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The final mock drafts are in. As much as I despise mock drafts, I have been looking at them to judge the draft stock of Caleb Swanigan. In advance of the draft tonight, it looks like his stock is rising, too. Here are some of the final projections for Caleb just before the draft later today:
SI has Caleb as a second round pick, and their draft only details the first round. This has him going behind fellow Big Ten players O.G. Anunoby and D.J. Wilson, despite the fact Swanigan was the conference’s Player of the Year.
Caleb has constantly been around 40 on this site for a while, but in their final version he moved up to No. 32 and Phoenix. At least he is finally ahead of Thomas Bryant on their board.
This is the highest projection I have seen him so far at No. 24 to Utah. Here is what they have to say:
Not only is he the most heart-warming story of this draft but "Biggie" also is the most NBA-ready player available late in the first round. He's simply going to outwork everybody on the floor. He's one of the hardest workers I've ever been around. And he knows his role in the NBA. He told me there will always be a place for a rebounder in the NBA. That's where he's going to butter his bread, and he knows it. The questions about his body, size and athleticism are overwrought. He's a winner, pure and simple. Fans should want this inspiring and inspired young man on their squad.
It would be a punishment, but Bleacher Report has him going No. 33 to Orlando:
Despite the huge college production, Swanigan won't go high in the draft due to questions over his athleticism and fit. They shouldn't bother Orlando this late. Swanigan could be the draft's best rebounder and a developing shooter.
These guys have him as the final pick of the first round at No. 30. That’s huge, because a first round selection means a guaranteed contract.
Ricky O’Donnell is not high on Caleb as a first round, as he is not in this first round only projection.
The same is true over at USA Today, which is also a first round only projection and does not have Caleb.
They have Caleb going at No. 28.
Again, the Lakers probably won't make this pick. If they do, though, they could take a potential Julius Randle replacement if they're still looking to trade the young big man.
Oregon's Jordan Bell would be another fine option for Los Angeles here.