Mock Draft Monday 2/17 '25
Back To Back
Back To Back
- NFL Mock Draft 1.0
- College Hoops
- YouTube Rabbithole
Alright @YouTheReader,
Today’s tune is Drake’s Back To Back. After waiting 4 days for Meek Mill to respond to Charged Up, this diss record dropped.
The song's cover art has some symbolism as it is a famous photo of Toronto Blue Jays’ Joe Carter after he hit a walk-off home run in Game 6 of the 1993 World Series. The Blue Jays won in 1992, which made 1993 Back To Back World Series titles. It gets even deeper than that for further symbolism because the Blue Jays defeated the Phillies in the 1993 World Series, and Meek Mill is from Philly.
The shout-out to World Wide Wes is William Wesley. While he is currently the New York Knicks’ VP and Senior Basketball Advisor, his pull in the NBA goes way back. Around the time of this tune, he was still considered a mysterious consultant with much influence. He got his start in the behind-the-scenes of sports by networking with future pros on the AAU circuit. Since he keeps a low profile and nobody knows exactly what his job title is for players, some say he’s like a real-life Ray Donovan fixer type. For instance, he was in the middle of the Malice at the Palace and may or may not have been behind LeBron James’ Decision TV Broadcast.
Lethal Weapon had a famous movie poster where Mel Gibson and Danny Glover were Back to Back. Michael Jordan won Back to Back NBA Championships in 1996 and 1997, the latter including his famous Flu Game.
Drake and the lead host of The Breakfast Club on Power 105.1 rarely see eye to eye. This was calculated because he actually did send Charlamagne 6 Dom Perignon bottles the morning after making this song at night.
Miss Tootsie’s is a restaurant and bar in Philadelphia. Basically this was Drake saying he knows the Philadelphia well and is well-liked in the area with the shoulder rubs.
Meek Mill was on cloud nine at the time dating Nicki Minaj, who was a much bigger artist at the time commercially and globally.
Meek Mill would respond with a diss record later in the week but it was all for naught. Back To Back became a hit, peaking at #21 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
On to the sports...
NFL Round 1 Mock (Version 1.0)
- The Titans need a QB and Cam Ward is my top QB prospect of this draft class. Ward was an intriguing potential mid-round prospect last season who decided he’d rather enter the transfer portal and finish his collegiate career with Miami. After starting his collegiate career in JUCO, Ward exceeded all expectations with the Hurricanes. While at times his exciting playing style can lead to turnovers and bad decisions, Ward has the highest upside in this QB Draft Class. He can make all the throws from crazy angles like a short stop would in baseball and has 5 years of starting experience under his belt.
- Abdul Carter only has 1 year of experience playing primarily as a pass rusher, but absolutely terrorized College Football QBs in ‘24. After making the switch from linebacker to edge rusher, NFL teams may view Carter as nowhere near a finished project as a sack artist. With Myles Garrett requesting to be traded, the Browns find his replacement.
- Is John Mara really going to be okay with selling the Giants fanbase on Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito competing for the starting job? I can’t see it. Shedeur Sanders may come with some baggage, like Deion might say he should be the team’s coach by Week 3, but he would at least bring some form of identity to a franchise that hasn’t had one since Eli and OBJ left. On the field, Sanders plays with an extreme sense of patience. He’ll likely need to speed up his internal game clock up a notch in the pros.
- Pats need to protect Drake Maye and Will Campbell can block his blindside for the next decade.
- Jacksonville allowed an NFL-worst 257.4 passing yards per game. Travis Hunter could fill their need at CB and be a solid #2 option next to Brian Thomas Jr. The Heisman Trophy winner may not dominate both sides of the ball in the NFL like he did in College, but would bring some juice to the Jaguars.
- A safety at #6 feels like a bit of a reach, but remember, Pete Carroll took Earl Thomas with the 14th pick in his first draft in Seattle. Carroll, who got his start in coaching as a defensive backs coach, was able to form the Legion of Boom by taking Thomas. Both of the starting safeties of Las Vegas are set to become free agents and Xavier Watts has the versatility to play in the box or in centerfield.
- Mason Graham fills a Jets need on the Defensive Line after Joe Douglas swung and miss at the positional group last offseason. The franchise spent much of the 2010s drafting Defensive Tackles, the hope would be Graham and Q-Ball Williams could improve the Jets run defense while wrecking havoc as pass rusher in the interior. The Michigan Man All-American produced 20 QB Hurries, 9 QB Hits, and 5 Sacks last season while being doubled.
- Another one of Michigan’s elite defenders comes off the board with Will Johnson. The tall CB would start opposite Jaycee Horn with Mike Jackson set to be a free agent.
- With rumors of Chris Olave wanting out of New Orleans, Tetairoa McMillan could be his replacement as WR1. The 6’5” wideout will be a nightmare matchup for defenders and should help out whoever the Saints QB is in the near future.
- Da Bears need to protect Caleb Williams. As a rookie, he nearly set the record for most times sack. While Williams shares some of the blame, Kelvin Banks Jr. should provide an upgrade over what they have at tackle.
- The Niners get a steal with the #12 pick. Entering the ‘24 College Football season, James Pearce Jr. was considered the top pass rushing prospect. Although his 8 sacks last season doesn’t necessarily jump off the page, his 43 QB Hurries show his underlying production is still there. San Francisco pairs a potential star opposite Nick Bosa.
- The fun pick would be the Cowboys taking a running back to improve their run-game. The better pick would be Dallas improving their offensive line and investing in an RB in the later rounds. Donovan Jackson has experience at both Tackle and Guard, two positions Dallas could use a plug-and-play rookie.
- Both of the stating Offensive Guards of Miami are set to be free agents. Tyler Booker has been an elite pass blocker in ‘Bama’s interior for the pass 3 seasons and would inject some youth to an old offensive line.
- Entering the start of the ‘24 College Football season, Benjamin Morrison was considered the nation’s top corner. Unfortunately the Notre Dame DB would miss most of the season with a hip injury, but he still has two elite seasons of tape as an underclassman. The Colts’ secondary was 7th in passing yards allowed and could use an upgrade. Morrison would be the first CB the Colts take in 1st Round since Marlon Jackson in ‘05.
- The Atlanta Falcons don’t let Malaki Starks leave the state of Georgia. Starks paired up with Jessie Bates III as a mentor in their defensive secondary could form a good duo of D-Backs.
- Despite a down year in ‘24, Nic Scourton passes the size and speed test as a pass rusher with plenty of potential. Scourton has a nice spin move in his bag and would be paired with ‘24 1st Round Defensive End Darius Robinson. Both young edge rushers had substandard seasons and could be in-line for a big ‘25.
- The Bengals get Joe Burrow his version of Travis Kelce to offset the potential loss of Tee Higgins in free agency.
- Seattle decides to draft Jaxson Dart to have him sit behind Geno Smith on his contract year. The Seahawks make one of the better landing spots for a rookie QB to develop.
- With rumors of Lavonte David possibly retiring, Tampa Bay can replace him the top off-ball linebacker of this class in Jay Higgins. Much like David, Higgins is a sideline to sideline linebacker who can contribute in both defending the run and in coverage at an elite level.
- Denver decides to give Bo Nix and their offense a workhorse RB. Ashton Jeanty would replace Javonte Williams, who is set to become a free agent and just could never reach his full potential with the Broncos. Jeanty would be an excellent new weapon for the young Denver offense, plus he maintains the Broncos as his mascot from College to Pros.
- The Steelers defensive line features two tackles over 30 in Cameron Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi. While Tyleik Williams may not be the fun pick for a team with a need at QB, the Buckeye was an elite run-defender in his 3 seasons as a starter. He gives the Pittsburgh D-Line some youth.
- Jim Harbaugh knows all about Colston Loveland’s game from recruiting and coaching him at Michigan. Loveland is a tough, versatile TE willing to run block and should give LA another boost in their pass game.
- Green Bay really doesn’t have too may obvious needs as they are one of the youngest teams in the NFL. Walter Nolen is an excellent run defender with potential as a pass rusher (13 sacks and 30 QB Hurries the past 2 seasons).
- Kaleb Johnson is my 2nd favorite RB from this draft class behind Ashton Jeanty. With Aaron Jones over 30 years old and set to be a free agent, Minnesota takes an RB in the Back Nine of the 1st Round. Johnson runs with a smoothness and enters the NFL with only 1 year of starting RB experience, which could be a plus because he’s only handled 240 carries once in college.
- CJ Stroud was sacked 54 times in ‘24, the 3rd most in the NFL. Josh Simmons was the Ohio State starting LT before injuring his knee midway through the ‘24 season. At 6’5” and 310 lbs. Simmons is the prototypical size for a blindside tackle.
- After an explosive sophomore campaign, Luther Burden III came down to earth a bit in ‘24. That said, the YAC monster would be a good 1B option opposite of Puka Nacua and could replace Cooper Kupp.
- The Baltimore Ravens draft Cameron Williams as long-term starting Left Tackle who can start his career inside at Guard in ‘25. The Ravens left side of the line, LT Ronnie Stanley and LG Patrick Mekari, is set to be free agents so they’ll probably need to replace one of the 2. Cameron Williams has experience at both spots in college.
- Detroit pairing Jack Sawyer opposite of Aiden Hutchinson is too tempting not to mock.
- Now that Washington has finally found their franchise QB, they need to surround him as much offensive support as possible. Grey Zabel has plenty of experience all over the offensive line from his days at North Dakota State. The small school product comes from a winning culture with the Bisons and was an elite pass blocker in his 3 seasons as a full-time starter.
- The Buffalo Bills are expected to move on from Von Miller, so Josaiah Stewart provides a youthful pass rush option off the edge. The speedy pass rusher from the Bronx could help a Buffalo defense that was middle of the pack in terms of sack production.
- Kansas City decides they need to improve their O-Line if they want to compete with Philly’s big guys upfront. Tate Ratledge looks like a security guard as he rocks a mullet, is arm-sleeve tatted, stands 6’6” and 310 lbs., plus he’s a 2-time All-American on the Bulldog’s offensive line.
- The Eagles draft another Bulldog defensive demon with Mykel Williams.
Here are this week’s 5 College Basketball player profiles around the country…
Tre Johnson, G, Texas
Tre Johnson is from Garland, Texas. His father, Richard Johnson, was a college basketball player as well, playing for Baylor and Midwestern State in the 90s. Tre Johnson went to two high schools, Lake Highlands in Dallas and Link Academy in Missouri. While a junior at Lake Highlands, Johnson averaged 21.8 points and 6.4 rebounds while leading them to their first state championship since 1968. He then transferred to Link Academy, where he was the Missouri Player of the Year and a ‘24 McDonald’s All-American. Johnson decided to return to his home state with the Texas Longhorns. The freshman star is averaging 19.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. In the Longhorns latest win over Kentucky on Saturday, Johnson scored a career-high 32 points along with 9 rebounds. The 6’6” shooting guard has a great chance at becoming an NBA Lottery Pick if he can continue this momentum for Texas in the final run of the season.
Paul Otieno, F, Quinnipiac
Paul Otieno is from Nairobi, Kenya. He moved to the United States to attend Sunrise Christian Academy in Kansas for his high school hoops. His first collegiate spot was at Kilgore College in Texas. In his one season of JUCO, Otieno averaged 11 points and 7.6 rebounds per game before joining Quinnipiac in ‘22. As a sophomore in ‘22’-23, Otieno made all 32 starts for the Bobcats as he averaged 7.2 points and 6.8 boards per game. He followed that up with another productive season last year with 11 points and 6.9 rebounds per game while leading the MAAC in Field Goal % at 63.8% from the floor. This season Otieno is averaging career-highs with 13.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. The 6’8” power forward once again leads the MAAC in FG% and this year is coming down with the most rebounds in the conference. In his last 4 games for Quinnipiac, Paul Otieno is averaging an uptick with 18.5 points per game and last week he had a double-double in the Bobcats win over Sacred Heart (20 points, 16 rebounds, and 4 blocks). The Quinnipiac big man can throw down thunderous dunks and has flashed so much athleticism for his size that NFL talent evaluators are interested to see if he would consider playing TE. For now Otieno is focused on getting Quinnipiac into the NCAA Tournament as they currently reside in 1st int the MAAC.
JT Toppin, F, Texas Tech
JT Toppin is from Dallas, Texas. In high school, Toppin played for Faith Family Academy of Oak Cliff, where he helped the program win the ‘23 Texas 4A State Championship, while taking home the Texas 4A State Player of the Year. The 4-star recruit began his collegiate career with New Mexico last season. Toppin was named the Mountain West Freshman of the Year, averaging 12.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocked shots per game. He led the conference in rebounds and blocks before deciding to transfer from the Lobos to Texas Tech. Now with the Red Raiders, Toppin has upped his scoring output to 17.2 points per game while maintaining 9.1 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per contest as well. Toppin has particularly been on a tear of late, scoring a career-high 41 points last week before backing that up with a 32-point performance on Saturday. The crafty left-handed power forward has been excellent in the low post and continues to come down with rebounds, producing 3 straight triple-doubles.
Liam McNeeley, F, UConn
Liam McNeeley is from Richardson, Texas. After playing 2 seasons of high school hoops in Texas, McNeeley transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida where he played alongside Cooper Flagg. The consensus 5-star prospect and Top 10-rated recruit leads the Huskies in points with 15.1 per game. Last week in UConn’s win at Creighton, McNeeley scored a career-high 38 points as he went 5 of 10 from beyond the arc and 9 of 10 from the charity stripe. The freshman forward is hitting on 38% of his 3-pointers this season, but isn’t just a scorer as his 6.5 rebounds per game is the 2nd most on the team. The Big East, along with much of the Power 5 Confercnes, has been an gauntlet this season. At 17-8, the UConn Huskies may be a team on the bubble of the NCAA Tournament, but given their Back To Back National Championships, one would assume they’ll get in with a solid finish to their regular season. For UConn to have any shot at a 3-peat (the first since John Wooden’s UCLA Dynasty in the 1970s), Liam McNeeley will need to continue to play a major part down the stretch.
Derik Queen, C, Maryland
