The Daily Blitz: Nakobe Dean

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Monday, February 21, 2022

Green Bay Packers 2022 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 4.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, we will update our Green Bay Packers Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Green Bay Packers from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

For a more inclusive lists of mock drafts for the Green Bay Packers, check out our Green Bay Packers Mock Draft Database.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Packers:

SI - Kevin Hanson (2/17)

28. Devonte Wyatt, IDL, Georgia

Will Aaron Rodgers be under center for the Packers in 2022? Will Davante Adams and/or Marquez Valdes-Scantling be back? The answers to those questions could change the direction of this pick in future iterations of my mock, but for now, the front office gets some help for Kenny Clark. Like several other key contributors to Georgia's loaded defense, Wyatt's stats won't wow anyone. That said, he has elite quickness and The Athletic's Bruce Feldman labeled Wyatt as the team's "biggest Freak." After generating plenty of buzz at the Senior Bowl, Wyatt should continue that positive momentum with elite testing numbers at the combine.

Yahoo! Sports - Eric Edholm (2/17)

28. Logan Hall, EDGE, Houston

The Packers always seem to go just a bit off-radar with their first-round selections. Yet taking Hall here wouldn't necessarily be a reach, as he's steadily raised his stock over the past year and could be a perfect post for their odd front.

Draft Wire - Luke Easterling (2/17)

28. Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

If Davante Adams heads elsewhere in free agency, the Packers will need a new No. 1 target, regardless of who is throwing the passes. Williams would be long gone if not for a torn ACL in the national title game, but once he's back to full strength, he should prove to be a huge steal this late.

ESPN - Todd McShay (2/16)

28. Devonte Wyatt, IDL, Georgia

This is a pure value pick for Green Bay. The first look was to wide receiver, with Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling perhaps signing elsewhere this March. Five are already off the board, leaving Penn State's Jahan Dotson as the top remaining. Alabama's Jameson Williams could be a really fun selection that would excite Aaron Rodgers if the QB stays in Green Bay, but he just went off the board. And with the Packers taking Amari Rodgers last April to play out of the slot, Dotson might not make much sense. Even if Adams doesn't return, the free-agent receiver class is high end, and I think the Packers could address the position there.

So turning our attention to defense, how about Wyatt, a Senior Bowl standout? He has tons of upper-body strength and is always moving his feet. The Packers allowed 4.7 yards per carry last season (30th in the NFL), and opponents had the seventh-highest QBR (51.5). Wyatt would help in both areas and give Kenny Clark a running mate in the middle of the defense. Also: This makes it four Georgia defenders in Round 1. Miami in 2004 and Florida State in 2006 are the only other schools to have that many on the defensive side of the ball.

Fox Sports - Rob Rang (2/16)

28. Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

For years, Packers fans (not to mention their quarterback) have clamored for Green Bay to add a dynamic receiver to pair with star Davante Adams. With Adams now set for free agency, the Packers face the possibility of having to replace him, rather than complementing the five-time Pro Bowler.

USA Today - Nate Davis (2/15)

28. Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State

The Pack are another team potentially in major flux, the focus currently centered on the futures of QB Aaron Rodgers and WR Davante Adams, whose contract is expiring. TE Robert Tonyan and WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling are also pending free agents, so pretty likely Rodgers (or his replacement) will need reinforcements in the passing game. McBride might be that guy, the 2021 All-American and Mackey Award winner as college football's top tight end in 2021 and an exceptional possession receiver (91 catches for 1,125 yards last season) who's also the increasingly rare dual-threat tight end able to serve as an effective blocker.

The Ringer - Danny Kelly (2/15)

28. Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

De'Vondre Campbell was a nice surprise for the Packers in 2021 but is slated to be a free agent. The team needs depth and talent at the linebacker spot whether they re-sign Campbell or not. Dean can be a spark plug for the Green Bay defense as a player who flies around in coverage and slips through gaps as a blitzer.

The Draft Scout - Matt Miller (2/14)

28. Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota

Wide receiver would be a great pick for the Packers, but we've seen that show before. Instead, look for the Green Bay Packers to continue building their defense through the early rounds of the draft. Boye Mafe had a great Senior Bowl and showed the speed and power to place himself into the first round.

NFL.com - Chad Reuter (2/14)

TRADE - 21. Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State

With Preston Smith and Za'Darius Smith looming as potential cap casualties, the Packers might need a powerful edge player to complement Rashan Gary. Johnson fits that bill. Trading up for him will cost Green Bay two fourth-round picks (the team could pick up a compensatory fourth-rounder for the loss of Corey Linsley).

PFF - Mike Renner (2/14)

28. Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

Burks can be a better version of Allen Lazard as the Packers' No. 2 wide receiver. He's big enough to get involved as a blocker, which Matt LaFleur loves, and he has a speed element to his game that the Packers may miss if Marquez Valdes-Scantling walks in free agency.

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

Previous updates:

Sunday, November 28, 2021

Tennessee Titans 2022 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Tennessee Titans Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Tennessee Titans from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

CBS Sports - Edwards (11/25)

31. Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn

Tennessee's defensive line has allowed that unit to play much better but they still need help at cornerback. Roger McCreary is a senior that just improves each week.

NBC Sports Chicago - Morgan (11/24)

31. Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

Dotson is a heart-stopping vertical threat, that defenders struggle to contain, let alone prevent from embarrassing them downfield. Throughout his tenure at Penn State, Dotson averaged 15.0 yards per catch and totaled 24 touchdowns. The Titans reliance on their All-Pro running back, Derrick Henry, has made them less effective in the passing game. An athletic talent with the quick twitch suddenness Dotson possesses, can attack from anywhere on the field and help balance Tennessee's one-note offense.

NBC Sports Philly - Roche (11/23)

31. Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

Georgia could become the Linebacker U of this era of college football, and Dean is the latest model on Georgia's showroom floor. Not imposing in size, but Dean is everywhere on the field. Goes sideline to sideline as good as anyone, and would fit in very well in Mike Vrabel's defensive unit.

The Draft Network - Sanchez (11/22)

31. Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

Devin Lloyd is a true ILB that plays the game physically, which fits the philosophy of the Tennessee Titans and is also something his head coach Mike Vrabel will appreciate.

PFF - Treash (11/22)

31. David Bell, WR, Purdue

Bell came into 2021 with a lot of hope and expectations after a couple of promising years as an underclassman, and the Boilermaker has lived up to the billing. Bell earned 77.3 and 76.2 PFF grades as a true freshman and sophomore, and he currently has an 87.6 mark with just a couple of games left in his 2021 campaign. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound wide receiver has fared far better going up against single coverage this season while maintaining his strong play in tight coverage and top-notch body control. Bell has also been more of a threat after the catch with 25 broken tackles on 86 receptions.

ESPN - Reid (11/17)

32. Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

Dean, who plays with infectious energy levels and physicality, is the leader of the vaunted Georgia defense that has surrendered an FBS-leading 7.6 points per game. He has had a standout junior season, racking up 51 tackles, 4.5 sacks and two interceptions. While his size won't clear the thresholds for some teams -- he's 6 feet, 225 pounds -- he's the exact type of versatile option the Titans need in the middle of their defense.

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

Previous updates:

Tennessee Titans 2022 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

New England Patriots 2022 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, we will update our New England Patriots Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the New England Patriots from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Patriots:

CBS Sports - Edwards (11/25)

26. Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

New England has leaned into its identity as a physical team that is just going to blow up zone blocking schemes. Dean is a missile that will eliminate the pullers from the equation.

NBC Sports Chicago - Morgan (11/24)

26. Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

Burks is a good sized target who moves with surprising agility for a man his size (6-3, 232 lbs). The fluidity of his hip movements improves separation from defenders when pivoting and cutting on combo pass routes. Burks uses his frame to shield defensive backs from the ball when they challenge him on contested passes. The Patriots' rookie quarterback, Mac Jones is having an outstanding season so far, imagine how much better he'll become with the addition of Burks.

NBC Sports Philly - Roche (11/23)

26. Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

Burks gives the Patriots what they desperately need: a big-time playmaking receiver to pair with Mac Jones. This guy has all the gifts, and shows up when it matters most. His effort this past weekend against Alabama: 8 catches, 179 yards, and 2 touchdowns against the Crimson Tide in the Razorbacks' near-upset.

The Draft Network - Sanchez (11/22)

26. David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan

Every year there is a prospect that catapults himself out of nowhere into a first-round worthy draft pick. This year it's David Ojabo. The Patriots love taking versatile linebacker/edge rushers and take Ojabo with this pick. Ojabo has only played football a few years but Bill Belichick will find him intriguing and believe that he can develop Ojabo's athletic traits into an impactful football player.

PFF - Treash (11/22)

26. Drake London, WR, USC

London was running away with the Biletnikoff Award, which is given annually to college football's top pass-catcher, before fracturing his right ankle in Week 9. Despite not playing a full season, he still might -- and should -- take home the award given his routine dominance before the injury. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound receiver -- who at one point was on the USC basketball team -- earned a 91.8 receiving grade this year. He dominated in one-on-one scenarios and put up monster numbers due to his physicality and ball skills. London totaled 19 contested catches and 22 broken tackles in eight games. The former is six more than any other Power Five wide receiver through Week 12 while the latter is the second-most.

ESPN - Reid (11/17)

23. Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

After the trade of Stephon Gilmore, cornerback and linebacker are likely the two biggest holes for New England entering the 2022 offseason. Lloyd is a versatile second-level defender who could provide value in multiple areas, and the Patriots don't have high-end options after Dont'a Hightower. Lloyd, who has 85 tackles, six sacks and three interceptions this season, could excel in a multiple-front defense that involves interchanging parts, and he'll pick up pressures as a blitzing pass-rusher as well.

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

Previous updates:

New England Patriots 2022 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Saturday, November 27, 2021

Miami Dolphins 2022 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, we will update our Miami Dolphins Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Miami Dolphins from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

For a more inclusive lists of mock drafts for the Miami Dolphins, check out our Miami Dolphins Mock Draft Database.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Dolphins:

CBS Sports - Edwards (11/25)

14. DeMarvin Leal, IDL, Texas A&M

Miami has been a disappointment this season. They could be a team in transition this offseason. Leal is a cornerstone piece capable of playing on the edge or condense inside.

NBC Sports Chicago - Morgan (11/24)

14. Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

Dean's ability to close space between himself and ball carriers may be the best in this draft class. Incredible combination of quickness, speed, instincts and sure tackling make him a first round gem for any organization. The Dolphins have been inconsistent on defense this season and taking a talent like Dean would dramatically enhance their linebacking unit's production. Dean is a sure-tackler who finds himself as one of six finalist for the Butkus Award (nation's best linebacker) and a fast rising talent that could climb higher up draft boards as the season progresses.

NBC Sports Philly - Roche (11/23)

14. Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

Miami could go QB here, but with the top three QBs off the board, they address another big need. Cross is young, and could afford to add weight, but he makes up for it with jump off the screen athleticism.

The Draft Network - Sanchez (11/22)

14. Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

Jahan Dotson is arguably having the best season of any WR in college football. His ability to stretch the field vertically while also being able to work the middle of the field makes him a special talent at WR. If the Miami Dolphins want to truly evaluate Tua Tagovailoa's ability to be a starting QB in the NFL, they must upgrade the receivers he's throwing the football to.

PFF - Treash (11/22)

14. Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Neal is a 6-foot-7, 350-pound mammoth who has rare athleticism. He ranked No. 1 on Bruce Feldman's annual "Freaks List" this past offseason for a reason, and he has the tools and collegiate production to back it up. Neal recorded an 80.0-plus grade in each of the last two seasons while facing stiff SEC competition. This year, in particular, Neal has allowed multiple pressures in a single game just twice.

ESPN - Reid (11/17)

17. Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

The Dolphins drafted Austin Jackson at No. 18 overall in the 2020 draft with the hopes that he'd be their long-term left tackle, but the experiment hasn't worked. After he was moved to guard, there's still a massive hole on the outside. Miami's offensive line ranks last in the league in pass block win rate. Cross, who is technically sound and consistent, could be a plug-and-play option.

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

Previous updates:

Miami Dolphins 2022 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Friday, November 26, 2021

New York Giants 2022 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, we will update our New York Giants Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the New York Giants from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Giants:

CBS Sports - Edwards (11/25)

5. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

New York is testing out Azeez Ojulari and Quincy Roche this season but there are still concerns about the pass rush moving forward. Aidan Hutchinson would alleviate those concerns.

7. Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M

If Dave Gettleman is still around, he is almost certain to draft an interior offensive lineman in the first round. He is committed to Daniel Jones working and the offensive line has been part of his downfall.

NBC Sports Chicago - Morgan (11/24)

5. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

In terms of generating quarterback pressure (hurries + knockdowns + sacks per drop back), the Giants have the worst percentage in the NFL (16.9 percent). Monday night's game versus Tampa Bay exemplifies New York's feeble efforts at applying significant pressure on a 44 year old Tom Brady. Brady completed 32 passes on 48 attempts for 318 yards and two scores, while being sacked just once the entire evening. Drafting Hutchinson could give the Giants a legitimate pass rusher, who is equally adept against the run, setting the edge at the point of attack to contain running plays along the perimeter.

7. Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M

The Giants have several talented skill players on offense, especially the 2018 number two overall pick, running back Saquon Barkley. Yet, despite Barkley's athletic versatility and explosiveness the Giants average less than 100 yards a contest (92.9) and managed just seven rushing touchdowns throughout ten games. The offensive line needs to raise its level of production for the Giants to actually improve and become significant in their division. If they chose Green, an imposing and extremely powerful player (6-4, 325 lbs) who typically devastates defenders, New York could begin to dominate at the line of scrimmage and beyond.

NBC Sports Philly - Roche (11/23)

5. Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

Big Blue lacks a playmaker in the passing game to keep teams from stacking the box against Saquon Barkley. Wilson, the Buckeyes' big-time playmaker, will help. Witness his effort against Purdue, where he caught three TD passes and took a Jet sweep 51 yards for another score.

7. Tyler Linderbaum, IOL, Iowa

This is a move designed to lengthen the career of Barkley from within. Linderbaum compares favorably to Jason Kelce, which definitely shows up on film. He has the athleticism and strength to anchor the Giants' line for years to come.

The Draft Network - Sanchez (11/22)

6. Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

Derek Stingley Jr. has been ranked as the No.1 corner since his all-time great freshman campaign during LSU's National Championship run in 2019 and has nothing to hurt that ranking. His combination of athleticism, instincts, physicality, and ball skills make him a generational talent at corner. The New York Giants can use a true lockdown corner in their secondary and Stingley will provide just that.

7. Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

The Giants use their second first-round pick on the most instinctual linebacker in this year's draft. Nakobe Dean is an athletic, quick linebacker that excels at playing in space. Dean has been the leader of Georgia's defense and will bring that leadership to the Giants' defense.

PFF - Treash (11/22)

6. Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State

Ekwonu is one of the nastiest run-blockers PFF College has ever seen. He owns a 93.4 run-blocking grade for the 2021 season -- the highest in the FBS. Ekwonu has laid down a whopping 16 big-time blocks this season. Not only does that lead every offensive lineman in 2021, but it is also the most in a single season during the entire PFF College era. He's been that kind of a monster in the run game in all three of his years at NC State, but he's starting to pass protect better as well. After posting a poor 55.3 pass-block grade in 2020, Ekwonu has improved that to a solid 77.9 mark in 2021.

7. Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

Dean is on the smaller end of the linebacker spectrum, but he is a freak athlete who fits the bill of a modern-day linebacker. He is undoubtedly the best off-ball linebacker in the country when it comes to defending the pass. His blitzing prowess and coverage ability are second to none, as Dean has recorded a 90.0-plus grade as a pass-rusher and in coverage this season -- something no Power Five off-ball linebacker has accomplished in the PFF College era.

ESPN - Reid (11/17)

5. Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State

Left tackle Andrew Thomas, the No. 4 overall pick in 2020, has shown signs of improvement during his second season -- though he's now on injured reserve with a foot injury, and his replacement, Matt Peart, remains inconsistent. The 6-foot-4, 320-pound Ekwonu has been stellar at left tackle this season, but opinions vary on the position he'll play at the next level. He could be a top-tier starter at right tackle or guard.

7. George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue

The Giants have gotten 5.5 sacks from rookie second-round pick Azeez Ojulari, but they need to stockpile young edge rushers to improve their defense. Karlaftis is a versatile and heavy-handed defensive lineman who could contribute early in the NFL. Karlaftis has only 2.5 sacks this season, but he is always around the quarterback. With two top-seven picks, this means the Giants get starters along the offensive and defensive lines.

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

Previous updates:

New York Giants 2022 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

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Monday, February 21, 2022

Green Bay Packers 2022 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 4.0

Sunday, November 28, 2021

Tennessee Titans 2022 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

New England Patriots 2022 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

Saturday, November 27, 2021

Miami Dolphins 2022 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

Friday, November 26, 2021

New York Giants 2022 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

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