2022 NFL Mock Draft: Second Edition

Here is the second edition of my 2022 NFL Mock Draft.

1. Jacksonsville Jaguars- Tavon Walker, Defensive End, Georgia: There is a ton of momentum toward Walker being the number one overall pick. Walker was a big part of last seasons championship team with the Bulldogs with his consistent play and the Jags could think that he can carry it over to the pros.

2. Detroit Lions- Aidan Hutchinson, Defensive End, Michigan: The Lions get a big win here with the best player in the draft falling to them here at the two spot. Hutchinson has been compared to the likes of Myles Garrett, Chase Young, and the Bosa brothers and he would be their best pass rusher since Ndomunkong Suh.

3. Houston Texans- Evan Neal, Offensive Tackle, Alabama: The Texans have some solid "can't go wrong" options here with this selection. Neal makes a ton of sense here given the Texans need a long term answer opposite of Laremy Tunsil for the other tackle spot.

4. New York Jets- Kavon Thibodeaux, Defensive End, Oregon: The player arguably with the most upside in the draft in which some teams reportedly aren't in love with. The Jets absolutely should take the risk here with Thibodeaux and he would give the Jets a needed booth in their front seven.

5. New York Giants- Ickey Ekwonu, Offensive Tackle/Guard, NC State: The Giants made some free agent moves in the interior of their offensive line, but they need a tackle opposing Andrew Thomas. Ekwonu would be a wise choice here considering his versatility and his stock is rising.

6. Carolina Panthers- Charles Cross, Offensive Tackle, Mississippi State: Everyone and their brother is penciling in a quarterback in this spot, but it could be off the table if they acquire Baker Mayfield or Jimmy Garappolo. Cross is coming off a breakout season which has put him in this position and that may be concerning for some teams in terms of whether it was for real or not.

7. New York Giants (from Chicago Bears)- Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, Cornerback, Cincinnati: This would be a tremendous pick of two top ten picks in Joe Schoen's first draft as Giants GM. Gardner is the safest bet in terms of defensive backs in this draft and if the Giants indeed make this their selection here, some of their veteran corners may be trade bait.

8. Atlanta Falcons- Garrett Wilson, Wide Receiver, Ohio State: The Falcons have a lot of needs on their roster and this is another spot where a quarterback could be in play, but here I have them going with receiver. Wilson had a big year at Ohio State and I believe he'll be an electric player at the next level and the Falcons are a good fit considering the suspension of Calvin Ridley.

9. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver Broncos)- Malik Willis, Quarterback, Liberty: Here I have the first quarterback off the board with Willis going to Seattle. Willis is getting a lot of hype right now although I don't feel that there is a franchise quarterback in this draft, which makes this pick risky.

10. New York Jets (from Seattle Seahawks)- Drake London, Wide Receiver, USC: The Jets take a wideout with high upside here with London. Building around Zach Wilson is the goal for the Jets and Wilson and London would be a nice combo going forward.

11. Washington Commanders- Derek Stigley Jr, Cornerback, LSU: The Commanders have a ton of needs and I like the idea of Stigley being the pick here since you can find good wideouts later in the draft. Stigley could go top ten due to his upside alone and he and Kendall Fuller wouldn't be a bad combo of starting corners.

12. Minnesota Vikings- Kyle Hamilton, Safety, Notre Dame: What a steal this would be for the Vikings with snagging someone that was thought out to go top ten or even top five. Hamilton is someone that can have a day one impact wherever he goes.

13. Houston Texans (from Cleveland Browns)- Jermaine Johnson, Defensive End, Florida State: This would be a solid pick for the Texans as they come away with one lineman per each side of the ball here. Johnson is a super steady player that could go in the top ten.

14. Baltimore Ravens- Tyler Linderbaum, Center, Iowa: This would be a tremendous selection for the Ravens considering Linderbaum was thought out to be a top 10 or even top 5 pick. Bradley Bozeman left in free agency so this pick would make a ton of sense.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (from Miami Dolphins)- Jordan Davis, Defensive Tackle, Georgia: With the first of two picks, the Eagles go with the second Georgia Bulldog defensive lineman taken in Davis. With Fletcher Cox aging, this would be a wise pick.

16. New Orleans Saints (from Philadelphia Eagles)- Chris Olave, Wide Receiver, Ohio State: The Saints have some options here with their first of two picks. Olave fills a need pick for the Saints and whether it's Jameis Winston or someone else at quarterback and him and Michael Thomas would make a dynamic duo.

17. Los Angeles Chargers- Kenyon Green, Guard, Texas A&M: The Chargers have a roster that's absolutely loaded and here I have them improving what is arguably the teams biggest weakness. Green is someone that can come in and play right away alongside Rashawn Slater.

18. Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans Saints)- Trent McDuffie, Cornerback, Washington: With the second of two first rounders, the Eagles double down on the same side of the bal except in the secondary. McDuffie is one of the cleaner prospects in the draft and he can come in and start right on this Eagles team.

19. New Orleans Saints (from Indianapolis Colts via Philadelphia Eagles)- Trevor Penning, Offensive Tackle, Northern Iowa: The Saints offensive line is solid, but needs to replace Terron Armstead. Penning didn't get that much attention due to playing in the FCS, but has the tools to be a successful player in the league.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers- Desmond Ritter, Quarterback, Cincinnati: Ritter is one of the fast rising quarterbacks in this draft class and he feels like your classic Steelers guy. Ritter's athleticism and the fact he won a lot of games in college is what may have the Steelers intrigued.

21. New England Patriots- Andrew Booth Jr, Cornerback, Clemson: This would be a nice pick for the Pats, who lost JC Jackson in free agency. Booth is someone who's stock is rising with a little over a week to go until the draft.

22. Green Bay Packers (from Las Vegas Raiders)- Treylon Burks, Wide Receiver, Arkansas: The Packers have to absolutely come away with a wide receiver with one of their two first round picks to help repack the production lost with DaVante Adams's departure. Burks is a super steady receiver with good speed and vision.

23. Arizona Cardinals- Devonte Wyatt, Defensive Tackle/Defensive End, Georgia: The Cardinals have a lot of needs they need to take care of at the draft. I love the fit of Wyatt in Arizona considering the positional need for the team with Chandler Jones leaving in free agency.

24. Dallas Cowboys- Jameson Williams, Wide Receiver, Alabama: The Cowboys have some options here. With the trading of Amari Cooper, they now have a need at receiver and Williams falling this far would be a major steal and him and CeeDee Lamb together would be a lot of fun.

25. Buffalo Bills- Kyler Gordon, Cornerback, Washington: Here I have the second Washington corner off the board. Gordon could come in and potentially start right away with no guarantee along with Tre White, who is returning from a knee injury.

26. Tennessee Titans- George Karlaftis, Defensive End, Purdue: This could be a steal for the Titans, who need some help on the pass rush. Karlaftis was thought out to be a top ten pick, but his stock took a big hit and he didn't provide a great number of sacks in college.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Zion Johnson, Guard, Boston College: This would be a logical pick for the Buccaneers considering losing Alex Cappa in free agency and the early retirement of Ali Marpet. Johnson had a strong Senior Bowl which risen his stock and he can start for the Bucs right away.

28. Green Bay Packers- Jahan Dotson, Wide Receiver, Penn State: Here I have the Packers doubling down on wide receiver in the first round, which would be wise. Dotson has great speed and he can slide in that vertical threat roll that was previously occupied by Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from San Francisco 49ers via Miami Dolphins)- Christian Watson, Wide Receiver, North Dakota State: Like the Packers, the Chiefs need to come away with a wide receiver in the first round. Watson stock rose after a great year in the FCS and has great speed.

30. Kansas City Chiefs- Boye Mafe, Defensive End, Minnesota: The Chiefs with their second first rounder take the pass rusher in Mafe. He is super athletic and fast and could start for the Chiefs right away with Melvin Ingram leaving as a free agent.

31. Cincinnati Bengals- Kaiir Elam, Cornerback, Florida: The Bengals can go in a lot of different directions here with this pick. Elam would be a wise choice here with his great speed and athleticism considering the Bengals corners played above expectations last season.

32. Detroit Lions (from Los Angeles Rams)- Kenny Pickett, Quarterback, Pittsburgh: A lot of people seem to think the Lions will go quarterback here. Pickett's stock has dropped a bit considering some had him picked in the top ten not long ago, but the Lions need a potential long term answer here so I have them banking on Pickett.

2022 NFL Mock Draft: First Edition

Here is the first edition of my 2022 NFL Mock Draft.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars- Evan Neal, Offensive Tackle, Alabama: For the first time in a long time, there is some uncertainty when it comes to which player will be selected first overall. The Jaguars go here with Neal, who fits a need for the team on the offensive line. Neal has potential to be Trevor Lawrence's main protector for years to come.

2. Detroit Lions- Aidan Hutchinson, Defensive End, Michigan: There was talk several months ago that Hutchinson was a legit option to go first overall and there's a possibility it could still be the case. The Lions need pass rushers in the worst way and Hutchinson would provide them a building block on the front seven for years to come.

3. Houston Texans- Kyle Hamilton, Safety, Notre Dame: The Texans are a team that has holes literally everywhere on their roster, so either way they should come away with a building block at this pick. Hamilton really has emerged in a big way this season that he can have a Day 1 impact. Hamilton has so many aspects of his game that can make him a top selection in this draft.

4. New York Jets- Ickey Ekwonu, Offensive Tackle, NC State: Ekwonu really has emerged in a big way to the point he's being discussed as an option for the top overall pick. The Jets need an offensive tackle to go opposite side of Mekhi Becton to protect Zach Wilson for years to come.

5. New York Giants- Kavon Thibodeaux, Defensive End, Oregon: The Giants would be getting a steal here with Thibodeaux falling all the way down to fifth after being the consensus number one overall pick in mock drafts back in the fall. The Giants front seven needs some youth and energy and Thibodeaux would give the defense a new look.

6. Carolina Panthers- Matt Corral, Qrauterback, Ole Miss: The Panthers take a huge risk here with grabbing a quarterback this early in a draft where there are not potential franchise quarterbacks. The match with Corral and Matt Rhule makes sense and there is potential there with his arm talent and athleticism.

7. New York Giants (from Chicago Bears)- Charles Cross, Offensive Tackle, Mississippi State: If the Giants come away with one lineman on each side of the ball in Joe Schoen's first draft, that is a major win. Cross is someone who's stock has somewhat fallen a bit, but he fills an important need for Big Blue to help protect Daniel Jones, who the Giants seem committed for in 2022.

8. Atlanta Falcons- George Karlaftis, Defensive End, Purdue: This would be a good pick for a Falcons team that needs youth in the worst way on their pass rush. Karlaftis is someone who's stock has also fallen a little, but he's a bully to offensive lineman and plays with so much intensity.

9. Denver Broncos- Jermaine Johnson, Defensive End, Florida State: The Broncos have some obvious needs, but here they go with something they do need in a pass rusher. Johnson can help the team replace the production Vonn Miller left behind with his athleticism and he had a great Senior Bowl.

10. New York Jets (from Seattle Seahawks)- Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, Cornerback, Cincinnati: The Jets have a ton of needs on their roster and they cover another one with a corner. Gardner really came through this season for the Bearcats and has emerged as perhaps the top corner in this draft.

11. Washington Commanders- Kenyon Green, Guard, Texas A&M: The team now known as the Commanders go with a potential need pick here with an offensive lineman. Green is someone that can come in and play right away, potentially replacing Brandon Scherff, who is a pending free agent.

12. Minnesota Vikings- Derek Stigley Jr, Cornerback, LSU: The Vikings could very well be getting a major steal here with Stigley, who was perceived as a top-10 pick in the fall. Injuries and inconsistent play have derailed Stigley, but has the traits to become a star in the league.

13. Cleveland Browns- Garrett Wilson, Wide Receiver, Ohio State: The first wideout off the board of this mock is Wilson, who really produced in college regardless of who was throwing him passes. The Browns need wideouts with Odell Beckham Jr gone and Jarvis Landry's future uncertain, so this pick would make sense.

14. Baltimore Ravens- Tyler Linderbaum, Center, Iowa: This is an excellent pick for a team that needs some help on the offensive line. Linderbaum is a Day 1 starter and can come in and start immediately for a Ravens team that could lose their starting center Bradley Bozeman in free agency.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (from Miami Dolphins)- David Ojabo, Defensive End, Michigan: This would be a great pick for an Eagles team that has an aging pass rush. Ojabo was someone that was overshadowed by teammate Aidan Hutchinson in college and Ojabo has tremendous upside sans being raw.

16. Philadelphia Eagles (from Indianapolis Colts)- Jameson Williams, Wide Receiver, Alabama: With their second pick of the first round, the Eagles triple down on a position they drafted in the first round the past several years. Williams did tear his ACL in the National Championship game, but he should be back for the season and would give the Eagles a nice duo with him and ex-teammate DeVonta Smith.

17. Los Angeles Chargers- Chris Olave, Wide Receiver, Ohio State: This would be a nice selection for a Chargers team that could have a need at the position if they lose Mike Williams in free agency. Olave and former teammate Garrett Wilson both have chances to make better of opportunities in the league to make whomever drafts them better.

18. New Orleans Saints- Kenny Pickett, Quarterback, Pittsburgh: This would be an interesting and telling pick for a Saints team that is a big wild card this offseason in terms of what direction they may go. This pick would make more sense if they didn't acquire a veteran quarterback still in his prime, but Pickett's breakout season from this past swason put him in a position to be drafted high.

19. Philadelphia Eagles- Nakobe Dean, Linebacker, Georgia: The consensus top linebacker goes off the board here in my first mock draft. Dean fills a need for the Eagles and he was flat out dominant this past season sans some questions about his size.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers- Devin Lloyd, Linebacker, Utah: Yes, everyone will say why isn't a quarterback being mocked here, but the Steelers have some other needs on their roster. With some concerns about Devin Bush, they go with Lloyd here, who really has a complete package of what he can bring to a team.

21. New England Patriots- Trent McDuffie, Cornerback, Washington: The Patriots have some needs, especially on the defensive side of the ball and here I have them going with secondary help. JC Jackson is a free agent and McDuffie can come in and he has a very clean game.

22. Las Vegas Raiders- Zion Johnson, Offensive Tackle/Guard, Boston College: The Raiders need help on the offensive line and here they address that need. Johnson really showed off his potential at the Senior Bowl and he is versatile too.

23. Arizona Cardinals- Bernhard Raimann, Offensive Tackle, Central Michigan: Sure, there are questions about Kyler Murray's future in Arizona, but lets assume he stays with the Cardinals. They need offensive line help and Raimann is someone who broke out this past season in college and is super athletic.

24. Dallas Cowboys- Kerby Joseph, Safety, Illinois: The Cowboys add more talent here to a defense that has blue chippers on it here with Joseph, who fills an important need on that side of the ball. He was one of the more dynamic players at his position and it was not talked about enough since he was on a bad Illini team in college.

25. Buffalo Bills- Treylon Burks, Wide Receiver, Arkansas: The Bills pick up a dynamic playmaker for Josh Allen here with this selection. Burks and Stefon Diggs is a fearsome duo at the wideout positions and it may be too tempting to pass up.

26. Tennessee Titans- Trevor Penning, Offensive Tackle, Northern Iowa: The Titans do have some needs on their roster and here they land one of the more interesting players in this draft. Penning didn't get that much attention due to playing in the FCS, but has the tools to be a successful player in the league.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Sam Howell, Quarterback, North Carolina: The Buccaneers are a team that is a huge wild card this offseason. With Tom Brady retired (for now), they go with a potential long term option. Howell was thought out to be the top overall pick in this draft class two years ago, but his game has declined for a variety of reasons.

28. Green Bay Packers- Drake London, Wide Receiver, USC: If the Packers want to keep Aaron Rodgers around, they must absolutely go fo it. London falls this far due to tearing his ACL, but you can argue he's the best wideout in this class and would have been a top ten pick if he remained healthy.

29. Miami Dolphins (from San Francisco 49ers)- Tyler Smith, Offensive Tackle, Tulsa: The Dolphins have a ton of needs and none bigger than on their offensive line. Many of their recent picks look like misses and Smith is someone that is quick and has upside sans being penalty prone.

30. Kansas City Chiefs- Dax Hill, Safety, Michigan: The Chiefs have some needs this offseason and one of them could be safety if Tyrann Mathieu departs. Hill is someone that can play back from deep and fit in with their young secondary.

31. Cincinnati Bengals- Nicholas Petit-Frere, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State: There is no bigger obvious need for a contender than the Bengals and their offensive line. Petit-Frere helped protect Justin Fields and CJ Stroud in college and he would be a great asset for Joe Burrow.

32. Detroit Lions (from Los Angeles Rams)- Malik Willis, Quarterback, Liberty: This would be a very interesting pick for the Lions, who may want to get younger at the most important position in sports. Willis is super athletic, but raw and probably will be a red shirt come 2022 ala Trey Lance/Jordan Love.

2021 NHL Mock Draft: Third Edition

 Here is the third edition of my 2021 NHL Mock Draft.

1. Buffalo Sabres- Owen Power, Defenseman, Michigan (NCAA): Power is the consensus choice among experts and people around the league to go first overall. The Sabres here with the first overall pick for the second time in four years get another top pair defenseman  to go with Rasmus Dahlin for the future.

2. Seattle Kraken- Matthew Beniers, Center, Michigan (NCAA): The second overall pick here I have being yet another Michigan Wolverine product, this time the center in Beniers. He stood out in his first college season, being a point per game player and he is someone that is a good skater.

3. Anaheim Ducks- Luke Hughes, Defenseman, USA-U18 (USHL): The Ducks here have some nice choices and here I have them taking Hughes. The youngest Hughes is a dynamic, borderline elite skating defenseman who has tremendous offensive upside, similar to his brother Quinn.

4. New Jersey Devils- Brandt Clarke, Defenseman, Barrie (OHL): The Devils should go defense here due to the fact they do have some dynamic young forwards that already on the upswing. Clarke is somebody that is a great two-way player who is very careful with the way he plays.

5. Columbus Blue Jackets- William Eklund, Center, Djurgardens (SWE): The Blue Jackets have needs in a lot of places and Eklund here makes sense. He is somebody that has top-offensive skills, has shown some physicality, and does some of the little things that teams like.

6. Detroit Red Wings- Dylan Gunther, Right Wing, Edmonton (WHL): The Red Wings have some promising young forwards in their system. Guenther was a points machine in the WHL and he has the ability to shoot from anywhere and that's what makes him dynamic.

7. San Jose Sharks- Mason McTravish, Center, Peterborough (OHL): The Sharks need some young blood in their organization and here I have them going with the center in McTravish. He has the feistiness that teams like and has shown strength in battles along the boards.

8. Los Angeles Kings- Simon Edvinsson, Defenseman, Frolunda (SHL): The Kings get themselves a nice player here with Edvinsson, who can use some young defenseman. He has the mobility and ability to create chances for himself and teammates.

9. Vancouver Canucks- Kent Johnson, Center, Michigan (NCAA): The third Michigan player goes off the board here with Johnson, who would be a nice fit with the Canucks. He is a solid playmaker and has shown versatility as well as his puck carrying ability.

10. Ottawa Senators- Jesper Wallstedt, Goaltender, Lulea (SWE): The Senators are a team that may look at a possible goalie of the future and they take one here with Wallstedt. He has the calmness and control to be a successful goalie in the league and he tracks pucks very well.

11. Chicago Blackhawks- Chaz Lucius, Center, USNTDP (USHL): The Blackhawks add to their young collection of forwards with Lucius. His stock is rising in and has the ability to get to the high-danger areas is impressive, and his shot is high-end.

12. Calgary Flames- Cole Sillinger, Center, Sioux Falls (USHL): The Flames are one of the interesting teams coming up in the draft as they are in trade rumors galore. Sillinger has a strong offensive presence and has strong playmaking abilities.

13. Philadelphia Flyers- Fabian Lysell, Left Wing, Lulea (SWE): The Flyers can go anywhere with this selection and here I have them selecting the talented forward in Lysell. He has shown good craft in his game and has great speed and skill as well.

14. Dallas Stars- Matthew Coronato, Right Wing, Chicago (USHL): The Stars are also a team that can go anywhere with their pick and here I have them taking the forward in Coronato. He is a dominant offensive force with the puck, has a physical approach, and is a strong skater.

15. New York Rangers- Brennan Othmann, Left Wing, Flint (OHL): The Rangers have one of the most promising young group of talent in the entire league and they add another young gun in Othmann. He is a two-way player that has a lot of physicality in his game and this is what the young Rangers can use.

16. St. Louis Blues- Corson Ceulemans, Defenseman, Brooks (AJHL): The Blues are an interesting team to watch here as the draft comes. Ceulemans is someone that is an outstanding skater who can lead rushes into offensive zones in transition and also has good mobility.

17. Winnipeg Jets- Aatu Raty, Center, Karpat (Liiga): Raty was someone that a while ago was thought out to be in play for the number one overall pick, but his stock plummeted due to underperforming this past season. Raty has promising offensive abilities and is a good skater.

18. Nashville Predators- Fyodor Svechkov, Center, Togliatti (VHL): The Predators are a team that needs some youth at the forward positions. Svechkov is somebody who is great at positioning himself at the right spots and getting open off the puck.

19. Edmonton Oilers- Logan Stankoven, Center/Right Wing, Kamloops (WHL): This would be a nice pick for the Oilers, who can use some versatile youngsters. Stankoven plays hard every shift and makes up for his size with great skating ability and an excellent shot.

20. Boston Bruins- Simon Robertsson, Right Wing, Skelleftea (SuperElit): The Bruins are a wild card with their first rounder and here I have them taking Robertsson. He is a smart player that is dangerous with his shot and release.

21. Minnesota Wild- Carson Lambos, Defenseman, Winnipeg (WHL): The Wild have options here with this selection and here I have them selecting Lambos. He is a two-way defenseman that has good patience in the defensive zone and in transition.

22. Detroit Red Wings (from Washington Capitals)- Zachary Bolduc, Center, Rimouski (QMJHL): The Red Wings with their second first rounder that another forward with Bolduc. He has the speed and "hockey smarts" that would have teams excited.

23. Columbus Blue Jackets (from Toronto Maple Leafs)- Francesco Pinelli, Center, Jesenice (SLO): The Blue Jackets need some high end center prospects. Pinelli a gifted playmaker with a strong wrist shot, and he isn’t afraid to throw his weight around either.

24. Minnesota Wild (from Pittsburgh Penguins)- Oskar Olausson, Right Wing, HV71 (SHL): The Wild go offense here with their second first rounder and go with the talented Olausson. He is a confident player that has some speed in his game, both in his feet and hands.

25. Florida Panthers- Xavier Bourgault, Center, Shawinigan (QMJHL): The Panthers have some choices here and this mock I have them taking the talented center in Bourgault. He is an offensive presence that is fearless in his drive to the high-danger areas. 

26. Carolina Hurricanes- Isak Rosen, Left Wing/Right Wing, Leksands (SHL): The Hurricanes are just picking for depth at this point and I have them taking the forward in Rosen. He lacks the size, but is an offensive force.

27. Colorado Avalanche- Nikita Chibrikov, Right Wing, St. Petersburg (MHL): The Avalanche can go anywhere realistically with this selection. Chibrikov is an offensive force that has great hands to control the puck and the confidence to take control of every shift.

28. New Jersey Devils (from New York Islanders)- Sasha Pastujov, Left Wing, USNTDP (USHL): The Devils go offense with their second first rounder and snag Pastujov. He is one of the most patient players in the class, with an ability to show up clutch in games.

29. Vegas Golden Knights- Zach Dean, Center, Gatineau (QMJHL): The Golden Knights should be targeting center depth here and Dean would be a nice choice. He is a player that never hesitates and could skate and pass very well.

30. Montreal Canadiens- Zachary L'Heureux, Center/Left Wing, Halifax (QMJHL): The Canadiens have choices here and this pick I have them taking L'Heureux. He has high-end offensive skill in his finishing ability and has a knack for getting under an opponent’s skin.

31. Columbus Blue Jackets (from Tampa Bay Lightning)- Daniil Chayka, Defenseman, Guelph (OHL): With their third first rounder, the Blue Jackets go defense with Chayka. He is a reliable, two-way defender with a long reach.

2021 NHL Mock Draft: Second Edition

 Here is the second edition of my 2021 NHL Mock Draft.

1. Buffalo Sabres- Owen Power, Defenseman, Michigan (NCAA): Power is the consensus choice among experts and people around the league to go first overall. The Sabres here with the first overall pick for the second time in four years get another top pair defenseman  to go with Rasmus Dahlin for the future.

2. Seattle Kraken- Matthew Beniers, Center, Michigan (NCAA): The second overall pick here I have being yet another Michigan Wolverine product, this time the center in Beniers. He stood out in his first college season, being a point per game player and he is someone that is a good skater.

3. Anaheim Ducks- Dylan Guenther, Right Wing, Edmonton (WHL): The Ducks need some youth injected into their organization so they have a lot of choices here. Guenther was a points machine in the WHL and he has the ability to shoot from anywhere and that's what makes him dynamic.

4. New Jersey Devils- Luke Hughes, Defenseman, USA-U18 (USHL): The Devils here have some nice choices and here I have them taking Hughes, the brother of current Devils center, Jack. The younger Hughes is a dynamic, borderline elite skating defenseman who has tremendous offensive upside.

5. Columbus Blue Jackets- William Eklund, Center, Djurgardens (SWE): The Blue Jackets have needs in a lot of places and Eklund here makes sense. He is somebody that has top-offensive skills, has shown some physicality, and does some of the little things that teams like.

6. Detroit Red Wings- Dylan Gunther, Right Wing, Edmonton (WHL): The Red Wings have some promising young forwards in their system. Guenther was a points machine in the WHL and he has the ability to shoot from anywhere and that's what makes him dynamic.

7. San Jose Sharks- Jesper Wallstedt, Goaltender, Lulea (SWE): The Sharks are a team that should start looking at the future and Wallstedt has potential to be that franchise goalie. He has the calmness and control to be a successful goalie in the league and he tracks pucks very well.

8. Los Angeles Kings- Brandt Clarke, Defenseman, Barrie (OHL): The Kings snagging Clarke at this pick is a steal for a team that needs young defenseman. He is somebody that is a great two-way player who is very careful with the way he plays.

9. Vancouver Canucks- Kent Johnson, Center, Michigan (NCAA): The third Michigan player goes off the board here with Johnson, who would be a nice fit with the Canucks. He is a solid playmaker and has shown versatility as well as his puck carrying ability.

10. Ottawa Senators- Simon Edvinsson, Defenseman, Frolunda (SHL): The Senators get themselves a nice player here with Edvinsson, who can use some young defenseman. He has the mobility and ability to create chances for himself and teammates.

11. Chicago Blackhawks- Cole Sillinger, Center, Sioux Falls (USHL): The Blackhawks add to their young collection of forwards with Sillinger. He has a strong offensive presence and has strong playmaking abilities.

12. Calgary Flames- Chaz Lucius, Center, USNTDP (USHL): The Flames are one of the interesting teams coming up in the draft as they are in trade rumors galore. Here they pick a player who's stock is rising in Lucius, who has the ability to get to the high-danger areas is impressive, and his shot is high-end.

13. Philadelphia Flyers- Sebastian Cossa, Goaltender, Edmonton (OHL): This would be a very interesting pick and it really would show how they really feel about Carter Hart. He has excellent size and athleticism to be a starting goalie in the league.

14. Dallas Stars- Fabian Lysell, Left Wing, Lulea (SWE): The Stars can go anywhere with this selection and here I have them selecting the talented forward in Lysell. He has shown good craft in his game and has great speed and skill as well.

15. New York Rangers- Matthew Coronato, Right Wing, Chicago (USHL): The Rangers here go with Coronato to add to their young forward collection. Coronato is somebody that is a dominant offensive force with the puck, has a physical approach, and is a strong skater.

16. St. Louis Blues- Sasha Pastujov, Left Wing, USNTDP (USHL): The Blues are an interesting team to watch here as the draft comes. Pastujov is one of the most patient players in the class, with an ability to show up clutch in games.

17. Winnipeg Jets- Corson Ceulemans, Defenseman, Brooks (AJHL): The Jets are a team that should be targeting defense here in the draft. Ceulemans is someone that is an outstanding skater who can lead rushes into offensive zones in transition and also has good mobility.

18. Nashville Predators- Brennan Othmann, Left Wing, Flint (OHL): The Predators are a team that could use some young blood and here I have them picking Othmann. He is a two-way player that has a lot of physicality in his game and this is what the young Predators can use.

19. Edmonton Oilers- Zachary Bolduc, Center, Rimouski (QMJHL): The Oilers add yet another young forward to their collection here with Bolduc. He has the speed and "hockey smarts" that would have teams excited.

20. Boston Bruins- Aatu Raty, Center, Karpat (Liiga): Raty was someone that a while ago was thought out to be in play for the number one overall pick, but his stock plummeted due to underperforming this past season. Raty has promising offensive abilities and is a good skater.

21. Minnesota Wild- Isak Rosen, Left Wing/Right Wing, Leksands (SHL): The Wild have a lot of promising young forwards and here they get another one in Rosen. He lacks the size, but is an offensive force.

22. Detroit Red Wings (from Washington Capitals)- Carson Lambos, Defenseman, Winnipeg (WHL): The Red Wings have options here with their second first rounder and here I have them selecting Lambos. He is a two-way defenseman that has good patience in the defensive zone and in transition.

23. Florida Panthers- Logan Stankoven, Center/Right Wing, Kamloops (WHL): This would be a nice pick for the Panthers, who can use some versatile youngsters. Stankoven plays hard every shift and makes up for his size with great skating ability and an excellent shot.

24. Columbus Blue Jackets (from Toronto Maple Leafs)- Samu Tuomaala, Right Wing, Karpat (Liiga): With their second first rounder, the Jackets go with Tuomaala. He brings a ton of energy that the fans always enjoy and is a fast player.

25. Minnesota Wild (from Pittsburgh Penguins)- Jack Peart, Defenseman, Fargo (USHL): The Wild go defense here with their second first rounder as they go with Peart. He’s smart in his own zone breaking up plays but is quick to transition to offense. 

26. Carolina Hurricanes- Zachary L'Heureux, Center/Left Wing, Halifax (QMJHL): The Hurricanes have choices here and this pick I have them taking L'Heureux. He has high-end offensive skill in his finishing ability and has a knack for getting under an opponent’s skin.

27. Colorado Avalanche- Nikita Chibrikov, Right Wing, St. Petersburg (MHL): The Avalanche can go anywhere realistically with this selection. Chibrikov is an offensive force that has great hands to control the puck and the confidence to take control of every shift.

28. New Jersey Devils (from New York Islanders)- Oskar Olausson, Right Wing, HV71 (SHL): The Devils go offense here with their second first rounder and go with the talented Olausson. He is a confident player that has some speed in his game, both in his feet and hands.

29. Vegas Golden Knights- Francesco Pinelli, Center, Jesenice (SLO): The Golden Knights need some high end center prospects as it seems like Cody Glass has fell out of favor. Pinelli a gifted playmaker with a strong wrist shot, and he isn’t afraid to throw his weight around either.

30. Montreal Canadiens- Scott Morrow, Defenseman, Shattuck HS (MN): The Canadiens are coming off a magical run to the Stanley Cup Final, but they need some more youth, especially on defense. Morrow is a more long-term project with a bit of room to improve, but an interesting skillset built around smooth-skating, impressive stickhandling, and precise puck distribution.

31. Columbus Blue Jackets (from Tampa Bay Lightning)- Xavier Bourgault, Center, Shawinigan (QMJHL): The Blue Jackets have some choices here and this mock I have them taking the talented center in Bourgault. He is an offensive presence that is fearless in his drive to the high-danger areas. 

2021 MLB Mock Draft: Fifth Edition

 Here is the fifth edition of my 2021 MLB Mock Draft.

1. Pittsburgh Pirates- Marcelo Mayer, Shortstop, Eastlake HS (CA): Yet again we have the talented Mayer going first overall. Mayer is not per say the perfect player, but he does everything right and has tremendous upside.

2. Texas Rangers- Jack Leiter, RHP, Vanderbilt: Due to a strong showing, in the College World Series, Leiter's stock rose even more. He is the best pitcher in this draft class and could have been a first round pick several years ago, but opted to go to school, which was the right call.

3. Detroit Tigers- Jackson Jobe, RHP, Heritage Hall HS (OK): The Tigers have some options here and this mock I have them adding to their young collection of pitching with Jobe. His stock is absolutely rising, even after he went from a guy that occasionally showed flashes to perhaps the best prep arm in the draft.

4. Boston Red Sox- Henry Davis, Catcher, Louisville: Davis is somebody else who's stock is soaring as we get closer to the draft. He's somebody who broke out onto the scene this college season and would instantly become the Red Sox catcher of the future.

5. Baltimore Orioles- Jordan Lawlar, Shortstop, Jesuit Prep HS (TX): A lot of people seem to think that the O's are going to go with a bat here. Lawler is a two-way player, but is most likely to be drafted as a shortstop due to his tremendous upside that would be too tempting to pass up.

6. Arizona Diamondbacks- Brady House, Shortstop, Winder-Barrow HS (GA): The Diamondbacks are a team that is under some pressure to get it right with this pick. House has a fabulous arm as folks have compared him to the likes of Nolan Arenado and Josh Donaldson and some feel is a star in the making.

7. Kansas City Royals- Kumar Rocker, RHP, Vanderbilt: The second of two Vanderbilt pitchers lands here with the Royals. Despite a rocky decisive game in the College World Series, Rocker should still be a high pick come next Sunday and he would just be yet another asset to go with the Royals young pitching collection.

8. Colorado Rockies- Khalil Watson, SS, Wake Forest HS (NC): The Rockies go with a possible need pick here with the possibility of Trevor Story getting traded. Watson is somebody that is a great hitter with a ton of power and has a chance to go higher than this.

9. Los Angeles Angels- Ty Madden, RHP, Texas: This would be a great pick for the Angels, who can use some more pitching in their system. Madden helped the Longhorns in their run to the College World Series and has potential to be a top-end starter and could buzz through the minors.

10. New York Mets- Sal Frelick, Outfielder, Boston College: This would be a solid pick by the Mets, who can use some college bats in their system. Some people are concerned about his height, but does have pop in his bat.

11. Washington Nationals- Gunnar Hogland, RHP, Ole Miss: This would be an interesting pick for the Nationals here as some people may consider a reach. Hogland is recovering from Tommy John Surgery and if it weren't for that, he would have had a quicker path to The Show.

12. Seattle Mariners- Matt McLain, Shortstop, UCLA: McLain and the Mariners has been a popular match among recent mock drafts. McLain is somebody that has a solid bat and speed, but does not hit for power.

13. Philadelphia Phillies- Colton Cowser, Outfielder, Sam Houston State: The Phillies to me are a bit of a wild card here as the draft gets closer. Cowser has a sweet lefty swing, but it's unknown what outfield spot he will end up at.

14. San Francisco Giants- Benny Montgomery, Outfielder, Red Land HS (PA): The Giants may land themselves a possible steal here with Montgomery, which would only add to a suddenly great farm system. His athleticism is outstanding and has great power with his bat.

15. Milwaukee Brewers- Sam Bachmann, RHP, Miami (OH): The Brewers are a team that seems set on college arms. Bachmann is somebody else that I can see breezing through the minors and end up at The Show, whether it's a starter or a reliever.

16. Miami Marlins- Harry Ford, Catcher, North Cobb (GA): This would be an interesting selection for the Marlins and it would tell you about how they really feel about Jorge Alfaro. Ford has tremendous offensive upside and is a good athlete.

17. Cincinnati Reds- Anthony Solometo, LHP, Bishop Eustace HS (NJ): Solometo is a super fast riser as we are less than a few days away. He is somebody that makes hitters uncomfortable and fills the strike zone.

18. St. Louis Cardinals- Andrew Painter, RHP, Calvary Christina HS (FL): Painter is one of the wild card entrees in the draft because of the unknown that is where exactly will he be picked. He is one of the better athletes in terms of pitchers in this draft, but has boom or bust potential.

19. Toronto Blue Jays- Jordan Wicks, LHP, Kansas State: This would be a good pick and a potential steal for the Jays, who could use some college arms in their system. Wicks has a solid pitch selection, throws for quality speeds, and is an innings eater.

20. New York Yankees- Will Bednar, RHP, Mississippi State: Bednar is flying up draft boards due to the fact he helped lead the Bulldogs to their first ever College World Series championship. The Yankees lean heavily on pitch data when it comes to their selections, and while this feels like Bednar’s ceiling, it also feels like a distinct possibility.

21. Chicago Cubs- Joe Mack, Catcher, Williamsville East HS (NY): The Cubs are a wild card as the draft approaches because mocks have them all over the place. Mack is a great two-way catcher, but he may not sign if he isn't chosen in the first round.

22. Chicago White Sox- Colson Montgomery, Third Baseman, Southridge HS (IN): A popular match of late in mock drafts are the White Sox and Montgomery. He has that bat-to-ball skill that some teams die for in the strikeout era.

23. Cleveland Indians- Bubba Chandler, RHP/Shortstop, North Ocenee HS (GA): The Indians are a team that could conceivably go in any direction. There is some uncertainty whether Chandler is better off as a shortstop or a pitcher, but Shohei Ohtani is proving it's possible.

24. Atlanta Braves- Michael McGreevy, RHP, UC Santa Barbara: The Braves and McGreevy has been another popular mock draft match of late. McGreevy came into his own this past season with his stuff and pitch ability.

25. Oakland Athletics- Joshua Baez, Outfielder, Dexter Southfield HS (MA): The Athletics are a team that usually does not take prep bats and here I have them going with one in Baez. High risks, high reward picks don't always play out, but his tools and makeup is what can make it work.

26. Minnesota Twins- Adrian Del Castillo, Catcher, Miami: Del Castillo is someone that was considered a top ten pick not long ago, but his stock fell due to being inconsistent. When he is on his game, he has some big time power and a good approach.

27. San Diego Padres- Frank Mozzicato, RHP, East Catholic HS (CT): The Padres are pretty much stacked in their farm system sans graduating some big names recently and being a contender now. Mozzicato is somebody with an interesting arsenal and has different speeds for his pitches.

28. Tampa Bay Rays- Ryan Cusick, RHP, Wake Forest: The Rays could go in any direction with this pick and here I have them going with a college pitcher in Cusick. This is a high risk pick due to some inconsistencies, but can occasionally hit triple digits when he pitches.

29. Los Angeles Dodgers- Max Muncy, Shortstop, Thousand Oaks HS (CA): This match would be by far the funniest due to the obvious, but this is a complete coincidence if this were the pick. Muncy is a twitchy player that is a super solid prospects that checks a lot of boxes.

2021 MLB Mock Draft: Fourth Edition

 Here is the fourth edition of the 2021 MLB Mock Draft. 

1. Pittsburgh Pirates- Marcelo Mayer, Shortstop, Eastlake HS (CA): Yet again we have the talented Mayer going first overall. Mayer is not per say the perfect player, but he does everything right and has tremendous upside.

2. Texas Rangers- Jack Leiter, RHP, Vanderbilt: Due to a strong showing, in the College World Series, Leiter's stock rose even more. He is the best pitcher in this draft class and could have been a first round pick several years ago, but opted to go to school, which was the right call.

3. Detroit Tigers- Brady House, Shortstop, Winder-Barrow HS (GA): The Tigers go with a talented left infielder here with House. He has a fabulous arm as folks have compared him to the likes of Nolan Arenado and Josh Donaldson and some feel is a star in the making.

4. Boston Red Sox- Henry Davis, Catcher, Louisville: Davis is somebody else who's stock is soaring as we get closer to the draft. He's somebody who broke out onto the scene this college season and would instantly become the Red Sox catcher of the future.

5. Baltimore Orioles- Sal Frelick, Outfielder, Boston College: This would be a solid pick for the Orioles as they don't have a ton of college position players in their farm system. Frelick is somebody who has a ton of pop, but is short.

6. Arizona Diamondbacks- Jordan Lawler, Shortstop, Jesuit Prep HS (TX): The Diamondbacks are a team that is under some pressure to get it right with this pick. Lawler is a two-way player, but is most likely to be drafted as a shortstop due to his tremendous upside that would be too tempting to pass up.

7. Kansas City Royals- Kumar Rocker, RHP, Vanderbilt: The second of two Vanderbilt pitchers lands here with the Royals. Despite a rocky decisive game in the College World Series, Rocker should still be a high pick come next Sunday and he would just be yet another asset to go with the Royals young pitching collection.

8. Colorado Rockies- Khalil Watson, SS, Wake Forest HS (NC): The Rockies go with a possible need pick here with the possibility of Trevor Story getting traded. Watson is somebody that is a great hitter with a ton of power and has a chance to go higher than this.

9. Los Angeles Angels- Jackson Jobe, RHP, Heritage Hall HS (OK): Jobe is someone that went from showing flashes to becoming the best prep pitcher in this draft class. The Angels lack some prep pitching in the farm system and Jobe would be a nice fit.

10. New York Mets- Matt McLain, SS, UCLA: This would be a solid pick by the Mets, who could use a college position player in their system. McLain has a solid bat and has some speed, but does not hit for much power, similar to the Angels's David Fletcher.

11. Washington Nationals- Ty Madden, RHP, Texas: This would be a very nice pick for the Nationals, who can use some more pitching in their system. Madden helped the Longhorns in their run to the College World Series and has potential to be a top-end starter and could buzz through the minors.

12. Seattle Mariners- Colton Cowser, Outfielder, Sam Houston State: The Mariners are a team that likes taking the safe bets among draft picks, but this one is a little different. Cowser has a sweet lefty swing, but it's unknown what outfield spot he will end up at.

13. Philadelphia Phillies- Benny Montgomery, Outfielder, Red Land HS (PA): The Phillies may land themselves a possible steal here with Montgomery, which would only add to a suddenly great farm system. His athleticism is outstanding and has great power with his bat.

14. San Francisco Giants- Sam Bachmann, RHP, Miami (OH): The Giants sneakily great farm system gets better here with the selection of Bachmann. He's somebody else that I can see breezing through the minors and end up at The Show, whether it's a starter or a reliever.

15. Milwaukee Brewers- Jordan Wicks, LHP, Kansas State: I really would like this pick for the Brewers, who could use some college arms in their system. Wicks has a solid pitch selection, throws for quality speeds, and is an innings eater.

16. Miami Marlins- Harry Ford, Catcher, North Cobb (GA): This would be an interesting selection for the Marlins and it would tell you about how they really feel about Jorge Alfaro. Ford has tremendous offensive upside and is a good athlete.

17. Cincinnati Reds- Bubba Chandler, RHP/Shortstop, North Ocenee HS (GA): The Reds are a team that could conceivably go in any direction. There is some uncertainty whether Chandler is better off as a shortstop or a pitcher, but Shohei Ohtani is proving it's possible.

18. St. Louis Cardinals- Gunnar Hogland, RHP, Ole Miss: This would be a nice pick for the Reds here. Hogland is recovering from Tommy John Surgery and if it weren't for that, he would have had a quicker path to The Show and certainly would have gone higher in this draft.

19. Toronto Blue Jays- Anthony Solometo, LHP, Bishop Eustace HS (NJ): Solometo is a super fast riser as we are less than a week away from the draft and people are linking him to Toronto. He is somebody that makes hitters uncomfortable and fills the strike zone.

20. New York Yankees- Will Bednar, RHP, Mississippi State: Bednar is flying up draft boards due to the fact he helped lead the Bulldogs to their first ever College World Series championship. The Yankees lean heavily on pitch data when it comes to their selections, and while this feels like Bednar’s ceiling, it also feels like a distinct possibility.

21. Chicago Cubs- Michael McGreevy, RHP, UC Santa Barbara: The Cubs area a sneaky wild card in terms of what they will do for this selection. McGreevy is somebody that bursted on to the scenes this past college season and that got him to this position.

22. Chicago White Sox- Colson Montgomery, Third Baseman, Southridge HS (IN): A popular match of late in mock drafts are the White Sox and Montgomery. He has that bat-to-ball skill that some teams die for in the strikeout era.

23. Cleveland Indians- Chase Petty, RHP, Mainland Regional HS (NJ): The Indians are a team that could go in any direction here. Petty has three pitches that are great and has potential to reach triple digit with his pitches. He would make for a tremendous possible closer down the road.

24. Atlanta Braves- Trey Sweeney, Shortstop, Eastern Illinois: The Braves are a team that doesn't usually opt for college bats, but here I have them taking Sweeney. He is somebody that fits the mold of what the organization looks for in college position players.

25. Oakland Athletics- Alex Mooney, Shortstop, St. Mary's Prep (MI): Mooney has been a fast riser as the draft gets closer and the A's have been linked to him heavily. There is quietly some power in his bat and some consider him a can't miss at the next level.

26. Minnesota Twins- Adrian Del Castillo, Catcher, Miami: Del Castillo is someone that was considered a top ten pick not long ago, but his stock fell due to being inconsistent. When he is on his game, he has some big time power and a good approach.

27. San Diego Padres- Frank Mozzicato, RHP, East Catholic HS (CT): The Padres are pretty much stacked in their farm system sans graduating some big names recently and being a contender now. Mozzicato is somebody with an interesting arsenal and has different speeds for his pitches.

28. Tampa Bay Rays- Joe Mack, Catcher, Williamsville East HS (NY): The Rays are a wild card as the draft approaches since their farm system is still deep. Mack is a great two-way catcher, but he may not sign if he isn't chosen in the first round.

29. Los Angeles Dodgers- Max Muncy, Shortstop, Thousand Oaks HS (CA): This match would be by far the funniest due to the obvious, but this is a complete coincidence if this were the pick. Muncy is a twitchy player that is a super solid prospects that checks a lot of boxes.