Game of Thrones NFL mock draft: Top prospects in Westeros and beyond

5. Sandor “The Hound” Clegane, DT, King’s Landing

Just a few years ago, the focus on pass-rushing was all about getting pressure off of the edge. However, as players like Aaron Donald and Fletcher Cox have proven, getting pressure from the defensive tackle spot can make the defense substantially better as well. And The Hound has the potential to be the kind of player in the trenches that can absolutely take over a game.

Clegane has long been a physical force that is not to be trifled with. He’s battle-tested up front and has the ability to take on all comers in the middle of the offensive line. What really boosts his draft stock, however, is the fact that he’s come a long way in terms of his maturity. He’s no longer just a violent mauler up front, but he now has a purpose when he’s out there, which makes him a more desirable commodity and, frankly, a far better prospect.

6. Tormund Giantsbane, LB, North of The Wall

The speed of the modern NFL has changed the game in a big way, and defenses have been forced to adjust. Because of how offenses like to exploit matchups, you can’t have a plodding linebacker on the field all too often. At the same time, though, having a lack of size in the middle of the field can also be a detriment given the physicality and size of skill-position players on offense these days. That’s what makes Tormund Giantsbane a terrific prospect.

An adversary turned ally in Game of Thrones, Tormund is certainly a bit of a weird cat, but that doesn’t mean that he can’t fit into a locker room, especially with his performance in the heat of the moment. He has the mentality and physical traits to be a fearless playmaker in the middle of the defense and a player that could truly change the game and fit seamlessly into the modern NFL.