Alright, the Super Bowl is over and we are all in on #DraftSZN here at Student Union. So to kick things off, I’m going to do what so many armchair experts around the country do: talk about another persons’ Mock Draft. It is important to remember that even at this stage, mock drafts are a fun exercise and should not be the final word on a team or prospect. After the Senior Bowl, teams are just beginning to form an idea of how certain guys will fit onto their team. Also, the draft is like a set of Christmas lights, if one guy goes, it screws the whole thing up.

Today’s mock comes from Joe Marino from the Draft Network. I’m not going to be dissecting every single pick. Just some quick hitters on picks I thought were interesting. You’re gonna have to read the whole mock yourself, which I linked above.

After Lawrence-Fields goes 1-2, a wild trade finds the BYU prospect headed to the 49ers. I love this first off, because it drives clicks. After the Stafford-Goff trade, the people are hungry for another QB swap. Plus, who doesn’t want to see the No. 3 pick change hands twice, Deshaun Watson find a new home, and the 49ers find their QB of the future, all in one move!

For those who listen to my podcast, I love Zach Wilson, and to have him land in San Fran is perfect. The Niners miss out on both Stafford and Watson. But they save money and find a pro ready stud in Wilson. This gives the team flexibility on Garoppolo and puts them back in the championship window.

In this mock, Sewell is OT2 after Slater goes to Cincy. After 4 QBs get off the board, the Panthers settle with arguably the best non-QB in the draft at 8. I love the Slater argument as the best linemen in the class. His positional flexibility may be enough to spring board him into that conversation. Personally, I love the upside to Sewell almost as much as his current ability.

QB5 before the end of the first round, I love it! Everyone who hates the Patriots wants them to go 0-16, but that will not bring the most satisfaction, trust me. Living in mediocrity would be absolute torture for any New England sports fan and Mac Jones does exactly that. There are a lot of pressing needs for this team. But I am not sure QB is at the top of the list. But as Joe mentioned, if Saban gives Belicheck gives any indication Jones is THE guy, Bill will pull the trigger.

I love Kadarius Toney. I think people discount how truly talented he is, since teammate Kyle Pitts (who went #11 to the Giants) was such a matchup nightmare at Florida. Ensuring Justin Fields has another talented pass catcher is going to be the first step for joe Douglas and Robert Saleh in NYJ.

Probably one of the more surprising moves in this mock draft. Parsons is widely accepted as the top LB in this class. Although he is the first LB off the board, its far from the the top 10 buzz he’s received for most of the college football season. The hazing allegations which Marino alludes too could lead to a bit of a slide, but there is no question in the talent on the field.

Ok, this is unfair. Obviously the Chiefs have been banged up on the O Line going into the Super Bowl. But giving them AVT seems like too much. Honestly, I’m just mad the Colts didn’t take him in this mock. But in all seriousness, I love the move, and Alijah Vera-Tucker will immediately bolster this O Line. He also provides them with positional flexibility, with experience at guard and tackle.

There it is! I love reading mock drafts and I’m glad people that put in a lot of time writing these. Be sure to check in every Monday for a new mock of the mock.

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