It’s the offseason. We’re a couple of weeks away from the start of NFL Training Camp and a step closer to live, competitive football. However, today, football fans are bored and starving for something to do or debate about.
Sure, we had the big news last week of Baker Mayfield finally getting traded to the Carolina Panthers, giving everyone something to talk about. Now, we’re bored again. The football news cycle…silent.
So, I decided, on behalf of everyone at Blue Chip Scouting, to do something that will inspire debate and discussion for football fans and media alike: a Madden-like 1st-round re-draft.
If you are someone that has played the Madden football video game, you may have played a version of the connected franchise mode where you had the option of doing a fantasy draft where you got to reset all the teams and players in the NFL and create your very own team.
I have played this mode as of late and I cannot tell you how much I enjoy building my different rosters on Madden. It’s an underrated version of C.F.M. that is fun to play. Inspired by Trevor Sikkema and Connor Rogers of the NFL Stock Exchange Podcast, I underwent the task of doing my own fantasy draft.
The draft order is set by the Super Bowl odds for this upcoming season via Vegas Insider.
Let’s start the NFL from scratch!
1) Houston Texans: QB Patrick Mahomes
This is a no-brainer for me. Patrick Mahomes is one of the two best players in the entire National Football League. Since his first full season in the NFL, he’s already accomplished an incredible amount of success. Mahomes has won a league MVP, won Super Bowl 54, and has appeared in every AFC Championship in the last 4 seasons. He is well on his way to being an all-time great. The Texans would be getting the face of the NFL for the next 15 years, at minimum.
2) Atlanta Falcons: DL Aaron Donald
I know you probably expected a quarterback here and rightfully so. However, Aaron Donald is HIM. While he is entering his age 31 season, Donald is without a doubt the best defensive player in the last decade and a future first-ballot Hall of Famer. Sure, there have been rumors of a potential retirement from #99 in the future. Even so, the Falcons would be getting one of the best talents in football. Donald has at least another 6-8 years of high-level play left, so this selection is well worth the risk.
3) Seattle Seahawks: QB Josh Allen
I feel like what we’ve seen over the last couple of seasons from this man is no fluke: Josh Allen is arguably one of the best quarterbacks in football excluding Mahomes. Allen has a rare physical profile and is one of the best rushing threats at his position. Allen, like Mahomes, gives you incredible and elite QB play that allows for your team’s Super Bowl window to be wide open. Allen will give your team a chance to win every Sunday no matter who is around him. He’s that good and he’s that special of a player Seattle would be set for the next 15-plus years.
4) New York Jets: QB Trevor Lawrence
You’re probably asking me why in the world I would have a 2nd-year quarterback, especially one who has so much to prove, drafted here as the 3rd QB off the board? Well, it’s because despite having an underwhelming season in which he played under the worst head coach in NFL history, Trevor Lawrence did show he is going to be VERY good at the next level and has the football acumen and physical talent to play in any offensive scheme/system. I would be ecstatic to see Lawrence playing in Mike LaFleur’s offense, one that is as QB-friendly as it gets.
5) Jacksonville Jaguars: QB Joe Burrow
Joe Sheisty, Joe Burrr, Cool Joe– whatever you want to call him. The former Heisman Trophy winner is that dude. This is a quarterback that you can win games with because of him. Burrow is an elite quarterback in my book for a couple of things: elite pocket awareness and amazing navigation when it comes to moving around and escaping the confines of said pocket. Add in his incredible football IQ, accuracy, and poise under pressure, and you have yourself an elite QB and the face of your franchise. What Burrow did in the second half of last season and the postseason was spectacular. I’m all in!
6) Detroit Lions: OT Quenton Nelson
I’m a menace to society, though I’m incredibly in love with this selection. Quenton Nelson is arguably the best offensive lineman in football. His competitive toughness, mauler mentality, and elite all-around skill-set make Nelson the perfect player for Dan Campbell and the Lions. Yes, I know guards aren’t valuable (looking at you, Tyler Forness). Though, I think Nelson is the exception. The Lions will set the tone early and often with Nelson upfront.
7) Chicago Bears: EDGE Myles Garrett
I could’ve helped the Bears by giving them another QB that can potentially lead them to their first Lombardi Trophy since 1985, but I digress. I went with the best pass rusher in the NFL. Myles Garrett is a freak of nature and has consistently produced while playing at an elite level since entering the NFL in 2017. Garrett is still 26 years old and will be the face of an NFL franchise for years to come. I like the value here and the player. Hey, maybe in Round 2, you can still get a future franchise guy at QB!
8) Carolina Panthers: QB Justin Herbert
The Carolina Panthers finally end their QB purgatory with the selection of Justin Herbert. Remember when Marty Hurney was giving Herbert goo-goo eyes at Oregon’s pro day in 2020? Well, he was definitely onto something and always had an eye for elite draft talent in the first round. Herbert is a player with unbelievable poise and top-tier physical traits and tools that make him one of the 5 best quarterbacks in the NFL. Since entering the league two seasons ago, Herbert has done nothing but ball out. This is another QB that the Panthers can win a couple of Super Bowls with and can win games because of him.
9) New York Giants: QB Lamar Jackson
I don’t want to go on a tangent here about Lamar Jackson. I’ve done enough of that on Twitter this week as has everyone else. The fact is…Jackson is very, very good. He’s one of the special talents this league has to offer. He’s an elite runner who will be a threat to run for 1,000 yards as a quarterback. He offers incredible out-of-structure ability and a great arm that allows him to get the ball downfield with a flick of the wrist. Will Jackson ever be a perfect pocket passer? Heck, no. Is he one of the most dangerous talents in all of football? Yes, he is!
10) Pittsburgh Steelers: EDGE T.J. Watt
Watt is going nowhere. He’ll be staying right at home with Pittsburgh. Under the assumption that Kenny Pickett could be the future of the franchise, I decided to give Pittsburgh back its franchise EDGE rusher. Watt is a phenomenal pass rusher who can play in any defensive front and has shown to be one of the elite talents in the NFL. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year is going off a season where he nearly broke the single-season record for sacks. Watt is still 27 years old and will look to have more opportunities to break or shatter that record in the years to come.
11) Washington Commanders: QB Dak Prescott
Had it not been for a devastating ankle injury in 2020, Dak Prescott would be considered one of the five best players at his position. He was on pace for record numbers that year and could’ve won league MVP that season. Today, he’s still considered one of the best and a quarterback you can win with because of. Prescott has improved every year of his career and continues to be a handful every Sunday. The former 4th-round pick out of Mississippi State would be a leader for a Washington Commanders team that has lacked the leadership at QB for years.
12) New England Patriots: QB Aaron Rodgers
Yep, ole Bill Belichick does it again. Why not go from Tom Brady to Aaron Rodgers two years later? Rodgers continues to play at an elite level and has shown no signs of slowing down. At age 38, A-Rod is still one of the most gifted quarterbacks in the NFL. Will Rodgers retire in a few years? Probably. Is your Super Bowl window open now? You bet it is! The Patriots would have an opportunity to go for their 7th Lombardi Trophy with Rodgers at the helm.
13) New Orleans Saints: OT Tristian Wirfs
Arguably the best young offensive tackle in the league, Wirfs would be a tone setter and a cornerstone franchise piece. His last two seasons have produced some of the best play and tape by any offensive lineman. At just 23 years old, Wirfs will be the best, or one of the best players, at his position for a very long time. Having him protecting your franchise QB, whoever that might be, would be more than ideal.
14) Minnesota Vikings: QB Matthew Stafford
I’m not sure how my good friend and fellow boomer Tyler Forness will react to this selection, but this pick guarantees the Vikings will have great quarterback play for another 5 years at the minimum. Matthew Stafford is easily better than Kirk Cousins, let’s get that out of the way. You’re getting a QB that can win you games in both the regular season and the postseason when it matters most. We saw the best of Stafford last season with the Rams and I have no doubt the Vikings would be a better team with a somewhat sizeable Lombardi Trophy window.
15) Las Vegas Raiders: EDGE Micah Parsons
The Raiders are getting a rare talent with Micah Parsons as their pass rusher. I’ll be the first to admit that moving the EDGE may compromise his development as I thought he could be a very good off-ball linebacker. It just so happens that Parsons is both a good off-ball backer and a fantastic pass rusher. The combination of rare explosiveness, athleticism, lateral agility, and continued growth in his pass rush plan make Parsons one of the best all-around defensive weapons in the NFL. Not bad for a player entering the second year of his career.
16) Miami Dolphins: CB Jalen Ramsey
The best cornerback in football lands with a team who has seemed to have stockpiled great corners over the last few seasons. Ramsey is only 27 years old and should still be the best at his position for at least another 5-6 years, minimum. His accolades and play have spoken for themselves, and there’s not much to say about Ramsey. Did he give up a big catch in the Super Bowl? Yes, but all cornerbacks will give up a big play here and there. That’s just the league we know today.
17) Tennessee Titans: WR Justin Jefferson
It’s about time a wide receiver came off the board. Justin Jefferson’s production and play from the last two seasons suggest to me that he is going to be an elite wide receiver for a very long time. Jefferson offers the entire package and will provide Titans fans with plenty of big-time plays and exciting moments.
18) Arizona Cardinals: EDGE Nick Bosa
Nick Bosa is one of the best defenders in football. 15 sacks coming off a torn ACL the season prior is unheard of. Bosa is like his brother, Joey, in so many ways…but better! The Cardinals would be getting the predecessor to Chandler Jones with Bosa and some that can terrorize offenses for the next 10 years, assuming he can stay healthy.
19) Cleveland Browns: QB Kyler Murray
As he enters his 4th year in the NFL, Kyler Murray still has plenty to prove. However, what we’ve seen since he entered the league is exciting quarterback play despite some inconsistencies along the way. Murray is a threat as both a runner and passer and has shown to dominate defenses with incredible quickness and vision on the ground, great arm talent, and out-of-structure ability in the air. I would hope that Murray succeeds in a Kevin Stefanski offense that is very QB-friendly.
20) Philadelphia Eagles: WR Davante Adams
Nabbing arguably the best wide receiver in the game wouldn’t be too shabby for Howie Roseman and the Eagles. Davante Adams is the total package and is one of the best in the game when it comes to release repertoire and beating defensive backs at the line of scrimmage. If Adams is on your roster, your chances of winning football games increase.
21) Indianapolis Colts: OT Trent Williams
Trent Williams was the best offensive tackle in the league last season. At 33, there’s still plenty left in the tank for the All-Pro left tackle. Williams still possesses an incredible physical and athletic profile that is hard to match. If you need an offensive tackle to protect your blindside, I’d choose Williams 10 times out of 10.
22) Cincinnati Bengals: WR Ja’Marr Chase
Ja’Marr Chase stays in Cincinnati after all! It’s quite clear that when Chase stepped onto the field for the first time last season, he was going to be a difference maker for the Bengals. The 2021 No. 5 overall pick became one of the better receivers in the game very quickly. Chase plays bigger than his size and it shows on tape. He has a very bright future in this league. I would not surprise anyway to see Chase as the best receiver in football in a few years.
23) Baltimore Ravens: CB Jaire Alexander
Jaire Alexander hive, RISE UP! If Jalen Ramsey didn’t exist, Alexander would be considered the best cornerback in America. His combination of football IQ, closing burst, athleticism, press-man skills, and spatial awareness in zone coverage makes him one of those types of players you do not want to throw to as a quarterback. Not only that but running on the perimeter would be a risk, too. Alexander offers great tackling technique and run support skills.
24) Dallas Cowboys: QB Tom Brady
The GOAT had to be drafted at some point. Do you think I’d leave Tommy out of the first round? Please! This is a perfect combination: the greatest player in NFL history and America’s team together. That would tick off sports fans. Jokes aside, while Brady’s future is still in question, the Cowboys would be in a win-now situation. That means you better build a great roster around TB12, who is still playing at an elite level at age 45.
25) Denver Broncos: WR Deebo Samuel
My thinking towards most of these draft picks is with the future and longevity in mind. With the Broncos pick, I had to go with Deebo Samuel, who has emerged as one of the best talents at his position. Where he’ll play after 2022 will be interesting to see. Yet, he’s still a very impactful player for any team. Deebo is a running back with the ball in his hands but is every bit of a wide receiver that you can ask for. He understands how to create separation and hits his landmarks very well as a route runner.
26) San Francisco 49ers: CB Denzel Ward
After Jalen Ramsey and Jaire Alexander, there’s Denzel Ward. I’ve always appreciated Ward and the talent he possesses. The former No. 4 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft has done nothing but play exceptional football since he entered the league. Ward has the prototypical size, athleticism, coverage, and ball skills that you look for in a No. 1 cornerback. In some regards, Ward is underrated, despite getting a massive extension this offseason.
27) Los Angeles Chargers: OT Rashawn Slater
Heading into the 2021 NFL Draft, it was quite clear that Rashawn Slater was incredibly advanced from a technical standpoint. Not many people expected a Pro Bowl and 2nd team All-Pro selections. Slater is one of the best young players in the NFL and is certainly the future at left tackle for the Los Angeles Chargers. A few years down the road, we’ll be using Slater’s film as a teaching tape for many young offensive linemen, if it isn’t already.
28) Green Bay Packers: iOL Creed Humphrey
Here’s another player that will probably be the best center in the NFL very soon. Creed Humphrey was outstanding during his rookie year with the Chiefs. There are not many centers that are as scheme diverse as Humphrey, who was on Pro Football Focus’s All-Pro 1st team. Humphrey has shown to be a great leader and communicator for such a young age and would be a great asset in Green Bay
29) Los Angeles Rams: iDL Jeffery Simmons
If and when Aaron Donald retires, as the rumors have suggested, Jeffery Simmons will take over the helm as the best interior defensive lineman in the NFL. In 2021, he produced a career-high 8.5 sacks including 3 against the Bengals in the playoffs. Simmons is a game-wrecker in every sense of the word and would be a huge presence in the middle of the Rams defense.
30) Kansas City Chiefs: CB A.J. Terrell
Out of all of the lowlights for the Falcons, A.J. Terrell provides some positivity. One of the most talented corners in the NFL, Terrell has shown to hang around and play incredibly well against the NFL’s best of the best at wide receiver. In a division that features D.J. Moore, Chris Godwin, Michael Thomas, and Mike Evans, you have to play at your best when it comes to cornerbacks. Terrell would provide a huge boost to a Chiefs defense that has not had an elite cornerback on the roster in quite some time.
31) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: RB Christian McCaffrey
There’s a lot of risk with this selection. Christian McCaffrey has not played a full season since his 1000/1000 season in 2019. Even so, he’s still the best running back in football when healthy. If there is a running back that I would draft in the first round, it’s CMC. There are very few running backs that possess both incredible running skills and passing down skills that make him one of the biggest offensive threats in the game.
32) Buffalo Bills: QB Justin Fields
Look, I know Justin Fields didn’t do great in his rookie year. Though, he is immensely talented and has a very bright future in the NFL. Fields is the closest thing to prime-Cam Newton when it comes to mobility, arm talent, and physical profile. With Joe Brady as his QB coach and Ken Dorsey as his offensive coordinator, Fields would be landing in a perfect spot to further continue his development as a future star at his position.
Honorable Mentions
These are players that were considered to be selected in the Blue Chip Scouting Madden Fantasy Draft:
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iOL Zack Martin
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EDGE Joey Bosa
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TE Kyle Pitts
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WR D.J. Moore
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WR Terry McLaurin
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QB Derek Carr
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S Derwin James
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WR Tyreek Hill
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LB Fred Warner
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iDL DeForest Buckner
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OT David Bakhtiari
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TE George Kittle
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WR DeAndre Hopkins
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CB Marlon Humphrey
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S Minkah Fitzpatrick