2022 NFL Draft

NFL Mock Draft 2022: Vikings trade up, Panthers acquire Mayfield, Samuel lands with Packers

Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NFL , , , , , ,

NFL Draft Daily looks at top stories, historical trends, player performances and more all through the lens of the NFL Draft. After all, there are only 3 days until the 2022 NFL draft. Check back in tomorrow for another entry.

At long last, it is draft week! The months of speculation are finally going to come to an end on Thursday, but until then, let’s keep speculating.

For the first time this year, I am allowing trades in my mock draft. The following trades were executed in this mock.

Minnesota trades 1.12, 2.44 to Carolina for 1.6, 5.144

Los Angeles trades 1.17, 3.79 and 6.195 to Baltimore for 1.17, 4.119

San Francisco trades Deebo Samuel, 6.221 to Green Bay for 1.22, 2.59

New York trades 2.35, 3.69 and 4.117 to Tennessee for 1.26, 3.90

Baltimore trades 2.45 and 4.141 to Indianapolis for 2.42

Carolina trades 2023 3rd-round pick, 6.199 to Cleveland for Baker Mayfield

As a reminder, these mocks are what I would do as a general manager, not necessarily what I think will happen on draft day. I will be releasing a predictive mock later this week.

With all of that in mind, let’s dive into my final non-predictive mock of the 2022 draft cycle.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
I have been saying this for a while and I stand by it: Neal is the best player in the draft and Jacksonville should invest in protecting Trevor Lawrence. Neal has the experience to kick inside for a year with Cam Robinson on the franchise tag. He will be the team’s long-term answer at left tackle.

2. Detroit Lions – Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
This is exactly what Detroit is hoping for on draft night. They want Hutchinson badly. I think finding a high-motor, polished edge rusher will give this defense a major boost. You can count on him being an impact starter from Day 1.

3. Houston Texans – Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
There are a number of ways that this could go. I’m going with the highest-rated player left on my board in Gardner. He is a true shutdown corner with the size, speed and physicality you expect to see from top prospects. He would transform the Texans defense. In a deep edge class, count on them finding some help in the later rounds.

4. New York Jets – Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
With Gardner off the board, I think this one is pretty clear cut. New York has lacked a pass rush for about 15 years. Carl Lawson is on the mend after tearing his Achilles last August, but he will need some help. Thibodeaux is the type of athletic pass rusher Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas love. Pairing him with Lawson would be an ideal scenario.

5. New York Giants – Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
New York will be hoping one of the top two tackles is on the board when they pick at No. 5. Ekwonu is a mauler with plus athleticism. He has some room to clean up some technical aspects to his game, but I think he will translate well. Putting him on the right side across from Andrew Thomas would give the Giants talented bookends on their offensive line.

6. Minnesota Vikings via Carolina Panthers – Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
With the board falling this way and Carolina acquiring Baker Mayfield from Cleveland, a trade down makes sense. Minnesota is more than happy to move up for the top corner on the board. The Vikings are willing to bet on Stingley returning to his 2019 form after showing out at his pro day. He could wind up being the best player in this draft class.

7. New York Giants via Chicago Bears – Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
There is definitely a bit of projection involved with Walker, but I don’t think the Giants would mind gambling on his upside here. He has physical traits defensive coaches dream about. On top of that, he is incredibly scheme versatile and has the flexibility to line up in a few spots. I think New York will be able to find a good fit for him within their defense.

8. Atlanta Falcons – Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
This is a perfect situation for Willis. For one, it would be a return home after he started his high school career at Westlake High School in Atlanta. Additionally, Atlanta is in a rebuild and has a stop-gap solution at the position in Marcus Mariota. Willis has some enticing potential, but will need some time to get up to speed in the NFL. This would allow to sit on the bench for a year while the Falcons rebuild the roster around him.

9. Seattle Seahawks via Denver Broncos – Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
With Willis off the board, I think Seattle should address its defensive line. Johnson is an elite run stopper with room to grow as a pass rusher. He has three-down potential and some impressive tape. I really like his physicality. After moving on from Carlos Dunlap, this feels like a smart move to bolster the front seven.

10. New York Jets via Seattle Seahawks – Drake London, WR, USC
I considered Kyle Hamilton here, but I think the Jets need to focus on finding more weapons for Zach Wilson. London is my top receiver thanks to a great catch radius and an exciting blend of size and playmaking ability. He would be a nice complement to Elijah Moore and would give New York a true No. 1 receiver.

11. Washington Football Team – Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Washington could absolutely go receiver here, but I think Hamilton should be the pick. He has incredible size for the position and would likely be gone even earlier if not for a poor 40-time at the combine. His instincts and versatility make him the top safety in the draft by a wide margin. Expect him to be a high-level starter for a long time in the league.

12. Carolina Panthers via Minnesota Vikings – Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Carolina picks up some extra draft capital and still addresses its biggest need at offensive tackle. Cross is a well-tested pass blocker from his days at Mississippi State. He anchors well, but needs to improve on his technique and hand placement. The limited run blocking snaps is also a concern. In time, I think he could be a quality starter, which the Panthers desperately need.

13. Houston Texans via Cleveland Browns – Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
With the top edge rushers off the board, I think Houston should target a receiver to give Davis Mills a chance to show that he is truly a franchise quarterback. Wilson and Brandin Cooks would give the Texans an exciting tandem. His speed and run-after-catch ability should provide a major boost.

14. Los Angeles Chargers via Baltimore Ravens – Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Los Angeles can’t risk Penning not being there at No. 17 with a major need at right tackle. Upgrading along the offensive line has to be a huge priority in order to protect Justin Herbert. Penning definitely has some refining to do once he reaches the NFL, but the intangibles and physicality make me believe he has a lot of untapped potential.

15. Philadelphia Eagles via Miami Dolphins – Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Why not grab another Alabama receiver. Williams actually never shared the field with DeVonta Smith because he spent his first two seasons at Ohio State. Unfortunately, Williams likely will miss the beginning of the season as he continues to rehab the torn ACL he suffered in the National Championship Game. Once he is healthy though, he could be a game-changer in this offense.

16. New Orleans Saints via Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts – Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
New Orleans does not want to miss out on the top receivers in this draft. Adding another Buckeye to this offense would do wonders for its potential. I think Olave, who has great straight-line speed and solid separation skills, would excel playing with a strong-armed quarterback like Jameis Winston. If Michael Thomas can finally get back on the field, the Saints would have a very talented tandem to rely on.

17. Baltimore Ravens via Los Angeles Chargers – Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
Picking up another mid-round pick is something the Ravens love doing. Adding a long, athletic corner also seems to fit their MO. Booth is recovering from offseason surgery, so we did not get a chance to see him test, but I believe he is the best of this second tier of corners after Gardner and Stingley. After injuries ravaged their secondary a year ago, Baltimore will be all in on finding more depth.

18. Philadelphia Eagles via New Orleans Saints – Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Philly will be disappointed to see Booth go off the board just before their pick, but McDuffie is a heck of a consolation prize. He lacks elite size, but he plays bigger than he is listed. He would be a great pairing with Darius Slay to help reshape the secondary. Adding talent on the boundaries is never a bad idea.

19. New Orleans Saints via Philadelphia Eagles – Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia
Ideally, there would be an offensive tackle here, but alas, the top four prospects are all off the board. Instead, New Orleans turns to the other side of the trenches to find someone to pair with David Onyemata, who is entering a contract year. The Saints could also trade down from here or go quarterback, but I think they are planning to ride with Winston for this year, especially after signing Andy Dalton as a backup.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers – Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
Another example of a team drafting a local kid. No, this doesn’t make up for them passing on Dan Marino, but it should give them a bit of stability at the quarterback position. Pickett is pro ready and has above average mobility, something the Steelers offense has desperately lacked in Ben Roethlisberger’s final years. He should be a solid NFL starter, even if he seems to lack the upside to become a star.

21. New England Patriots – Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
There are a couple directions I think the Patriots could head, but I think Lloyd makes the most sense. He is a top-10 player on my board. He drops this far because of positional value, but I could see him being a perennial Pro Bowler under Bill Belichick. His versatility and athleticism makes him a really solid value in this spot.

22. San Francisco 49ers via Green Bay Packers and Las Vegas Raiders – Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
San Francisco looks to address some glaring needs with the picks acquired in the Deebo Samuel trade. Green is the top offensive player available at this point and helps soften the blow of losing Laken Tomlinson and Tom Compton this offseason. Regardless of who is starting at quarterback this season, they need to be upright.

23. Arizona Cardinals – Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia
This is great value for Davis, who I have as a top-15 player. That being said, he projects best as a two-down run stuffer, with the potential to improve as a pass rusher. There are some concerns with his weight, but his speed is off the charts for a man his size. Putting him between J.J. Watt and Zach Allen sounds very appealing.

24. Dallas Cowboys – Zion Nelson, OL, Boston College
I considered an edge rusher here, but instead, I’m opting for Nelson. Dallas’ offensive line took some major hits this offseason. Nelson has the versatility to line up at either guard spot or center. Keeping Dak Prescott healthy should be a huge priority after the string of injuries he has dealt with over the past two seasons.

25. Buffalo Bills – Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
For a team that has Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis, this might feel like an odd pick, but I think Buffalo wants to do whatever it can to push this offense over the top. Burks is a tough evaluation, but the film shows a player capable of taking over a game. If he can consistently perform in the NFL, he will be an absolute steal in this spot.

26. New York Jets via Tennessee Titans – Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
New York gets aggressive with a ton of draft picks to utilize. With Hill still on the board, they jump at the opportunity to add a dynamic defensive back. Hill can line up at slot corner or either safety spot. He is a sure tackler in the open field and has impressive speed. After losing Marcus Maye, the Jets need to shore up the backend of the defense.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
There is no question that Karlaftis is a bit of a project, but the Buccaneers have a good track record of developing front seven players. Todd Bowles will love adding another pass rusher to his defense. Karlaftis needs to drastically improve as a run defender to get on the field on every down, but should be a situational pass rushing option from Day 1.

28. Green Bay Packers – Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State
If you have been reading my content regularly, you know I am a big fan of McBride. I think Aaron Rodgers could be too if Green Bay selects him. McBride posted a ridiculous 90-catch, 1,100-yard season en route to the Mackey Award. He is pro ready and fairly well-rounded. Adding him and Deebo Samuel to the offense would transform the outlook for 2022 and beyond.

29. Kansas City Chiefs via Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers – Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Kansas City has put off meaningfully addressing the cornerback position for a few years now. In a defense that loves to get after the passer, Elam is a perfect fit. He is long and fast, excelling in press-man coverage. There is a bit to be desired when it comes to his understanding of zone concepts and open-field tackling, but those are skills that can be improved with coaching. He would allow Steve Spagnuolo to dial up pressure, especially once their next pick gets on the field.

30. Kansas City Chiefs – David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
Prior to tearing his Achilles at his pro day, Ojabo was on the trajectory to go in the Top-10 of this draft. The Chiefs will gladly grab a player capable of having that type of impact on the defense when he is healthy. His long-term upside and immediate pass-rushing ability make him a great value at this spot.

31. Cincinnati Bengals – Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
Sometimes, the best thing to do is continue to address the offensive line. Linderbaum slid during the pre draft process after measuring in much smaller than teams had hoped for. There are definitely some limitations to his game, but he looked like a baller at Iowa. His athleticism and ability to finish blocks should keep him in the first round.

32. Detroit Lions via Los Angeles – Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
Another one of my favorite prospects in this draft class, Walker is a big, rangy linebacker who can do just about anything you ask of him. He is a capable blitzer, solid in coverage and a decent tackler. The biggest test for him will likely be playing in a defense where not everyone is a superstar. He is the fourth Georgia defender I have coming off the board in the first round.

33. Jacksonville Jaguars – Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State
After addressing the offensive line at No. 1, Jacksonville finds an edge rusher to pair with Josh Allen. Ebiketie put together a great season with Penn State after transferring from Temple.

34. Detroit Lions – Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
Another Penn State defender as Detroit continues to revamp that side of the ball. Brisker would compete for the starting job right away.

35. Tennessee Titans via New York Jets – Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
Tennessee adds some more draft capital after initially entering the draft without a second-round pick. Raimann is a developing tackle who could compete for the starting spot on the right side immediately.

36. New York Giants – Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
New York needs to rebuild its cornerback room with rumors that James Bradberry could be traded. McCreary lacks elite length, but put together some impressive tape against SEC competition.

37. Houston Texans – Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
One of the most toolsy edge rushers in this class, Mafe is a popular prospect with teams that love “height, weight, speed” players. His physicality and speed makes up below average length off the edge.

38. New York Jets via Carolina Panthers – Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
The Jets grab another defensive playmaker to plug into Robert Saleh’s defense. Dean is undersized, which I think will drop him out of the first-round, but excels when allowed to play downhill.

39. Chicago Bears – George Pickens, WR, Georgia
Make that six Georgia players and counting. Chicago grabs a high-upside receiver to pair with Darnell Mooney. Pickens barely played this season after tearing his ACL in spring ball, but he has the physical traits to develop into a No. 1 option.

40. Seattle Seahawks via Denver Broncos – Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
Seattle finds a mobile quarterback with great leadership skills. No, he won’t replace Russell Wilson, but he gives them someone else to compete for the starting job with more upside than Drew Lock or Geno Smith.

41. Seattle Seahawks – Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
The Seahawks lost D.J. Reed this offseason and don’t have much in the way of proven talent at corner right now. Gordon checks all the physical boxes you want in a starting corner and would give Seattle some much-needed size at the position.

42. Baltimore Ravens via Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders – Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State
Baltimore has a ton of mid-round picks to use, so moving up to address a big need makes sense. Thomas is a strong edge defender with really good production. I think he would fit well across from Odafe Oweh.

43. Atlanta Falcons – Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
Another receiver off the board, Watson is an exciting blend of speed and size. At just over 6’4″, he ran a 4.36 40 at the combine. He needs to improve his hands, but I think he can be an instant impact player.

44. Cleveland Browns – Travis Jones, DL, UConn
The Browns first pick of the draft will likely be on defense after trading for Deshaun Watson and Amari Cooper this offseason. Jones is rising up draft boards after a good pre draft process. Cleveland’s interior defensive line is very unproven as well, so this fills a need.

45. Indianapolis Colts via Baltimore Ravens – Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
Indy has a lot of needs and not a ton of draft capital after trading a number of picks to acquire Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan in successive offseasons. Sliding down and finding a playmaker to boost this offense accomplishes two goals. Dotson has great hands and has a good understanding of how to beat zone coverage.

46. Carolina Panthers via Minnesota Vikings – Christian Harris, LB, Alabama
Harris brings plenty of speed to the table and plays akin to a box safety. He is good in coverage as well. Carolina could use an injection of youth at linebacker.

47. Washington Commanders via Indianapolis Colts – Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati
After going defense with its first pick, Washington goes offense here. I’m staying away from quarterback to give Carson Wentz some confidence. Instead, I think grabbing a receiver for him to work will go a long way. Pierce put up elite testing numbers and some solid tape at Cincinnati. He would pair nicely with Terry McLaurin.

48. Chicago Bears via Los Angeles Chargers – Sean Rhyan, OL, UCLA
Chicago needs to protect Justin Fields in the worst way. Rhyan is a college tackle that seems destined to kick inside. Still, that experience at tackle makes him even more valuable.

49. New Orleans Saints – Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa
With Terron Armstead now in Miami, the Saints are searching for a new left tackle. Smith is a bit of a tweener, with scouts split on where he fits best at the next level. Worst-case scenario, he competes with Cesar Ruiz, who had a rough 2021 season.

50. Kansas City Chiefs via Miami Dolphins – John Metchie III, Alabama
After going defense in the first round, Kansas City opts for an offensive weapon in the second. Metchie likely would be off the board by now if it was not for the fact that he is coming off a major injury. Assuming he returns to full health, he would be a solid addition to the Chiefs receiver room.

51. Philadelphia Eagles – Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
The Eagles need more playmakers in the secondary. Safety is definitely a weak spot. Cine put on a show in the National Championship Game, showcasing his speed and instincts.

52. Pittsburgh Steelers – Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA
Another “draft crush” for me, Woolen is a bit raw, but has outstanding intangibles. Finding corners who are 6’4″ and run a sub 4.3 40 is nearly impossible. On top of that, he has a 42-inch vertical. Bet on the upside and hope Mike Tomlin and company can develop him.

53. Green Bay Packers via Las Vegas Raiders – Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State
Green Bay’s offensive line has been a weak point of late with injuries really taking a toll on the unit. Lucas has a ton of starts under his belt and looked solid at the Senior Bowl. He could probably start at either tackle spot in the NFL.

54. New England Patriots – Darian Kinnard, OL, Kentucky
New England traded away Shaq Mason this offseason, creating a hole at guard. Kinnard played tackle in college and has long arms to contend on the outside. However, his play style is best suited to be on the interior. He could bring some nastiness to the Patriots run game.

55. Arizona Cardinals – Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma
With the loss of Chandler Jones this offseason, Arizona needs to find some pass rushing help. Bonitto is a good athlete with 16 sacks in his final two seasons at Oklahoma.

56. Dallas Cowboys – Amare Barno, EDGE, Virginia Tech
Another team in need of an edge rusher following a free-agent departure, Dallas hopes Barno can provide a boost. He tested out of his mind at the combine, which points to a lot of untapped potential.

57. Buffalo Bills – Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
At long last, the first running back comes off the board. Hall is an all-around back with solid hands and impressive speed. I might be sleeping on these backs a bit, but this would be a great fit for him in Buffalo.

58. Atlanta Falcons via Tennessee Titans – Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State
The best way to take the pressure off a young quarterback is to give him a running game. Walker is a downhill runner with good speed. He hits the hole with authority and should give the Falcons offense a reliable back.

59. San Francisco 49ers via Green Bay Packers – Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan
With Samuel gone in this mock, San Francisco goes after a potential replacement. Moore is not the same type of player as Deebo, but he can still be a fun chess piece for Kyle Shanahan to move around.

60. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Cole Strange, OL, Chattanooga
Tampa Bay lost both its starting guards from a year ago. They already filled one spot by trading for Shaq Mason. The other is still up for grabs. Strange has the skills to compete for the job and the versatility to play any spot on the interior of the offensive line. I considered quarterback here, but I think going all in with Brady makes more sense.

61. San Francisco 49ers – Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor
George Odum is a special teams ace who is better off playing in a rotational role on defense, so safety is definitely a need. Pitre had a strong showing at the Senior Bowl and looks like a future starter.

62. Kansas City Chiefs – DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M
Leal did not have the same kind of season many were expecting of him, but he has position versatility at edge or defensive tackle. Building in the trenches, especially on defense, feels like a smart move for Kansas City.

63. Cincinnati Bengals – Cade Otton, TE, Washington
Here is a player that I think is being slept on big time. Otton is a fantastic blocker with upside as a pass catcher. After losing C.J. Uzomah, I think the Bengals need to address the tight end position beyond signing Hayden Hurst.

64. Denver Broncos via Los Angeles Rams – Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming
Denver does not have a ton of clear needs, the Broncos can go with the best player available here. Muma has the makings of a sideline-to-sideline off-ball linebacker. He tested well at the combine and looks the part on tape.

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2022 NFL Draft Big Board: Loaded draft of defensive players, one quarterback cracks Top 25

Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NFL , , , , ,

NFL Draft Daily looks at top stories, historical trends, player performances and more all through the lens of the NFL Draft. After all, there are only 10 days until the 2022 NFL draft. Check back in tomorrow for another entry.

We are slowly creeping closer to draft week and I am working on finalizing grades and rankings for players. The more time I spend looking at this class, the more I realize how deep it is on defense. It is a really good year to need edge rushing or cornerback help. There are also a couple of great linebackers in this class as well.

A few things to note about how I do my big boards. I rank the best players in the class based on talent and ability to translate to the NFL, not necessarily where they will be drafted. Let’s use Malik Willis as an example. I expect him to be drafted well above where I have him ranked, but that is because the league puts a premium on the position he plays. Same thing goes for Kyle Hamilton, but in reverse. He is a top-five player in this draft class, but he will probably drop out of the top 10 on draft day because the NFL does not value safeties as highly.

Here are my top 25 players. I will have my next 25 players out tomorrow.

1. Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
An absolute mountain of a man, I love Neal’s physical traits, experience and versatility. He has above average arm length as well. He started 40 games over three years at Alabama, featuring at left guard, right tackle and left tackle in that span. On top of that, he went up against some of the best competition the country has to offer in the SEC. He is nimble on his feet and brings good play strength for the position. He has Pro Bowl potential at any offensive line position other than center.

2. Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
I love long, tall corners. Gardner is a long, tall corner who can run and play shutdown coverage. The popular stat you will see regarding his play was that he did not allow a receiving touchdown during his time in college. He didn’t always face the best competition playing in the AAC, but he stepped up in big games for the Bearcats throughout his career. He mirrors well in coverage and has the length to break up passes. I think he has the potential to be a top-5 corner in the league.

3. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
In a draft full of talented edge rushers, Hutchinson is the most pro ready of the group. He has a full array of pass rush moves, dominates at the point of attack and showcases good play strength on film. His short area quickness for the position is elite and he has the versatility to play with his hand in the ground or stand up as an outside linebacker. If you are looking for a knock on him, it is that he lacks the length teams typically look for in edge rushers, measuring in the eighth percentile among edge rushers, according to Mockdraftable. He might not have the highest upside of any edge rusher in this class, but he seems to have the highest floor.

4. Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
Much has been made about the former Oregon superstar in this draft cycle. We’ve heard that he didn’t interview well, and teams were disappointed by his lack of fire. I know he didn’t live up to the lofty expectations we all set for him heading into this season, but he still has all the physical ability in the world. Also of note, he had 19 career sacks at Oregon, including seven this past season. He has a tendency of stepping up in big games as well, posting 4.5 sacks in three Pac-12 title games. There are definitely elements of his game you would like to see him improve (consistency at the point of attack, reading his keys in run defense), but I like the upside and talent to win out at the next level.

5. Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State
If you like nasty, physical offensive linemen, Ekwonu is just the man for you. Known as the “Most feared player in the ACC,” he routinely pancakes defenders with his impressive play strength and great pad level. However, for all the highlight plays he puts on film, there is still some work to be done. His footwork and technique are a bit inconsistent and he will need to be more disciplined about not leaking downfield on passing plays too early at the next level. That being said, few players offer the type of raw power with upside that Ekwonu does.

6. Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Hamilton might have ranked even a bit higher had he turned in a better pre draft performance. His lackluster 40-yard dash time has been picked apart, but he played faster on film, so I’m not too concerned with a lack of speed. He takes good angles in coverage and against the run, which pairs well with elite size at the position. I believe he can still play single high along with dropping into the box and even playing nickel linebacker. The versatility along with the production and “wow” plays on his film make him an elite prospect.

7. Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Reportedly, the NFL is all over this guy. He was a workout warrior at the combine, sending scouts back to the tape. I like what I saw from him a lot, but I’m not putting him in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick. Walker has tons of talent and versatility, but there is still a bit of refining that needs to come in his game. What is great is that he can conceivably line up at defensive tackle, defensive end or outside linebacker, depending on what scheme he lands in. I like the upside a lot. He might not have the biggest impact as a rookie, but two years from now, he could be a top-25 defensive player in the league, regardless of position.

8. Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
One of my favorite players in this draft class, Lloyd is a dynamic playmaker with great physical tools. He could play inside backer or outside backer, potentially even lining up on the edge for some pass rushing snaps. Utah put him in that spot on occasion early on in his college career. When watching his tape, I think he played better as a sophomore than he did as a junior, but his combined tape impressed me overall. I think he will probably slide a bit on draft day because the league does not value off-ball linebackers as highly, but he will be an instant impact player.

9. Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
One of the most polarizing prospects in this draft class, Stingley is a really tough evaluation. He dominated his freshman season at LSU, shutting down pretty much everyone he faced, including teammates Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson in practice. Unfortunately, his career got derailed from there. He only played 10 games over his final two college seasons, missing time with injuries. He also never returned to that 2019 form that made him look like the best corner prospect since Jalen Ramsey. A solid pro day rebuilt his draft stock a bit. If he can stay healthy, he has immense potential given his size, speed and coverage skills.

10. Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
A late riser in the draft process, Johnson’s season went under the radar as Florida State struggled again in big moments. A closer look at Johnson’s tape shows an elite run defender with room to grow as a pass rusher. He sorts through traffic so well and shows great play strength against the run. He tested very well at the combine and has ideal length for the position. I don’t know if he is quite ready to post double-digit sacks in the NFL like he did this year in college, but I think the physical tools make it easy to project. With some coaching, he might turn out to be the most well-rounded edge rusher in this class.

11. Drake London, WR, USC
The first receiver on my board is a big body playmaker with good hands and impressive yards after the catch ability. At just a shade under 6’4″ with 33-inch arms, London has the makings of a great jump ball receiver. His size and ability to make contested catches makes it easy to project a role for him in the NFL. I think he can be more than just a red zone target. He showed at USC his ability to be a high-level possession receiver as well, catching 88 passes in just eight games before suffering an ankle injury. The concern with him is whether he can generate separation at the next level. He is a solid route runner though, so I think he will be at least average in that department. Give him some bonus points for being a solid run blocker.

12. Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Trying to rank the top receivers in this class is like splitting hairs. It really comes down to what teams value in a player’s skill set and scheme fit to determine where teams will rank them. Wilson is a proven receiver with tons of production and good physical traits. He is just a shade under six feet tall and ran an impressive 4.38 40 at the combine. That speed shows up on tape as well. The biggest red flag I have in evaluating Wilson was his shuttle time at the combine, which was in the 20th percentile per Mockdraftable. He also gets redirected on some of his routes. In the right system, Wilson could be a superstar. Put the ball in his hands and let him go to work.

13. Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Another wide receiver, Williams would probably have been the top receiver in this class if he had not suffered a torn ACL in the national championship game. One of the best ways to quantify his skill set is that Alabama’s offense fell off significantly after his departure. He is a speedster with good size. He has some room to fill out his frame a little bit, which I think he will need to do in order to survive in the NFL. His big-play ability is through the roof and just about unparalleled in this class, especially among the other top receivers. There are some drops on his film, which is a problem he will need to address at the next level.

14. Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia
Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean got the early season hype, but Wyatt has steadily risen up draft boards as more people dove into his film. He is rock solid against the run and an asset on pass rushing downs as well. He didn’t get home too often, posting just 2.5 sacks this season, but he is more than capable of collapsing the pocket. He is also scheme versatile, with the size, strength and speed to line up as a 3-4 defensive end or a 4-3 defensive tackle. He feels like a very safe pick that can contribute right away.

15. Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia
Another Georgia defender here, Davis turned heads all season long with an impressive season for the Bulldogs. He is an elite run defender with some occasional pop as a pass rusher. He only posted seven sacks in four seasons. While it is clear that Davis is an incredible athlete, I do have concerns with his weight. He tipped the scales at 341 pounds at the combine. He will need to be disciplined at keeping that number in check throughout his career. That much weight usually takes a toll on a player’s joints before too long. If he can, he might end up being great value for whoever drafts him.

16. Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
One of the most tested pass blockers in draft history, Cross played in a Mississippi State offense that threw the ball an absurd 704 times this past season. On the flip side, Cross is very untested as a run blocker, with the Bulldogs rushing just 270 times. There is a lot to like about Cross’ game. He displays good balance and anchors well in pass protection. However, there are some concerns for me when watching his tape. He lets his hands get outside a little too often and has a tendency to get beat across his face in pass protection. In my mind, he is a bit of a project, but he should be impactful in any pass-heavy offense from Day 1.

17. Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
My top interior lineman in this class, Green has experience playing at every position other than center along the offensive line. He actually started at least one game at left tackle, left guard, right guard and right tackle this past season. I like what I’ve seen from Green in pass protection. He has good pad level and good footwork, especially as an interior lineman. He is a little limited as a run blocker with some struggles to reach the second level. On top of that, he tested in the fourth percentile for the 20-yard shuttle, per Mockdraftable. Not super important, but I think he could struggle to fit in outside zone or screen-heavy offensive systems.

18. Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
The Robin to Wilson’s Batman, Olave plays a similar style, dominating in open spaces with his speed. He put up impressive numbers this past season, scoring 13 touchdowns in 11 games for the Buckeyes. He has good hands, but he did measure in a little shorter than ideal when it comes to arm length and he posted a well below average 32-inch vertical for receivers. (Take a second and think about the fact that 32 inches is in 12th percentile for receivers. I would be thrilled to have a 32-inch vertical!) I think he could be a solid No. 1 receiver or elite No. 2 receiver in an NFL offense.

19. Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
The latest Northern Iowa star set to make the leap to the NFL, Penning will be the highest drafted player in program history, barring something unforeseen on draft day. He checks every box from a size perspective, measuring in at 6’7″ and 325 pounds at the combine. He also has 34.25-inch arms and tested in the 97th percentile for the 40-yard dash and the 98th percentile in the 3-cone, according to Mockdraftable. In short, a great athlete with impressive measurables. He is a bit raw as a run blocker in space and he needs some refining as a pass blocker, but he finishes plays well and shows really good play strength. He is a bit of a project with tons of upside.

20. Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
At long last, our first quarterback. Willis is my favorite passer of this group because of his physical tools and the upside he brings. He is not going to be like Lamar Jackson at the next level, but he has good mobility and a penchant for making plays on the run. He needs to improve his pocket awareness and learn to throw the ball away. In 2021, he took an outrageous 51 sacks. Some of that can be attributed to a less than stellar offensive line, but Willis desperately needs to improve his internal clock as well. He has a strong arm with solid accuracy and showed on film that he can hit every throw required at the pro level. He won’t be a Day 1 starter, at least he shouldn’t be, but his ceiling is a borderline top-10 NFL quarterback.

21. Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
A player that I think could have pushed his way up draft boards if he had been healthy enough to test, Booth brings all the requisite length to be a starting outside corner in the NFL. Unfortunately, he underwent sports hernia surgery in March, which kept him from participating in drills at the combine or his pro day. He showed at Clemson that he has the athleticism to compete at the position as well. He adjusts well to the ball in the air and uses his hands well to break up passes.

22. Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
I’m breaking one of my own rules by giving McDuffie a first-round grade. Pretty much every elite NFL corner that lines up on the boundary is at least 5’11”. Jalen Ramsey and Trevon Diggs are 6’1″. Marlon Humphrey, Marshon Lattimore, Xavien Howard, Stephon Gilmore are 6’0″. Tre’Davious White is 5’11”. There are two notable exceptions to that rule. Jaire Alexander and J.C. Jackson are roughly 5’10”. That’s where McDuffie falls as well. I think his talent and play style supersedes my concerns over his height. In truth, he is only a quarter inch under 5’11”, so I’m probably splitting hairs. Still, he plays bigger and is very physical. I think he has what it takes to survive on the outside at the next level.

23. Zion Johnson, G, Boston College
NFL teams love versatility from an offensive lineman. Johnson brings plenty of it with the ability to play either guard spot and potentially center at the next level. He took some snaps there during Senior Bowl week. Throw on the tape and you will see a very fundamentally sound blocker who can hold his own in pass protection or the running game. He is a seasoned option having spent two years at Davidson before transferring to Boston College. Expect him to be a Day 1 starter wherever he lands.

24. David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
Ojabo was knocking on the door of the top 10 before he suffered an Achilles injury at his pro day. The injury will cause him to miss most if not all of his rookie season in the NFL. Truth be told, Ojabo might have benefitted from something akin to a redshirt season anyway. While the athleticism is unquestionable, Ojabo is a bit raw as an overall prospect. He didn’t start playing football until his junior year of high school, previously running track and playing soccer and basketball. There are moments of brilliance on film, but they are not consistent enough to think Ojabo would have been much more than a situational pass rusher in his first season. If he can recover and develop as a pass rusher, some team at the end of the first round is going to get a steal in this draft.

25. Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
A fun prospect to watch, Hill is the latest safety/slot corner hybrid to make his way into the NFL draft. Think of players like Jevon Holland from last year’s draft as an example. Hill moved around in Michigan’s defense quite a bit under Jim Harbaugh and could bring that same type of chess piece flexibility to an NFL defense. He is best as a strong safety allowed to attack downhill and make plays in the backfield and in the flat, but he has the range to drop into coverage more. I wouldn’t be shocked if a team tested him out at outside corner either given his size, speed and length.

Follow the Aftermath via email to get every article delivered right to your inbox. Enter your email in the text box to subscribe. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You can also check out our weekly podcast Draft Season Never Ends with new episodes every Friday, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

NFL Draft Daily: My 2022 NFL draft crushes

Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NFL , , , , , , , , ,

NFL Draft Daily looks at top stories, historical trends, player performances and more all through the lens of the NFL Draft. After all, there are only 15 days until the 2022 NFL draft. Check back in tomorrow for another entry.

We all have crushes. For most people, they are probably famous celebrities they fantasize about. For me, it’s NFL draft prospects that I would love to end up on my favorite team. Yes, I am aware that I’m weird.

Call them whatever you want. “My guys,” “draft crushes” or something of that nature. These are players that I might be a bit higher on than most or you were one of the first members on the hype train for. In recent years, I’ve had a few. In 2020, it was guys like Bryce Hall, Bradlee Anae and Tyler Biadasz. In 2021, Creed Humphrey, Liam Eichenberg and Paulson Adebo were high up on the list. Sometimes, you hit on guys that should have been taken earlier (Humphrey and Hall) and sometimes you whiff badly (Anae and possibly Eichenberg).

Overall, this is mostly a fun exercise where I can give some love to some of my favorite prospects in the draft. Feel free to let me know who your favorite draft crushes for this year are on Twitter @cmcglynn84.

Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
I didn’t say I was the only one who was going to be high on some of these players. Like most, I am a huge fan of Sauce. I love big, long corners capable of playing press man. Gardner is that and then some with impressive speed for his size and great ball skills. His 33.5-inch arms only make me love him more. He was dominant in his time at Cincinnati and seems poised to be a true lockdown corner in the NFL. I have him as the No. 2 player on my board. I really hope the Jets select him at No. 4.

Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
I mentioned Bradlee Anae before. It was actually watching Anae’s tape in preparation for the 2020 draft that I first noticed Lloyd. He played in kind of a rover or star linebacker role for Utah that season, rushing the passer and dropping into coverage. He was overshadowed by players like Anae, Leki Fotu and Francis Bernard on that defense, but I liked what I saw. He was a redshirt sophomore then. Last season, I had him ranked as a top 75 player before he announced he was returning to school. He debuted at No. 29 in my Way-Too-Early 2022 mock draft back in May. Now I have him as a top 10 player on my big board. I love his versatility and physical traits. I could see him sliding on draft day because I don’t think the league prioritizes off-ball linebackers as much, but man he is a fun player to watch.

Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia
You can take your pick of Georgia defenders this year. There are a lot of them that are going to get drafted. It is hard to put on film from 2021 and not get distracted from the player you are watching. That is what kept happening for me when I would try to watch Jordan Davis or Nakobe Dean. Instead, I would end up focusing on Wyatt. He is so physical at the point of attack and aggressive in attacking pass rushing lanes. I think he will be a good 5-tech end at the next level. I know everyone has caught up on him, but I think he should be the first Georgia player selected this year.

Cade Otton, TE, Washington
While the trend for tight ends in the NFL has been for them to be big receivers rarely lined up inline, I still think there is some value in finding a more traditional tight end. He has the versatility to line up at the end of the line and serve as an extra blocker or flex out in the slot. What impresses me most is how willing Otton is to take on contact. This is easily the best example I can find of just that.

Otton blasts Hutchinson off the line and knocks him off his feet. Hutchinson absolutely dominated that game, but it wasn’t for a lack of trying on Otton’s part. His balance after first contact is a huge plus. He does a great job creating leverage as a run blocker as well. He never put up gaudy stats, but I think he is going to be a very productive tight end at the next level.

Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State
How about another tight end? McBride caught my attention at the end of the 2020 season with 330 yards and four touchdowns in just four games. He took it to another level in 2021. In stark contrast to Otton, McBride posted monster numbers this past season. He reeled in 90 receptions for 1121 yards and a touchdown during his senior season. He is an above average blocker with fantastic hands. He reportedly ran in the mid 4.5s at his pro day as well, so he certainly has the requisite speed needed to excel at the next level. With the ability to line up inline, flexed out or on the boundary, McBride is going to be a really fun chess piece for offensive coordinators to have at their disposal.

Sincere McCormick, RB, UTSA
I love this Roadrunner. I shouted out one of his teammates in Tariq Woolen yesterday in my favorite small school prospects in this draft. He is a compact tackle breaker with some pass catching ability. He had close to 4,000 yards rushing and 68 receptions in his three years at UTSA. His 40-time was a bit of a red flag, but he plays much faster on film and had several long touchdown runs this season. His contact balance is particularly impressive, allowing him to run through arm tackles. He could be very effective as a one-cut back that can contribute on passing downs. I like him going early in the third round.

Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
Another linebacker and another Georgia defender. I love Walker’s coverage ability and versatility. He is big at just under 6’4″, weighing in at 241 pounds, but he can fly around the field. He posted a 4.51 40-time to back up the speed we saw on tape. He dominated Alabama as well, racking up eight tackles and six pressures in the National Championship Game. Finding a linebacker that can drop into coverage, generate pressure on the blitz and showcase sideline-to-sideline range is hard. He has scheme versatility and can line up at middle linebacker or as an off-ball outside backer. Sign me up for that. I think Walker is a legitimate first-round talent.

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NFL Draft Daily: Seven small school prospects to know in the 2022 NFL draft

Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NFL , , , , , , , , ,

NFL Draft Daily looks at top stories, historical trends, player performances and more all through the lens of the NFL Draft. After all, there are only 16 days until the 2022 NFL draft. Check back in tomorrow for another entry.

By now, most fans are familiar with the big-name players from schools like Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State and Michigan. However, the NFL is full of players that reign from much smaller, non-Power 5, and in some cases, non-FBS schools. Rather than highlight players like Malik Willis or Ahmad Gardner. They might end up being top-five picks. Instead, here are a few smaller school prospects that could come off the board pretty early that you should definitely be paying attention to.

Christian Watson, WR, NDSU
This is probably one of the most well known small school prospects in this class. Watson has an incredible combination of size and speed. He measured in at 6’5″ at the combine and posted a 4.36 40-time. When you watch him play, you will see a technician in route running with huge hands capable of snatching contested passes. He lacks elite quickness to generate separation, but his size makes up for much of that. Expect him to go early in the second round if he doesn’t sneak into the first.

Cole Strange, OL, Chattanooga
Strange turned heads at the Senior Bowl and the scouting combine with a really strong pre-draft process. He will be a fantastic fit for any team that uses pulling guards and runs a heavy dose of screen plays. His speed and agility stood out on tape. The biggest drawback in his game is average to below average play strength. With the ability to play at guard or center, I expect him to come off the board on Day 2.

Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA
If you could build a corner prototype, Woolen might be the base model. He stands 6’4″ and can move. He posted a blazing 4.26 40-yard dash time at the combine with an absurd 42-inch vertical. He has 33 and 5/8-inch long arms as well. He is unquestionably raw when it comes to his technique and hand usage, but my goodness, he has all the physical tools to be an elite shutdown corner. Expect him to be taken on Day 2.

Pierre Strong Jr., RB, South Dakota State
If you are looking for a home run hitter at running back, here is your guy. Strong is a menace in the open field, making defensive backs look foolish trying to track him down. He has breakaway speed and great acceleration. His footwork is also very impressive. Given his slightly smaller frame, he probably won’t ever be an every down back, but he could definitely be a high-quality change of pace or committee option. He isn’t an elite receiver, but he caught 43 passes over the past two seasons as well and can hold his own as a blocker. I don’t think he will make it to Day 3.

Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Easily the biggest name among small school prospects this season not named Malik Willis, Penning seems like a lock for the first round at this stage. He is massive at 6’7″ and 325 pounds. What might be more impressive is his movement skills for a man his size. He tested in the 97th percentile for the 40-yard dash and the 98th percentile with his 3-cone time. There will be a learning curve and some refining for Penning at the next level, but he brings some nastiness along with that athleticism. He will develop into a solid starting tackle. With the amount of buzz he is getting, he will probably be a top-20 pick.

Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State
Thomas put himself on a lot of draft boards following an impressive 2021 season, posting 10.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss. He did not test super well, but the production and tape are more important. Given his size, he projects best as a 4-3 defensive end, but could bulk up to play 3-4 end as well. He plays downhill and shows good play speed when he disengages from blockers. He needs to develop more pass rush moves, but he has a solid swim move he relies on. I believe he will be selected in the late second or early third round.

Dylan Parham, G, Memphis
While Parham is very undersized by NFL standards, he competes well. His effort and technique make up for some of the physical shortcomings. He has solid play strength and good footwork. Those physical limitations will prevent him from joining the league’s elite at the position, but he has already done really well to bulk up from the 285 pounds he was listed at when he played for Memphis. He is now 311 pounds and does not seem to have lost any of his speed. Pass-heavy teams in the late second or early third round will definitely want to give Parham a look.

Follow the Aftermath via email to get every article delivered right to your inbox. Enter your email in the text box to subscribe. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You can also check out our weekly podcast Draft Season Never Ends with new episodes every Friday, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

NFL Mock Draft 2022: Five quarterbacks go in first two rounds

Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NFL , , , , ,

NFL Draft Daily looks at top stories, historical trends, player performances and more all through the lens of the NFL Draft. After all, there are only 17 days until the 2022 NFL draft. Check back in tomorrow for another entry.

We are entering the home stretch of draft prep with just over two weeks until the first round kicks off in Las Vegas. Speculation is running wild about what teams are interested in and where certain players will go. It is a really fun time, but it is also incredibly tricky to sort through what is true and what is just a smokescreen.

With the draft drawing closer, I want to go beyond just the first round for the first time in this draft cycle. There are so many teams this year that do not have a first round selection. Plus, it is important to remember that just because a team does not address their biggest need in the first round that they will not address it at all during the draft.

As always, these mocks are a reflection of what I would do if I were the general manager for each team. I will do a predictive mock draft as we get closer, but right now I am going to stick to what I believe should happen. Also, no trades just yet.

With all of that in mind, let’s dive into my latest mock.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
This is going to be unpopular. I believe Neal is the best player in this draft class and plays one of the most crucial positions in the sport. Jacksonville does not have a huge need at offensive tackle for this season with Cam Robinson on the left and some combination of Walker Little or Jawaan Taylor on the right. That being said, Robinson and Taylor are both slated to be free agents after the season and Trevor Lawrence needs protection to develop. Neal has experience playing guard from his time at Alabama and can kick out to tackle in 2023 when Robinson is gone. Finding a franchise tackle is never a bad move.

2. Detroit Lions – Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
The player that most expect to come off the board at No. 1 slides all the way to No. 2. I think Hutchinson will be the Jaguars pick on draft day, but I like Neal better in that spot. For the Lions though, this is a slam dunk. They get a local kid with a high motor and a ton of college production. He will immediately make this defense better.

3. Houston Texans – Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
The smear campaign against Thibodeaux has been going on for a while now. Reports of poor interviews and criticism over a lack of fire have seemingly tanked his draft stock. Now, I wasn’t in those interviews, but when I turn on the film, I see a twitchy pass rusher with the ability to wreak havoc on opposing offenses. The Texans could desperately use a playmaker like that to pair with Jonathan Greenard.

4. New York Jets – Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
New York invested a lot in its secondary over the past two offseasons between spending a bunch of draft picks in the later rounds of last year and signing D.J. Reed this year. Perhaps New York will view that as a complete cornerback room. I wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to bring in Gardner. He is a long, athletic shutdown corner with the physical tools to become one of the best in the league. After watching the secondary get shredded last season, bolstering this group feels like a really smart move.

5. New York Giants – Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
The Giants have pledged to give Daniel Jones a chance to turn things around. In order for him to do so, he needs to have some time to throw the football. Ekwonu is a road-grading tackle with all the physical tools you like to see at the position. He would pair nicely with Andrew Thomas to give New York a very solid foundation to build the offensive line around. Saquon Barkley would also greatly appreciate Ekwonu’s arrival.

6. Carolina Panthers – Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
This is a tricky spot. With the top two tackles off the board, this seems like it might be a good space for the Panthers to trade down. I’m not predicting trades quite yet in my mocks, so instead, let’s go with the No. 1 quarterback on my board, which is Willis. He has a strong arm, is incredibly accurate and has plus athleticism for the position. I don’t think he is necessarily a Day 1 starter with some major concerns over his pocket awareness and ability to play against the blitz, but I really like his upside. Darnold can be the starter while Willis gets up to speed in the NFL.

7. New York Giants via Chicago Bears – Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
New York addressed its biggest need with its first pick. The question is where do they turn to next. I’m usually not big on drafting safeties this early, but I think Hamilton fits well with the Giants and fills a big need. He would slot in next to Xavier McKinney and give New York a really talented duo on the backend of their defense. There will be edge rushers available for them to target in the second round.

8. Atlanta Falcons – Drake London, WR, USC
Some fans will hope for a quarterback here, but I don’t see it happening. I think Atlanta recognizes this is a rebuild, especially after eating over $40 million in dead cap money in the Matt Ryan trade. The Falcons need to rebuild this roster and could even consider trading out of this spot to acquire a few more 2023 selections so they can target a quarterback there. If they stay put, wide receiver is a must here. Drake London is my top receiver here with this contested catch ability and upside in the red zone. Atlanta has no one in their receiver room that comes close to being a No. 1 receiver. London and Kyle Pitts give the Falcons a good starting point as they reshape the offense.

9. Seattle Seahawks via Denver Broncos – Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
Another spot where it feels like quarterback could be in play, but I don’t have a first-round grade on anyone other than Malik Willis. Seattle is also more than just a quarterback away from competing. Instead, the Seahawks grab one of the most polarizing prospects in this draft. At this spot, Stingley could be a steal if he is able to reclaim his 2019 form. He had a strong showing at his pro day and I think answered a lot of the questions that existed about what kind of physical shape he was in following an injury-plagued season. There is definitely a bit of projection involved here, but after losing D.J. Reed, Seattle could use an upgrade at corner.

10. New York Jets via Seattle Seahawks – Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
I was tempted to go with a wide receiver here, but I can’t pass up Johnson. He put together a fantastic season with 17.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. While his pass rushing ability is impressive, I think he is an even better run defender, which goes a long way in the NFL. Pairing Johnson with Carl Lawson, who should be back to full strength after suffering an Achilles injury last preseason, would give New York a really strong complement of edge rushers.

11. Washington Football Team – Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Terry McLaurin needs some help. Washington could return to the well so to speak by grabbing another former Buckeye to plug into this offense. Wilson is a talented playmaker who creates separation and has the speed to take the top off a defense. He would give Carson Wentz another reliable receiver as the Commanders hope they can get him to bounce back from a rough end to the 2021 season.

12. Minnesota Vikings – Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia
I have such a tough time knowing what to do with Minnesota. Corner is this team’s biggest need, but with Gardner and Stingley off the board, I don’t think there is one worth going here. This feels like a trade down spot for the Vikings if they can find a partner looking to move up. With no trades allowed though, I will tab Wyatt to take over for Sheldon Richardson on the defensive line. He is stout against the run and can collapse the pocket. Suddenly, that Minnesota front seven looks like a really good group.

13. Houston Texans via Cleveland Browns – Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
I went back and forth on this pick for a while, but ultimately landed on a wide receiver capable of changing this offense. Houston made a smart move in locking up Brandin Cooks, but there is not much other proven talent at the receiver position. Williams is coming off an ACL injury he suffered in the National Championship Game against Georgia, but that should not really impact the Texans too much. This team is not a title contender right now and would be wise to focus on the long term. Williams could be someone for Davis Mills to grow with in the coming years.

14. Baltimore Ravens – Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Baltimore loves to load up along the front seven. If Walker is still on the board, I don’t see them passing. Walker is incredibly versatile. He can line up at defensive tackle, defensive end or outside linebacker. I think the Ravens will covet that flexibility and bet on Walker developing his pass rushing skills at the next level.

15. Philadelphia Eagles via Miami Dolphins – Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Yes, the Eagles have drafted a receiver in the previous two drafts. No, the Eagles do not have a very good receiver room, outside of DeVonta Smith, despite using premium draft capital at the position. Olave would give Philly a dynamic and dangerous duo to roll out. If this team is serious about giving Jalen Hurts a shot at proving he is the franchise quarterback, giving him the necessary talent to work with is crucial.

16. New Orleans Saints via Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts – Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
This is likely a big part of the reason the Saints made this move. They wanted to ensure they could jump ahead of the Chargers to take the top tackle available. Cross is a proven pass blocker with sound technique and tons of reps from his time at Mississippi State. He has limited tape as a run blocker, which makes him a bit of an unknown, but there is enough upside for me to think he can develop into a solid starting left tackle in the NFL.

17. Los Angeles Chargers – Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
The Chargers will be disappointed to see Cross go off the board one pick before them, but Penning is a heck of a consolation prize. He tested really well and showed a good deal of nastiness at the Senior Bowl. He definitely has room to improve when it comes to his hand placement and technique, but with his size and athleticism, Los Angeles would be more than willing to bet on his upside.

18. Philadelphia Eagles via New Orleans Saints – Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
Darius Slay is a quality starting corner, but the Eagles don’t have much in the way of proven options behind him. Zech McPherson is worth developing, but in the meantime, Booth can start across from Slay and take some pressure off McPherson. Booth has good size and some solid tape from his time at Clemson. He adjusts well to the ball while it’s in the air. Philly will be much better on the boundaries with him and Olave on board.

19. New Orleans Saints via Philadelphia Eagles – Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
This is a little bit early for Burks, but New Orleans needs someone to play alongside Michael Thomas and some insurance in case Thomas misses time with injury again. Burks was an exciting playmaker at Arkansas, but struggled a bit with consistency. If he can find his groove, I expect him to be a really strong No. 1 receiver for the Saints with the potential to take over as the top option down the line.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers – Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
I thought about taking an offensive lineman here, but I think Pittsburgh can target an interior lineman on Day 2. Instead, they grab the best corner available. McDuffie is a bit undersized, but he plays bigger and is not afraid of contact. He has the tools to become the Steelers’ No. 1 corner, which will be even more important if they do not bring Joe Haden back.

21. New England Patriots – Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M
After trading away Shaq Mason this offseason, the Patriots have a big need at interior lineman. Kenyon Green is capable of stepping in and starting from Day 1 at either guard spot. Mac Jones is not a very mobile quarterback and New England loves to run the ball, so rebuilding in the trenches feels like a wise investment.

22. Green Bay Packers via Las Vegas Raiders – Zion Johnson, G, Boston College
Wide receiver is the clear need here, but with five already off the board, it does not make sense to reach for one here. Instead, the Packers can bolster Aaron Rodgers’ protection with a versatile interior lineman capable of playing either guard spot or center. Johnson impressed at the Senior Bowl and has the tape at Boston College to back it up. He could be a Day 1 starter for Green Bay.

23. Arizona Cardinals – Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia
I have Davis rated much higher than this, but he slid based on how the board fell. He is an elite run stuffer with incredible athleticism. I think that will translate to him being a solid interior pass rusher as well, but maybe don’t expect him to become Fletcher Cox. For Arizona, this feels a clear need and gives them a devastating defensive line.

24. Dallas Cowboys – David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan
With Randy Gregory’s departure this offseason, Dallas has a clear need across from Damarcus Lawrence. Ojabo will not be ready at the start of the season after suffering a torn Achilles last month, but his physical tools had him projected to go in the top 10 prior to the injury. There is obviously a bit of risk involved in taking a player coming off an injury like this, but the upside is enormous.

25. Buffalo Bills – Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Tre’Davious White is still recovering from a torn ACL and Dane Jackson had a rocky rookie season. That sets the stage for Buffalo to find defensive back help early in this draft. Elam is what I love in a corner: long and athletic. He has room to improve in zone coverage concepts, but he will excel in any press man situations Buffalo puts him in.

26. Tennessee Titans – Darian Kinnard, OL, Kentucky
Tennessee has gotten by for the past two seasons with David Quessenberry at right tackle, but he is a free agent this year and the Titans have not brought anyone in to replace him. Kinnard is a mauler with impressive play strength and superb length. He will definitely need a bit of refining at the next level, but he also has the potential to kick inside to guard if he struggles at tackle.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Bernhard Raimann, OL, Central Michigan
With Ali Marpet and Alex Kappa both departing this offseason, Tampa Bay found itself needing to replace both of its starting guards. The Buccaneers already acquired Shaq Mason via trade so adding Raimann would help solidify the offensive line. Raimann played tackle at Central Michigan, but after watching some tape and seeing his arm length in the 23rd percentile for offensive linemen, I think a move inside is in his NFL future.

28. Green Bay Packers – Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
Green Bay desperately needs receivers capable of playing on the perimeter. Watson fits that mold and should be someone Aaron Rodgers will enjoy throwing to. Watson is an impeccable route runner, getting in and out of his breaks quickly and understanding how to set up opposing corners to get himself open. Adding him would be a good start to the Packers rebuilding their receiver room.

29. Kansas City Chiefs via Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers – George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
Karlaftis slides a bit with all the receivers and corners coming off the board. That is all well and good for the Chiefs, who need edge rushing help in the worst way. Karlaftis would be a great scheme fit as a 4-3 defensive end and could start across from Frank Clark right away. He has some areas of his game he needs to clean up when it comes to run defense and setting the edge, but he will certainly be capable of creating pressure.

30. Kansas City Chiefs – Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
In a perfect world, there would be a wide receiver or corner worth taking in this slot, but with a run on both positions in the teens and 20s of this mock, the Chiefs will go with the best player available at a position of need. To me, that is Hill. Kansas City lost Tyrann Mathieu this offseason and they tend to run a lot of five or six defensive back sets. Adding in Hill, who can play either safety spot or even slot corner, gives the Chiefs a versatile playmaker on the backend of their defense.

31. Cincinnati Bengals – Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
If we get to this point, I think the Bengals would be looking to trade down with a team trying to grab a quarterback at the end of the first round. In this scenario, I think continuing to bolster their interior offensive line makes a ton of sense. Linderbaum is definitely undersized, but he makes up for it with physical play and outstanding athleticism in space.

32. Detroit Lions via Los Angeles – Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
Let me make something clear. I really like Devin Lloyd. I have him ranked among my top 10 prospects. I just had a hard time finding a good landing spot for him where the value of getting an off-ball linebacker made sense. Lions fans would be happy to see him fall this far. He is a dynamic playmaker with some pass rush ability and the versatility to play multiple roles. For a defense starved of talent, this is a great get.

33. Jacksonville Jaguars – Arnold Ebeketie, EDGE Penn State

34. Detroit Lions – Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State

35. New York Jets – George Pickens, WR, Georgia

36. New York Giants – Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota

37. Houston Texans – Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn

38. New York Jets via Carolina Panthers – Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

39. Chicago Bears – Sean Rhyan, OL, UCLA

40. Seattle Seahawks via Denver Broncos – Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

41. Seattle Seahawks – Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota

42. Indianapolis Colts via Washington Commanders – Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

43. Atlanta Falcons – Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

44. Cleveland Browns – Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State

45. Baltimore Ravens – Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington

46. Minnesota Vikings – Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA

47. Washington Commanders via Indianapolis Colts – Quay Walker, LB, Georgia

48. Chicago Bears via Los Angeles Chargers – Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan

49. New Orleans Saints – Sam Howell, QB, UNC

50. Kansas City Chiefs via Miami Dolphins – Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati

51. Philadelphia Eagles – Lewis Cine, S, Georgia

52. Pittsburgh Steelers – Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

53. Green Bay Packers via Las Vegas Raiders – Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State

54. New England Patriots – Christian Harris, LB, Alabama

55. Arizona Cardinals – Amare Barno, EDGE, Virginia Tech

56. Dallas Cowboys – Dylan Parham, G, Memphis

57. Buffalo Bills – Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State

58. Atlanta Falcons via Tennessee Titans – Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State

59. Green Bay Packers – Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor

60. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Travis Jones, DL, Connecticut

61. San Francisco 49ers – Cole Strange, G, Chattanooga

62. Kansas City Chiefs – Cody Bryant, CB, Cincinnati

63. Cincinnati Bengals – Cade Otton, TE, Washington

64. Denver Broncos via Los Angeles Rams – Logan Hall, DL, Houston

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