05-16-2023, 04:19 PM
(This post was last modified: 05-18-2023, 02:06 PM by xenosthelegend. Edited 1 time in total.)
I told myself my fourth and final mock draft wouldn’t be until the draft order was settled, but truthfully I enjoy making these too much. I’m also not sure how fun these will be in future years when I’m not a draft prospect myself. So here we are once again, v4.0, the second to last iteration. This time I’ll only be diving into the first round, as will be the case for v5.0. Let’s dance.
1.1. New Orleans Secondline - Heiiajas D. Owidhuse | CB | @firstfray
With just two games remaining in the regular season, New Orleans has the first overall selection now locked up. In a clear rebuild, I firmly believe the Secondline will be going with the best player available just about every pick. Throw needs out the window, for the most part. With their first of four first round picks, this selection is particularly interesting. Do they choose to bring in a veteran user or one of the promising new create rookies? I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer necessarily, but for a team looking to reset the culture I think it would be tough to pass on Owidhuse (241 TPE). Owidhuse, who is currently a running back but will be switching to cornerback soon, has everything you’re looking for out of a first overall pick prospect. I think what separates him from the rest of the class is his leadership and ability to contribute to the team outside of between the lines. You can find bright young pieces with other picks, but you can’t replicate that aspect of his game. While needs aren’t as important for New Orleans, Owidhuse would be able to fill a hole behind Johnny Delusional (S35; 766 TPE) and Ezra Azael (S41, 436 TPE) at cornerback.
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1.2 Berlin Fire Salamanders - Blacksmith Andre | OL | @Muford
I’m not going to spend too much time on this pick, as I’ve now made four mock drafts and Blacksmith Andre (239 TPE) has been the pick for Berlin each time. Andre is the fourth highest earner of this class and one of just a few offensive lineman who will likely be selected in the first couple of rounds. He’s a veteran user who will be able to bring experience to the Berlin locker room. For a team who seemingly doesn’t have a lot of needs on paper other than on the offensive line, this is a slam dunk pick. So I’m sorry for being boring. I like the pick.
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1.3 Austin Copperheads - Dino Nuggets | CB | @swoosh
In looking at the Copperheads roster, two needs jump right out to me and they’re both in the secondary: cornerback and safety. Austin will likely be looking to select eventual upgrades over Raffaele Tommasi (S36; 425) and Tobias Worthington III (S32; 438 TPE) at cornerback and safety respectively. With a weak safety class and Owidhuse going first overall, the Copperheads turn to Dino Nuggets (224 TPE). After another year of seasoning (and drinking) in Tijuana, Nuggets will come in and replace Tommasi in year two if all goes well. With Draft Steal (S35; 1,561 TPE) and Zamir Kehla Jr. (S36; 1,277 TPE) at cornerback already, in addition to Geralt (S39; 801 TPE) playing behind them at safety, the Copperheads have the makings of a no-fly zone. To this day, it still feels weird mocking “myself” high. But I am not Dino Nuggets, so I guess I should get over it.
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1.4 New York Silverbacks - Hank Mardukas | TE | @Chicken Lips
New York has two big needs: a tight end to provide an upgrade over Siegmeyer OfCatarina (S38; 279 TPE) and Anthony Simmons II (S40, 251 TPE) and a safety to pair up with Regina Ferraro (S35; 1,475 TPE) and replace Kaiden King (S36; 271 TPE). With it being a weak safety class, the Silverbacks turn to Hank Mardukas (223 TPE) who depending on how team needs shake up at the top of the draft could very well be the first new create rookie off the board. Mardukas has all the makings to be a stud at the next level and is a player worthy of a #1 selection. I think the only other option here would be linebacker Federico Americano (232 TPE) due to the strong agent relationships I previously called out in v3.0, but unless a position switch is in order linebacker is not a need for New York.
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1.5 Colorado Yeti - Keanu Calhoun | WR | @Frostbite
Just as New York had two clear needs, I see the same being the case for Colorado. This time, it’s wide receiver where they’ll be looking for an upgrade for Bud R. Fingers (S33; 263 TPE) and linebacker where Doc Fireball (S32; 383 TPE) is currently a starter. Luckily for the Yeti, arguably the two best players available are the aforementioned Americano at linebacker and wide receiver Keanu Calhoun (236 TPE). Flip a coin here as either of them would fill a big need, bring experience, and ultimately be great selections. I’m going with Calhoun as I find wide receiver to be a slightly bigger long term need for the Yeti.
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1.6 New Orleans Secondline (f/ Baltimore Hawks) - Federico Americano | LB | @MN_Moosey
Americano was considered with the previous two selections, but he finally comes off the board here. Remember, it’s largely best player available for New Orleans and I think all things considered, Americano is that player. A case could be made for Reginald Shrubbery (242 TPE), who is the top rookie TPE earner, but I think New Orleans can likely find another running back later in this draft. Americano, along with first overall selection Owidhuse, will be able to provide some leadership to kickstart the rebuild process in New Orleans. Americano gives the Secondline a cornerstone on the defensive second line.
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1.7 San Jose SaberCats - Reginald Shrubbery | RB | @shrub02
This is a pick I struggled with as San Jose has needs all over the board, both on offense and defense. I actually think running back is far less of a need than some other positions, but the aforementioned Shrubbery was the best available player here and ultimately the pick. There’s always the potential for a position switch, but even if Shrubbery is set on sticking at running back he should be able to provide a nice 1-2 punch with Lord Fardquaads (S40; 551 TPE). This is likely another team who will be going with best player available approach rather than needs just based on current team make up.
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1.8 Orange County Otters - Aaron Jäger | WR | @MouseMazing
With just two wide receivers on the roster, Orange County will be sure to key in on this position early in the draft. At eight, there are a few options to be considered: Octavion Speedings (240 TPE), Aaron Jäger (227 TPE), and Stetson David (218 TPE). This will eventually come down to who the Otters think is the best fit, but for the purposes of this mock I used bank account as a tiebreaker and went with Jäger. He’ll be able to come in and start on day one at WR3, next to Thomas Robinson (S36; 1,377 TPE) and Teenie Hodges (S38; 667 TPE). Some nice staggering at wide receiver.
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1.9. Chicago Butchers - Aleksandar Ković | LB | @Reno
This is another repeat pick, so I won’t spend too much time here either. As was called out last time, Ković’s agent has ties to Chicago, fills a big need, and could be argued as the best player available at pick nine. Chicago only has three linebackers currently: Rumble Ronson (S34; 624 TPE), Brian Duke (S38; 489 TPE), and Monty Ward (S37; 304 TPE). Ković’s presence would be felt immediately. I’m not sure Chicago would spend much time turning in this draft card.
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1.10 Sarasota Sailfish - RE #38 | DE | @Aleris
I strongly considered running back here, where a few good options are available, as Eilliot Berry (S41; 234 TPE) could use some competition at RB2. Ultimately though, I felt another defensive end to pair up with Ginand Toxic (S40; 494 TPE) and eventually replace Mrs. “Stacks” McHits (S32; 410 TPE) was the better play. There has been talk around the water cooler that RE #38 doesn’t insist on sticking at quarterback and I think that will drive his stock way up. If there’s a position that makes the most sense for a switch, well I’ll go with RE. Welcome to Sarasota.
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1.11 New Orleans Secondline (f/ Arizona Outlaws) - Josh Patterson | QB | @Tylertokesome04
After bringing in some experience earlier with defensive players Owidhuse and Americano, New Orleans elects to go the opposite route here and pipe in some young blood in the likes of Josh Patterson (222 TPE). Patterson, whose activity is a trait New Orleans will be drawn to, falls slightly due to preferring to stick at quarterback. New Orleans, however, does not care. Elessar Jones (S34; 1,098 TPE) recently announced he was hanging up the cleats, so Patterson will start even earlier than expected. The Secondline now have a cornerstone piece on offense and their future franchise signal caller. You couldn’t have asked for a better pick for them at 1.11.
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1.12 Yellowknife Wraiths - Octavion Speedings | WR | @CeeKay
Looking at Yellowknife’s roster, I see needs at wide receiver, defensive end, and cornerback. With that being said, there are a few different options: the aforementioned Speedings and David at wide receiver and LeHarm James at defensive end. I’m not sure there is a perfect fit here, but I went with Speedings who is the third highest TPE earner of the rookies. Speedings will be able to come in and upgrade a unit which could use it. The Wraiths have four receivers on their roster currently, but one of them is Bernd D. Brot (S32; 602 TPE) and two are in the DSFL: Branden Rojas (S39; 320 TPE) and Orga Panda (S41: 256 TPE).
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1.13 New Orleans Secondline (f/ Cape Town Crash) - Dan Dandrews | OL | @sburbine
New Orleans could also go RB here, but with a handful of good options still available in Ace Anderson (225 TPE), Martin Bachman (216 TPE), Eldroh Kove (217 TPE), and Sailor Moon (217 TPE) they can safely avoid passing on one here and instead grabbing whoever falls with one of their two second round picks. Dan Dandrews (220 TPE) is a great option here as not only is he one of the best available players at the tail end of the first round, he plays a position which lacks talent in this draft. New Orleans currently has only two offensive lineman on the roster with Franz Udo Culman-Kaiser (S34; 856 TPE) and Dallas Fort-Worth (S32; 233 TPE). Dandrews will be able to help keep previous pick Josh Patterson upright.
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1.14 Baltimore Hawks (f/ Honolulu Hahalua) - Ace Anderson | RB | @DangWookie
I would say Baltimore’s biggest need is actually cornerback, as they only have Jake Williams (S39; 842 TPE) and Casino Robin (S38; 678 TPE) on the roster currently. With that said, I thought the available cornerbacks might be a little bit of a reach here especially considering they all probably would have been available at the pick Baltimore traded up from. The Hawks turn to the aforementioned Anderson who stands out just enough over the other running backs available. Anderson would be able to come in and push for playing time at RB2 over Gucci Gurley (S39; 343 TPE) who is still in the DSFL. Money Tolliver (S40; 606 TPE) and Anderson would be a nice 1-2 punch for the Hawks.
1.1. New Orleans Secondline - Heiiajas D. Owidhuse | CB | @firstfray
With just two games remaining in the regular season, New Orleans has the first overall selection now locked up. In a clear rebuild, I firmly believe the Secondline will be going with the best player available just about every pick. Throw needs out the window, for the most part. With their first of four first round picks, this selection is particularly interesting. Do they choose to bring in a veteran user or one of the promising new create rookies? I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer necessarily, but for a team looking to reset the culture I think it would be tough to pass on Owidhuse (241 TPE). Owidhuse, who is currently a running back but will be switching to cornerback soon, has everything you’re looking for out of a first overall pick prospect. I think what separates him from the rest of the class is his leadership and ability to contribute to the team outside of between the lines. You can find bright young pieces with other picks, but you can’t replicate that aspect of his game. While needs aren’t as important for New Orleans, Owidhuse would be able to fill a hole behind Johnny Delusional (S35; 766 TPE) and Ezra Azael (S41, 436 TPE) at cornerback.
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1.2 Berlin Fire Salamanders - Blacksmith Andre | OL | @Muford
I’m not going to spend too much time on this pick, as I’ve now made four mock drafts and Blacksmith Andre (239 TPE) has been the pick for Berlin each time. Andre is the fourth highest earner of this class and one of just a few offensive lineman who will likely be selected in the first couple of rounds. He’s a veteran user who will be able to bring experience to the Berlin locker room. For a team who seemingly doesn’t have a lot of needs on paper other than on the offensive line, this is a slam dunk pick. So I’m sorry for being boring. I like the pick.
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1.3 Austin Copperheads - Dino Nuggets | CB | @swoosh
In looking at the Copperheads roster, two needs jump right out to me and they’re both in the secondary: cornerback and safety. Austin will likely be looking to select eventual upgrades over Raffaele Tommasi (S36; 425) and Tobias Worthington III (S32; 438 TPE) at cornerback and safety respectively. With a weak safety class and Owidhuse going first overall, the Copperheads turn to Dino Nuggets (224 TPE). After another year of seasoning (and drinking) in Tijuana, Nuggets will come in and replace Tommasi in year two if all goes well. With Draft Steal (S35; 1,561 TPE) and Zamir Kehla Jr. (S36; 1,277 TPE) at cornerback already, in addition to Geralt (S39; 801 TPE) playing behind them at safety, the Copperheads have the makings of a no-fly zone. To this day, it still feels weird mocking “myself” high. But I am not Dino Nuggets, so I guess I should get over it.
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1.4 New York Silverbacks - Hank Mardukas | TE | @Chicken Lips
New York has two big needs: a tight end to provide an upgrade over Siegmeyer OfCatarina (S38; 279 TPE) and Anthony Simmons II (S40, 251 TPE) and a safety to pair up with Regina Ferraro (S35; 1,475 TPE) and replace Kaiden King (S36; 271 TPE). With it being a weak safety class, the Silverbacks turn to Hank Mardukas (223 TPE) who depending on how team needs shake up at the top of the draft could very well be the first new create rookie off the board. Mardukas has all the makings to be a stud at the next level and is a player worthy of a #1 selection. I think the only other option here would be linebacker Federico Americano (232 TPE) due to the strong agent relationships I previously called out in v3.0, but unless a position switch is in order linebacker is not a need for New York.
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1.5 Colorado Yeti - Keanu Calhoun | WR | @Frostbite
Just as New York had two clear needs, I see the same being the case for Colorado. This time, it’s wide receiver where they’ll be looking for an upgrade for Bud R. Fingers (S33; 263 TPE) and linebacker where Doc Fireball (S32; 383 TPE) is currently a starter. Luckily for the Yeti, arguably the two best players available are the aforementioned Americano at linebacker and wide receiver Keanu Calhoun (236 TPE). Flip a coin here as either of them would fill a big need, bring experience, and ultimately be great selections. I’m going with Calhoun as I find wide receiver to be a slightly bigger long term need for the Yeti.
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1.6 New Orleans Secondline (f/ Baltimore Hawks) - Federico Americano | LB | @MN_Moosey
Americano was considered with the previous two selections, but he finally comes off the board here. Remember, it’s largely best player available for New Orleans and I think all things considered, Americano is that player. A case could be made for Reginald Shrubbery (242 TPE), who is the top rookie TPE earner, but I think New Orleans can likely find another running back later in this draft. Americano, along with first overall selection Owidhuse, will be able to provide some leadership to kickstart the rebuild process in New Orleans. Americano gives the Secondline a cornerstone on the defensive second line.
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1.7 San Jose SaberCats - Reginald Shrubbery | RB | @shrub02
This is a pick I struggled with as San Jose has needs all over the board, both on offense and defense. I actually think running back is far less of a need than some other positions, but the aforementioned Shrubbery was the best available player here and ultimately the pick. There’s always the potential for a position switch, but even if Shrubbery is set on sticking at running back he should be able to provide a nice 1-2 punch with Lord Fardquaads (S40; 551 TPE). This is likely another team who will be going with best player available approach rather than needs just based on current team make up.
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1.8 Orange County Otters - Aaron Jäger | WR | @MouseMazing
With just two wide receivers on the roster, Orange County will be sure to key in on this position early in the draft. At eight, there are a few options to be considered: Octavion Speedings (240 TPE), Aaron Jäger (227 TPE), and Stetson David (218 TPE). This will eventually come down to who the Otters think is the best fit, but for the purposes of this mock I used bank account as a tiebreaker and went with Jäger. He’ll be able to come in and start on day one at WR3, next to Thomas Robinson (S36; 1,377 TPE) and Teenie Hodges (S38; 667 TPE). Some nice staggering at wide receiver.
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1.9. Chicago Butchers - Aleksandar Ković | LB | @Reno
This is another repeat pick, so I won’t spend too much time here either. As was called out last time, Ković’s agent has ties to Chicago, fills a big need, and could be argued as the best player available at pick nine. Chicago only has three linebackers currently: Rumble Ronson (S34; 624 TPE), Brian Duke (S38; 489 TPE), and Monty Ward (S37; 304 TPE). Ković’s presence would be felt immediately. I’m not sure Chicago would spend much time turning in this draft card.
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1.10 Sarasota Sailfish - RE #38 | DE | @Aleris
I strongly considered running back here, where a few good options are available, as Eilliot Berry (S41; 234 TPE) could use some competition at RB2. Ultimately though, I felt another defensive end to pair up with Ginand Toxic (S40; 494 TPE) and eventually replace Mrs. “Stacks” McHits (S32; 410 TPE) was the better play. There has been talk around the water cooler that RE #38 doesn’t insist on sticking at quarterback and I think that will drive his stock way up. If there’s a position that makes the most sense for a switch, well I’ll go with RE. Welcome to Sarasota.
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1.11 New Orleans Secondline (f/ Arizona Outlaws) - Josh Patterson | QB | @Tylertokesome04
After bringing in some experience earlier with defensive players Owidhuse and Americano, New Orleans elects to go the opposite route here and pipe in some young blood in the likes of Josh Patterson (222 TPE). Patterson, whose activity is a trait New Orleans will be drawn to, falls slightly due to preferring to stick at quarterback. New Orleans, however, does not care. Elessar Jones (S34; 1,098 TPE) recently announced he was hanging up the cleats, so Patterson will start even earlier than expected. The Secondline now have a cornerstone piece on offense and their future franchise signal caller. You couldn’t have asked for a better pick for them at 1.11.
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1.12 Yellowknife Wraiths - Octavion Speedings | WR | @CeeKay
Looking at Yellowknife’s roster, I see needs at wide receiver, defensive end, and cornerback. With that being said, there are a few different options: the aforementioned Speedings and David at wide receiver and LeHarm James at defensive end. I’m not sure there is a perfect fit here, but I went with Speedings who is the third highest TPE earner of the rookies. Speedings will be able to come in and upgrade a unit which could use it. The Wraiths have four receivers on their roster currently, but one of them is Bernd D. Brot (S32; 602 TPE) and two are in the DSFL: Branden Rojas (S39; 320 TPE) and Orga Panda (S41: 256 TPE).
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1.13 New Orleans Secondline (f/ Cape Town Crash) - Dan Dandrews | OL | @sburbine
New Orleans could also go RB here, but with a handful of good options still available in Ace Anderson (225 TPE), Martin Bachman (216 TPE), Eldroh Kove (217 TPE), and Sailor Moon (217 TPE) they can safely avoid passing on one here and instead grabbing whoever falls with one of their two second round picks. Dan Dandrews (220 TPE) is a great option here as not only is he one of the best available players at the tail end of the first round, he plays a position which lacks talent in this draft. New Orleans currently has only two offensive lineman on the roster with Franz Udo Culman-Kaiser (S34; 856 TPE) and Dallas Fort-Worth (S32; 233 TPE). Dandrews will be able to help keep previous pick Josh Patterson upright.
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1.14 Baltimore Hawks (f/ Honolulu Hahalua) - Ace Anderson | RB | @DangWookie
I would say Baltimore’s biggest need is actually cornerback, as they only have Jake Williams (S39; 842 TPE) and Casino Robin (S38; 678 TPE) on the roster currently. With that said, I thought the available cornerbacks might be a little bit of a reach here especially considering they all probably would have been available at the pick Baltimore traded up from. The Hawks turn to the aforementioned Anderson who stands out just enough over the other running backs available. Anderson would be able to come in and push for playing time at RB2 over Gucci Gurley (S39; 343 TPE) who is still in the DSFL. Money Tolliver (S40; 606 TPE) and Anderson would be a nice 1-2 punch for the Hawks.