Most NFL personalities hate doing mock drafts as well.. Shoot, they have 7 round mock drafts available, it's crazy. So, I presume the NHL analysts aren't big fans either. But, other fans and myself do enjoy to look at them for fun. So, that's probably why they do the mock drafts. But, I don't really take it too seriously of who they think will go at pick #18- At that point, it gets hard to project obviously. Also, all analysts have a different sort of evaluating style
1. I like to look at who they project for us to take. It gives a brief idea of why we are projected to take him or a bit about the player.
2. Mock drafts give you a decent idea of players that are projected to go around your pick that you can research or find a player to like. This could prove to be a slight rooting interest come draft day, although the CBJ will take who they feel is the best project to a certain degree. This could be used for the common fans or the more die-hard fans. I like to find a rooting interest for a player to take on draft day as well, although.. I know the Jackets have a more thorough approach to evaluating prospects than I do.
3. Mock drafts could also be for the more common fans rather than the die-hards.
I think the key is to take them lightly