Nagasaki Mock Draft 1.0 (Pre-NFL Draft) April 28, 2022 Nagasaki Mock Rookie Draft 1.0 (Pre-NFL Draft) Drawing attention to this week’s NFL draft and future prospects, Nagasaki lays out their first mock of the year. Much will change based on landing spots, but this will help owners get acquainted with the new recruits. 1.01 Wake Island Wookiees Breece Hall / RB Iowa State / 5’11’ 217lb Having the 2016 number one pick but trading out from Ezekiel Elliott, and again in 2018 with Saquon Barkley, who paid dividends in year one, but began a string of injuries, Wake landed the 1st pick in a trade moving Barkley last season. Running Back is typically the way to go and the Wookiees will have the first crack at the 2022 class. Hall projects to be the best option pending landing spots post NFL draft. A true three down back, and huge upside in PPR as a pass-catching RB. NFL Comparison – Le’Veon Bell Potential alternatives – RB Kenneth Walker III / RB Isaiah Spiller ——————- 1.02 Wake Island Wookies Treylon Burks / WR Arkansas / 6’2” 225lb Having the first 2 picks of the draft, Wake will have several options. The likely best option will be to grab the top RB and WR, whichever the order. Burks is a big receiver with huge hands but for his size he tends to play timid against contested coverage. Can be a boom/bust prospect that will depend on landing spot and development. NFL Comparison – AJ Brown Potential alternatives – WR Garrett Wilson / WR Drake London ——————– 1.03 Russia Renegades Kenneth Walker III / RB Michigan St / 5’9” 211lb Most likely the top RB and WR will be off the board. Russia will have the choice of second best prospect at either position. Sanders and Jacobs are playing out their final years of rookie contracts, and most likely the Renegades will start a new era with a new face in their backfield. WR could be a good option but with RB need, and the 2022 depth at receiver, I see RB or trade down for the Renegades. NFL Comparison – J.K. Dobbins Potential alternatives – RB Isaiah Spiller / WR Garrett Wilson / Trade down ——————– 1.04 Munich Mandalorians Garrett Wilson / WR Ohio St / 6’0” 183lb Through the Compensatory Draft, the Mandalorans grabbed some nice pieces to fill out their 2022 lineup after an all-in effort that fell short, late in the 2021 season, with several final year players. Munich grabbed a dynasty top RB last year but is yet to see him take the field. Adding a top WR this year with Comp pick Jaylen Waddle, will form a terrific duo. Wilson will need to work on route running to better create level 1 and level 2 separation at the pro level, but is a master at beating his coverage deep. He is on the smaller side but versatile and will make an impact in the NFL. NFL Comparison – DeSean Jackson Potential alternatives – WR Drake London / WR Chris Olave ——————– 1.05 Turkey Jerky Drake London / WR USC / 6’4” 219lb Turkey moved aging RB Derrick Henry on his final year, for RB prospect D’Andre Swift and a one year contract WR Davante Adams, last year, and grabbed QB Joe Burrow and WR CeeDee Lamb in the Compensatory Draft, each having 2 years left in rookie contract, to go along with Swift’s contract. Letting Adams walk to free agency this year, the Jerky will look for WR with this pick and grab some veterans at the auction. London is a big body with elite potential, and is a prototypical X receiver who also plays the slot well. NFL Comparison – Mike Evans Potential alternatives – WR Chris Olave / WR Jameson Williams ——————– 1.06 Russia Renegades Chris Olave / WR Ohio St / 6’0” 187lb Russia addressed the RB position earlier knowing the depth of WR in this class. Olave is an excellent route runner, has great hands, and will make an NFL impact immediately for the right team. The Renegades recovered WR Jefferson back in trade, and will look to deepen the position long-term. NFL Comparison – DeVonta Smith Potential alternatives – WR Jameson Williams / WR George Pickens / RB Isaiah Spiller ——————– 1.07 Russia Renegades Isaiah Spiller / RB Texas A&M / 6’0” 217lb Russia can go a couple directions here if they kept their pick 3 and 6 and addressed RB and WR. With pick 9 coming as well, and the WR depth of the class, grabbing Spiller here would make the most sense. Spiller has been a Devy prospect since high school, but has slipped a little each year in college as the talent is all there, but his reaction timing keeps him from taking his game to the next level. NFL Comparison – Joe Mixon Potential alternatives – WR Jameson Williams / WR George Pickens / Trade down ——————– 1.08 Nagasaki Kamikazes Jameson Williams / WR Alabama / 6’1” 180lb The Kamikazes went all in on draft last season, grabbing WR Chase, TE Pitts, RBs Williams, Sermon, Mitchell, QB Lance, and several darts for the corral as placeholders for this year’s class. Jameson will join Javonte and Jamaal as another J Williams in Nagasaki, but likely will remain in the corral, as he tore his ACL in the Title game a few months ago. A 1 year breakout after transferring to Bama from Ohio St and sitting 3rd fiddle to both Wilson and Olave. He creates separation well and turns on the jets and is hard to keep up with. Broke Zeke Elliott’s hurdle record in NCAA. NFL Comparison – Will Fuller Potential alternatives – WR George Pickens / Trade down ——————– 1.09 Russia Renegades George Pickens / WR Georgia / 6’3” 195lb Fourth pick of first round for Russia, barring any trades prior to this article, Russia will even up the split with a second receiver to go along with two backs. Pickens can run the entire route tree, but needs to work on running routes in a more crisp manner. He is a tall lanky receiver who brings excitement with the ball in hand. Tore his ACL earlier in the season so is ahead of the healing game, but will likely start in the corral in Russia. NFL Comparison – Josh Reynolds Potential alternatives – WR Jahan Dotson / WR Skyy Moore / QB Malik Willis ——————– 1.10 San Juan Scorpions Rachaad White / RB Arizona St / 6’0” 214lb San Juan traded back into the first round, receiving picks 10 and 11 (and others) for WR Justin Jefferson. Depth and development is the approach as the Scorpions essentially have a complete team at the moment. White is a PPR prospect who caught 43 balls for 456 yards while rushing for 1000 as well. NFL Comparison – Kenyan Drake Potential alternatives – RB Zamir White / WR Jahan Dotson / WR Skyy Moore ——————— 1.11 San Juan Scorpions Jahan Dotson / WR Penn St / 5’11” 178lb With consecutive picks, most likely San Juan will grab one receiver and one back. Metcalf and McLaurin are on their final year of rookie contracts, and money is well vested in 2023 so grabbing a receiver with potential to break the starting lineup by next season is important. Dotson has the ability and talent to line up all over the field and can be a playmaker in the right NFL system. NFL Comparison – Tyler Lockett Potential alternatives – WR Skyy Moore / WR Christian Watson ——————– 1.12 Christmas Island Crabs Zamir White / RB Georgia / 6’0” 215lb U Minnesota receivers and Georgia running backs, appear to be to the appeal of the Crabs. Swift was moved a couple years ago, and now with Akers and perhaps Collins, Bateman, or a few other options in the corral nearing a move up, the Crabs will begin to load up the corral again. White has been a Devy prospect dating back to high school and has moved down the ranks due to injuries not talent. A big back, but off the charts in speed and burst. NFL Comparison – Marshawn Lynch Potential alternatives – RB Brian Robinson Jr / WR Skyy Moore / WR Christian Watson ——————– Round 2 2.01 Wake Island Wookiees Malik Willis / QB Liberty / 6’0” 219lb Wake kicks off the 2nd round with 3 of the first 4 picks after having the first two picks of round one. The Wookiees can create depth and array with 5 of the first 16 selections. Having drafted impact players in round one with a WR and a RB, the Wookiees look to develop a QB in the corral. Currently rostered, Stafford, Wentz, and Winston, on one year contracts, (Stafford yet to be determined via NFT auction) Wake Island can take a chance on the big upside of Willis. A backup to Jarrett Stidham, Willis sat out of football (transfer rules) for a season while transferring to Liberty. The most versatile dual-threat QB in the draft, can sit and wait in the Wookiee corral. (alone for the moment, but benchmates to come this draft) NFL Comparison – Tyrod Taylor Potential alternatives – WR Skyy Moore / WR Christian Watson / TE Trey McBride ——————– 2.02 Wake Island Wookiees Skyy Moore / WR Western Michigan / 5’10” 195lb Adding depth in the corral, the Wookies look to the receivers. Moore is a do-it-all receiver, possessing speed, quickness, route running ability, and lacks only prototypical size. He hasn’t played against top level talent in college, so question marks form. In the right NFL system, he can be a big time playmaker. NFL Comparison – Elijah Moore Potential alternatives – WR Christian Watson / TE Trey McBride ——————– 2.03 Turkey Jerky Christian Watson / WR North Dakota State / 6’4” 208lb Turkey grabbed another 6’4” receiver in round one, and now looks to double up with Watson in round two. Watson has moved up the ranks after an impressive showing at the combine, but lacks the competition experience having played for a small school, to measure how he will transition to the next level. Watson has huge upside but potential to be a project transitioning to greater talent. Watson would most likely end up in the corral in Turkey to start his carrer. NFL Comparison – Dontrelle Inman Potential alternatives – WR David Bell / WR Justyn Ross ——————– 2.04 Wake Island Wookiees Trey McBride / TE Colorado State / 6’4” 246lb Rounding out the balance of positions with their fifth selection, the Wookiees grab a tight end. Hockenson and Jarwin are in their final year, while Hockenson will likely be extended or tagged in Wake Island, McBride is a former three sport athlete, and possesses size and agility to be a key fantasy TE. NFL Comparison – Austin Hooper Potential alternatives – TE Jalen Wydermyer / WR David Bell / WR Justyn Ross ——————– 2.05 Egypt Pharaohs David Bell / WR Purdue / 6’1” 212lb Trading out of the first, Egypt landed a RB in return, and now selects 17th in this year’s draft. WR is the area needing most attention and while the Pharaohs will end up with 8 or 9 receivers through the auction, a corral player like Bell would be a good depth piece. Bell was amongst the best in dominator rating, and target share. He is a great possession receiver as he lacks YAC but will create separation and get open and accumulate targets and receptions. NFL Comparison – Rashod Bateman Potential alternatives – WR Justyn Ross / John Metchie ——————– 2.06 Christmas Island Crabs Justyn Ross / WR Clemson / 6’4” 205lb The Crabs traditionally go RB in round 1 and WR in round 2 and with the depth of the class I presume we see much the same. Ross was a breakout freshman playing alongside Tee Higgins, Amari Rodgers, and Hunter Renfrow. Production went down when spotlight increased, and while a tremendous athlete, Ross might best be suited as a #2 receiver for an NFL team. NFL Comparison – Corey Davis Potential alternatives – WR John Metchie / WR Wan’Dale Robinson ——————– 2.07 Nagasaki Kamikazes Brian Robinson Jr / RB Alabama / 6’2” 225lb Nagasaki went with a receiver in the first, and now grabs a RB. Robinson was behind Josh Jacobs, Damien Harris and Jajee Harris as a Freshman, and then behind Najee Harris for two more seasons. Problem is, he was there first and was pushed back by all the aforementioned. Robinson showed potential when given the opportunity, and is a big body runner, best suited for short yardage, and change of tempo back. NFL Comparison – Chris Carson Potential alternatives – WR John Metchie / QB Kenny Pickett / Trade down ——————– 2.08 Munich Mandalorians John Metchie / WR Alabama / 5’11” 187lb Munich grabs another receiver, and future slot. Metchie is coming off a torn ACL in December, and is a small receiver that plays even smaller than listed. He separates well but struggles in congestion and is not a physical player. He will benefit most as a slot in a spread offense in PPR leagues. NFL Comparison – Eddie Royal Potential alternatives – WR Wan’Dale Robinson / RB Dameon Pierce / QB Kenny Pickett ——————– 2.09 Bangkok Blitz Wan’Dale Robinson / WR Kentucky / 5’8” 178lb Bangkok makes their first appearance in the draft at pick 21 and are a well built team so adding here will be a depth piece most likely bound to be in the corral. Robinson is small and will likely be limited to the slot. Robinson will most likely be used in multiple ways if he lands on a team with a creative play caller. Slot, sweep, wildcat, and backfield play is expected and will be warranted as Robinson played RB in high school. NFL Comparison – Rondale Moore Potential alternatives – RB Dameon Pierce / QB Kenny Pickett / WR Jalen Tolbert ——————– 2.10 San Juan Scorpions Dameon Pierce / RB Florida / 5’10” 218lb Another RB that checks the boxes for San Juan. Pierce has good size, is tough to bring down, has good hands and can play on any down. Pierce might best suit as a 3rd down back at first and with the right opportunity he can become an any-down back. NFL Comparison – DeeJay Dallas Potential alternatives – QB Kenny Pickett / QB Matt Corral ——————– 2.11 Bangkok Blitz Kenny Pickett / QB Pittsburgh / 6’3” 217lb Pickett broke most of Marino’s records at Pitt, and has the ability to be a big time QB. Surprisingly athletic, while having ‘happy feet’ and nerves in the pocket, if called to elude or left protected, Pickett has the ability and talent to produce. Bangkok has Prescott under contract for 2 years, and Rodgers in his final. Grabbing a QB for the corral is a good play here. NFL Comparison – Andy Dalton Potential alternatives – QB Matt Corral / QB Sam Howell ——————– 2.12 Christmas Island Crabs Jalen Tolbert / WR South Alabama / 6’1” 194lb Large hands and incredible downfield speed and separation are a plus but a 5 year player from a small school playing against lesser talent is a cause for concern. NFL Comparison – Marvin Jones Potential alternatives – QB Matt Corral / RB Jerome Ford ——————– Round 3 3.01 Russia Renegades Matt Corral / QB Mississippi / 6’1” 212lb On the smaller side, but makes the throws. Goes through progressions well and has great reads but sometimes forces preference over what the defense gives. Comfortable in the pocket but often too much so, which results in a sack. Would join a revolving corral in Russia. NFL Comparison – Baker Mayfield Potential alternatives – RB Kyren Williams / RB Tyler Badie / TE Jalen Wydermyer ——————- 3.02 Wake Island Wookiees Jerome Ford / RB Cincinnati / 5’10” 210lb A high school WR, went to Alabama as a running back, but sat behind major talent and eventually transferred to Cincinnati. Has ideal size and speed, but does lack vision and benefits more from a strong line rather than creative ability. NFL Comparison – La’Mical Perine Potential alternatives – RB Kyren Williams / RB Tyler Badie ——————– 3.03 Ecuador Ewoks Sam Howell / QB North Carolina / 6’0” 218lb Shorter QB, with a big arm, Howell can make the throws, but pats the ball, tends to loft deep throws, and finds trouble with telegraphing. He has elusiveness and can be a dual-threat, which can buy time and keep defenses honest. NFL Comparison – Chase Daniel Potential alternatives – TE Jalen Wydermyer / RB Kyren Williams / RB Tyler Badie ——————- 3.04 Christmas Island Crabs Jalen Wydermyer / TE Texas A&M / 6’4” 255lb CIC does have Andrews and Kittle, but as TEs tend to take time to develop, Wydermyer needs to work on blocking to get on the field more often, but has great athleticism and hands, and can be a big offensive weapon. NFL Comparison – Kaden Smith Potential alternatives – RB Kyren Williams / RB Tyler Badie / TE Jeremy Ruckert ——————– 3.05 Nagasaki Kamikazes Kyren Williams / RB Notre Dame / 5’9” 194lb Future third down back, can block as well as catch out of the backfield. Small stature, but will also line up in the slot. Williams has a toughness about him and will fight for more playing time, but his small stature may limit him in the pros. NFL Comparison – Dion Lewis Potential alternatives – RB Tyler Badie / WR Khalil Shakir / TE Jeremy Ruckert ——————– 3.06 San Juan Scorpions James Cook / RB Georgia / 5’11” 199lb Baby brother to Dalvin, and a very different player. James is a smaller runner who thrives more in PPR. He will not beat you by pounding between the tackles, and more geared towards a change of pace or third down back. His impressive catching skills has Scorpions potential, but would be bound for the corral and may need time to develop opportunity on the field. NFL Comparison – Darrynton Evans Potential alternatives – RB Tyler Badie / TE Jeremy Ruckert / WR Khalil Ruckert ——————– 3.07 Turkey Jerky Calvin Austin III / WR Memphis / 5’7” 178lb Austin wont win the 50/50 balls, but he doesn’t need to, with olympic speed. He will be a contribution on special teams so draft positioning will move him up the board. With the right team, he will be used as a modern day gadget player, having experience all over the field in college. NFL Comparison – Isaiah McKenzie Potential alternatives – RB Tyler Badie / WR Khalil Shakir ——————– 3.08 Turkey Jerky Desmond Ridder / QB Cincinnati / 6’3” 211lb With back to back picks, Turkey doesn’t need to feel torn between players. Taking WR at 3.07, the Jerky will look to other areas of need. Ridder has good size and speed, but favors the pocket, unless the legs are needed. A poised passer, excellent with his check-downs and reads, but needs work on accuracy. NFL Comparison – Ryan Tannehill Potential alternatives – QB Carson Strong / RB Tyler Badie ——————- 3.09 Bangkok Blitz Tyler Badie / RB Missouri / 5’8” 197lb Undersized, change-of-pace back with a big heart and pass-catching talent. Despite a lack of desired size, Badie took on a monster workload and produced at a high level. He played in a run scheme heavily tilted to outside zone and is at his best in space, although he’s natural and confident in tight run lanes. NFL Comparison – Kenneth Gainwell Potential alternatives – RB Tyler Allgeier / RB Hassan Haskins / RB Zonovan Knight ——————– 3.10 San Juan Scorpions Tyler Allgeier / RB BYU / 5’11” 224lb Well-built, highly productive zone-scheme runner with impressive vision and feel for the job. Allgeier is smooth and instinctive with one-cut talent. He effectively navigates the ebbs and flows of run lane development. He’s more agile than twitchy and relies on his ability to quickly process. NFL Comparison – Chuba Hubbard Potential alternatives – RB Hassan Haskins / QB Carson Strong ——————– 3.11 Nagasaki Kamikazes Hassan Haskins / RB Michigan / 6’1” 228lb Big runner who is much more workmanlike than dynamic with the ball in his hands. In his lone season as a lead back, Haskins’ downhill, physical style was well-paired with the “cloud of dust” rushing philosophy for Michigan. NFL Comparison – A.J. Dillon Potential alternatives – QB Carson Strong / RB Zonovan Knight ——————– 3.12 San Juan Scorpions Carson Strong / QB Nevada / 6’3” 226lb “Touch-or-torch” pocket passer with rare blend of power and finesse to turn low percentage throws into completions. His surgically repaired right knee might hinder the sturdiness of his throwing base, but Strong still throws with velocity, accuracy and touch either on or off-platform. He has the talent to attack any coverage and all areas of the field. NFL Comparison – Drew Bledsoe Potential alternatives – RB Zonovan Knight / WR Khalil Shakir ——————- Round 4 4.01 Egypt Pharaohs Khalil Shakir / WR Boise St / 6’0” 196lb Shakir puts an emphatic stamp on games. He’s more football player than prototypical slot receiver and needs to prove he can handle an increase in contested catches. He can be activated from a variety of alignments with the vision, wiggle and toughness to move the chains once the ball is in his hands. He finds a way to frequently show up on the notepad when watching tape and his will to outperform the guy across from him should not be overlooked. Shakir should become a valuable piece for a creative play-caller. NFL Comparison – Antwaan Randle El Potential alternatives – WR Romeo Doubs / WR Alec Pierce ——————– 4.02 Wake Island Wookiees Alec Pierce / WR Cincinnati / 6’3” 211lb Pierce was a mismatch as a deep-ball target at Cincinnati, but is more likely to be tabbed as a possession receiver with the ability to create some downfield trouble as a pro. He plays a physical brand of ball and has combat-catch toughness, which is important because he’s not an elusive route runner. NFL Comparison – Donovan Peoples-Jones Potential alternatives – WR Romeo Doubs / RB Zonovan Knight ——————– 4.03 Nagasaki Kamikazes Tyquan Thornton / WR Baylor / 6’2” 181lb There is a lot to like about Thornton’s game, including his instincts, long speed and ability to create separation on the move. He’s a vertical threat with the speed and poise to win deep and has an excellent feel for maintaining spacing when working against zone coverage. NFL Comparison – Tiquan Underwood Potential alternatives – WR Romeo Doubs / WR Bo Melton ——————– 4.04 Turkey Jerky Jerrion Ealy / RB Mississippi / 5’8” 189lb Smaller but talented running back with legitimate versatility to wear a variety of hats for a team. Some teams will be drawn to his diverse athletic background in addition to his competitive nature. He’s not overly explosive but does a nice job of creating missed tackles while keeping his play speed up. NFL Comparison – Phillip Lindsay Potential alternatives – RB Zonovan Knight / WR Romeo Doubs ——————– 4.05 Nagasaki Kamikazes Isaiah Likely / TE Coastal Carolina / 6’4” 245lb Likely was recruited to play wide receiver by some colleges out of Everett High School in Massachusetts, but Coastal Carolina said he could grow into a tight end — where his NFL future lies. NFL Comparison – Delanie Walker Potential alternatives – TE Jeremy Ruckert / TE Greg Dulcich ——————– 4.06 Ecuador Ewoks Kennedy Brooks / RB Oklahoma / 5’10” 209lb Brooks will be knocked for a lack of suddenness and explosiveness, but may end up becoming a more effective NFL runner than evaluators expect. He’s a tempo-based runner with an ability to switch gears inside the run when needed. He has adequate size and vision but really impresses with his ability to maintain space from defenders as the run progresses. He’s not a home run hitter or a physical finisher and is unlikely to offer much third down value. NFL Comparison – James Conner Potential alternatives – WR Romeo Doubs / RB Zonovan Knight ——————– 4.07 Turkey Jerky Ty Chandler / RB North Carolina / 5’11” 204lb He’s a smooth strider who can become a little disjointed when processing and attacking the blocking scheme. Chandler needs to turn up the play speed in the early stages to attack the fleeting run lanes he will see in the pros. NFL Comparison – C.J. Procise Potential alternatives – WR Romeo Doubs / RB Zonovan Knight ——————– 4.08 Munich Mandalorians Bailey Zappe / QB Western Kentucky / 6’0” 215lb Stocky pocket passer with eye-popping production in high-volume passing attacks. Zappe is a confident passer willing to challenge both man or zone coverages on all three levels. His release quickness and arm strength are both below average and he might not work with the anticipation or decision-making prowess to overcome those areas of concern. He’s unimpressive physically and lacks precision accuracy, so finding work as a backup might be a longshot despite the impressive career production. NFL Comparison – Andy Dalton Potential alternatives – WR Romeo Doubs / TE Greg Dulcich ——————- 4.09 Bangkok Blitz Jeremy Ruckert / TE Ohio State / 6’5” 252lb Muscular move tight end on the collegiate level who should be able to find a home as an in-line worker. Ruckert should test well creating a favorable height-weight-speed profile that could push him up draft boards. NFL Comparison – Dalton Schultz Potential alternatives – TE Greg Dulcich / TE Daniel Bellinger ——————– 4.10 San Juan Scorpions Romeo Doubs / WR Nevada / 6’2” 201lb Doubs is a special athlete. He’s one of the twitchiest players in this class — bar none — with great downfield explosiveness, stacking ability, and body control. With his twitch and fast feet, he has the potential to be an elite route runner and an elite run-after-catch threat. NFL Comparison – Tyler Johnson Potential alternatives – WR Bo Melton / Velus Jones Jr ——————– 4.11 Wake Island Wookiees Bo Melton / WR Rutgers / 5’11” 189lb Prospect with average size, play speed and traits. While nothing stands out for Melton from a physical standpoint, he possesses good football intelligence and can be an efficient route-runner, using leverage and purposeful movement to create some separation. He doesn’t appear to have the vertical burst of a downfield weapon and his hands fail to consistently stand out. NFL Comparison – Kenny Stills Potential alternatives – WR Velus Jones Jr / WR Charleston Rambo ——————– 4.12 Christmas Island Crabs Max Borghi / RB Washington St / 5’9” 210lb Mr Irrelevant….. Once a devy ranking as possibly the next CMC, Borghi has disappointed the past two seasons. Borghi’s stat line has been solid in all three seasons he was healthy and he offers rushing and receiving versatility out of the backfield. However, he’s a linear runner lacking short-area wiggle and he is much more brake-oriented than gas-oriented when it comes time to hit it between the tackles. CIC takes a shot at pick 48.