How it could have gone if I was the GM

Reflecting on past drafts often brings moments of hindsight those times we lament missed opportunities, imagining how things might’ve turned out if we had snagged that coveted Pro Bowler instead of the underwhelming “dope” we ended up with. But until you’re the one sitting in the GM’s chair, faced with the pressure of making crucial decisions, it’s hard to fully grasp the complexity of picking winners. It’s also important to recognize the intricate work that goes into acquiring draft picks through trades a task that demands both skill and strategy.

The heart of this experiment lies in the picks themselves. For the past seven or eight years, I’ve been making my selections before our GM submits theirs. I suspect many of you have done something similar. It’s a fascinating long-term exercise, tracking the progress of these picks over three or four years, and envisioning the makeup of a team you built yourself. Did my choices align with Glenn and Mougey? Now’s the time to find out. Let’s dive into the comparisons and see how my picks stacked up when the pressure was on against theirs .

ROUND 1 (PICK 7)

My Pick: OT, Armand Membou, Missouri

Mouglenn’s Pick: OT, Armand Membou, Missouri

Me and the two headed draft monster, Mougleen were on the same page here. It’s the start of new regime and this pick needs to be as safe as possible while also filling a need. We now have our future RT and have solidified our OL with youth and meanness. I can’t wait to see this unit in action.

ROUND 2 (PICK 42)

My Pick: WR, Jalen Royals, Utah St

Mouglenn’s Pick: TE, Mason Taylor, LSU

This is where Mouglenn and me diverge from our draft strategies. We both wanted to fill a different need here. I chose to go with a Royals who can do just about everything at a high level and has the tape and testing to back it up. Royals didn’t end up getting picked until round 4 by the Chiefs. Time will tell if I over drafted him or the league greatly slept on his true value. Mason Taylor on the other hand is not as polished of a prospect. He has a way to go when it comes to route running and blocking technique. The potential is there with a very high ceiling, but this pick is all projection. If he hits though, he will be a great one.

ROUND 3 (PICK 73)

My Pick: IDL, CJ West, Indiana

Mouglenn’s Pick: CB, Azareye’h Thomas, Florida St

When it comes to top 100 picks, I am looking to get someone who can potentially be a starter day 1. I went with CJ West who is blast of energy and power that would matchup well with Q next to him. He would be a day 1 starter most likely when you look at our IDL depth. Mouglenn went with the BPA on their board regardless of need. I had a 2nd round grade on Thomas, so the value was absolutely there and I love the player. I just don’t see the immediate need. He will essentially be replacing Echols for the short-term or even longer. The kid can play, and I hope he gets enough of an opportunity to show it.

ROUND 4 (PICK 110)

My Pick: TE, Gunnar Helm, Texas

Mouglenn’s Pick: WR, Arian Smith, Georgia

For this pick I wanted to fill out the last “big need” for the Jets with a TE. Helm probably slid down boards because of his testing, but the guy hurt himself and decided to finish the testing regardless. That speaks to his toughness, which we could use at TE. He is a very well rounded prospect with a very high floor. He seems safer than a guy like Taylor. Also a lot safer than the guy Mouglenn picked in Arian Smith. Smith is a speed demon and almost always open. His issues is that he has a HUGE drop problem. He has some really bad ones, and some that really crushed Georgia in games. He will need to clean that up. Another big upside pick that needs a lot of growth.

ROUND 4 (PICK 130)

My Pick: EDGE, Bradyn Swinson, LSU

Mouglenn’s Pick: S, Malachi Moore, Alabama

Mouglenn and me both wanted to build depth with this pick with potential for them to grow into a starter if things don’t workout with the players ahead of them on the depth chart. Swinson was one of my favorite EDGE prospects and I am pretty mad that he is now on the Pats. His bend and athleticism is off the charts and his consistency against high level SEC talent is a bright spot. Moore is another DB that was really high on. When you watch Alabama’s defense, his leadership and passion jumps out at you right away. We got a good one with him.

ROUND 5 (PICK 162)

My Pick: TE, Jalin Conyers, Texas Tech

Mouglenn’s Pick: LB, Francisco Mauigoa, Miami

With this pick I went with Conyers who went undrafted. Mouglenn went with Mauigoa who probably would have gone undrafted. I honestly didn’t get a chance to watch a lot of Mauigoa so I can’t speak to his floor or ceiling. Conyers on the other hand is pretty much Tyler Warren lite. He is incredibly athletic and can be used in many different ways. He’s also one of the best blocking TEs in this class. If we want to be a power running team using 12 personnel, we need more guys like Conyers.

ROUND 5 (PICK 176)

My Pick: IOL, Luke Kandra, Cincinnati

Mouglenn’s Pick: EDGE, Tyler Baron, Miami

Both Mouglenn and I went with smart depth additions here, and honestly, it’s surprising either of these guys were still available at this point in the draft. I had a strong third-round grade on Kandra and a solid fourth-round grade on Baron — two players with real starting potential at their respective positions. Baron brings power and versatility off the edge, but with Kandra, you’re getting an absolute brick wall on the interior. He’s a true mauler who plays with heavy hands, a strong anchor, and the kind of nasty streak you love to see in a future starter.