went 22nd overall at 1.12 to close the opening round.
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