RADIO
The draft is now less than a week away, and the Rotoballer staff is gearing up for a few nights of remote sporting intrigue. Earlier this week, we released the first round of our staff mock draft and also the second round of our staff mock draft, so today it's time to finish this baby off with the third and (for us) final round of the mock.
As a reminder, to the best of our ability, we tried to select the best value at a position of need for the team, not so much trying to inhabit the specific drafter and choose as he would. We decided to prevent any trades and there is a short rationale for each pick as well as the Twitter handle of the drafter so you can tell them how amazing their picks and insights were.
You can check out other NFL mock drafts from our RotoBaller staff as well. Now let's see how round three went down.
Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers won two writing awards and received 12 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association. A big congrats to our very own Byron Lindeque (Golf) and Jordan McAbee (NASCAR) for both winning Writer Of The Year awards! Be sure to follow RotoBaller's analysis and advice all year long, and win more. Win More With RotoBaller!
65. Cincinnati Bengals (@DennisMClausen)
Ben Bartch, OT St. Johns
The Bengals need to protect the new face of their franchise as much as possible. Bartch is a physical blocker, but his best asset is his awareness and football IQ. He holds his ground, doesn't fall for false steps, and should provide a consistent presence in front of Joe Burrow.
66. Washington Redskins (@Envisionff)
Cam Akers, RB Florida State
Adrian Peterson is getting old and Derrius Guice hasn't been healthy yet in his short NFL career. That leads the Redskins to take a swing on another running back who has all-around talent in the elusive Cam Akers. Rivera hopes he gets another Christian McCaffrey here.
67. Detroit Lions (@CoachRiggall)
J.K. Dobbins, RB Ohio State
Kerryon Johnson has been banged up his first two years in the league, and the Lions need depth behind him. Dobbins is a solid playmaker who can also contribute out of the backfield, like a young Theo Riddick but better as a runner. He's been getting some first-round hype, so the Lions would be thrilled to get him at the start of the third.
68. New York Jets (@RotoSurgeon)
Jabari Zuniga, DE Florida
Zuniga is one of the most underrated players in the draft. He has a quick first step and is fluid as heck off of the edge. He fills a hole in New York and fits Gregg Williams' defense to a T while offering an immediate impact in year one.
69. Carolina Panthers (@DennisMClausen)
Trey Adams, OT Washington
If not for the injuries, Adams would've gone much higher. The Panthers are decent on the offensive line, but Russell Okung is only a one or two year Band-Aid. This will give them the freedom to bring Adams along slowly.
70. Miami Dolphins (@Roto_Chef)
K.J. Hamler, WR Penn State
Wide receiver is not necessarily a high need for the Dolphins with Preston Williams and DeVante Parker around, but Williams will miss most of the year recovering from ACL surgery. As such, the Dolphins choose to inject youth and speed into their WR corps with a younger version of Jakeem Grant.
71. Los Angeles Chargers (@_PhilClark)
Raekwon Davis, DT Alabama
After getting their QB and LT in the first two picks, the Chargers can turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball. Raekwon Davis will likely go higher on draft day, but the Chargers aren't complaining about that here as they take the tremendous value.
72. Arizona Cardinals (@GbridgfordNFL)
Jonathan Greenard, EDGE Florida
The Cardinals have an elite pass rusher on one side in Chandler Jones, but they've been looking for another option to complement him. Greenard fits the bill. He gives them a stout run defender on the edge that can provide some pass rush as well. The Cards have addressed their two biggest needs with their first two picks in this draft.
73. Jacksonville Jaguars (@Roto_Chef)
Jacob Eason, QB Washington
Rather than signing a free-agent QB again after the Nick Foles fiasco, the Jags will use this pick to bring in another young passer to push Gardner Minshew without having to use an early pick. Eason has flashed upside in the past to keep open the possibility that he can be a franchise signal-caller.
74. Cleveland Browns (@SamskiNYC)
Malik Harrison, ILB Ohio State
Cleveland addressed its two biggest needs in the first two rounds, but they still have a ways to go in order to fix the defense. Getting an ILB is one crucial step in that direction. Harrison is a big dude who brings some thump and can immediately help the Browns' run defense.
75. Indianapolis Colts (@GbridgfordNFL)
Neville Gallimore, DT Oklahoma
Gallimore is projected to go much higher than this and was very likely a casualty of the GoogleSheet mock draft system. However, the team's specific player preferences often cause surprise drops, so let's pretend that's what happened and the Colts will jump at the chance to stop his slide and give a strong injection of youth and talent to the interior of their defense.
76. Tampa Bay Bucs (@RotoSuperstar)
Netane Muti, OG Fresno State
Muti is a thick and heavy-handed prospect who will give the Bucs some mass on the offensive line. Where he excels most is in run blocking, so he could be vital in establishing a long-dormant running attack to make opponents think twice about simply selling out to stop Tom Brady.
77. Denver Broncos (@RotoSuperstar)
Troy Pride, CB Notre Dame
Pride has all the measurables that are coveted at the position. His height and length allow him to close throwing lanes quickly. He struggles at times with consistency on deep routes and prefers off-man coverage, but he will likely have to earn playing time early on. With some fine-tuning, he could become a solid starter in the NFL.
78. Atlanta Falcons (@_PhilClark)
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB LSU
Atlanta will use this pick to capitalize on the opportunity to pair Edwards-Helaire with Todd Gurley while also protecting their ground game from a significant drop-off if Gurley's knee issues emerge.
79. New York Jets (@RotoSurgeon)
Justin Madubuike, DT Texas A&M
Defensive tackle isn't their biggest need, but they can use some depth there and the position gets thinner around this point in the draft. In this current scenario, the Jets take Madubuike to bolster their DL. He isn't the biggest defender, but he has good quickness and agility and showed flashes of brilliance at times.
80. Las Vegas Raiders (@_PhilClark)
Leki Fotu, DT Utah
Fotu literally provides a mammoth presence that presents defensive coordinator Paul Guenther with another component to blend into the rotation at tackle. He checks off a much-needed box to allow the Raiders defense to grow into a force.
81. Las Vegas Raiders (@_PhilClark)
Chase Claypool, WR Notre Dame
It is easy to visualize Jon Gruden becoming enamored with the 6'4", 235-pound Claypool. Claypool showed enough speed and agility at the combine to suggest that he isn't simply a red-zone threat, so the Raiders will be happy to add another receiving weapon to their passing attack.
82. Dallas Cowboys (@juscarts)
Rashard Lawrence, DT LSU
Dallas signed Gerald McCoy, but they need some younger insurance in the middle of the defense and more long-term help since most of their cap space will be tied up in keeping their young offensive stars in town. Lawrence is a strong player who will be a stout run defender for the Cowboys for years.
83. Denver Broncos (@RotoSuperstar)
Calvin Throckmorton, OG Oregon
Throckmorton is a well-built prospect that can give the Broncos flexibility since he can shift between tackle and guard. He is more sound as a run blocker than a pass protector, but his sound technique and quality of play will earn him reps. However, he must polish some things to be considered a weekly starter early on.
84. Los Angeles Rams (@steverebeiro)
Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB Appalachian State
The Rams' defense is in need of defensive help, but desperate for inside linebacker depth, so they'll take a shot on a potential hidden gem in App State's Davis-Gaither, hoping that he can develop into their next Cory Littleton.
85. Detroit Lions (@CoachRiggall)
Jake Fromm, QB Georgia
Matthew Stafford has been in the league for over a decade now and missed significant time due to a back injury in 2019. Fromm never quite lived up to the hype from his college football introduction, but he's a solid prospect who could benefit from a year or two of tutelage under another former Bulldog.
86. Buffalo Bills (@SamskiNYC)
Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR Michigan
The Bills are surprised that DPJ fell this far, but they won't complain. They could certainly take a DE or a S/CB, but the value at those spots isn't as good here. DPJ gives them a big-bodied WR with athleticism to burn. He could also be an asset in the return game.
87. New England Patriots (@scotteTheKing)
Troy Dye, LB Oregon
Dye fits the athletic and high football IQ profile that the Patriots usually draft for, and he will also address a thinning and important position to Belichick. This pick could give the team an impact replacement for the departed Jamie Collins.
88. New Orleans Saints (@Envisionff)
Tyler Johnson, WR Minnesota
The Saints look to keep building on offense after going with a speedy linebacker in the first round to help their defense. Johnson is a bit of a project, but he has the athletic profile to succeed. He can sit and learn behind Emmanuel Sanders for a year before taking over his role.
89. Minnesota Vikings (@Envisionff)
Marlon Davidson, DE Auburn
Once thought of as a first-round pick, the Vikings have to take Davidson here in the third. He flashes some real athletic upside and will help replace Everson Griffith as Minnesota tries to rebuild its once stingy defense.
90. Houston Texans (@Envisionff)
Willie Day Jr., LB Mississippi State
Houston is getting older on defense, and they don't quite pack the punch as a unit that they used to. Gay brings a talented yet troubled aspect to the team. He is still rated as the number three linebacker prospect in this draft by PFF, so perhaps he's worth the roll of the dice at this point in the draft.
91. Las Vegas Raiders (@_PhilClark)
Amik Robertson, CB Louisiana Tech
The Raiders now turn to use their third-round stockpile of picks on the defensive side of the ball. Most cornerbacks with the greatest potential to contribute in Week 1 have already been selected, but Robertson could become effective in the slot, which would allow the Raiders to move Lamarcus Joyner to safety
92. Baltimore Ravens (@RotoSurgeon)
Bryan Edwards, WR South Carolina
The Ravens loaded up on talented wide receivers last year with Marquise Brown and Miles Boykin, however, both have some injury concerns and there's not much depth behind them. Edwards is a thick-bodied wide receiver who can break tackles after the catch. He's a good complement to Brown.
93. Tennessee Titans (@CoachRiggall)
Zack Moss, RB Utah
At 5'9" and 223 with good contact balance, Moss is a power back that could replace Henry if he and the Titans are unable to reach a long-term deal. However, even with Henry in tow, Moss is a well-rounded back with solid receiving ability and can help complement Henry.
94. Green Bay Packers (@GbridgfordNFL)
Matt Peart, OT UCONN
Green Bay just allowed longtime starter Bryan Bulaga to walk in free agency, but they signed Ricky Wagner to be somewhat of a stopgap. After getting a receiver in the first round and some defensive line help in the second, they get a developmental tackle in the third. If it weren't for Mekhi Becton, Matt Peart would be the freaky big tackle in this class at 6'7" and 310 pounds. Peart is raw and needs to develop, but they won't be forcing him to start right away which will allow him to get his feet under him.
95. Denver Broncos (@RotoSuperstar)
James Lynch, DT Baylor
Lynch is a powerful interior lineman that still has untapped potential. He is strong at the point of attack and has a snap quickness that can be a problem for sluggish interior offensive linemen. Lynch will be a rotational player early on but could develop into a solid tackle for the Broncos.
96. Kansas City Chiefs (@SamskiNYC)
Prince Tega-Wanogho, OT Auburn
The Chiefs have a bunch of offensive line free agents after the 2020 season. As the Super Bowl champs, they're in a unique position to take a shot on the upside of Tega-Wanogho, who is relatively new to football but possesses an enticing mix of size and athleticism. They can let him develop for a year and then possibly add him to the starting unit.
97. Cleveland Browns (@SamskiNYC)
Robert Hunt, OG Louisiana
The Browns could use a little more fire and strength on the interior of their line and there are very few people who play with the mean streak that Hunt does. He'll become an immediate fan favorite while upgrading their line at the same time.
98. New England Patriots (@scotteTheKing)
Adam Trautman, TE Dayton
Trautman could be a strong value pick here and the successor to Gronk that the Patriots have been needing. He will bring youth to the position and has a solid floor due to his superb route-running.
99. New York Giants (@SamskiNYC)
Matt Hennessey, IOL Temple
The Giants could use an upgrade at center from Spencer Pulley. Hennessey isn't the strongest blocker, which may not be ideal in Jason Garrett's system, but he is an intelligent and fundamentally sound center that gets the most of out his ability. He'd be an instant upgrade for the Giants and could help keep the pocket clean for Daniel Jones.
100. New England Patriots (@scotteTheKing)
Jordan Elliott, DT Missouri
The Patriots need the bolster the interior of their defensive line, especially after Derrick Henry gashed them in the playoffs. Elliott has continued to grow stronger as his college career went on, suggesting that the technical flaws he showed early on are teachable. He may never be a pass-rushing force but he should grow into a solid run-stopper.
101. Seattle Seahawks (@scotteTheKing)
A.J. Dillon, RB Boston College
Seattle needs quality depth at RB, as Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny have both consistently battled injuries. Dillon could pair well with Travis Homer in a worst-case scenario, which Seattle faced in the playoffs last year, or become a bruising option to split the backfield with whoever the Seahawks decide to keep long-term.
102. Pittsburgh Steelers (@SamskiNYC)
Darrell Taylor, EDGE Tennessee
Pittsburgh signed Bud Dupree to a one year deal, but they can still use a little extra juice off the edge long-term. Taylor is unpolished, but he's a twitchy athlete and Pittsburgh is a team that can get the most out of his unique athletic skill set.
103. Philadelphia Eagles (@Envisionff)
Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR Liberty
Gandy is a tall, athletic, and hyper-productive receiver from the small school of Liberty. He will likely need some time to adjust to the competition at the NFL level, but the Eagles will hope his athletic profile will eventually ensure that he can keep that production going at the next level.
104. Los Angeles Rams (@steverebeiro)
Nick Harris, OL Washington
The Rams' offensive line was remarkably bad last year, and it's only getting older. They've used some draft capital to help already, but Harris should hopefully provide an upgrade in the interior. He's not a flashy prospect but is a hard worker with a solid floor.
105. Minnesota Vikings (@Envisionff)
Bryce Hall, CB Virginia
With this pick, the Vikings continue to remake their secondary, giving themselves a few options to choose from. Hall is a first-round talent who fell due to injury, so, while the Vikings certainly don't need another CB here, they will take him in hopes of getting him back fully healthy and having their choice of the best options for their secondary.
106. Baltimore Ravens (@RotoSurgeon)
Tyler Biadasz, C Wisconsin
About a year ago, Biadasz was considered one of the best OL prospects for 2020. However, a rough season along with poor medicals will cause a slide in his draft stock. The Ravens have the draft capital and need to be in the position to take on the risk at the end of the third.
