4/2 Mock Draft

[Whatever]

1. https://www.nfl.com/prospects/kelvin-banks-jr./32004241-4e67-3432-7372-ee2dfd2cbf64

Round One fell a bit strangely for this mock. My board fell with Banks, Starks, and Grant as my Top 3 options. McMillan was also on the board, but I didn't want to go WR unless nobody else I had a 1st round grade on was available due to the Chase and Tee extensions. Poor Combine testing for Starks and a significant investment in DT between draft picks last year and FA dollars this year tipped the scales in Banks' favor. Though he still needs development, Banks can slot in immediately at LG between vets Brown and Karras and can be groomed and evaluated for two years to eventually take over at LT.

2. https://www.nfl.com/prospects/nic-scourton/32005343-4f81-4747-b38e-43ebd9d2e99c

Short Version="NFL Comparison Trey Hendrickson" *mashes Draft button like it was on a pop machine that ate my money*

Long Version=Scourton was once hanging around the middle of the first, but seems to have slid post Combine after some incredible testing performances by other prospects. However, this kid can play and comes to the NFL already a highly developed pass rusher. I also love the fact that Scourton was a finalist for the Lott IMPACT(Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity) trophy, which tells you what kind of character he has.

3. https://www.nfl.com/prospects/mason-taylor/32005441-5956-6412-dca1-e3900d5daf1c

I've had Taylor in several mocks, so this shouldn't come as a big surprise to anyone. While I planned to go defense here, Taylor was the best player on my board by a long way, here. Taylor is capable of filling All's role in the offense and has a lot more natural receiving talent. Son of HoF'er Jason Taylor and nephew of HoF'er Zack Thomas.

4. https://www.nfl.com/prospects/kevin-winston-jr./32005749-4e66-5351-70ca-a6a76883d34a

Winston finds himself falling into Day 3 due to a torn ACL suffered only three games into '24, though I expect he'll be ready for TC. Winston's athletic ability flashes on tape, as does his sure tackling ability. He'll likely put both to good use on ST's as a rookie, but has starter potential down the road. Also a captain in '24.

5. https://www.nfl.com/prospects/ashton-gillotte/32004749-4c70-1500-8de3-dd5b3d0b145d

Gillotte was once solidly in Day 2 consideration, but lack of length and a deep edge rusher class see him fall. He's got the size to put his hand in the dirt as a 4-3 DE and the athletic ability to be a stand up OLB in 3-4 looks. Productive with 25.5 sacks and 39.5 TFLs in his college career.


6. https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jj-pegues/32005045-4741-0041-a55c-913cbb87cab1

Pegues is another guy that could be in Day 2 consideration in a normal class, but this one is just stacked with DL and he gets overshadowed a bit by his Ole' Miss linemates. Pegues can play all over the DL, though he will probably not hold up as a 4-3 DE in anything outside of short yardage. Also used as a short yardage FB, gaining a 1st down or TD on 18 of 21 carries last year. Winner of Auburn's Chucky Mullins Courage Award.

[*Synric*]

Kevin Winston Jr is my favorite pick here but I don't think he will slide far might not even get out of the second round. He ran a 4.51 at his pro day this week but he's 5 months out from his ACL and he's timed in the 4.3s last off-season. Winston still ran a 1.51 10 yard split which would have been the fastest time at the combine. At 6'1.5 215 Kevin Winston is shorter than Nick Emmanwori but they have the same arm length and because Winston has a broader frame his wingspan is actually longer than Emmanwori's.


Kevin Winston was getting 1st round hype pre-season before his injury because of his size, athleticism, and the reliability he showed on tape in his one year starting as a true sophomore. As Whatever mentions in this mock Penn State voted him team captain because of it in '24.