The final whistle has blown. The St. Louis Los Angeles Rams are Super Bowl champions. Now that the season is over, the draft order is set. Which means it’s a perfect time for our first 32 team, first round mock draft.
I myself, like many other fans look forward to the draft process just as much as the actual season. The NFL Draft is a chance for change, a chance to add a game changing talent. A chance to rebuild your roster, or add the finishing touches.
A mock draft is far from a perfect science, there is always a few picks during the draft that come out of left field. Not to mention, so much can change between right now and draft night. We still have to get through the NFL Combine, pro days and NFL free agency; before we can really start narrowing down who will be coming off the board.
This year, unlike the last few years; the number one pick is a bit of a mystery. When you’re a team as starved for talent as Jacksonville, you take the help wherever you can get it. Will they go for a bookend tackle to protect Trevor Lawrence? Will they go after a stud edge rusher to pair with Josh Allen? Will they trade out and collect as many assets as possible?
Nobody truly knows until draft night but it’s fun to try. Otherwise, why would we there be hundreds of mocks every off season?
1.Jacksonville Jaguars
Evan Neal
Offensive Tackle
Alabama
6’7 360 lbs
The Jaguars go with the safest tackle on the board with Neal. He may not have the highest upside at the position, but he certainly has the highest floor. It’s always a good choice to give protection to your young QB.
2.Detroit Lions
Aidan Hutchinson
Edge
Michigan
6’6 265 lbs
Career Stats: 156 Tackles, 27.5 TFLs, 17.5 Sacks, 5 Forced Fumbles
Whether the Lions go with Thibodeaux or Hutchinson an edge rusher feels like a slam dunk here. They have a solid foundation on offense with players like DeAndre Swift, Amon-Ra St. Brown, TJ Hockenson and Penei Sewell; so getting the BPA on defense is a no brainer.
3.Houston Texans
Kayvon Thibodeaux
Edge
Oregon
6’5 250 lbs
Career Stats: 126 Tackles, 35.5 TFLs, 19 Sacks, 3 Forced Fumbles
The Texans also need all the help they can get so going best player available is in their best interest. They draft a player in Thibodeaux who can play in multiple fronts and make an instant impact for a defense that struggled mightily in 2021.
4. New York Jets
Ikem Ekwonu
Offensive Tackle
NC State
6’4 320 lbs
Using their first draft pick on Ekwonu will immediately give the Jets a boost at offensive tackle. If Becton can stay on the field and Ekwonu can maximize his natural ability, The Jets could have a pair of bookend tackles for a decade.
5. New York Giants
Kenyon Green
Offensive Line
Texas A&M
6’4 325 lbs
The Giants need help in the trenches plain and simple. Over the last few seasons nobody has been done a greater disservice than Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones. Kenyon Green is a step in the right direction to start the Brian Daboll era.
6. Carolina Panthers
Matt Corral
Quarterback
Ole Miss
6’1 205 lbs
Career Stats: 8,281 Passing Yards, 57 Passing Touchdowns, 67.3 Completion %, 1,338 Rushing Yards, 18 Rushing Touchdowns.
The first QB off the draft board goes earlier than many people would’ve expected. Yes this class isn’t strong at the position, but the league is starving for quality play under center. Nobody may be more famished than Carolina. They pull the trigger on a high upside, highly athletic talent in my QB1.
7. New York Giants (via Chicago)
Derek Stingley Jr.
Cornerback
LSU
6’1 195 lbs
Career Stats: 73 Tackles, 6 Interceptions, 20 PBUs, 2 Forced Fumbles
This pick is about getting the best player available. James Bradberry is a very good cornerback, pairing him with Stingley could give the Giants one of the better tandems in football.
8. Atlanta Falcons
Charles Cross
Offensive Tackle
Mississippi State
6’5 290 lbs
Charles Cross may have the most upside of any offensive lineman in the draft. His length and athleticism really pop off the tape. The Falcons give Matt Ryan some protection for his potential swan song, while getting an anchor for the future.
9. Denver Broncos
Kenny Pickett
Quarterback
Pitt
6’3 220 lbs
Career Stats: 12,303 Passing Yards, 81 Passing Touchdowns, 62.4 completion %, 801 Rushing Yards, 20 Rushing Touchdowns.
The Broncos have talent at nearly every position but the one that matters most. Pickett is the safest and most experienced signal caller in the draft. With Noah Fant, Cortland Sutton, and their two headed rushing attack; Pickett will be walking into as good of a situation as a rookie QB could hope for.
10. New York Jets (via Seattle)
Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner
Cornerback
Cincinnati
6’2 190 lbs
Career Stats: 99 Tackles, 3.5 Sacks, 9 INTs, 16 PBUs
Sauce Gardner may end up being CB1 by the time draft night comes around, but for now he is still right behind Stingley. There wasn’t a better cover corner in college football the last 3 season. The Jets can plug Gardner right in and watch him shine.
11. Washington Commanders
Malik Willis
Quarterback
Liberty
6’1 215 lbs
Career Stats: 5,176 Passing Yards, 48 Touchdowns, 62.4 Completion %, 2,131 Rushing Yards, 29 Rushing Touchdowns
Malik Willis was the darling of the Senior Bowl, but questions about his competition level and accuracy push him down to QB3. The Commanders pounce on the highest upside QB in the draft to start the new era of Washington Football.
12. Minnesota Vikings
Andrew Booth Jr.
Cornerback
Clemson
6’0 195 lbs
Career Stats: 68 Tackles, 5 Interceptions, 9 PBUs
The Vikings defense was not what you’d expect of a Mike Zimmer defense. So much so that it cost Zimmer his job up north. With an electric offense, the Vikings need to worry about keeping teams out of the end zone more than getting into the end zone themselves. Booth is a rangy corner that can make a difference on day one.
13. Cleveland Browns
Treylon Burks
Wide Receiver
Arkansas
6’3 225 lbs
Career Stats: 146 Catches, 2,399 Yards Receiving, 222 Yards Rushing, 19 Touchdowns
Arguably the finest physical specimen in this draft is the first receiver to go on draft night. Burks profiles as an oversized Deebo Samuel. After parting ways with OBJ, Cleveland needs to add some punch to their offense and help Baker Mayfield out.
14. Baltimore Ravens
Tyler Linderbaum
Interior Offensive Lineman
Iowa
6’3 290 lbs
The Ravens need to keep Lamar upright, that was apparent as he went down with an injury that cost Jackson a 4th straight playoff appearance. Linderbaum seems ready made for a run heavy offense with his blend of athleticism, IQ and tenacity. If he becomes half the player he’s been compared to (Jason Kelce) Baltimore might have the steal of the draft.
15. Philadelphia Eagles (via Miami)
Kyle Hamilton
Safety
Notre Dame
6’4 220 lbs
Career Stats: 138 Tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 8INTs
Speaking of steals, my number one player seems like he was forgotten for the first half of the draft and fell into the loving arms of the Philadelphia Eagles. Hamilton is not only the best safety prospect in this draft, he’s the best safety prospect in a decade. The value here is almost unbelievable.
16. Philadelphia Eagles (via Indianapolis)
George Karlaftis
Edge
Purdue
6’4 275 lbs
Career Stats: 97 Total Tackles, 29 TFLs, 14 Sacks, 3 Forced Fumbles
Thanks to Howie Roseman wheeling and dealing, Philadelphia goes back to back and lands another freak of nature in George Karlaftis. While he doesn’t have the flashiest numbers, the things he did at Purdue don’t show up on the stat sheet. The Eagles need help at defensive end and Karlaftis is the perfect solution.
17. Los Angeles Chargers
Perrion Winfrey
Defensive Lineman
Oklahoma
6’4 303 lbs
Career Stats: 40 Total Tackles, 16.5 TFLs, 6 Sacks
Winfrey was a borderline first round pick before his performance at The Senior Bowl. But after he went in an dominated his way to a game MVP, he is firmly entrenched inside the top 25. Winfrey can rush inside and out, making him a perfect fit for Brandon Staley defense that prides itself on multiplicity.
18. New Orleans Saints
Drake London
Wide Receiver
USC
6’5 210 lbs
Career Stats: 160 Catches, 2,153 Receiving Yards, 15 Touchdowns
The Saints are in a transition period right now. Michael Thomas’s future with the team is in limbo, and they have no other viable weapon at wide receiver or tight end. Getting a high upside guy like Drake London can jumpstart a Saints offense that was essentially the Alvin Kamara show.
19. Philadelphia Eagles
Devin Lloyd
Linebacker
Utah
6’3 235 lbs
Career Stats: 256 Tackles, 43 TFLs, 15.5 Sacks, 5 INTs, 8 PBUs, 2 Forced Fumbles, 3 TDs
Half of the Philadelphia Eagles fan base weren’t alive the last time they took an off ball linebacker in the first round of the draft. But a plethora of draft picks combined with a huge need and a special talent like Lloyd, it makes this pick too good to pass up if he’s available at 19.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Trevor Penning
Offensive Tackle
Northern Iowa
6’7 330 lbs
Trevor Penning rose up the boards throughout the season cementing himself as a top offensive tackle. His size, length and mean streak are things you can’t teach; and the Steelers are desperate for help on the offensive line. While they may trade up for a QB in the wake of Big Ben retiring, it’s more likely they hit the open market for a veteran at that spot.
21. New England Patriots
Chris Olave
Wide Receiver
Ohio State
6’1 190 lbs
Career Stats: 175 Catches, 2,702 Yards, 35 Touchdowns
The Pats had one off year after Tom Brady’s departure, and were right back in the playoff mix. They held the top spot in the AFC East for a large part of the season and we’re rewarded with a playoff birth. Their young QB Mac Jones looked the part of a franchise signal caller, but there was an obvious lack of talent at wide receiver. Grabbing Chris Olave here is a chance to get a true number one guy for Mac to grow with.
22. Las Vegas Raiders
Zion Johnson
Interior Offensive Lineman
Boston College
6’2 315 lbs
The Raiders offensive line was arguably their biggest weakness this season. The running lanes weren’t opening for Josh Jacobs and the pocket often collapsed on Carr. Zion Johnson gives them a strong interior presence, and he has the positional diversity to play either guard spot or at center.
23. Arizona Cardinals
Jermaine Johnson
Edge
Florida State
6’4 259 lbs
Career Stats: 106 Total Tackles, 24.5 TFLs, 18 Sacks, 2 Forced Fumbles
Arguably nobody had a better Senior Bowl than Jermaine Johnson. After an impressive year at Florida State, Johnson was viewed as a fringe first round draft pick; after his week in Mobile he could be a top 20 draft pick. JJ Watt and Chandler Jones are on the wrong side of their primes with the latter hitting free agency. Johnson could be a ready made replacement for a team ready to win now.
24.Dallas Cowboys
Nakobe Dean
Linebacker
Georgia
6’0 225 lbs
Career Stats: 168 Total Tackles, 13.5 TFLs, 7.5 Sacks, 2 INTs, 7 PBUs, 3 Forced Fumbles
Nakobe Dean was the heart and soul of a historic Georgia defense that took home a National Championship this past season. He is a modern linebacker who excels just as much in coverage as he does playing the run. With Micah Parsons becoming a de facto edge rusher and Vander Esch scheduled to hit free agency the Cowboys need to address the linebacker position.
25.Buffalo Bills
Kaiir Elam
Cornerback
Florida
6’2 200 lbs
Career Stats: 78 Total Tackles, 5 Interceptions, 20 PBUs
The Bills have one of the best corners in football with Tre White, but adding Elam to the mix could really bolster the CB2 spot for them. Making it much harder for teams to play keep away from White. Elam has some of the best tools in this draft, but consistency issues push him down to the back end of round one.
26. Tennessee Titans
Garrett Wilson
Wide Receiver
Ohio State
6’0 190 lbs
Career Stats: 143 Catches, 2,213 Yards, 23 Touchdowns
Garrett Wilson is the perfect compliment to AJ Brown. Brown is a physically dominant presence who can take you deep or over the middle. Wilson is a polished and smooth route runner who has soft hands and no issues getting open. Tannehill has limitations but adding Wilson to the mix will only stand to help him and the Titans offense.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Roger McCreary
Cornerback
Auburn
5’11 190 lbs
While Tom Brady retiring leaves a gaping hole at quarterback, Tampa Bay didn’t draft Kyle Trask in the 2nd round for no reason. I predict they either roll with Trask or make a move for a veteran QB in the off-season. That lets them address a major need at cornerback early. If McCreary was 2 inches taller he’d probably be a top 15 pick, but size and length issues push the most technically sound corner down to pick 27.
28. Green Bay Packers
David Bell
Wide Receiver
Purdue
6’2 205 lbs
Career Stats: 232 Catches, 2,964 yards, 21 Touchdowns
No matter what happens with the future of Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams in Green Bay, The Packers will likely look for a wide receiver. If Rodgers and Adams return, Bell will give them a prolific WR2; if they both leave the team Bell will give heir apparent Jordan Love a young receiver to grow with.
29. Miami Dolphins (via San Francisco)
Kenneth Walker III
Running Back
Michigan State
5’10 210 lbs
Career Stats: 481 Carries, 2,804 Yards, 35 Touchdowns, 5.8 YPC
The Dolphins running game has been putrid for the last few years. Forcing Tua to handle the brunt of the offense behind a subpar offensive line. Adding Walker to the mix would be an instant upgrade if his college production is any indicator of his abilities. Running backs going off the board in the first round aren’t common, but Walker has the talent and fills a major need.
30. Kansas City Chiefs
DeMarvin Leal
Defensive Lineman
Texas A&M
6’4 290 lbs
Career Stats: 130 Total Tackles, 13 Sacks, 25 TFLs
The Chiefs only problem is defense. While the offense is a well oiled machine, the defense is a jalopy that starts and stops when it feels like it. Using their first round pick on a guy like Leal can help that a bit. He doesn’t have a set position, but he is one of the most talented and diverse lineman in this draft. The value is too good to pass up here.
31. Cincinnati Bengals
Darian Kinnard
Offensive Tackle
Kentucky
6’5 324 lbs
If I was The Bengals I would use every single draft pick on the offensive line. That’s not hyperbole, it’s that bad. Joe Burrow was sacked 19 times in the Bengals four playoff games, and he somehow got that team to Super Bowl 56. They need to protect their young star at all costs. Investing in the offensive line will only serve to make Burrow’s life easier and open things up for Joe Mixon and the rushing attack.
32. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams)
Jameson Williams
Wide Receiver
Alabama
6’2 190 lbs
Career Stats: 94 Receptions, 1,838 Yards, 18 Touchdowns
Jameson Williams falls all the way to the last pick in the first round due to an unfortunate injury in the National Championship Game. The Lions probably won’t be competing for a Super Bowl in 2022 so they can afford to use the draft pick on a guy who might not play right away. If Williams comes back as 100% of the player we saw this past year, Detroit could be a quarterback away from an extremely scary offense.