Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo were both picked in the Top 10 of the RotoWire Mock Draft.
Monday morning marked our first fantasy basketball mock draft of the 2023-24 season. A handful of RotoWire NBA faithful participated, while the rest of the crew was put together via Twitter. If you’d like an opportunity to be in upcoming mocks, follow me on Twitter @BaruthaAlex.
The league used the following settings:
- 12 teams
- 14 rounds
- 3G, 3F, 1C, 3 FLX, 4 RES
- 8-Category
- Roto Scoring
Below are the draft results listed in order of selection.
Get a head start on the competition by preparing early for 2023-24 fantasy basketball by taking a peek at our fantasy basketball rankings, fantasy basketball rookie rankings and fantasy basketball dynasty rankings. Also, check out Alex Barutha’s Summer League recap analyzing each lottery pick’s performance.
NBA Mock Draft 2023-24
Mama Dopp always said, "If something is worth doing, it's worth doing right."
Yes, this is a fantasy football column, but I would like you to indulge me for a moment. Let's say you had an important test to take at school or work. This test will pit you against a number of your friends or colleagues and the one with the highest score will receive a special benefit, or a promotion ... let's just say, something of value. Kind of a big deal. So, in this scenario, wouldn't you study for that test? Write down a few notes, take a couple practice tests, maybe print off a study guide? Like, at least a little bit of effort, right?
Sorry for the sarcasm -- Mama Dopp raised me better than that -- but I think it's a pretty good analogy for why every fantasy football manager should mock draft (and more than once!) before the time comes to draft for real. And because anything worth doing is worth doing well, I have some tips for you on how to make the most of your practice rounds.
Get a feel for the battlefield
When you get into your first few mock drafts this year, there are a few main things to take notes on:
1. How did the first round shake out? Did anything surprise you? More RBs than you expected? If anything caught your eye, make a note of it.
2. When did Travis Kelce come off the board? And how long until the second TE was taken?
3. When did the top three QBs come off the board?
You don't need to remember everything, but understanding where players are being drafted is important. You can also look at our ADP page, which is continually updated and shows when a player is typically being drafted in ESPN leagues. We'll come back to ADP in a second.
Try different team construction strategies
Part of ending up with a team you like is knowing how to start. I love trying different draft strategies in mocks every year because the player pool is always evolving. I'll draft at least five teams with each strategy. Since you might not have the time get that many mocks in, keep your eyes peeled throughout August, as I try all of the mock draft strategies below and report my results!
1. WR early in the first round: Wide receiver will be the most popular position taken in the first round of many fantasy drafts this year, so why not start there to see how it works out? As a tip, grab your lead RB in the second or third round, unless you're going with a Zero-RB strategy, in which you bypass the position early on and load up elsewhere (mostly WR).
2. RB in the first round: Sometimes when everyone zigs, it's best to zag. With WRs potentially dominating the first round, being able to secure one of the top five RBs in this year's draft could be a nice pivot. Look at your roster at the end of the mock and compare it to your WR-in-the-first-round mock. Do you like one outcome more than the other?
3. Travis Kelce in the first round: Kelce is a surefire first-rounder this year. What he's done at the TE position in fantasy the past few years is borderline illegal. The advantage you get over the rest of your league is huge. If you take Kelce, you'll have to pay attention to finding values as the draft unveils itself, but give it a shot and compare your final roster to the other two mock trials you've done.
4. Draft one of the top four QBs early: Having a cornerstone at the QB position gives you a nice weekly floor to start from. This approach entails using a second- to fourth-round pick on a position you're usually not addressing until later in your draft. Just like the other mock trials, compare this final roster to your other teams. Does one stand head and shoulders above the rest? Maybe that becomes your preferred draft strategy this year.
Improve draft vision
As my Dungeons & Dragons buddies would say, if you've done a few mock drafts, that means you'll have plus-3 draft vision when the genuine draft rolls around. Too nerdy? OK, I'll tone it back down. The more you mock, the more you start to identify trends that can help you find value during the draft when it counts. For example, in most of your mocks you've noticed that T.J. Hockenson is going in the early fifth round, but for some reason you're midway through the sixth and he's still on the board. Maybe you didn't plan on taking a tight end that early, but his value (based on ADP) is just too good to pass up. Plus, with all the mocks you did, it's easier to read the room when you want to pivot like this. All of these practice reps significantly lessen the chances of making a last-second panic pick because you couldn't decide who you wanted to grab.
Build your own draft board
Really, this is the biggest advantage of all. At the beginning of this mock draft process, you can start by visiting Cheat Sheet Central to print one that fits your league setup. We have a cheat sheet for all kinds of leagues.
But as you do these drafts, you'll notice trends, like which players are going higher than expected, those who are falling and those people are staying away from. You learn so much! Then you can adapt your cheat sheet, move some guys around and bingo-bango -- now you're walking into that test giving yourself the best chance to win. When everyone shows up with the same cheat sheet, it's not really a cheat sheet anymore. It's just a sheet. But you put in the effort to tweak your board, one built from intel you gathered! Now you can feel confident in crushing your draft.
Tia Booth appeared on The Bachelor as well as two seasons of Bachelor in Paradise in pursuit of love, but it turns out her perfect match was a lot closer to home.
Booth met her now-fiancé Taylor Mock at a party in January 2021, but she didn't pursue him immediately as she was about to film the seventh season of Bachelor in Paradise. After failing to find love on the show, she returned home to Nashville, where Mock continued to express his interest in her. Eventually, Booth agreed to a date and from there, the couple had a whirlwind romance.
In March 2022, Booth shared some sweet words for Mock on Instagram and thanked him for helping her through a tough year, which included the loss of her father.
"He came into my life during the most difficult season I've ever faced and hasn't wavered," she wrote. "I've tried to push him away more times than I can count, but he's stuck through it all. Maybe once we're on the other side of it I'll write a book to explain, but for now here's some genuine soft smiles."
Now, the couple are engaged. The two are also parents: They welcomed son Tatum Booth Mock on Dec. 6, 2022. Here's everything to know about Tia Booth and Taylor Mock's relationship.
January 2021: Tia Booth and Taylor Mock meet
Booth and Mock first met at a party in Nashville at the beginning of 2021, as the Bachelor alum later explained on her podcast, Click Bait with Bachelor Nation. However, the two were not involved romantically at the time.
"We met actually in January at a party in Nashville. He moved from California," she said. "We hung out, like, in the same friend group and then he got the balls one day to try to hit on me and get me to hang out with him. And I was like, 'Sweetie, I'm going on Bachelor in Paradise. I'll see you later.' "
June 2021: Tia Booth stars in season 7 of Bachelor in Paradise
Booth made her third attempt to find love on the ABC franchise when she returned to "the beach" for season 7 of Bachelor in Paradise. She joined the cast in week three but was eliminated during week six.
Summer 2021: Tia Booth and Taylor Mock go on their first date
As soon as Booth got back from filming, she and Mock started hanging out. Mock also shared that the pair didn't have a "proper first date."
"I literally told him — he was trying to wear me down — I was like, ... 'I'm in a good mood today. If you want to come watch me, like, do stuff at my house. Like, I have stuff to do. I have errands to do. I have stuff to do at my house. If you want to come, like, hang out with me when I do that,' " she explained on her podcast. "And that was like the first time we hung out just us. He thought I was kidding. I'm like, 'No, really. I have s--- to do.' "
October 17, 2021: Tia Booth and Taylor Mock make their relationship Instagram official
After quietly dating for a while, Booth announced her relationship on Instagram. She uploaded a video set to LANY's "Get Away" and captioned it, "Not gonna lie — it's been nice keeping this to myself. But it's about time y'all know too."
Mock also shared a sweet post about their relationship, writing, "It's hard to put into words how you truly feel about someone you love. I guess I'll keep it as simple as I've never felt more alive than when I'm with you."
October 21, 2021: Tia Booth speaks about her relationship with Taylor Mock on the Click Bait podcast
Booth opened up about her relationship for the first time a few days later during an episode of Click Bait. She also discussed her fear of going public with Mock.
"He's an angel. He really is really sweet and he's been doing sweet stuff for me for months," she said. "It's just scary being public in the public eye. Everybody, like, pays attention to every little detail."
October 26, 2021: Tia Booth and Taylor Mock attend an NFL football game
That same month, Booth and Mock enjoyed a date night at a Tennessee Titans football game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Booth captioned a sweet photo from the night, "He wore a Rams jersey to a Titans/Chiefs game and I can't match my makeup to my face. We're doing great."
December 19, 2021: Tia Booth and Taylor Mock spend the holidays together
The pair celebrated the holidays together for the first time in December 2021. To mark the occasion, Booth posted a picture of the couple laughing in front of a Christmas tree and asked fans what their couple name should be in the caption.
February 14, 2022: Tia Booth and Taylor Mock celebrate Valentine's Day
In honor of their first Valentine's Day as a couple, Mock shared a sweet picture of him and Booth dancing, captioned, "Happy Valentine's Day to my stone cold fox, thanks for always keeping me giggling."
February 21, 2022: Tia Booth and Taylor Mock vacation in Cancún
Booth and Mock took a late winter getaway to Cancún, Mexico, in February 2022. The couple spent some time relaxing at the Garza Blanca Resort and Spa and they both posted photos from the trip on social media.
April 10, 2022: Tia Booth and Taylor Mock get engaged
After less than a year of dating, Mock proposed to Booth onstage while she was participating in a The Bachelor Live On Stage event in Atlanta.
Booth shared the news on Instagram the next day, writing, "Never been more shocked or sure in my life💍 I love you so much Tay, my FIANCÉ!!!"
April 13, 2022: Tia Booth shares details about Taylor Mock's proposal
During a fan question-and-answer session on her Instagram Story a few days after the proposal, Booth joked that she and Mock both "blacked out" while it was happening.
"We *think* he said 'Sorry BIP didn't work out for you. I'm glad you came back to Nashville to me? Something or other. I wanna spend the rest of my life with you? Got down on one knee — Will you marry me?' " she said of the proposal.
She also shared that Mock had worked with Bachelor in Paradise alums Becca Kufrin and Thomas Jacobs to pull off the surprise during the event.
May 15, 2022: Tia Booth and Taylor Mock attend a wedding together
In May 2022, Booth posted an adorable picture of herself and Mock at a wedding. She wore a coral dress and captioned the photo, "*cliché caption about @tmock39 being my forever wedding date* Congrats, Sam&Kaitlyn!"
The couple attended another wedding the following week, where Booth wore an eye-catching black tulle dress.
June 2, 2022: Tia Booth shares engagement photos with Taylor Mock
In June, Booth posted some of her and Mock's engagement photos on Instagram. She captioned the carousel of images simply, "Fiancé," before sharing the details of her outfit.
The Bachelor alum shared another snap from the engagement shoot a few days later in honor of Mock's birthday. She wrote in the caption, "Happy 27th birthday to the love of my life, my teammate, my biggest fan. So thankful for you today& everyday🖤 Girlies, if your old school brain tells you to write off a man solely because they're younger, don't listen." (Booth was born in 1991 while her fiancè was born in 1995.)
June 20, 2022: Tia Booth and Taylor Mock announce they're expecting a baby
On June 20, 2022, Booth and Mock shared some more exciting news with the world: they're going to be parents!
Booth announced the news on Instagram, where she wrote, "While I wish I could tell my dad all the good news in person, it brings me peace that he knows about it long before I do. Welcoming a new little life while mourning the loss of another proves that high emotions can exist simultaneously, and I have no doubt my dad had a hand in this. Happy heavenly Father's Day to the first man I ever loved and Happy soon-to-be Father's Day to my forever."
Her father died of cancer in February 2022.
Mock also honored Booth's father in his own heartfelt post about the pregnancy.
July 11, 2022: Tia Booth and Taylor Mock reveal the sex of their baby on the way
A month later, Booth and Mock shared on Instagram that they're expecting a baby boy. Booth posted a stop-motion-style video of her and Mock shooting off tubes filled with blue confetti and captioned the post with a simple blue heart emoji.
Booth also revealed that her due date is Dec. 23, 2022.
October 6, 2022: Tia Booth and Taylor Mock pose for maternity photos
Booth shared photos from her maternity shoot, in which she posed solo and with Mock. "Approaching 7 months pregnant, it's easy to feel like you aren't 'yourself' anymore," the mom-to-be explained. "There's so many physical and emotional changes happening so quickly! So the shoot was the perfect timing to get fixed up and feel beautiful."
"It really boosted my confidence!" she added. "I'm so happy to have these photos to remember this time forever."
The Bachelor in Paradise alum also shared that she and Mock have picked out the baby's first name but explains, "The middle name is harder than we thought." Booth hinted that she, her husband, and their baby "will all have the initials 'TM.' "
December 6, 2022: Tia Booth and Taylor Mock welcome their first child
The couple experienced the "best day" of their lives when they welcomed their son, Tatum Booth Mock, into the world.
Booth gave birth at exactly 6:13 a.m., and she shared audio from the moment on Instagram.
"Hi, buddy. Oh my god. He's so cute," the reality star can be heard saying. Hours later, she shared a sneak peek at the newborn on her Instagram Story and wrote: "He's the cutest thing we've ever laid eyes on. What an experience."
March 6, 2023: Tia Booth suggests that she and Taylor Mock have "10 more" kids
Three months after welcoming their first child, Booth is ready to have more babies with Mock.
"Let's have 10 more @tmock39," she wrote on Instagram alongside a video set to Tai Verdes' song "we would have some cute kids."
May 14, 2023: Taylor Mock celebrates Tia Booth on Mother's Day
In honor of Mother's Day, Mock penned a sweet post about Booth on Instagram.
"Watching you grow everyday is one of life’s greatest blessings. Thank you for being the best mom to our lil guy," he captioned an image of Booth and their son, Tatum.
August 11, 2023: Taylor Mock wishes Tia Booth a happy birthday
Taylor Mock Instagram
Mock celebrated his wife's 32nd birthday by posting a video montage on Instagram. The clip included videos of Mock and Booth smiling and hugging as well as lots of footage of Booth with their son.
"Happy bday Queen, 32 looks 10/10 on ya 🤍," he wrote in the caption.
President Biden shuffled away from a question about Chinese hackers after remarks on AI at the White House, sparking laughter across Twitter.
After quipping, "I’m the AI," and warning, "If any of you think I’m Abe Lincoln, blame it on the AI," Biden spoke about the future of artificial intelligence, noting that it "promises an enormous, enormous promise of both risk to our society and our economy and our national security, but also incredible opportunities." Among his calls for action, he demanded companies working with AI ensure they are "rooting out bias and discrimination."
After his speech, Biden wandered away from the podium mumbling, with his fists clenched.
One journalist asked, "Mr. President, can you tell us about the hacking of cabinet officials by China and the threshold of concern you have about that, sir?"
Biden ignored the question and asked his staff, "Ready? How we getting these guys down there?"
President Biden wandered away from his meeting while a reporter was still asking a question.
BIDEN ADMIN VOWS TO HOLD CHINESE HACKERS RESPONSIBLE AFTER GOVERNMENT EMAIL BREACH
Commentators across Twitter mocked Biden’s awkward exit.
"Bro has no idea what’s going on," GOP communicator Paxton Harmon wrote.
The Post Millennial editor Ari Hoffman tweeted that Biden got "’lost in his own museum.’"
"There's children to be sniffed and money to be collected," Townhall columnist Derek Hunter joked.
"All those aides and Secret Service, and the POTUS had to open the door for himself," radio host Ed Martin observed.
Author Matthew Betley referenced the 2004 comedy film "Dodgeball" and wrote, "If you can dodge a Chinese hacking question, you can dodge a ball," along with a GIF with a quote from the movie, "That's a bold strategy Cotton, let's see if it pays off for him."
President Biden has been criticized throughout his term for his sometimes-muddled rhetoric. (Getty Images)
MUSK PREDICTS CHINA'S AI CAPABILITIES WILL BE STRONG, REPORTS SAY
A Beijing-linked group of hackers were able to hack into government email accounts due to a reported flaw in Microsoft's cloud-based security. The operation, which had first been disclosed last week, is believed to have compromised hundreds of thousands of U.S. government emails.
U.S. ambassador to China Nicholas Burns was among those hacked in the massive-scale cyber-espionage operation.
"The Department of State detected anomalous activity, took immediate steps to secure our systems, and will continue to closely monitor and quickly respond to any further activity," a State Department spokesperson said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Microsoft reported earlier in July that a group of hackers in China identified as Storm-0558 had breached email accounts from approximately 25 organizations, including U.S. government agencies.
Bradford Bets and Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.
The lists of available and protected players for the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft presented by Upper Deck, which takes place Wednesday (8 p.m. ET; ESPN2, SN1, SN NOW), were released by the NHL on Sunday, and Seattle has until 10 a.m. ET the day of the draft to submit its selections.
The Kraken must choose one player from each of the 30 participating teams (the Vegas Golden Knights are exempt), including at least 14 forwards, nine defensemen and three goalies. Additionally, at least 20 of their selections must already be under contract for next season with an aggregate value that is between 60 to 100 percent of the $81.5 million NHL salary cap.
[RELATED: NHL Expansion Draft protected list for Kraken released]
As the hockey world awaits Seattle's picks, NHL.com staff writers Dan Rosen, Tom Gulitti and Pete Jensen conducted their own mock expansion draft using all the rules the Kraken must follow.
Here are their selections, which came in at approximately $71 million, followed by an explanation for each position:
GOALIES (4)
Dustin Tokarski, Buffalo Sabres; Malcolm Subban, Chicago Blackhawks; Kaapo Kahkonen, Minnesota Wild; Braden Holtby, Vancouver Canucks
Holtby would more than likely enter training camp as the No. 1 goalie, but the door would be open for Kahkonen to become the starter at some point in the season.
No matter who would emerge as the No. 1, the rotation would give Seattle a veteran with Stanley Cup Playoff experience and an up-and-comer.
Holtby, who turns 32 on Sept. 16 and won the Cup with the Washington Capitals in 2018, had a tough first season with Vancouver, going 7-11-3 with a 3.67 goals-against average and an .889 save percentage. But the Canucks struggled defensively, allowing 3.34 goals per game (26th in NHL), so it's possible Holtby could regain his form.
Kahkonen, who turns 25 on Aug. 16, was 16-8-0 with a 2.88 goals-against average, a .902 save percentage and two shutouts as a rookie with Minnesota this season.
Either way, this would be quality goaltending for a little more than $5 million next season (Holtby at $4.3 million, Kahkonen at $750,000), which allows the Kraken to spend wisely elsewhere too.
Subban would be No. 3 on Seattle's depth chart and a tradeable commodity. Tokarski could start in the American Hockey League and be called up as needed.
FORWARDS (16)
Christian Fischer, Arizona Coyotes; Joonas Donskoi, Colorado Avalanche; Blake Comeau, Dallas Stars; Devin Shore, Edmonton Oilers; Frank Vatrano, Florida Panthers; Austin Wagner, Los Angeles Kings; Ryan Johansen, Nashville Predators; Nathan Bastian, New Jersey Devils; Josh Bailey, New York Islanders; Colin Blackwell, New York Rangers; Evgenii Dadonov, Ottawa Senators; Brandon Tanev, Pittsburgh Penguins; Dylan Gambrell, San Jose Sharks; Yanni Gourde, Tampa Bay Lightning; Alexander Kerfoot, Toronto Maple Leafs; Mason Appleton, Winnipeg Jets
Having depth at center is a good way for any team to start, and that will be a strength for the Kraken with Johansen, Gourde, Kerfoot and Gambrell.
Selecting Johansen means picking up the remaining four years on his contract ($8 million average annual value), but there is value in having a true No. 1 center in his prime (Johansen turns 29 on July 31) to build the offense around. Johansen also might benefit from a change of scenery. After scoring 64 points (14 goals, 50 assists) in 80 games in 2018-19, he dipped to 36 points (14 goals, 22 assists) in 68 games last season and 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) in 48 games this season.
Gourde would thrive in a bigger role with Seattle after scoring 36 points (17 goals, 19 assists) in 56 games as Tampa Bay's third-line center this season, and he brings invaluable experience from winning the Stanley Cup in each of the past two seasons. Kerfoot and Gambrell slot in perfectly behind him.
Seattle isn't as deep at wing, but it has good options for its top two lines with Vatrano (18 goals this season), Donskoi (17 goals this season), Dadonov (three seasons with at least 25 goals) and Bailey (35 points this season). The Kraken will also have some forwards beginning to tap their potential such as Appleton (set NHL career highs with 12 goals, 13 assists and 25 points this season) and Blackwell (also set NHL career highs with 12 goals, 10 assists and 22 points), and grit and experience from Tanev and Comeau.
DEFENSEMEN (10)
Haydn Fleury, Anaheim Ducks; Connor Clifton, Boston Bruins; Mark Giordano, Calgary Flames; Jake Bean, Carolina Hurricanes; Gabriel Carlsson, Columbus Blue Jackets; Dennis Cholowski, Detroit Red Wings; Brett Kulak, Montreal Canadiens; Justin Braun, Philadelphia Flyers; Vince Dunn, St. Louis Blues; Brenden Dillon, Washington Capitals
Two potential gems for Seattle in this mock expansion draft are Dunn, a strong all-around defenseman who won the Stanley Cup with the Blues in 2019, and Bean, who has a much higher ceiling after scratching the surface this season for the Hurricanes. Dunn was limited to 43 games this season because of injury but averaged an NHL career-high 0.47 points per game. Bean scored 12 points (one goal, 11 assists) in 42 games as a rookie despite playing mostly on the third defense pair.
Video: Who are some top defensemen available to the Kraken?
Giordano, who has one season remaining on his contract ($6.75 million AAV), could bounce back with a change of scenery. He has scored 57 points (14 goals, 43 assists) the past two seasons after scoring an NHL career-high 74 (17 goals, 57 assists) in 2018-19, when he won the Norris Trophy voted as the best defenseman in the NHL. Not only that, as Flames captain the past eight seasons, he would provide instant leadership to the Kraken.
Braun (100 games) and Dillon (75) would add NHL playoff experience to Seattle's second and third pairs. Cholowski, the No. 20 pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, and Fleury, the No. 7 pick in the 2014 NHL Draft, would join Bean as potential long-term investments.
With the 2023 NHL Draft just one week away, it's officially mock draft season.
The Nashville Predators have 13 picks, including two in the first round, and no shortage of elite talent to choose from in an exceptionally deep draft class.
Here's what several media outlets envision the Preds doing with their first-round picks at No. 15 and No. 24 overall:
At No. 15…
NHL.com: Brayden Yager, C, Moose Jaw (WHL) / Axel Sandin Pellikka, D, Skellefteå AIK (SHL)
Analysis from Adam Kimelman: "Barry Trotz, who will take over as general manager on July 1, wants his scouts to 'take some high-end swings on some guys,' so Yager would be the perfect addition here. The right-shot forward is a strong, quick skater and a puck hound with a dynamic shot. He needs to get stronger, but the upside is a top-line center that can make players around him better."
Analysis from Mike Morreale: "Pellikka (5-11, 176 pounds) compensates for his lack of size with his hockey smarts and understanding of the game. He's quick and agile, reliable and consistent. Compared by some to Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes, Pellikka had 36 points (16g-20a) in 31 games in Sweden's junior league and five points (2g-3a) in 22 games with Skelleftea in the Swedish Hockey League."
The Athletic: Oliver Moore, C, U.S. U-18 National Team (NTDP)
Analysis from Scott Wheeler: "The Preds' pool is deepest on the wings, so this choice came down to center ice and defense, two premium positions they could stand to spend premium draft capital on. Right-shot Swedish defenseman Sandin Pellikka's availability was tempting, but Moore, the best skater in the draft, is my best player available and a natural center. I also considered Moose Jaw pivot Brayden Yager here."
Daily Faceoff: Dmitri Simashev, D (Lokomotiv, MHL)
Analysis from Steven Ellis: "Simashev plays hard, is defensively responsible and might be the best shutdown blueliner in the draft. He hits like a truck and makes life miserable for opponents around the net."
The Hockey Writers: Zach Benson, LW, Winnipeg ICE (WHL)
Analysis from Logan Horn: "Nashville's brand new general manager, Barry Trotz, recently shared his draft philosophy which was essentially to take swings on prospects who could be legit top-of-the-lineup talent rather than safe picks with lower upside. Zach Benson will likely slide a bit on draft day, probably out of the top-10, because of his size and lack of footspeed. He would be an incredibly valuable pick here for Nashville and would be a fitting start to the Trotz era as an incredibly skilled and competitive forward who will get the fans out of their seats."
At No. 24 (from Edmonton Oilers)…
NHL.com: Oliver Bonk, D, London (OHL) / Eduard Sale, RW, HC Kometa Brno (Czechia)
Analysis from Kimelman: "The Predators haven't taken a defenseman in the first round since Dante Fabbro in 2016, and with their second first-round pick, this could be the right time to address that lack of quality organizational depth. Bonk has a high hockey IQ and good poise with the puck, which allows him to succeed in all areas of the game. He's a good skater who can get the puck up the ice, and use his size and reach (6-2, 180 pounds) to help break up plays."
Analysis from Morreale: "Sale is a talented forward with great offensive instincts who can shoot and pass with good accuracy. He is active in the offensive zone and presents a challenge for opposing defenders with his size and strength. He had six points (4g-2a) in five games for Czechia at the World U-18s."
The Athletic: Andrew Cristall, LW, Kelowna (WHL)
Analysis from Wheeler: "After adding a center at No. 15 in Oliver Moore, the Preds feel a little more comfortable going to a winger here and use their second pick to take a swing on Cristall, one of the most productive non-Bedard CHL prospects to come through the draft in years. I recognize this would be a little rich for some but I don't see it that way given the remaining prospects, and I don't think a Preds team that has sorely needed skill for years should either."
Daily Faceoff: Eduard Sale, RW (Brno, Czechia)
Analysis from Ellis: "Consistency was an issue for Sale, especially in the second half after the World Junior Championship. However, he showed enough big-game potential at that event that I'm still quite intrigued. He's best when he's being deceptive, which comes more with confidence. I do wonder if he'll go to the AHL and follow a similar route as Buffalo's Jiri Kulich, which could be beneficial."
The Hockey Writers: Andrew Cristall, LW, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Analysis from Horn: "In following Trotz's theme of taking big swings with early picks, I have the Predators using their second pick of the first round on another undersized, super-skilled winger who I expect will fall on draft day in Andrew Cristall. Cristall is probably the best bet to lead the WHL in scoring next year if he has a healthy year. He has a ton of skill and a sneaky-good shot. Getting out of the first round with Cristall and Benson would be an absolute haul for a Predators team that looks prepared to take a small step back in order to allow themselves to take a big step forward again in the near future."
Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports
13. RB Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys
Last mock: No. 13
1st round pick: Stefon Diggs
14. QB Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Last mock: No. 14
1st round pick: Cooper Kupp
15. QB Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
Last mock: No. 16
1st round pick: Bijan Robinson
16. WR CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys
Last mock: No. 15
1st round pick: Nick Chubb
17. WR A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles
Last mock: No. 17
1st round pick: Travis Kelce
18. QB Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Last mock: Not drafted
1st round pick: Ja’Marr Chase
19. RB Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
Last mock: No. 18
1st round pick: Tyreek Hill
20. WR Garrett Wilson, New York Jets
Last mock: No. 20
1st round pick: Derrick Henry
21. RB Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders
Last mock: No. 21
1st round pick: Saquon Barkley
22. RB Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals
Las mock: Not drafted
1st round pick: Justin Jefferson
23. WR Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders
Last mock: No. 23
1st round pick: Austin Ekeler
24. WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions
Last mock: No. 24
1st round pick: Christian McCaffrey
