Dane Brugler Mock 2.0 l 3 first rounders

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4. Arizona Cardinals: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The Cardinals miss out on Harrison, but the gap between Harrison and Nabers is very thin. Arizona needs to become more explosive on offense, especially through the air — 53 NFL players this season had at least 10 catches of 20-plus yards and none played for the Cardinals. Nobody in college football produced more catches of 20-plus yards than Nabers (34).

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8. Atlanta Falcons: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Arthur Smith is now the Falcons’ former head coach because he believed his scheme and (misuse of) weapons could elevate mediocre quarterback play. It is interesting to think about what Atlanta’s talented, ready-to-go roster would look like if you dropped in Daniels.

After producing a minus-12 turnover margin, you can bet that will be a point of emphasis for the Falcons. In 13 starts this season, Desmond Ridder had 12 interceptions and 12 fumbles; in 12 starts, Daniels accounted for only four interceptions and three fumbles.

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17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
The Jaguars need long-term help at multiple positions, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if this pick addresses the defensive or offensive line. But adding another playmaker is as good a plan as any.

Thomas is an outstanding size/speed athlete with a basketball background and huge upside. By the time April rolls around, he might not be an option outside of the top 15.

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There’s no question Jayden Daniels took over the QB3 conversation during his Heisman Trophy run. However, we’ve seen quite a range on where people believe Daniels could go. Dane slotted him No. 8 to the Atlanta Falcons. Where do you think he should land?
Diante Lee: When I recently placed the QBs into tiers, I waffled quite a bit on where to put Daniels. I see him as a late first-rounder, but I doubt I’d be surprised with any result in April.

If he goes top 10, it probably would be to a team like Atlanta that has the requisite foundation of skill-position talent and (presumably) has hired a head coach with an offensive vision built around a mobile QB. The Las Vegas Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers are teams to watch in the middle of the first round, as both are in need of dynamic playmaking from their QBs — and at least Las Vegas is bringing in a new head coach and GM, so adding a rookie quarterback would put the entire braintrust on the same timeline.

If not any of those spots, Tampa Bay looms at 26. It would make sense to bring Daniels in to sit behind Baker Mayfield for a year, should the Bucs decide to bring Mayfield back.

Nick Baumgardner: In a vacuum, I agree with Diante in terms of where I’d slot Daniels: late first round. However, we don’t live in one of those, and the board/market always has a huge say in where QBs ultimately land, which, for me, means I’m probably willing to go as high as Dane did but not higher.

Though the teams currently picking in front of the Falcons are QB-needy, I don’t think that need will outweigh the talent they’ll have on the board. Meaning guys like Malik Nabers, Brock Bowers, maybe Rome Odunze and at least one of those tackles, all of whom are going to be a better pick in those spots than Daniels.

Also, Daniels is a quarterback who is going to need help if you’re looking for immediate results. Buyer beware there.

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