Mock ‘Em If You Got ‘Em

04/27/2021

By: Jeff Yoder

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Jay Leno

“The NFL Draft is this Thursday. That’s a huge night for college players. That’s the night they start getting paid over the table.”

Letter Rip!

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NFL

The Sportsletter Mock Draft 2.0

Photo: Icon Sportswire / Getty Images

Draft Week is Here, So Let’s Join the Craze & Make Our Picks

 

We know, we know. NFL mock drafts have been debated ad nauseum for months now, but draft week is finally upon us. The insiders have their sources creating buzz, but it’s smokescreen season. Don’t get caught in the haze. We have our own sources, and our own opinions, about what will transpire this weekend. So buckle up, settle in, and enjoy The Sportsletter Mock Draft 2.0.

 

The Sportsletter Mock Draft 2.0

 

Picks 1-10

1. Jaguars: QB Trevor Lawrence (Clemson)

2. Jets: QB Zach Wilson (BYU)

3. 49ers: QB Mac Jones (Alabama)

4. Falcons: TE Kyle Pitts (Florida)

5. Bengals: WR Ja’Marr Chase (LSU)

6. Dolphins: WR Jaylen Waddle (Alabama)

7. Lions: OL Penei Sewell (Oregon)

8. Patriots: QB Trey Lance (North Dakota State) TRADE ↑

9. Broncos: QB Justin Fields (Ohio State)

10. Cowboys: CB Patrick Surtain II (Alabama)

 

Picks 11-20

11. Giants: LB Micah Parsons (Penn State)

12. Eagles: WR DeVonta Smith (Alabama)

13. Chargers: OL Alijah Vera-Tucker (USC)

14. Vikings: EDGE Kwity Paye (Michigan)

15. Panthers: OL Rashawn Slater (Northwestern) TRADE ↓

16. Cardinals: CB Jaycee Horn (South Carolina)

17. Raiders: OL Christian Darrisaw (Virginia Tech)

18. Dolphins: RB Najee Harris (Alabama)

19. Washington: CB Caleb Farley (Virginia Tech)

20. Bears: CB Greg Newsome II (Northwestern)

 

Picks 21-32

21. Colts: LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Notre Dame)

22. Titans: EDGE Azeez Ojulari (Georgia)

23. Jets: S Trevon Moehrig (TCU)

24. Steelers: OL Teven Jenkins (Oklahoma State)

25. Jaguars: CB Asante Samuel Jr. (Florida State)

26. Browns: DT Christian Barmore (Alabama)

27. Ravens: EDGE Jayson Oweh (Penn State)

28. Saints: S Trevon Moehrig (TCU)

29. Packers: WR Rashod Bateman (Minnesota)

30. Bills: EDGE Jayson Oweh (Penn State)

31. Ravens: WR Rondale Moore (Purdue)

32. Buccaneers: WR Kadarius Toney (Florida)

 

Editor’s Notes & Key Picks: The Patriots will move up from Pick 15 to select their quarterback in the top-10. The Dolphins add two offensive weapons from Alabama to surround QB Tua Tagovailoa. And there’s a run of speed receivers to end the first round.

 

Disagree? Reply to today’s newsletter and let us know where we went wrong.

 

2021 NFL Draft Schedule

Thursday: Round 1

Friday: Rounds 2-3

Saturday: Rounds 4-7

 

Additional Storylines

USA Today: Top 50 NFL Draft Prospects in 2021

The Ringer: 2021 NFL Draft Guide & Scouting Reports

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NBA

CP3, Suns Stall Knicks Streak

Photo: Elsa / Getty Images

Phoenix def. New York (118-110) to Halt Knicks’ Win Streak at 9 Games

 

The streak is over. The New York Knicks suffered their first loss in 20 days against the Suns Monday night in Madison Square Garden. Chris Paul took over and scored the final seven points for Phoenix to halt the Knicks’ win streak at nine games — their longest in more than seven years. But it’s not a sad day in the Big Apple. On the contrary. The Knicks’ run vaulted them into 4th in the Eastern Conference, and a favorable schedule down the stretch could see New York garner its first home-court advantage in the playoffs since 2013.

 

Watch: Chris Paul, Suns End Knicks Win Streak

 

Other NBA Highlights

 

Westbrook’s Triple-Double Spree: With his 12th triple-double of the month in an overtime loss to the Spurs Monday night (146-143), Russell Westbrook broke Wilt Chamberlain’s NBA record for most triple-doubles in a calendar month (12). The Wizards have won 10 of their last 12, and Russ is just six triple-doubles away from Oscar Robertson’s all-time record (181).

 

MPJ Stepping Up: The Nuggets beat the Grizzlies (120-96) to claim their sixth win in seven games thanks to 31 points from Michael Porter Jr. MPJ has stepped up big, averaging 21.1 ppg since Jamal Murray’s season-ending ACL injury.

 

Anthony Davis, No Limits: For the first time in months, Anthony Davis returned to the lineup for the Lakers without a minutes restriction last night. And wouldn’t ya know it, the struggling Lakers got a dub. They beat the Magic (114-103) behind AD’s 18-8-3 night.

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MLB

Ohtani Makes 2-Way History

Photo: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images

Angels’ Shohei Ohtani Does Something Not Seen in 100 Years of Baseball

 

The biggest Sho in The Big Show made more MLB history on Monday. When Angels’ two-way star Shohei Ohtani took the mound, he became the first player since 1921 to start a game at pitcher while simultaneously holding the league lead in home runs (7). You can probably guess the player who did it last. His name was Babe Ruth. After making history just by taking the mound, there was work to be done for Sho Time. Ohtani fanned nine batters while going 2-for-3 with two RBIs and three runs scored in a 9-4 win over the Rangers. Move aside, Babe. There’s a new two-way star in the record books.

 

Watch: Shohei Ohtani Does It All Against Rangers

 

MLB Quick-Hitters

 

Hoskins Nabs HR Lead: Even though Ohtani started the day tied for the HR lead, Rhys Hoskins’ 2-homer night put him in the drivers seat with eight HRs this season. The Phillies beat the Cards (2-1) behind Hoskins’ two solo shots.

 

Royalty Rolling: Make it five straight wins for the Royals. Kansas City beat Detroit (3-2) on Monday to extend their league-best win streak. It’s early, but the Royals trail the Dodgers by just 0.5 games for the best record in the big leagues.

 

Luplow Walk-Off Alert: Last night’s AL Central battle between the Indians and Twins needed 10 innings before Jordan Luplow crushed a two-run walk-off HR to left-center. Indians win, 5-3, and Luplow gets his second career walk-off.

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SOCCER

It’s a Super Tuesday of Soccer

Photo: Visionhaus / Getty Images

Today’s Schedule: UEFA Champions League, CONCACAF & NWSL Challenge Cup

 

Soccer fans, rejoice. Today’s slate has a little something for everyone. It’s a massive day in Europe with the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal between Real Madrid and Chelsea. Manchester City and PSG take the pitch tomorrow. The action shifts to North America for a pair of night-caps in both men’s and women’s soccer. Spring kicking is on!

 

UEFA Champions League

Real Madrid vs. Chelsea (3:00 pm)

 

CONCACAF Champions League

Atlanta Utd. vs. Philadelphia Union (8:00 pm)

Toronto FC vs. Cruz Azul (10:00 pm)

 

NWSL Challenge Cup

Washington Spirit vs. NY Gotham FC (7:00 pm)

OL Reign vs. Chicago Red Stars (10:00 pm)

 

*All Times Eastern

 

Additional Storylines

ESPN: Four Finalists Turn Their Focus to Champions League After Super League Drama

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THE STORYLINES 

🏀 What Kim Mulkey’s Coaching Move Means

Mulkey’s move from Baylor to LSU brings a ripple effect to women’s college basketball. Except it’s more like a boulder hitting the water. Her decision to leave Baylor after 21 seasons and three national championships has a major impact on two Power 5 conferences. (ESPN)

 

⚽️ Super League Fallout & The Transfer Market

The recent saga involving the creation (and failure) of the Super League will have a lasting impact on the summer transfer market in Europe. Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and more of the world’s biggest stars could all be effected. (CBS Sports)

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🏎️ Reevaluating the Risk of Racing

After Joey Logano’s airborne crash, NASCAR needs to rethink its safety measures. Superspeedways promote exciting racing, but the latest crash has drivers pondering how much risk is too much. (FOX Sports)

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