Making an NFL Mock Draft using only Cape Cod high school football players

The Cape Cod high school football season ended in November, but with the NFL Draft happening Thursday-Saturday, it's never a bad time to talk about football.

It's time to bring back the Cape Cod Mock Draft.

Instead of collegiate athletes, I am going to select Cape Cod high school players from this past season. If you need a reminder about how this works, I got you.

It's simple and easy. I see what NFL teams' needs are and pair the player I think will best suit that franchise. We won't be doing seven rounds like the NFL draft, but just a first round (32 picks)

Now, let the fun begin.

1. Chicago Bears - Jayden Barber, junior, QB, Dennis-Yarmouth

With the departure of Justin Fields, the Bears number one need is somebody under center. With Keenan Allen and DJ Moore to throw to, Barber is going to have a field day as rookie. Barber was the most prolific passer on Cape last season with 2,823 passing yards passing and 32 passing touchdowns. He also made plays with his feet with 610 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. With the addition of D'Andre Swift, the Bears could have one of the best offenses in the league.

2. Washington Commanders - Aiden Kundel, senior, QB, Barnstable

The Commanders have been busy in the offseason and have picked up some key pieces, but they also let Sam Howell (Seahawks) and Jacoby Brissett (Patriots) go, so they need somebody to lead their offense. Kundel will be a perfect fit for Washington. Kundel helped lead the best team on Cape to the Division 2 Final Four in the state playoffs. Kundel was a dual threat for the Red Hawks last year and finished with 1,603 passing yards, 810 rushing yards and 23 total touchdowns. With additions like Austin Ekeler and Zach Ertz to go along with Terry McLaurin, the Commanders may make some noise next season in a tough NFC East division.

3. New England Patriots - Adam Ferreira, junior, QB, Sandwich

The Mac Jones era is over, and most Patriots fans are happy about his trade to the Jacksonville Jaguars. It is also the end of Bill Belichick, who helped the Pats to nine Super Bowl appearances and six wins, with the help of a guy named Tom Brady too. Now it's rebuild mode and it starts at the QB position. The Pats signed Jacoby Brissett, but he is 31 years old, so they need somebody for the future. Ferreira is another dual threat QB on this list as he topped 1,000 yards passing and 300 yards rushing last season and accounted for 15 total touchdowns. He helped the Blue Knights to the playoffs in their first year under new head coach Robert Lomp. Let's see if he can repeat that with the Pats with Jared Mayo at the helm.

4. Arizona Cardinals - Peyton Kellett, junior, WR, Dennis-Yarmouth

The Cardinals lost their best receiver in Marquise "Hollywood" Brown to the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs. They also traded playmaker Rondale Moore to the Falcons for QB Marcus Mariota. Kellett eclipsed the 1,000-yard receiving mark in 2023 with 1,086 receiving yards, which was the second-highest total in the entire state, and added 10 touchdowns. Kyler Murray and Kellett will be a nice duo for the Cards this season.

5. Los Angeles Chargers - Tajardo France, senior, RB/WR/KR

The Chargers brought in Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh fresh off of a national championship. Harbaugh returns to the NFL for the first time since 2014, where he led the 49ers to a Super Bowl and back-to-back NFC Championship appearances. Pairing QB Justin Herbert seems like a match made in heaven, except for one thing, the Chargers let all of Herbert's offensive weapons go. Austin Ekeler (Commanders), Keenan Allen (Bears), and Mike Williams (Jets) will all be with new teams this season. With all the departures they need a player that can do it all, and France is their guy. He amassed over 1,000 all-purpose yards (772 rushing, 324 receiving), and scored 20 total touchdowns. He is a game changer that can make big plays.

6. New York Giants - Mason Zylinski, senior, DT, Mashpee

The Giants lost their main playmaker in Saquon Barkley to a divisional opposition in the Philadelphia Eagles. The offense for the Giants has never been great, but they added some defensive players this season like Brian Burns (Panthers) and Jalen Mills, and I think they need to build off of that. At 6-foot-2, 260 pounds, Zylinksi is a force to be reckoned with. He accounted for 68 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and 15 tackles for loss last season. He can make an immediate impact on the Giants' defense.

7. Tennessee Titans - AJ Gillespie, junior, OT/DT, Dennis-Yarmouth

The Titans finally moved on from Derrick Henry, but they replaced him with Tony Pollard. They also added a number one receiver in Calvin Ridley. The Titans need some help up front on both sides of the back, which makes Gillespie a perfect fit. He can be effective on the defensive or offensive line.

8. Atlanta Falcons - Ethan Costa, senior, DB, Mashpee

The Falcons improved their offense with Kirk Cousins, Darnell Mooney, and Rondale Moore, but now they have to improve the other side of the field. The Falcons secondary took a hit as they lost CBs Tre Flowers and Jeff Okudah, so they need to fill that hole. Costa only gave up four completions all season, had seven pass breakups, and made 46 tackles in nine games. Costa also had 277 yards receiving and a touchdown on offense.

9. Chicago Bears - Caden Doherty, sophomore, OT, Bourne

After drafting their future QB with the first pick, the Bears' offense is stacked. They need somebody on the offensive line to block to make this offense even better. Doherty was played a key role in the success of the Canalmen's offense. He can block for Barber and open holes up Swift to make this offense be top notch.

10. New York Jets - Jack O'Brien, junior, S, Sandwich

The Jets' season did not start off well last year with the injury to Aaron Rodgers. Now, Rodgers is ready to make this debut, again, with a new weapon in Mike Williams. They also added All-Pro lineman Tyron Smith, so Rodgers has the pieces around him to put the Jets back in the playoff race. They need some help on defense, and adding O'Brien to a secondary with Sauce Gardner could make a big difference. O'Brien had both an interception and a fumble recovery and blocked two field goals last season.

11. Minnesota Vikings - Brendan Peno, sophomore, QB, Nauset

Kirk Cousins is now with the Atlanta Falcons which means it's time for somebody else to take over this stacked offense. The Vikings signed former number one overall pick in Sam Darnold, but he may not be the answer. With weapons like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, TJ Hockenson and Aaron Jones, who wouldn't want to come play in Minnesota? Peno is a young QB who can use his arm and legs. He led the Warriors' offense with just under 1,500 yards passing, threw 16 touchdown passes and ran for an additional five on the ground.

12. Denver Broncos - Aidan Choukri, senior, QB, Cape Tech

Russell Wilson's time in Denver was short-lived and the Broncos went and signed Zach Wilson, which is not the answer at all. They need a young QB they can train for the future. Choukri finished last season with 953 total yards of offense (592 rushing/361 passing), to go along with eight total touchdowns, despite his season being cut short to injury. Choukri can also make an impact on the defensive side of the ball, as he had three interceptions and also recovered a fumble.

13. Las Vegas Raiders - Ty Kelley, senior, RB/QB/K/Defense, Bourne

The Raiders lost their starting QB Jimmy Garoppolo (Rams) and Josh Jacobs (Packers) in the offseason. They replaced them with QB Gardner Minshew, and RBs Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah. The backfield needs help as those two are good for backup roles, but not starters. Kelley is a player who can start at RB, QB or even kicker if the Raiders needed it. He had 719 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground, threw for an additional 604 yards with seven touchdowns, kicked extra points and played defense. He never left the field from start to finish.

14. New Orleans Saints - Chevaunie "Chevy" Shakespeare, sophomore, WR/RB, Barnstable

The Saints parted ways with Michael Thomas after eight seasons, so they need some help to pair up with Chris Olave. Shakespeare was one of the best players on Cape and can alter a game with his skillset. Shakespeare had 633 receiving yards, added 105 on the ground, and scored 10 touchdowns this season for the Red Hawks. He also made plays on defense too. QB Derek Carr, along with Olave, Alvin Kamara and Shakespeare could turn this Saints offense around.

15. Indianapolis Colts - Aiden Conley, senior, WR/KR/PR, Martha's Vineyard

The Colts were able to bring most of their team back as they only lost four players in the offseason. The big deal of the offseason was bringing back WR Michael Pittman on a three-year, $70 million deal. He will need some help as QB Anthony Richardson returns from a shoulder injury that held him to only four games. Conley is a playmaker that can play well alongside Pittman. He led the Vineyarders in receptions and receiving yards, had two kickoff return TDs, and one punt return TD.

16. Seattle Seahawks - Sean Needham, sophomore, MLB, Monomoy

The Seahawks of being the "Legion of Boom" are far from over, but they can turn things around with some new additions. Needham is a playmaker can turn things around in a game and for the Seahawks franchise. He averaged seven tackles per game, had six forced fumbles, 11 tackles for loss and six fumble recoveries for the Sharks.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars - Nolan Cochran, junior, OL/DL, Sandwich

The Jaguars resigned Edge player Josh Allen to a five-year, $150 mil deal, but he will need some help with some key starters leaving. Cochran could be a difference maker with Allen getting all the attention at the line. Cochran had three sacks from the defensive line and also made 30 tackles for the Blue Knights last season.

18. Cincinnati Bengals - Ethan Fox, sophomore, RB, Bourne

The Bengals' offense is set with QB Joe Burrow, and WRs Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but they lost Joe Mixon in trade with the Houston Texans. They did sign Zack Moss, who played well when Colts starter Jonathan Taylor was hurt, but I think they need another running back. Fox finished last season with a team-high 895 rushing yards and was a big reason for the success of the Canalmen's offense.

19. Los Angeles Rams - Owen Enright, senior, S/RB/WR

The Rams made some additions to their secondary that will have them looking like a completely different team with CBs Tre'Davious White and Darious Williams, and safety Kamren Curl. Adding a player like Enright could put them over the top as one of the best secondaries in the league. Enright finished last year with a team-high five interceptions. With his playmaking ability, the Rams' defense may be one team to watch out for despite losing future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald to retirement.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Makai Hue, senior, RB/WR/LB, Mashpee

Welp, here we are again with Russell Wilson coming in as the new starting quarterback for a franchise. Let's see if this goes better than his time in Denver. Justin Fields will be the backup to start the season, but we will see if that will last. Wilson, or Fields, will be without one of their best weapons in Diontae Johnson (trade to the Panthers). Hue can play receiver or running back for the Steelers. He finished with 620 total yards of offense, with 10 total touchdowns on offense, and had a team-high 104 tackles, two interceptions and made 10 tackles for loss on defense. Hue could be an impactful on offense or defense for the Steelers.

21. Miami Dolphins - Isaiah Robinson, junior, WR, Nauset

The Dolphins have Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, two of the fastest and most explosive receivers in the league, but what if they added a third play maker. Insert Robinson. Like Waddle and Hill, every time he touches the ball, he could potentially score. Despite missing most of the season with an injury, he still finished the season with 22 catches for 493 yards and seven touchdowns, and also added a pick-six on defense. Robinson could take the Dolphins to new heights.

22. Philadelphia Eagles - Daniel "Teddy" Cordeiro, senior, RB, St. John Paul II

The Eagles lost D'Andre Swift, but wasted no time in signing Saquon Barkley to replace him. However, they also lost backup RBs Rashaad Penny and Boston Scott, and Barkley has a history of injuries recently. Cordeiro would be a good addition to the Eagles offense that already is loaded with talent. Cordeiro finished with 15 total TDs, and had game last year where he ran the ball 30 times for 236 yards, added 48 yards receiving yards, and had four total TDs.

23. Houston Texans - Jabneal Lozoda-Santana, senior, OL/DL, Upper Cape

The Texans have had one of the best offseasons with additions like RB Joe Mixon, Wr Stefon Diggs, and Edge player Danielle Hunter. Although all this talent was added, there always help needed on the line. Lozoda-Sanatana can play on either side of the ball and can contribute right away.

24. Dallas Cowboys - Rovens Jean-Baptiste, senior, RB, Cape Tech

The Dallas Cowboys made two offseason moves after being knocked out of the playoffs in the Wild Card round at home by the Green Bay Packers last season. They lost starting RB Tony Pollard, and only signed Royce Freeman, who has played the backup role his whole career. Jean-Baptiste would be a perfect back to to fit into the Cowboys system. He finished his senior season with a team-high 721 rushing yards and had eight rushing touchdowns for the Crusaders last season.

25. Green Bay Packers - Dillon Chapman, junior, DB/RB, Monomoy

The Packers shocked the world with a road playoff win over the Cowboys last season led by QB Jordan Love. Now, they look to use that momentum into this season. Chapman finished last season with 12 rushing touchdowns and averaged 78 yards per game, but was also impactful on defense with six TFLs. He can bring some energy to this defense.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jack Kalkus, junior, QB/LB, St. John Paul II

Baker Mayfield had his best season of his professional career, which earned him a three-year $100 million deal. However, Mayfield has never had two good seasons back-to-back, so I would be play it safe and draft a QB here. He finished with 14 total TDs, and if the QB situation with the Bucs doesn't workout, he also led the Lions in tackles at LB last season. He can make an impact on both sides of the ball.

27. Arizona Cardinals - Guilherme Oliveira, senior, RB, Martha's Vineyard

The Cards already drafted a WR with the fourth pick, and I think they should stay getting help for QB Kyler Murray. James Connor is a good RB, when healthy, but he has a injury history and is not the fastest. Oliveira can be a good compliment to Connor in the backfield. He led his team in touchdowns and had multiple games of over 200 yards rushing.

28. Buffalo Bills - Kieran Handville, senior, WR/LB, Nauset

After another exit in the playoffs, the Bills cleaned house, which included their two top WRs in Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis. Josh Allen will have a tough year unless he gets some players to throw the ball to. Handville totaled 393 receiving yards and three touchdowns for the Warriors, and also played DB and LB on defense.

29. Detriot Lions - Brodie Scott, senior, CB/WR, Upper Cape

The Lions are back as they made it to the NFC Championship game, and nearly made the Super Bowl. The secondary took a hit, and they will look to get that back up to par to be competitive in games. Scott was the leading WR for the Rams, but also was effective at DB.

30. Baltimore Ravens - Tre'Chaun Days, sophomore, WR/RB, Falmouth

QB Lamar Jackson has not had a lot to work with on the offensive end, and still has two MVPs awards to show for it. Days could be a new weapon Jackson can throw to or handoff to in the backfield. His athleticism makes him threat in the open field and can make plays when needed.

31. San Franciso 49ers - Arann Hanlon, sophomore, OLB/S/RB, Nantucket

When you're coming off back-to-back NFC Championship appearances, there are not many changes you need to make. Hanlon can play multiple positions on the defense for the 49ers. He may usually be the smallest player on the field, but his shows he belongs on the field by playing hard.

32. Kansas City Chiefs - Peyton Morris, junior, RB, Cape Tech

The Chiefs always lose key players in the offseason, but still make it to Super Bowl or come close every season. Morris is a player that could help the defending champs IN the rushing game. Despite being in a crowded backfield with two other unning bakcs, he finished the year with 535 yards rushing and had four touchdowns.

Contact Courtney Jacobs at cjacobs@capecodonline.com. Follow him on X/Twitter: @CJ_Journalist.

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