Here is my first post Sean Payton hiring mock draft. I figure the obvious will be a win now mentality. I fully expect some cap manipulation to get some decent free agents on the offensive line. I also looked to trade back and pick up additional picks since we will likely be looking to take some shots.

Pick 68 – Zach Harrison, Edge, Ohio State – He’s a guy who will likely blow up the combine running a sub 4.5 at close to 270lbs. Similar to Browning, he’s never really lived up to his athletic potential while at Ohio State, but rare to see someone as big, fast and long as him. He can win with power or speed, what he seems to lack is consistency from one series to another and can get sloppy playing tall and being somewhat slow off the line at times. If he lasts this long, well worth the pick at this point.

Pick 103 – Hendon Hooker, QB Tennessee – I don’t think Payton is enamored with Russell Wilson, and while Hooker is older than you typically want in a QB prospect and he hasn’t played in a sophisticated system, he has immense arm talent, has ability to escape and elude defenders, and has shown great leadership qualities. I think Peyton sees someone he can mold and has the cache if Wilson continues to struggle to move Hooker into a starting role.

Pick 106 – Daiyan Henley, LB WSU – He’s a guy who started out as a WR for UNLV before transitioning to safety and last year transferred to WSU. He got a solid build and has sideline to sideline speed. He’s solid in coverage and while his instincts are not natural he is improving in being a force in the run game. He’s a guy who has a chance to be a solid ST contributor and rotational defender.

Pick 108 – Julius Brents, CB KSU – Similar to Tariq Woolen, last year he’s extremely long and fast and may likely go much higher than here. The issue is his college production has not lived up to the physical skill set although this past season has been outstanding.

Pick 137 – Nick Broeker, OT/OG Mississippi - He’s played tackle and guard and likely can be that 6th man in the NFL. He’s much better in pass protection versus run but he is athletic enough to get to the second level, has solid feet. Has some trouble with consistency, especially against speed rushers and can get caught reaching or getting beat off counter moves.

Pick 141 – Dontayvion Wicks, WR Virginia – He’s a player I think a lot of people are sleeping on, had a fantastic season in 2021, 2022 the while situation at Virginia changed as far as offense and coaching followed by terrible tragedy. Wicks is severely underrated at this point, he’s big, fast, fluid and natural ball catcher. I think he’s exactly the type of WR that can make someone like Sutton expendable.

Pick 195 – Jerrod Clark, DL Coastal Carolina – He’s a true nose tackle. Massive human at 6’ 4" 335 lbs. He’s a guy who with some solid coaching to help keep him playing with consistent leverage can be a very effective NT. He does give some good push in the pass rush and can shed blocks fairly easily, and can take on double teams.

Pick 220 – Chris Rodriguez Jr. RB Kentucky – He’s a big bruising back who should be able to compete for a rotational role. He doesn’t have the top end speed, but similar to Williams, he breaks tackles regularly and turns 2 to 3 yard gains into 8 to 12 yard gains. Doesn’t bring a whole lot to the passing game but can block and is tough to bring down in the open field.

Pick 238 – Quindell Johnson, S Memphis – Has been a solid player for Memphis and has the makings of a solid safety prospect. Good ball and coverage skills. He’s a player that is going to have to make it on ST first and prove he can hang in the secondary.

Pick 243 – Jake Moody, K Michigan – I think this is going to be where the Broncos maybe loo for some cap savings and cut McManus and raft Moody. I think Moody is good enough to take over the role with little to no drop off. He has kicked in pressure situations and hit a Michigan record 59 yard field goal against TCU at the Fiesta bowl.