Josh Frey Three-Round Mock Draft: Round Three
The marathon is coming to an end. This is the final round of my three-round mock draft as we approach the NFL Draft. It’s been very fun and insightful as draft week inches closer, and thank you to all the readers for tuning in!
No. 65, Jacksonville Jaguars
Ifeatu Melifonwu-CB-Syracuse
Ifeatu Melifonwu is a unicorn. At 6’3 and 213-pounds, it would be expected that Melifonwu relies on physicality more so than athleticism. However, he is the exact opposite. Melifonwu has tested ridiculously athletically, but he has not quite figured out how to physically dominate opponents with his size. If Urban Meyer and the Jags can unlock this part of his game, he will be an excellent corner.
No. 66, New York Jets
Brevin Jordan-TE-Miami
The Jets revamped their wide receiver room in free agency, but they still could use a threat from the tight end position. Brevin Jordan looks like a Kyle Pitts-lite from the position. Not a ton of blocking, but great speed and athleticism on his receiving routes.
No. 67, Houston Texans
Levi Onwuzurike-DT-Washington
Levi Onwuzurike would be a borderline first round pick if he replicated his 2019 season in 2020. Instead, he opted out of the 2020 season leaving NFL teams with just one year of starts to go off of. His impressive explosiveness on the interior will land him in Houston as they strengthen the middle of their defensive line.
No. 68, Atlanta Falcons
Kendrick Green-iOL-Illinois
Kendrick Green is a former defensive lineman, and it shows with his aggressiveness and explosiveness as an o-lineman. Since the transition to the offensive side of the ball, he has played great at both left guard and center, so that versatility will greatly help Atlanta.
No. 69, Cincinnati Bengals
Jevon Holland-S-Oregon
Jevon Holland is a ballhawk in its purest sense. He’s not a supreme athlete at the safety position, but his ability to track the ball and make plays is on par with anyone else in this draft.
No. 70, Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Mayfield-OT-Michigan
Jalen Mayfield is a bit of a project, but he has a ton of upside. Particularly, his quick feet and the fact that he is still only 20-years-old are intriguing. The Eagles have a solid left tackle in Lane Johnson, so Mayfield taking right tackle is a great fit.
No. 71, Denver Broncos
Quinn Meinerz-iOL-UW Whitewater
Quinn Meinerz has become a D-III sensation since the Senior Bowl. He has only seen his stock rise since that monstrous performance, and he will provide much needed depth to Denver’s interior o-line.
No. 72, Detroit Lions
Josh Palmer-WR-Tennessee
The Lions are entering the draft without three of their top six receivers on the roster. Needless to say, it is something that needs to be addressed. Josh Palmer doesn’t have stats that blow you away, but his route running, hands, and physicality could make him a viable starter in the NFL.
No. 73, Carolina Panthers
Andre Cisco-S-Syracuse
Andre Cisco was expected to take a leap in 2020 before a torn ACL derailed his season. Despite that, he has great plays all over his tape and displays the instincts that you love to see at the safety position.
No. 74, Washington Football Team
Kyle Trask-QB-Florida
Washington has a temporary solution at quarterback in Ryan Fitzpatrick, but they still need to find their long-term starter. Kyle Trask shows potential to be just that. As an added caveat, Fitzpatrick has historically played his best football when competing with an up and coming player.
No. 75, Dallas Cowboys
Jabril Cox-LB-LSU
The Cowboys secured Jaycee Horn for the secondary, and now they get another excellent pass-rushing linebacker in the third round. Jabril Cox is excellent at putting pressure on opposing QBs as well as finding the ball in coverage. He will be a welcome addition to the defense.
No. 76, New York Giants
Chazz Surratt-LB-North Carolina
Chazz Surratt was recruited as a quarterback out of high school before transitioning to the linebacker position with the Tar Heels. Because of this sudden transition, he is still rough around the edges at the position, but his ability to recognize opposing schemes is invaluable.
No. 77, Los Angeles Chargers
Tay Gowan-CB-UCF
Gowan is another opt out of the 2020 season that has just one true year of college football under his belt. Obviously, this has caused his stock to fall, but in his one year of starting for UCF he allowed just a 40% completion rate with opposing receivers catching 20 of 50 targets.
No. 78, Minnesota Vikings
Ben Cleveland-iOL-Georgia
The Vikings guards were among the worst in the NFL last year, and this pick addresses that. Ben Cleveland isn’t uber athletic, but he is massive. Standing 6’6 and 335-pounds, he is a truck that is impossible to move in the trenches.
No. 79, Las Vegas Raiders (traded from ARI)
Thomas Graham Jr.-CB-Oregon
The Raiders secondary was not good last year. Jon Gruden and Co. will want to improve that in 2021, and Thomas Graham is a great solution. Before opting out of the 2020 season, he was one of the nation’s best corners in both 2018 and 2019.
No. 80, Las Vegas Raiders
Divine Deablo-S-Virginia Tech
Again, the Raiders choose to address the secondary. This time they get a safety to play alongside Jeff Heath. Divine Deablo is a physical freak at the position, and may even get some looks at linebacker due to his size. Either way, his pass coverage skills are enough to get off the board on day two.
No. 81, Miami Dolphins
Milton Williams-DT-Louisiana Tech
Milton Williams probably isn’t an immediate starter, but he certainly has a role on an NFL team. He had a ridiculous Pro Day, running a 4.67 40-yard dash at nearly 290 pounds, and his pass rushing abilities were evident at Louisiana Tech.
No. 82, Washington Football Team
Cade Johnson-WR-South Dakota State
Cade Johnson gave the people a show at the Senior Bowl, and his tape shows tremendous promise out of the slot. Washington may have immediate answers at wide receiver, but Johnson brings potential for the future of Wasington’s franchise.
No. 83, Chicago Bears
Tommy Togiai-DT-Ohio State
The Bears are not exactly desperate for an interior defender, but Togiai shows great potential as a 3T. He explodes off the line of scrimmage and bulldozes his way through the trenches. This is a pick for future potential more than need.
No. 84, Philadelphia Eagles (traded from IND)
Jaelon Darden-WR-North Texas
Jaelon Darden is ridiculously fast from the wide receiver position. He is a threat to take catches to the end zone from anywhere on the field, and that alone makes him worth a mid-round pick from Philly.
No. 85, Tennessee Titans
Amon-Ra St. Brown-WR-USC
Corey Davis is in New York now, and that is a lot of production to replace. After fixing some defensive issues in the first two rounds, it’s time to address this need. Amon-Ra St. Brown was not great as an outside receiver last year, but he could thrive from the slot in Tennessee.
No. 86, New York Jets (traded from SEA)
Dayo Odeyingbo-EDGE-Vanderbilt
Dayo Odenigbo has the length, versatility, and instincts that a rebuilding team needs along the defensive line. Odeyingbo could become a very effective rusher from the edge if he fills out his frame.
No. 87, Pittsburgh Steelers
Kellen Mond-QB-Texas A&M
The Steelers have Big Ben for another year, but it’s time to start grooming his replacement. Mond isn’t the greatest QB in this draft, but with a year or two in Pittsburgh’s system, he could prove to be the replacement for Roethlishberger that the Steelers need.
No. 88, Los Angeles Rams
Pete Werner-LB-Ohio State
LA’s defense is very good, but they could use some more depth at the linebacker position. Pete Werner has a great combination of size and athleticism at the position that makes him worth this pick.
No. 89, Cleveland Browns
Tylan Wallace-WR0-Oklahoma State
Tylan Wallace is a bit undersized for an outside receiver, so a move to the slot may be in order once he gets to the NFL. Alongside Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry that shouldn’t be an issue in Cleveland.
No. 90, Minnesota Vikings
Hamsah Nasirildeen-S-Florida State
The Minnesota Vikings addressed much of their secondary’s needs in free agency, but Hamsah Nasirildeen adds depth to their safety position that will see turnover after the departure of Anthony Harris.
No. 91, Cleveland Browns
Stone Forsythe-OT-Florida
Other than having the coolest first name in the draft, Stone Forsythe has great upside as a tackle in the NFL. He is huge at 6’9 and 310-pounds, and he is nearly impossible to get around in pass protection.
No. 92, Green Bay Packers
Benjamin St.-Juste-CB-Minnesota
Replays of Scott Miller’s touchdown at the end of the first half of the NFC Championship Game have made their rounds through the internet. The Packers need to address their cornerback position, and Benjamin St.-Juste is a great option.
No. 93, Buffalo Bills
Khalil Herbert-RB-Virginia Tech
Buffalo needs to improve their running game in 2021, and Khalil Herbert was one of the best during the 2020 season. He is not an easy tackle at 5’9, 210-pounds as his strong base keeps his legs churning. He can be a dynamic back for years to come in the NFL.
No. 94, Kansas City Chiefs
Robert Hainsey-OL-Notre Dame
Robert Hainsey played tackle for much of his time at Notre Dame, but a move to the interior is expected in the NFL. For a team like Kansas City that needs help all along the o-line, this isn’t a hindrance at all.
No. 95, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tyler Shelvin-DT-LSU
Again, the Buccaneers draft for depth. More than likely, Tyler Shelvin won’t be earning massive amounts of snaps for Tampa Bay, but when he is in the game, he will be a great run defender. As long as he keeps his weight under control (was up to 375 in the fall of 2020), he will be productive.
No. 96, New England Patriots
Baron Browning-LB-Ohio State
The Patriots spent big money in free agency, but very little of it addressed the defense. Taking Browning here gives them a competent linebacker that can provide help for years to come.
No. 97, Los Angeles Chargers
Tyson Campbell-CB-Georgia
Tyson Campbell brings good size to the Chargers’ secondary. He is still raw as a prospect, but he could develop into a great player down the line. LA probably isn’t looking to win a division next year, so taking time to develop Campbell is a great move.
No. 98, New Orleans Saints
Chatarius Atwell-WR-Louisville
Chatarius “Tutu” Atwell is a quintessential slot receiver in the NFL. He brings great breakaway speed and pass catching to any NFL team. If he can sharpen his route running ability, he will be a great wide receiver.
No. 99, Dallas Cowboys
Joe Tryon-EDGE-Washington
Joe Tryon has great measurements, but they just haven’t produced on the field to this point. He was a bit underwhelming at Washington, but if he can continue to develop in Dallas’ system, perhaps he can unlock some of his potential.
No. 100, Tennessee Titans
Patrick Johnson-EDGE-Tulane
Again, the Bills defense needs work. Even if he isn’t an immediate starter, Patrick Johnson will get reps for Buffalo as a pass rusher.
No. 101, Detroit Lions
Osa Odighizuwa-DT-UCLA
Despite his small size, Osa Odighizuwa has proven throughout his collegiate career to be an effective defensive player. He is extremely quick and explosive which will help him as a pro, and the Lions will find a spot for him.
No. 102, San Francisco 49ers
Marvin Wilson-DT-Florida State
Marvin Wilson had a disappointing 2020 campaign. However, he is still a force in the middle of a defense. The Niners have both Zach Kerr and Maurice Hurst, so Wilson more than likely won’t serve much of a major role, but he can still have an impact as a rotational guy.
No. 103, Los Angeles Rams
Tommy Tremble-TE/FB-Notre Dame
As a run blocker, there is no one better than Tommy Tremble. In fact, this talent as a blocker may be what ultimately leads to his transition from tight end to fullback. If this occurs, it’s safe to say he will be one of the best at the fullback position in the NFL.
No. 104, Baltimore Ravens
Dax Milne-WR-BYU
As a route runner, Dax Milne is one of the best in this class. Physically and athletically, however, he is a bit behind. Standing 6’1, 190-pounds, he could stand to put on another 10 pounds, but who knows if that will affect his already average speed. That said, he runs routes with purpose and is extremely efficient.
No. 105, New Orleans Saints
Cornell Powell-WR-Clemson
Cornell Powell doesn’t have a ton of flash in his game, but he is ready to be a WR2 or WR3 in the NFL That is exactly what the Saints need for their new offense. Powell brings great size along the outside and uses his strength to his advantage in his routes.