Russia’s Mock Draft 2.0

TE Kyle Pitts is working his way up the draftboard.

The following mock draft was conducted and written by Russia.

Round 1

1.01 Switzerland Squirrels — RB1 Najee Harris, PITThe Squirrels have been linked to Travis Etienne for a couple years now, but teams need to separate personal feelings from business transactions. The smart value here is on Harris, who will be a workhorse and he could really help the Squirrels compete not just in 2021 but beyond.
Team Needs: QB, RB, FLEX

1.02 Nagasaki Kamikazes — RB2 Travis Etienne, JAXIf Harris slides past the Squirrels at Pick 1, which is widely expected, the Kamikazes will gladly scoop him up here (or take him at Pick 3 to save money over the course of his contract). But if not, the Kamikazes need to snag a running back to help their depth chart for the long haul and they bet on Etienne’s versatility and playmaking ability.
Team Needs: RB, FLEX, QB

1.03 Nagasaki Kamikazes — TE1 Kyle Pitts, ATLThere’s a lot of value to be had in both Ja’Marr Chase and Kyle Pitts, both possible players the Kamikazes could target here. With Julio Jones moving on, there’s a tremendous void in potential targets and Pitts — a tight end in name only — will offer great value over others at his position for years to come.
Team Needs: RB, FLEX, QB

1.04 Bangkok Blitz — WR1 Ja’Marr Chase, CINIf Chase somehow slides to Pick 4, the Blitz will turn in their card with Chase’s name on it as fast as humanly possible, pushing aside women, children, and the elderly on their way to the stage. Chase is pro-ready, extremely talented, and reunited with his college quarterback. His contract becomes immensely valuable from Day 1.
Team Needs: WR

1.05 Russia Renegades — RB3 Javonte Williams, DENThe Renegades will add to their running back depth chart with the selection of Williams here, who should be a contributor sooner than later. By 2022, he should be firmly entrenched in their lineup.
Team Needs: RB, TE

1.06 Ecuador Ewoks — WR2 DeVonta Smith, PHIWhile there could be some flexibility within the Top 5, Pick 6 is almost certain to be Smith. The former Heisman Trophy winner is a big play waiting to happen. Although he has a slender frame, he should be ready for the pro game right away and could be a big contributor in his rookie season. He should get fed the ball consistently enough to blossom into his team’s No. 1 receiver.
Team Needs: WR, RB, FLEX

1.07 Ukraine Grainers — WR3 Jaylen Waddle, MIAWaddle seems like a fairly safe pick here. The Grainers have been burned by “burners” in the past — they’re still waiting on Marquise Brown to live up to expectations and Henry Ruggs to show he belongs — but Waddle steps into the league with a bit better talent baseline than Ruggs.
Team Needs: FLEX

1.08 Ukraine Grainers — WR4 Elijah Moore, NYJPick 8 seems to be the first big wild card of the draft. The “Top 7” seem fairly entrenched, but Pick 8 is where a handful of players could expect to hear their names called. Moore was arguably the fourth-best receiver prospect in this draft class, so it seems the safe choice here. He doesn’t step into the best offense but will be fed the ball.
Team Needs: FLEX

1.09 Jamaica Jerks — WR5 Rashod Bateman, BALBateman is incredibly talented and has a good frame to go with solid speed. The only thing not to like about him is his landing spot in the pros. If the ball doesn’t get thrown to him, all the talent in the world can’t produce points. But the Jerks take the shot on the athletically gifted prospect with the hopes the ball goes in the air more in Baltimore this year.
Team Needs: RB, FLEX

1.10 Russia Renegades — WR6 Terrace Marshall, CARLast season, the Renegades took a shot on a receiver from LSU and it paid big dividends. Marshall is not likely to come close to putting up the production that Justin Jefferson did in 2020, but he’s a big-bodied player who reunites with his college coach and adds some depth to the Renegades’ receiving corps.
Team Needs: RB, TE

1.11 Nagasaki Kamikazes — RB4 Trey Sermon, SFThe Kamikazes are in need of some fresh bodies in the backfield, so they take a swing at one of the top RB prospects in this year’s class. Sermon will begin in a crowded backfield, but ought to work his way into prominence at some point. By next year at the very latest, he should be the primary ball carrier.
Team Needs: RB, FLEX, QB

1.12 San Juan Scorpions — RB5 Michael Carter, NYJSan Juan has a proven track record of nabbing running backs who can contribute. Carter has a smaller frame, but has a good shot at being utilized early and often in his rookie season. He was very productive in college and will be a nice target out of the backfield at the very least.
Team Needs: FLEX

Round 2

2.01 Wake Island Wookiees — QB1 Trevor Lawrence, JAXThe Wookiees have a number of needs to fill, but to start their rebuilding plan with a solid quarterback prospect like Lawrence is a great first step. Watching his golden locks flow in the breeze ought to be a welcome sight for a franchise that watched their ex-quarterback Daniel Jones trip over the 20-yard-line on a would-be touchdown.
Team Needs: QB, WR, FLEX

2.02 Bangkok Blitz — WR7 Rondale Moore, ARIMoore is a tricky prospect to put a finger on — literally and figuratively. He might not pass the height test at amusement parks to get on the big boy rides, but he can run past security guards to get on them. He could get a lot of targets in a pass-happy offense, or he might have to sit and wait while other mouths get fed.
Team Needs: WR

2.03 Jamaica Jerks — QB2 Trey Lance, SFThe Jerks spent a second-round pick on a quarterback last year, but they find good value in Lance here and add competition to the quarterbacks room. On the one hand, Lance threw the fewest passes by any first-round quarterback in the past 40 years. On the other hand, his team gave up three first-round draft picks for him. So, there’s that.
Team Needs: RB, FLEX

2.04 Russia Renegades — QB3 Justin Fields, CHIThe Renegades aren’t in need of a quarterback, but scoop up good value here with another young signal caller. Fields might have to sit and wait his turn behind the Red Rifle for a while, but has good long-term value.
Team Needs: RB, TE

2.05 Jamaica Jerks — WR8 Kadarius Toney, NYGToney lands in an offense with a lot of other weapons, but the combination of his speed and draft capital likely gives him a decent floor from the get-go. Whether he can take his relative inexperience and turn it into pro production is the big question, but the Jerks take a chance on his playmaking ability.
Team Needs: RB, FLEX

2.06 Ukraine Grainers — WR9 Dyami Brown, WASIt’s difficult to envision Brown having an immediate impact given all the other weapons around him, but he could have a bright future ahead of him. Fortunately, he doesn’t need to contribute right away for the Grainers as he can sit for a year or two and develop.
Team Needs: FLEX

2.07 Russia Renegades — WR10 Amon-Ra St. Brown, DETSt. Brown is drawing a lot of hype due to the fact that he landed in an offense devoid of serious receivers. But that doesn’t sound like a ringing endorsement as much as it does the presentation of the “tallest midget” award. The Renegades take a shot on that opportunity.
Team Needs: RB, TE

2.08 Egypt Pharaohs — RB6 Kenneth Gainwell, PHIGainwell is one of the most well-rounded backs coming out of this draft class, but figures to be more of a role player at the next level. If his new team uses him in a pass-heavy role, he could provide sporadic FLEX value. The Pharaohs look to solidify their running back depth chart with him.
Team Needs: TE, FLEX

2.09 Egypt Pharaohs — WR11 D’Wayne Eskridge, SEAEskridge has game-breaking speed and will immediately be used out of the slot and as an underneath weapon. The Pharaohs add to their receiver depth chart with yet another playmaker.
Team Needs: TE, FLEX

2.10 San Juan Scorpions — QB4 Zach Wilson, NYJThe Scorpions look to add to their quarterback depth chart with the selection of the athletic Wilson. The baby-faced quarterback doesn’t look like he can legally drink a beer for about 12 years, but he sure can run and sling the football. He can sit and watch Josh Allen and Kirk Cousins for a while and perhaps position himself as the primary backup in Year 2.
Team Needs: FLEX

2.11 Christmas Island Crabs — WR12 Amari Rodgers, GBThe Crabs — or whoever trades for this pick — will look for some kind of playmaker here and take a swing at Rodgers. The rookie Rodgers’ odds at being a productive pro clearly hinge on the future of veteran Aaron Rodgers.
Team Needs: RB, TE, WR, FLEX

2.12 Christmas Island Crabs — WR13 Nico Collins, HOUCollins could work his way toward being a Year 1 starter on one of the worst offenses in football. That still has to count for something, I’d think. His chances of producing could fluctuate dramatically depending on the resolution to the Deshaun Watson saga.
Team Needs: RB, TE, WR, FLEX

Round 3

3.01 Russia Renegades — TE2 Pat Freiermuth, PITThe Renegades take a swing at a tight end at the beginning of the third round. Being labeled “Baby Gronk” — which Freiermuth hates — is like the curse for any aspiring pro tight end (just ask Adam Shaheen). But Freiermuth is the clear No. 2 tight end in this draft class and has some upside to his game.
Team Needs: RB, TE

3.02 Nagasaki Kamikazes — QB5 Mac Jones, NEThe Kamikazes have no quarterback depth, so they take a shot on Jones here. Jones will have the opportunity to sit and watch for a while as he prepares for the pro game. Jones comes from the pinnacle of college football. He doesn’t offer much with his legs but could develop into a decent No. 2.
Team Needs: RB, FLEX, QB

3.03 Ecuador Ewoks — RB7 Javian Hawkins, ATLAfter James Robinson’s spectacular season in 2020, everyone is on the lookout for the next undrafted free agent gem. Hawkins is a little undersized and is not likely to have that same impact even if he does get good playing time. Still, with Mike Davis at the head of that backfield, there’s opportunity for playing time.
Team Needs: WR, RB, FLEX

3.04 Jamaica Jerks — RB8 Rhamondre Stevenson, NEStevenson is a beast of a running back who is a load to bring down. He’s an ideal goal line back. But he landed in a crowded backfield, which tanked his stock. He’s a sporadic FLEX play at best, unless he wows his coaches and earns extra time between the 20s.
Team Needs: RB, FLEX

3.05 Turkey Jerky — WR14 Tylan Wallace, BALI feel bad for Wallace, as he landed in one of the worst possible situations. It’s unfortunate enough to be a receiver selected by Baltimore — but much worse to be the second one taken by them. It’s hard to pass up his talent, but he’ll likely have to sit and develop in the Rookie Corral for a while.
Team Needs: QB, TE, RB, WR

3.06 Jamaica Jerks — WR15 Tutu Atwell, LARAtwell’s primary — and only? — role at the professional level will be bringing his teammates coffee — er, um, returning punts. He did land in one of the most ideal offenses he could have, though. If there is any team that could use a 4-foot-2, twitchy playmaker, it’s the Rams. He’ll get his schemed touches, but they won’t come in high volume.
Team Needs: RB, FLEX

3.07 Ukraine Grainers — RB9 Chuba Hubbard, CARHubbard has big-time playmaking ability, but lands in a situation where he’s staring at the backside of the best running back in the league. If CMC misses time, which he did last year, Hubbard offers more upside than Mike Davis did a season ago. Hubbard lands in the most logical situation for him in Ukraine.
Team Needs: FLEX

3.08 Ecuador Ewoks — RB10 Khalil Herbert, CHIHerbert will begin his career as a kick returner and likely third-string running back, but can work his way into the offense if he outperforms the backup ahead of him.
Team Needs: WR, RB, FLEX

3.09 Egypt Pharaohs — WR16 Josh Palmer, LACPalmer wasn’t the most productive player in college, but his opportunity couldn’t have been much better. He lands in a very strong offense and has the potential to play meaningful reps right away. The Pharaohs take a chance on that opportunity.
Team Needs: TE, FLEX

3.10 Christmas Island Crabs — WR17 Dez Fitzpatrick, TENFitzpatrick’s stock took a bit of a hit when Julio Jones came to town. Not that it was likely he was going to make an immediate impact anyway. He’s an intriguing talent, though, and he gets to study and learn from two of the best in the business. The Crabs — or whoever acquires this pick — takes a shot on his long-term potential.
Team Needs: RB, TE, WR, FLEX

3.11 Bangkok Blitz — RB11 Demetric Felton, CLEFelton is a man without a true position. He played both wide receiver and running back in college and is currently listed as the latter in the pros. He’s buried on the depth chart at the moment, but he does have a good deal of athleticism and ability to make plays. Keeping him in the Corral for a while until an opportunity potentially arises is the play here.
Team Needs: WR

3.12 Nagasaki Kamikazes — RB12 Larry Rountree, LACRountree has the potential to compete for playing time as the primary backup running back. There’s no guarantee he wins that job, nor that he gets much action if he does. Still, this late in the draft, teams hunt for opportunity.
Team Needs: RB, FLEX, QB

Round 4

4.01 Wake Island Wookiees — WR18 Dazz Newsome, CHIThe Wookiees take a shot on a talented college receiver in Newsome who lands in an ideal situation to try to compete for playing time. He likely won’t see high volume anytime soon, but he could provide some kind of value in the back half of his contract.
Team Needs: QB, WR, FLEX

4.02 Switzerland Squirrels — WR19 Anthony Schwartz, CLEA track star in a football uniform, the Squirrels take a flyer on Schwartz’s potential ability to break a big play or two. There are plenty of mouths to feed in his offense, but with his kind of speed he ought to have a few schemed touches per game.
Team Needs: QB, RB, FLEX

4.03 Ecuador Ewoks — RB13 Elijah Mitchell, SFMitchell was a talented college prospect who was capable of breaking a big play, but fell all the way to Round 6 in the NFL Draft. He also landed in an extremely crowded running back room. There’s a little bit of daylight in 2022 when the room clears out, so the Ewoks take a shot that he provides future relevance.
Team Needs: WR, RB, FLEX

4.04 Bangkok Blitz — WR20 Cornell Powell, KCPowell is certainly an unheralded receiver prospect who isn’t getting a lot of accolades. He’s buried behind several other weapons at the moment, but he lands in one of the best offenses in football. The Blitz take a shot on his sleeper potential.
Team Needs: WR

4.05 Jamaica Jerks — TE3 Brevin Jordan, HOUJordan is strictly a pass-catching tight end — which is all you can ask for in this league. Some think he has sleeper potential. Others dread his landing spot. In the fourth round, it’s worth a shot for the Jerks to address the tight end position.
Team Needs: RB, FLEX

4.06 Turkey Jerky — QB6 Kyle Trask, TBTrask has the opportunity to spend at least a year watching, learning, and soaking up what it means to be a professional quarterback. Whether he ever amounts to anything as a professional quarterback remains to be seen, but the Jerky take a shot on him in the fourth round.
Team Needs: QB, TE, RB, WR

4.07 Egypt Pharaohs — WR21 Marquez Stevenson, BUFStevenson is a burner who will most likely start as a kick returner at the pro level. But he landed with a good offensive team and if they give him a chance to see offensive snaps, he offers deep sleeper value.
Team Needs: TE, FLEX

4.08 Ukraine Grainers — WR22 Ihmir Smith-Marsette, MINISM is a speedster who could stretch the field in the pros. He has to work and beat out his other competition to get into the offensive rotation, but there’s a path to relevance if he can capitalize off the opportunity.
Team Needs: FLEX

4.09 Christmas Island Crabs — RB14 Jermar Jefferson, DETJefferson’s stock took a major hit after sliding to the 7th Round of the NFL Draft and then landing in a less-than-ideal situation. He doesn’t offer great short-term benefit and is really just a shot in the dark at this point.
Team Needs: RB, TE, WR, FLEX

4.10 Russia Renegades — TE4 Hunter Long, MIAThe Renegades take a shot on adding to the tight end room with the selection of Long. The rookie tight end will begin buried on the depth chart and might never see his way out of it. But he’s a decent pass catcher if he does.
Team Needs: RB, TE

4.11 Nagasaki Kamikazes — QB7 Kellen Mond, MINThe Kamikazes double up on quarterbacks and take a shot on the athletic Mond. Unless there is injury or colossal failure, Mond won’t be starting anytime soon, but could have value down the road.
Team Needs: RB, FLEX, QB

4.12 San Juan Scorpions — WR23 Shi Smith, CARShi Smith has deep sleeper potential, but there’s also no guarantee that he cracks the Active Roster. Late dart throw.
Team Needs: FLEX