Now that the Senior Bowl is behind us, it is time for me to release my first mock draft of the cycle. For my official mocks, I will focus on blending my rankings with how I see prospects and how I think the NFL will see them. On top of that, I will do my best to consider team fit and what I believe a team’s preference of player is. Now, with all that out of the way, let’s get into it.

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Post-Senior Bowl Mock Draft: Parker Blake 1.0

Titans & Browns PASS on Quarterback?

The Titans and Browns are passing on a quarterback in this mock draft. Both teams will be active in the pro market for a transitional piece at the quarterback position. The Titans are a team with needs up and down the roster. Nothing is better for a team in this position than bringing in a versatile player who will have an immediate impact no matter which position he finally lands in.

As for the Browns, this is a defensive-minded head coach and a team that plays in a physical division. I see them following in the Steelers’ footsteps by solidifying an already tough defense that will be able to overcome its offense’s shortcomings. Sometimes, the best offense is a top-level defense.

Raiders Pass on Shedeur Sanders?

I have the Raiders passing on quarterback Shedeur Sanders for wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, only for Sanders to get picked up by the Jets immediately after. The Raiders are another team with a lot of holes in their offense. It does them no good to get a quarterback when his only available weapon is Brock Bowers. Pass on reaching for a quarterback in a weak class and instead approach this draft by adding weapons for whoever ends up getting that job. While Minshew isn’t an exciting option, he can win football games when surrounded by adequate talent. Now, if any quarterback is fit to handle the frenzy of New York media, it would be Shedeur. Not only do I think that is the environment he’d like to be in, but this fits the Jets’ M.O. Bring in a flashy player to appeal to your fan base and keep players like Garrett Wilson in town. Shedeur would be jumping into a situation that, while not ideal, already has a few significant pieces in place.

Dolphins & Colts SPLASH!

Malaki Starks to the Dolphins and Tyler Warren to the Colts are the most straightforward selections to make in mock drafts right now. The Dolphins must stay cheap on defense with all the money already allocated to offensive players. That means Jevon Holland is most likely out, and while he was a good player, Starks is younger and more dynamic.

There’s nothing like upgrading a position by letting a key player leave, and the Dolphins may be able to do just that. On the other hand, the Colts have needed a quality tight end for quite some time now, and Warren may be the piece that has been missing in the saga of Anthony Richardson’s rollercoaster of a career. A rookie quarterback’s best friend is a solid tight end, and Tyler Warren feels like a dream for the Colts.

Jalen Milroe to the Steelers?

Jalen Milroe going to the Steelers, and Colston Loveland to the Chargers are great situational fits. They are team-specific fits. After watching the Steelers make, at the time, controversial quarterback decisions in 2024, no team feels like a better fit for a quarterback who might need some time to develop. While I don’t see Russell Wilson returning to Pittsburgh, a competition between Fields and Milroe would almost be ideal. They get to see what they can get out of Fields while keeping him on a cheaper contract, and if that works out, Milroe will have the time to develop into the quarterback many believe he could become.

Jim Harbaugh Gets “HIS GUY”

I don’t think the Steelers are in a rush to force anything at the position, and that’s the type of situation Jalen Milroe needs to go to. On the other side, though Colston Loveland seems to be getting typecast as a receiver-only tight end, I see him as a much more well-balanced player, and who better to understand what he’s capable of than former Michigan Head Coach Jim Harbaugh. His quarterback, Justin Herbert, needs a more reliable tight end that can bail him out of challenging situations, and it never hurts to add another solid piece to this rushing attack.

Houston Get Breakout Offensive Lineman

Senior Bowl standout Grey Zabel is the perfect flex piece for a Texans interior offensive line that struggled last season, to say the least. Not only did he show scouts at the Senior Bowl that he can play either guard or center, but he has significant experience at tackle from his time at North Dakota State. Zabel’s flexibility makes him an ideal target for Houston as they hope to improve their rushing attack and do what they can to keep C.J. Stroud upright in the pocket.

Aidan Hutchinson Tag-Team Partner?

Finally, the Lions and Chiefs look to attack glaring needs that finish up some of their better position groups. The Lions desperately need a running mate for all-star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Donovan Ezeiruaku is a high-motor player who can win in several ways based on his impressive strength and ability to bend around offensive tackles. Solidifying their edge players for the future will go a long way for a defense that impressed last season, even through a staggering number of injuries.

Chiefs Dynasty Continues?

On the other side of the ball, the Chiefs have already allocated draft resources to their tackle issue. However, it still isn’t fixed. When you have a potential all-time great quarterbacking your team on Sundays, the focus should be on keeping that player upright and calm in the pocket. While Patrick Mahomes is a great improvisational player, every quarterback operates more effectively when they can settle in and dissect defenses from the pocket. I don’t think I have to go into much detail outside of asking you to imagine a world where Patrick Mahomes isn’t required to move around the pocket or scramble around trying to make magic happen. If he can have this level of success without proper pass protection, just picture what he could be capable of in an ideal situation.

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