Introducing SAN’s 1st annual NFL mock draft; Who will your team pick?

The NFL Draft is Thursday, April 24, and everywhere you look, NFL experts and pundits are predicting which top player will go to which team. So, without further ado, we present the first annual Straight Arrow News mock draft.

1. Tennessee Titans

There’s no argument about who’s going No. 1 overall, as the Titans have decided they will not trade that pick. New General Manager Mike Borgonzi said they have “come to a consensus,” which almost assuredly means they’ll be taking quarterback Cam Ward of Miami when the draft begins just after 8 p.m. EST.

2. Cleveland Browns

At No. 2, the Cleveland Browns are in need of so much help that they need two players in one, and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter can do that. He played both receiver and cornerback full-time at an incredible level during his career at Colorado while under the tutelage of head coach Deion Sanders.

3. New York Giants

At No. 3, a lot of mock drafts have the New York Giants taking Deion’s son, Shedeur, who played quarterback for his dad at Colorado. But, after signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in free agency, I think Abdul Carter from Penn State is too disruptive as a pass rusher for New York to pass up in this spot.

4. New England Patriots

At No. 4, the New England Patriots need someone to protect young quarterback Drake Maye, and LSU’s Will Campbell is nasty enough to be the guy. He’s a player who fits new coach Mike Vrabel’s image, and excelled against top competition in the Southeastern Conference week after week. Vrabel would never tip his hand, but was asked about the offensive line position earlier this month.

“I think there’s some starting tackles that certainly will come in and start in the NFL and I think that’s really what you start to look for, is impact players, when you start picking that high,” Vrabel said.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars

Things get interesting starting with pick No. 5. I have the Jacksonville Jaguars taking running back Ashton Jeanty to help out quarterback Trevor Lawrence. New head coach Liam Cohen will have a generational talent to build his new offense around.

6. Las Vegas Raiders

Many reports have the Raiders hoping to take Jeanty, but if they miss out on him, they’ll get a “Pete Carroll special,” adding to the defense at No. 6. The best linebacker available is Jalon Walker from Georgia. He can quarterback things on that side of the ball for the new coach.

7. New York Jets

That leaves offensive tackle Armand Membou from Missouri for the New York Jets with pick No. 7. He’s a perfect piece to help protect new quarterback Justin Fields and perhaps the most athletic lineman in the draft.

8. Carolina Panthers

At No. 8, the Carolina Panthers get a stud in the middle of the defense. Michigan’s 310-pounder, Mason Graham, falls into their lap. The Panthers ranked 32nd in defense last year, giving up a whopping 404 yards per game. Any first-rounder on that side of the ball will help them, but if Graham is available, they’ll rejoice.

9. New Orleans Saints

At No. 9, the Saints need a quarterback, but I don’t think they’ll grab Shedeur Sanders this high. Instead, they get the best wide receiver in the draft, Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan, to go with free agent signee Brandin Cooks. On Wednesday, April 23, Saints GM Mickey Loomis talked about picking the tried and true “best player available.”

“You’re looking for quality players. So, we’re always looking for the best player we can get wherever we’re drafting,” Loomis said. “More often than not, when you’re on the clock, you’ve got two or three players that are graded roughly the same. And then, you go to which of these positions fits us at that time, in terms of roster need.”

10. Chicago Bears

At No. 10, I love Tyler Warren, the tight end from Penn State, for the Chicago Bears. New head coach Ben Johnson will use him like he used Sam LaPorta while calling plays in Detroit. Caleb Williams will have his security blanket and a fantastic playmaker to target.

11. San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers will be looking to rebuild a defense devastated by free agent departures. They’ll get pass rusher Mike Green from Marshall with pick No. 11 in the first round. The Niners also have the most picks in the draft with 11 overall, tied with the Baltimore Ravens.

12. Dallas Cowboys

At No. 12, the Cowboys need a running back. Omarion Hampton from North Carolina will be tempting, but they also need someone to block after the retirement of offensive guard Zach Martin. Tyler Booker from Alabama fits the bill at the same position.

13. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins need a lot of pieces, including someone to protect quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, but a corner opposite Jalen Ramsey would help tremendously, especially if the Ramsey trade rumors persist. So, let’s pencil in Will Johnson from Michigan here.

14. Indianapolis Colts

Do I hear back-to-back Wolverines in this spot? Yes, the Colts need a tight end. Colston Loveland is a better run blocker than Warren, perfect for the Indy ground attack with pick No. 14.

15. Atlanta Falcons

And at No. 15, the Atlanta Falcons will go defense –– they’ve picked offensive players in the first round of the last four drafts. How about defensive tackle Walter Nolen from Ole Miss? An earth mover who will plug things up for a defense ranked 23rd in the league last season.

I could go on, but that might take me right up until the first pick is announced. So, Let’s end with the top 15 picks. It will be interesting to see how many I got right as things kick off Thursday from Green Bay.