Mock Draft Monday with Dane Brugler: Saints land star WR, Raiders get Mendoza a familiar weapon
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In this episode of Yahoo Fantasy Forecast's Mock Draft Monday, host Matt Harmon welcomes Dane Brugler of The Athletic to discuss his most recent mock draft, focusing on five standout player-to-team fits. Brugler highlights Carnell Tate’s ideal landing spot with the New Orleans Saints at pick 8, praising his three-level route-running ability, sideline prowess, and versatility. He also champions Malachi Lawrence for the Buffalo Bills at 26, citing his pass-rush juice and fit with a defense in transition. The Cowboys’ potential trade to draft Stooks in the second round is analyzed as a strategic move to bolster their secondary. Brugler then praises D'Angelo Pons for the Detroit Lions at 50, emphasizing his competitive fire and cultural fit despite his undersized frame. Finally, he advocates for Elijah Surratt to the Raiders at 67, drawn to his chemistry with quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Brugler concludes by standing on the table for Chris Johnson, a smooth, intelligent corner from San Diego State who he believes fits any NFL defense. The episode underscores a deep, versatile wide receiver class and a draft landscape where fit, character, and intangibles are increasingly valued.
Carnell Tate is a perfect fit for the Saints due to his three-level ability, sideline dominance, and compatibility with Tyler Shuck’s style.
Malachi Lawrence offers high ceiling upside for Buffalo’s pass rush despite modest production, making him a strategic first-round pick.
D'Angelo Pons' competitive DNA and playmaking ability make him a perfect cultural fit for the Lions, even with his 5'9" frame.
Elijah Surratt’s connection with Mendoza is a major asset, but his true ceiling may lie in a perimeter role rather than the slot.
Chris Johnson is a rare, well-rounded corner with elite football IQ, character, and versatility that makes him a 'fit for all 32 teams.'
Welcome to Mock Draft Monday with Dane Brugler
Host Matt Harmon introduces Dane Brugler of The Athletic for another edition of Mock Draft Monday, setting the stage for a deep dive into top player-to-team fits from Brugler's latest mock draft.
Carnell Tate to the New Orleans Saints at #8
“There's just a place for a Cardinal Tate on almost all 32 rosters.”
Malachi Lawrence to the Buffalo Bills at #26
“He's trending in the right direction. And his ability to weaponize his length and just the play urgency that he has, that competitiveness is something that I would want to bet on.”
Stooks to the Dallas Cowboys at #39
Brugler outlines a trade scenario where the Cowboys move up to draft Stooks in the second round, enhancing their secondary with a versatile, older rookie who can play nickel and dime roles.
D'Angelo Pons to the Detroit Lions at #50
“He's always been smaller right it's not like he woke up one day and was smaller than everyone else and you had to figure out okay how do i do this he's always figured out how to um you know the rest of his skill set how that neat that had to be heightened because of making up for those uh lack of inches in terms of his height so um big fan of pawns as a player”
“He's a really good player that's going to fit 32 teams regardless of what you want to do, he's going to be a fit for, I think character-wise, athletically, mentally.”
“There's just a place for a Cardinal Tate on almost all 32 rosters.”
“He's trending in the right direction. And his ability to weaponize his length and just the play urgency that he has, that competitiveness is something that I would want to bet on.”
Host
Guest
Dane Brugler
person
Matt Harmon
person
Carnell Tate
person
NFL Draft
other
Dallas Cowboys
other
D'Angelo Pons
person
New Orleans Saints
other
Chris Johnson
person
Buffalo Bills
other
Elijah Surratt
person
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