9th Annual Football Garbage Time Twitter NFL Mock Draft! – Round 2

By the Football Garbage Time Staff

Howdy, y’all!

We all know that the NFL Draft is right around the corner, beginning on April 27th.  And we all know that the choices that teams make that night will be a significant part in whether they end up with the Lombardi Trophy and the 32nd pick in a future draft, or if they end up with the first overall pick looking to rebuild.

Seeing as how important these decisions are, we here at Football Garbage Time again got together and decided to conduct a mock draft.  In fact, this will be our 9th Annual Twitter NFL Mock Draft!

This year, nine different writers & podcasters from five different sites participated, including:

Each one took part as GMs of several teams in the draft and conducted the mock draft live over several weeks on Twitter (feel free to check out the back and forth on Twitter by searching for #FGTMock).  A few trends became clear and we certainly had more than a few surprises.

Missed it?  Don’t want to check Twitter?  Well, last time we went through Round 1 of the mock draft and we’re back with Round 2 of that mock draft below along with the reasoning for each pick by each writer.

32 – Pittsburgh Steelers (from Chicago Bears)

Pick: Nolan Smith – Edge (Georgia)

Staff: Ha Kung Wong

Although not a priority for the Steelers, they could use some depth behind Alex Highsmith and TJ Watt.  Nolan Smith might not be an exact scheme fit, he’s got good size and athleticism and is a high-end prospect with significant potential as a pass rusher, not to mention a particularly solid value at the beginning of the second round.

Smith broke out in 2021, playing 14 games with 56 tackles, 9 for loss with 3.5 sacks, one interception and leading the team with 3 forced fumbles.  In 2022, Smith started 8 games (18 tackles, 7 for loss with 3 sacks) before suffering a pectoral muscle injury that ended his season.  Regardless, Smith still garnered a lot of attention at the Combine after posting a 40-yard dash time of 4.39 seconds, good for the second-fastest at the combine by a defensive end since 2003 and the fastest of any linebacker or edge rusher this year.  It would be tough to pass on Smith here, not only to provide depth, but also as a potential insurance policy for Highsmith.

33 – Houston Texans

Pick: John Michael Schmitz – C (Minnesota)

Staff: Adam Aniba

34 – Arizona Cardinals

Pick: Anton Harrison – OT (Oklahoma)

Staff: Jordan Alexander

35 – Indianapolis Colts

Pick: Darnell Washington – TE (Georgia)

Staff: Adam Aniba

36 – Los Angeles Rams

Pick: Will McDonald IV – Edge (Iowa State)

Staff: Ryan Whitfield

Rams desperately need an impact edge rusher as they head into 2023. McDonald brings size and ability and led Iowa State in Sacks last season.

37 – Seattle Seahawks (from Denver Broncos)

Pick: Dawand Jones – OT (Ohio State)

Staff: Ryan Whitfield

Seattle needs to bolster their OL and Dawand Jones projects to be a starter in this league. Big build and strong and can make an impact for the Seahawks.

38 – Las Vegas Raiders

Pick: Cody Mauch – OT (North Dakota State)

Staff: Kaiden King

Cody Mauch is perfect fit for the Raiders because they need to build a strong O-line for their star running back Josh Jacobs. He brings a gritty-grind type of offensive lineman coming from NDSU and will be big help for them.

39 – Carolina Panthers

Pick: Felix Anudike-Uzomah – Edge (Kansas State)

Staff: Jordan Alexander

40 – New Orleans Saints

Pick: Derick Hall – Edge (Auburn)

Staff: Joanne Kong

An explosive player off the edge, Derick Hall has had two solid years with Auburn handling opposing offensive lines, disrupting quarterbacks and chasing after ball carriers. His size, length and strength have worked to his advantage when maneuvering around and through offensive lines, although, his talent is a little raw. He’s noted to be good at diagnosing when to disengage and locate the ball carrier, but Hall will need to work on sharpening his skill set.

Although the New Orleans Saints have been working in the free agency market to fill the rolls of departing defensive tackles in the Saints defense. The draft is a good opportunity to find some fresh talent and upgrade the line.

41 – Tennessee Titans

Pick: Jalin Hyatt – WR (Tennessee)

Staff: Joanne Kong

Since the loss of AJ Brown, the Titans could use some more options for Ryan Tannehill, and a playmaker for the offense. Treylon Burks struggled to remain healthy last year, and Robert Woods was released only after a year. Bottom line, in 2022, Derrick Henry, running back, was the Titans only offense.

The concern with Jalin Hyatt is that he’s only had one notable year out of his three years at Tennessee. But, there is no denying his speed. Explosive and dynamic off the line, defenders will have problems containing him when he gets the ball and bursts into second gear. With the ability to beat the angles and out run the defenders, Hyatt could be a real threat. Since most of Hyatt’s production came from go-routes, screens and speed outs, he’ll need to work on his route tree to be the playmaker in the NFL.

42 – New York Jets (from Cleveland Browns)

Pick: Jack Campbell – LB (Iowa)

Staff: Jordan Alexander

43 – New York Jets

Pick: O’Cyrus Torrence – G (Florida)

Staff: Jordan Alexander

 

44 – Atlanta Falcons

Pick: A.T. Perry – WR (Wake Forest)

Staff: Kaiden King

AT Perry is a big receiver with great hands. He can help the Falcons with another offensive threat and help boost their passing offense.

45 – Green Bay Packers

Pick: BJ Ojulari – Edge (LSU)

Staff: Scott King

The Packers get some defensive help and grab BJ Ojulari to pressure the QB.

46 – New England Patriots

Pick: Matthew Bergeron – OT (Syracuse)

Staff: Ryan Whitfield

The Patriots have added Cole Strange and Michael Onwenu to their OL in recent drafts, but clearly need to get younger and better at OT. Bergeron can help fill that need. His versatility and size will be pluses in NE.

47 – Washington Commanders

 

Pick: Steve Avila – C/G (TCU)

Staff: Adam Aniba

48 – Detroit Lions

Pick: Noah Sewell – LB (Oregon)

Staff: Scott King

In the second round the lions have two picks and grab Noah Sewell to shore up their LB core. The Oregon product reunites with his brother in Detroit.

49 – Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: Will Levis – QB (Kentucky)

Staff: Ha Kung Wong

Great arm strength and mobility, solid build for a quarterback and significant experience playing in a pro-style system.  Will Levis might not be the hottest quarterback prospect in the draft, but he may be the best prepared to start in the NFL in short order and many have comped him to Josh Allen.  I know the Steelers have Kenny Pickett, but the jury is still out on whether he’ll take the next step to being the Steelers franchise quarterback, as he had more interceptions (9) than passing touchdowns (7) last season leading to a QBR of just 51.5.  So, getting a high potential backup plan can’t hurt, particularly when you get it deep into the 2nd round of the draft.  Worst case scenario is they have a terrific backup, or perhaps some trade bait over the next couple years.

Will Levis Passing Stats
Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass
Year School G Cmp Att Pct Yds TD Int Rate
*2019 Penn State 6 28 47 59.6 223 2 2 105.0
2020 Penn State 8 33 55 60.0 421 1 0 130.3
*2021 Kentucky 13 233 353 66.0 2826 24 13 148.3
*2022 Kentucky 11 185 283 65.4 2406 19 10 151.9
Career Overall 479 738 64.9 5876 46 25 145.6
Penn State 61 102 59.8 644 3 2 118.6
Kentucky 418 636 65.7 5232 43 23 149.9
Will Levis Rushing Stats
Rush Rush Rush Rush
Year School G Att Yds Avg TD
*2019 Penn State 6 51 213 4.2 3
2020 Penn State 8 82 260 3.2 3
*2021 Kentucky 13 107 376 3.5 9
*2022 Kentucky 11 72 -107 -1.5 2
Career Overall 312 742 2.4 17
Penn State 133 473 3.6 6
Kentucky 179 269 1.5 11

50 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: Henry To’oTo’o – LB (Alabama)

Staff: Scott King

The Bucs add defensive support at LB with the Alabama product Henry To’oTo’o.

51 – Miami Dolphins

Pick: Jahmyr Gibbs – RB (Alabama)

Staff: Ha Kung Wong

The Dolphins ranked 25th in both rushing yards and rush attempts per game last season, and so far, all the Dolphins did was re-signed the same running back room, including Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, Salvon Ahmed and Myles Gaskin.  On the one hand, it seems odd to re-sign 4 running backs and then go draft one, but Jahmyr Gibbs is one of the top running back prospects in the draft and it makes sense for the Dolphins to look to upgrade.

As a sophomore, Gibbs finished with 1,805 total yards, the second-most in Georgia Tech history. Gibbs then transferred to Alabama and managed to pile up the second most single-season receptions by a running back in Alabama history and his 6.1 yards per carry was the 20th highest in the nation.  Gibbs also ran a 4.36 second 40-yard dash, 2nd fastest among running backs at the Combine, and we all know head coach Mike McDaniel loves speed on offense.  On top of that, the Dolphins are one of the most pass-heavy teams in the NFL, making Gibbs’ pass-catching proficiency a huge plus.  I’m not sure he’d fall this far, but the Dolphins would get a steal if they could get him at pick 51.

Jahmyr Gibbs Rushing & Receiving Stats
Rush Rush Rush Rush Rece Rece Rece Rece
Year School Class G Att Yds Avg TD Rec Yds Avg TD
2020 Georgia Tech FR 7 89 460 5.2 4 24 303 12.6 3
2021 Georgia Tech FR 12 143 746 5.2 4 35 465 13.3 2
*2022 Alabama SR 12 151 926 6.1 7 44 444 10.1 3
Career Overall 383 2132 5.6 15 103 1212 11.8 8
Georgia Tech 232 1206 5.2 8 59 768 13.0 5
Alabama 151 926 6.1 7 44 444 10.1 3

52 – Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Joe Tippmann – C/OL (Wisconsin)

Staff: Ryan Whitfield

Joe Tippmann will bring size and athleticism to the inside of that Seahawks line that will help in both the run and pass game.

53 – Chicago Bears (from Baltimore Ravens)

Pick: Julius Brents – CB (Kansas State)

Staff: Ha Kung Wong

Julius Brents has the right size, 6-foot-2.5-inches and 34” arms, to knock receivers out of routes and contest catches downfield.  After Brents transferred from Iowa to Kansas State, he immediately earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors, then followed that up by racking up 4 interceptions and 4 deflections in 2022 where he earned first-team all-conference recognition.  At the Combine he also showed elite numbers at the vertical (41.5) and broad (11.06) jumps as well as the shuttle (4.05) and 3-cone drill (6.63).  Having that type of agility allows him to play solidly in both man and zone coverages, which provides some versatility for the Bears along with starters Kyler Gordon and Jaylon Johnson.  I think he’d be a great value for the Bears in the second round and a terrific complement to all the free agent signings the Bears had on defense so far.

54 – Los Angeles Chargers

Pick: Josh Downs – WR (UNC)

Staff: Wole Akinso

55 – Detroit Lions (from Minnesota Vikings)

Pick: Hendon Hooker – QB (Tennessee)

Staff: Scott King

At the bottom of the round the Lions grab a playmaker that would be a first round pick if not for injury. Hendon hooker joins the lions as the QB of the future.

56 – Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Luke Musgrave – TE (Oregon State)

Staff: George Templeton

Jacksonville’s second round pick is a chance to give a franchise QB another weapon and one of the things Jags didn’t have was an explosive tight end threat. They do now with Luke Musgrave who will become a favorite target of Trevor Lawrence especially down the field.

57 – New York Giants

Pick: Daiyan Henley – LB (Washington State)

Staff: Joanne Kong

Daiyan Henley is at his best when he gets into open space to use his speed. Did I mention he was fast? He showed up with a 4.54 second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, and combines that speed with being a great tackler that packs a punch against opposing receivers.

The Giants have signed free agent Bobby Okereke to fill in the front seven. With him will be Micah McFadden returning from his rookie year, Jarrad Davis and Darrian Beavers, who blew out his knee last summer. Henley would be a good addition to help this defense, especially aiding to chase down the ball.

58 – Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Siaki Ika – DT (Baylor)

Staff: Ha Kung Wong

The Cowboys made a modest trade for veteran Jonathan Hankins, their current nose tackle, midway through the 2022 season for a sixth rounder, and managed to re-sign him this offseason, perhaps indicating that the Cowboys understand the importance of having one-technique defensive tackles.  But Hankins isn’t getting any younger, and late in the second round maybe the perfect time to invest in a powerful run stopper like Siaki Ika.  Bottom line is that he has to be double teamed, and even then he’s a pest for the best of running backs.  Once he fills the gap, no one player is moving him alone.  And although he’s not much of a backfield disrupter, he excels at holding his spot and allowing others to get into the backfield.  He had 6 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks last season at Baylor, and it wouldn’t be surprising for him to reach those numbers in the NFL as well.

59 – Buffalo Bills

Pick: JL Skinner – S (Boise State)

Staff: Joanne Kong

With the Buffalo Bills starting safety, Jordan Poyer (31) and Micah Hyde (31), getting older, it would be a good idea to find younger options for the future. JL Skinner is a unique combination of big size, athletic strength player with good movement and speed. His wingspan allows him a wide tackle radius, and as a former track athlete, Skinner has the ability to run down the offense. Last season, Skinner recorded 65 tackles, 8 pass deflections and 4 interceptions. During his time at Boise St. he’s lined up in the slot, deep safety and in the box, making him a diverse player for the defense. Skinner is an instinctive player possessing a good football IQ, allowing him an ability to limit yards after the catch. There are some concerns in his range in coverage, which improved over the past year, but Skinner should only get better in the next level working with trainers and veterans.

Skinner might not be an immediate plug and play player with Poyer and Hyde still around for the 2023 season, but he should get the seasoning he needs on special teams until he’s ready to start.

60 – Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: DJ Turner – CB (Michigan)

Staff: Ha Kung Wong

The Cincinnati Bengals have a solid cornerback room, but most of them are in the last year of their contracts, including Chidobe Awuize, Sidney Jones IV, Jalen Davis, and Chris Lammons.

D.J. Turner was a two-year starter who played the most snaps of any Michigan defender last year, accruing a pick-six and 10 pass deflections. At the NFL Combine, he managed a position-best 4.26 40-yard dash (5th fastest time in Combine history), as well as a 1.47 10-yard split, a 38.5″ vertical, and a 10’11” broad jump.  His mobility and speed would be an instant upgrade for the Bengals defense and terrific insurance for the future.

61 – Chicago Bears (from San Francisco 49ers)

Pick: Isaiah Foskey – Edge (Notre Dame)

Staff: Ha Kung Wong

The Bears did a great job building defense in the offseason, but getting some more power in the pass rush certainly isn’t a bad thing, particularly after going offensive line in the 1st round.

Isaiah Foskey was an important part of Notre Dame’s pass rush during his last two seasons where he went from 32 pressures in 2021 to 33 in 2022.  He’s an impressive rusher with long and powerful arms that can consistently disrupt pockets.  In addition to power, Foskey also has plenty of speed, putting up an impressive 4.58 second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, good for inside the 91st percentile.  He would be an excellent addition to Trevis Gipson and Dominique Robinson, as well as newly signed DeMarcus Walker, and could be a solid part of the rotation to provide situational pass rush pressure.

62 – Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Keeanu Benton – DT (Wisconsin)

Staff: George Templeton

With Philadelphia’s second round pick Keeanu Benton fits the bill as I bid to improve the defensive side of the ball. Interior defensive lineman in the Big 10 face some of the toughest offensive lineman in the country. And when they thrive like Benton they are exactly what the Eagles should be looking for.

63 – Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Tuli Tuipulotu – Edge (USC)

Staff: Jordan Alexander

Thanks for following our 9th Annual Twitter NFL Mock Draft!

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