Desmond Ridder

2022 NFL Predictive Mock Draft: Walker goes No. 1, Steelers and Seahawks trade up for quarterbacks

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, it is draft day! Check back in tomorrow for another entry.

Draft day is finally here! We made it. At the end of the night, we will have a lot more answers and probably several more questions. I can’t wait.

Throughout the entire pre draft process, I have put out mock drafts based on what I would do as the general manager of the team. Now, I am trying to get inside the heads of these GMs with my first and only predictive mock draft. I projected a pair of trades, but let’s be honest, this is nearly an impossible exercise. Hopefully, I get at least one pick right. Let’s get started.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
I have finally bought into all the smoke. Walker is a physical edge rusher with a ridiculous amount of versatility. Him going No. 1 is all about the projection for him to turn his incredible traits into production at the next level.

2. Detroit Lions – Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
Brad Holmes is turning in the card immediately if Hutchinson is on the board. Keeping the local kid in town is appealing in its own right. However, Hutchinson is incredibly pro ready and fills a big need. He will be an instant impact player for the Lions.

3. Houston Texans – Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
I’m buying into the late hype here. Perhaps it is a smokescreen, but Stingley answered a lot of questions with how he tested at his pro day. If he can stay healthy, he has a chance to be the best corner in the NFL. That’s a huge risk, but one the Texans are willing to take.

4. New York Jets – Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
Another corner here, it will be a bit of an upset at this point if Derek Stingley Jr. comes off the board first, but that won’t impact the Jets. Gardner has the length and speed to be a true lockdown corner. New York has not had that in a really long time.

5. New York Giants – Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
In this scenario, the Giants get their pick of the top tackles. I know they have been linked with Charles Cross, but I think Ekwonu will be the top option on most boards. He will start at right tackle from Day 1 for New York.

6. Carolina Panthers – Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Trading down is certainly an option, but I think Neal on the board means Carolina stays put and grabs their left tackle of the future. I expect the Panthers to swing a trade for either Baker Mayfield or Jimmy Garoppolo. Neal would fill a huge void that this team has needed to fill for a couple seasons now.

7. New York Giants via Chicago Bears – Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
This feels like a slam dunk at this stage. Thibodeaux is a twitchy edge rusher with a ton of upside. He reportedly did not have a great pre draft process, but I don’t think he will slide much further. Joe Schoen does what Dave Gettleman always said he was going to: build in the trenches.

8. Atlanta Falcons – Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
This is another potential quarterback spot, but I think Atlanta will opt for a receiver at this spot instead. While not the top receiver on my board, I think Wilson will entice NFL teams with his speed, quickness and polish. He would immediately be the Falcons’ top receiver and potentially create an exciting pairing if Calvin Ridley returns in 2023.

9. Seattle Seahawks via Denver Broncos – Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
Nope, still no quarterbacks. Johnson feels like a great fit in Seattle, who moved on from Carlos Dunlap this offseason. He is strong and dominates against the run. He also had some impressive production as a pass rusher. With a lot of extra draft capital though, don’t rule out a move back into the first round if a quarterback is sliding.

10. New York Jets via Seattle Seahawks – Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
If not for a torn ACL, perhaps Williams would have been the first receiver taken. He still might be. In this case, the Jets will be thrilled to find a weapon for Zach Wilson to grow with. They can target edge rushers in the second round.

11. Washington Commanders – Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
This one feels pretty much set as stone, weirdly enough. Washington needs a playmaker on the backend of its defense. Hamilton is absolutely that. I think he will be a Commander by the end of the night.

12. Minnesota Vikings – Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
This is a bit earlier than I think he should go, but McDuffie is an aggressive and instinctive corner. He is a bit undersized, but Minnesota historically hasn’t had an issue with that. The new front office might feel differently, but for now, I think he slots in here.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers via Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns – Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
The first trade and the first quarterback. Pittsburgh won’t wait any longer to move up for their quarterback of the future. I’m not buying the buzz that they only like Kenny Pickett. I think Willis would be given a chance to sit behind Trubisky for a season before taking the reins in year 2.

14. Baltimore Ravens – Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia
Maybe not their biggest need, but he would have the biggest (literally) impact of pretty much any player they could take in this slot. Davis is a space eater and an athletic phenom. There are concerns about his pass rushing impact, but he will be at minimum a dominant two-down player with the potential to develop into a true three-down guy.

15. Philadelphia Eagles via Miami Dolphins – Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
The top three corners are gone, as are the top four edge rushers. That points to the Eagles going receiver. Olave is a speedster with the ability to impact this offense immediately. Pairing him with DeVonta Smith would create a fun and exciting duo.

16. New Orleans Saints via Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts – Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
I think we could see Cross slide a bit. The Saints would be happy to stop that slide though. After losing Terron Armstead, Cross would be in line to start from Day 1 on the left side. He is a proven pass protector, even if he might be a bit limited in the run game.

17. Los Angeles Chargers – Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
He might not be the most pro ready, which will annoy Chargers fans, but they need offensive line help desperately. Penning is a physical, nasty blocker with a huge frame. Protecting Justin Herbert is priority number one.

18. Philadelphia Eagles via New Orleans Saints – Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
Let’s go with a dynamic defensive back who can line up in a couple different spots for the Eagles. Hill has experience at either safety spot and nickel corner. Philly desperately needs someone with his type of playmaking ability in the secondary.

19. New Orleans Saints via Philadelphia Eagles – Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
I don’t think the Saints should do this, but I can’t see them passing on Pickett twice. He could find success in this offense, especially playing in a dome stadium for half the year. It will be interesting to see what happens with Jameis Winson at this point.

20. Houston Texans via Pittsburgh Steelers – Drake London, WR, USC
After moving down, Houston can still grab a talented receiver for Davis Mills. London is my favorite receiver in this draft, but I think we could see him slide after he did not run during the pre draft process. Him and Brandin Cooks would be a really impressive combination for a team still trying to replace DeAndre Hopkins.

21. New England Patriots – Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
I’m buying this hype right now. Walker is built like your prototypical NFL linebacker, with good size, impressive speed and good coverage ability. I think Bill Belichick will be eager to grab a pro ready impact defender.

22. Green Bay Packers via Las Vegas Raiders – Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
The streak could finally come to an end. The Packers haven’t drafted a first-round receiver since Javon Walker 20 years ago. Burks fits the Packers mold for a big body receiver with plus athleticism.

23. Arizona Cardinals – Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College
Arizona has to protect Kyler Murray. Each of the past two seasons, he has struggled with nagging injuries. Minimizing the number of times he gets hit by adding Johnson feels like a smart move. Johnson has the versatility to play all three interior offensive line positions, which makes him even more valuable.

24. Dallas Cowboys – Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
Dallas’ offensive line lost a lot this offseason. Green can help soften the blow. He has experience at both tackle and guard, with him more naturally fitting into the latter. Expect him to be a Day 1 starter.

25. Buffalo Bills – Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
Buffalo needs some help in the secondary. Booth is a bit of an unknown given his offseason surgery that cost him the entire pre draft process. I think he will still go in the first round and could start opposite Tre’Davious White when they are both back to full strength.

26. Tennessee Titans – Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
A popular pick in this spot, Dotson would be a great slot receiver for the Titans. He has solid speed, incredible hands and a good feel for how to get open. Even after adding Robert Woods, Tennessee seems intent on finding more receiver help.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia
This almost feels unfair. Wyatt won’t be on the same level as Ndamukong Suh, but he will come close to matching the production we saw from him as an aging player. He is pro ready and fits the timeline Tampa Bay has with Tom Brady in his final season under contract.

28. Green Bay Packers – Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
With Za’Darius Smith now in Minnesota, Green Bay will turn to Minnesota for his replacement. Funny how these things work out. Mafe is strong and athletic. I think he will work his way into the first round.

29. Kansas City Chiefs via Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers – Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Receiver is certainly an option, but I think Kansas City might trust in their ability to find another mid-round impact player. Instead, they can target the defense, adding a corner to replace Charvarius Ward. Elam is a tall, fast corner who excels in bump-and-run coverage.

30. Kansas City Chiefs – George Pickens, WR, Georgia
I strongly considered David Ojabo here, but I think Kansas City will jump at adding Pickens. He is big and athletic, but very unproven after missing almost his entire junior season. The upside is enticing, but there is a lot of risk.

31. Seattle Seahawks via Cincinnati Bengals – Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
Another trade and one last first-round quarterback. Ridder interviewed well this offseason and has some enticing physical traits. He is just going to need time to get up to speed in the NFL and work on some mechanical things in his game, but I like his upside.

32. Detroit Lions via Los Angeles – Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
This one was tough. I thought about doubling up on Michigan edge rushers, but I think the Lions will go for a dynamic linebacker instead. Lloyd is a much better player than this draft slot would indicate, but he could slide because the league does not prioritize off-ball linebackers.

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Quarterbacks of the 2022 NFL Draft: Rankings, Projections, Grades and Predictions

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 2 days until the 2022 NFL draft. Check back in tomorrow for another entry.

If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it 1,000 times: this is not a good quarterback class. It is likely the worst we have seen since the 2013 draft that produced E.J. Manuel, Geno Smith and Mike Glennon. In short a who’s who of backups and future analysts. This class has a bit more promise than that, but has confounded draft analysts and amateur mockers alike. No one seems to have a great read on where these players will land exactly.

A telling sign for how the league views this quarterback class is the mad dash to add veteran quarterbacks this offseason. Now, some of those moves won’t preclude teams from adding quarterbacks in this draft, but no one seems to be heading into this year counting on a rookie start, except maybe Carolina.

Everyone has their own order for how they think these players stack up. But beyond that, I go through the floor, ceiling, my grade and my expectation for where these players will be selected on draft day. Let’s get started.

1. Malik Willis, Liberty
Floor: Bust who is out of the league in four years
Ceiling: Pro Bowl level starter
Grade: Top-25 prospect
Draft Day Prediction: Top-10 selection
To me, there is Willis and then everyone else. That actually says more about the competition than it does about Willis himself. He is a plus athlete with a live arm. His arm strength is impressive and he can make every throw. He is accurate and on time more often than not as well. However, he has zero pocket awareness and a penchant for holding onto the ball for way too long. Willis is also terrible under pressure. He took 52 sacks this past season, including nine against Ole Miss. People want to make the comparison to Lamar Jackson, but Lamar is a much better athlete. The upside is tantalizing, but there is a ton of work to do in order for Willis to be successful at the next level.

2. Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
Floor: Top-tier backup
Ceiling: Above average NFL starter
Grade: Early 2nd-round prospect
Draft Day Prediction: Top-20 selection
Like it or not, you have to give Pickett credit for the incredible rise he had this season. He went from off the radar to a Heisman finalist and potential first-round pick. Widely viewed the safest quarterback in this class, there are some limitations to his game, much like seemingly every quarterback this year. For Pickett, it’s his hand size and his arm strength. He has enough zip over the middle, but struggles on throws outside the boundaries. There is also something to be said for the fact that he will turn 24 in June. He is much further along in his development as a quarterback than anyone else in this class. That being said, he is far and away the most pro ready passer available in this draft. His athleticism makes up for some of his shortcomings in the pocket though, with the ability to throw on the move and pick up yards with his legs. He is the only quarterback in this group that feels completely scheme versatile, which also ups his appeal.

3. Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati
Floor: Career backup, locker room guy
Ceiling: Fringe Pro Bowl player
Grade: Early-to-mid 2nd-round prospect
Draft Day Prediction: Late 1st-round selection
This is high praise, but there is something about Ridder that is reminiscent of Josh Allen coming out. He is an underrated athlete, posting an impressive 4.52 40-time at the combine and also blowing the competition away in the broad jump and vertical jump. He has a good arm and is built like a tight end. He can run you over smaller defenders and bang for extra yardage. There is definitely some room for him to add weight on his frame though. The issues with Ridder stem from his inconsistency on throws over the middle. His short-to-intermediate accuracy is very inconsistent. There are also some mechanics you would like to see him clean up. I would love to see him change his release point more as well. He is a project, but teams love his leadership skills and his demeanor.

4. Sam Howell, UNC
Floor: Career backup
Ceiling: Fringe Pro Bowl player
Grade: Late 2nd-round or early 3rd-round prospect
Draft Day Prediction: Late 2nd or early 3rd-round selection
If you want a more athletic version of Baker Mayfield, I have just the guy for you. Keep in mind that Mayfield was the No. 1 overall pick and led the Browns to a playoff victory. Howell has a strong arm and good physicality to him. He is special as a runner, breaking tons of arm tackles and showing really impressive balance. Definitely a bit undersized, Howell does not let that impact his play much. He is more than capable of airing it out down the field. However, he gets a bit too casual sometimes when he lets the ball go and his footwork is a bit sloppy. He also has a tendency to stare down his first read and then bail with his legs when it doesn’t work out. There are not a ton of instances on film where he actually goes through his progressions, which is definitely worrisome. Physically, he is NFL ready. Mentally, there is a long way to go.

5. Matt Corral, Ole Miss
Floor: Injury prone, out of the league in four years
Ceiling: Fringe Pro Bowl player
Grade: Early 3rd-round prospect
Draft Day Prediction: Early 2nd-round selection
There are some that love Corral and have him as the top quarterback in this class. My assessment: Corral is a system quarterback that struggles to push the ball down the field. His accuracy is probably the best in this class even though his ball placement is a little spotty sometimes. Corral is a plus athlete though and can scramble to pick up a few yards with his legs. A major red flag is his ability to handle the blitz. He is one of the worst in this class when faced with pressure. He can excel in a West Coast offense, but he is not going to be a fit everywhere. On top of that, he has a slight frame and has already dealt with injuries in college. He could be a solid NFL starter, but there are clear limitations to his game and a lot of concerns about his durability. My fear is that he will constantly get banged up and try to play through injury, resulting in drop offs like we’ve seen from players like Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield when not at full strength. There are too many red flags for me to take him before the third round.

6. Carson Strong, Nevada
Floor: Career backup
Ceiling: Above average starter
Grade: 4th-round prospect
Draft Day Prediction: 4th-round selection
Strong is a throwback to 90s and early 2000s football. He commands the pocket well and has the arm strength to make every throw, but he is a statue that struggles any time he is forced outside the pocket. Not only does he lack good mobility, but he does not do well throwing on the run. He throws a nice deep ball, but there are moments where he misses on short and intermediate routes. We’ve seen players like Matthew Stafford and Matt Ryan succeed despite limited mobility, but Strong’s arm is not on the same level. In today’s NFL, where RPOs, play action and moving pockets are fairly common, I see him having a tough time adapting.

7. Bailey Zappe, Western Kentucky
Floor: Career backup, pseudo quarterbacks coach
Ceiling: Spot starter
Grade: 5th or 6th-round prospect
Draft Day Prediction: 5th or 6th-round selection
Who threw for the most passing yards of any player in this class in 2021? That would be Zappe. He is on the doorstep of the NFL after taking a very unique route to get to this point. He transferred to Western Kentucky after spending his career prior to that at FCS Houston Baptist. Zappe is a product of the Air Raid system, which the NFL has a bit of a love/hate relationship with. He is a rhythm player who could thrive in the NFL if he is not asked to do too much, but lacks the physical tools to make you believe he has true starter potential. He tested well enough to make me believe he will be a Day 3 pick. Look for him to be an offensive coordinator down the line. That’s the type of player we are talking about here. Really bright and a great understanding of the playbook.

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Way-Too-Early 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Texans, Lions, Giants and Washington go quarterback in Round 1

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

Already thinking about 2022? That’s the Jets fan in me. Always getting ready for the next draft. Gives me something to talk about every December and January when New York is out of playoff contention.

Anyway, I am just starting the process of watching film of the class of 2022. A few players I am familiar with after scouting them prior to them deciding to return to school. Then of course, names like Kayvon Thibodeaux, Evan Neal and Derek Stingley Jr. are known around college football because of their five-star status coming out of high school. Mix in a few quarterbacks and a bunch of receivers and we have an intriguing class.

The 2022 draft will likely look nothing like this. This is mostly just an exercise to identify some of the top players for next year and potential team needs on the NFL side. It’s also a lot of fun if you ask me. It makes it really interesting to go back and compare to the real draft a year later. I’ve been doing that with my first 2021 mock the past few days.

I did not decide the draft order. It is based on Super Bowl odds provided by William Hill. If you don’t like where your team is picking, take it up with them.

Without further ado, let’s dive into my first mock for the 2022 NFL draft.

1. Houston Texans (200-1) – Spencer Rattler, QB, Oklahoma
Apologies to Davis Mills, but if the Texans are picking first overall, I don’t see them passing on a quarterback. Spencer Rattler is the latest Oklahoma quarterback to draw national attention. He is a front-runner for the Heisman and should have the Sooners in position to challenge for the College Football Playoff. A quick glance at his 2020 tape will show some inconsistent performances early in the season, but his arm talent is impressive. It is very early in the scouting process for 2022, but Rattler has the early lead for QB1.

2. Detroit Lions (150-1) – Sam Howell, QB, UNC
Detroit opted not to take one of the quarterbacks in the 2021 draft, passing on Justin Fields and Mac Jones. If the Lions ended up with the second pick in the 2022 draft, you can bet that Jared Goff did not transition well to the Motor City. Sam Howell is a bit undersized, but has a live arm and is not afraid to air it out. It will be interesting to see how he fares with so much of his supporting cast now in the NFL. Javonte Williams, Michael Carter, Dyami Brown and Dazz Newsome all were drafted over the weekend.

3. Cincinnati Bengals (100-1) – Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
Possibly the best cornerback prospect to come out since Jalen Ramsey, Derek Stingley Jr. is a reliable, sticky cover corner. He locates the ball well in coverage and does an excellent job pressing off the line. There are a few instances in his play where he grabs receivers after getting beat off the line, but overall, he is a great player. For Cincinnati, who lost William Jackson III in free agency this year, he would fill a huge need.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars (100-1) – Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
When you have your franchise quarterback, it is best to invest in protecting him. Evan Neal is a mountain of a man who moves like someone 100 pounds lighter than him. He has yet to play left tackle at Alabama, but should take over the position this season with Alex Leatherwood heading to the NFL. Jacksonville can get by for a year with Cam Robinson playing on the franchise tag, but he will likely be gone next year, creating a huge opening on Trevor Lawrence’s blindside.

5. New York Jets (100-1) – Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
Independent of position, Kayvon Thibodeaux is the top player in this class. After dominating his freshman season, Thibodeaux had a much more modest 2020, posting three sacks in seven games. His size and speed make him one of the most coveted prospects in this class. New York has been in search of a dominant pass rusher for well over a decade. Thibodeaux has the potential to wreak havoc in Robert Saleh’s scheme.

6. New York Giants (75-1) – Kedon Slovis, QB, USC
If the Giants are picking this high, Daniel Jones’ days in New York are likely numbered. Dave Gettleman has surrounded him with a lot of offensive talent, signing Kenny Golladay and drafting Kadarius Toney. There are no more excuses. Assuming New York is searching for a new quarterback, Kedon Slovis could be a great fit. He wowed as a freshman before turning in a rockier sophomore campaign. If he can cut down on his turnovers and regain his 2019 form, he will be challenging for the top quarterback spot in this class.

7. Philadelphia Eagles (75-1) – Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Philly missed out on the top corners in the 2021 draft. This team has a huge need across from Darius Slay. Kaiir Elam could be the perfect player to fill it. He is long at 6’2″ and has good speed in the open field. His eye discipline is impressive from the limited film I’ve watched so far. I’ve also appreciate his willingness to make contact as a tackler. He is not afraid to hit people.

8. Las Vegas Raiders (70-1) – DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M
After cutting Maurice Hurst and ignoring the position in the draft, the Raiders have a massive need at defensive tackle. Enter DeMarvin Leal. He is built like a prototypical three-technique tackle. His first step is good and he has a nose for the football. Even if he doesn’t get home, his presence is felt as a pass rusher. Las Vegas would benefit big time from having him on the interior of its defensive line.

9. Carolina Panthers (60-1) – Zion Nelson, OT, Miami
I thought the Panthers might select an offensive tackle early in this past draft. They did grab Brady Christiansen in the third round, but that is not enough to make me think they couldn’t use more help. Zion Nelson worked his way into the starting left tackle role at Miami in 2020 and excelled. He brings all the size teams are looking for at the position and could be Carolina’s starting left tackle in 2022 in this scenario.

10. New York Giants via Chicago Bears (50-1) – Christian Harris, LB, Alabama
After selecting a quarterback, Dave Gettleman turns to the defense here. Christian Harris is a do-it-all playmaker. He can drop in coverage like a safety or make plays around the line of scrimmage like a linebacker. He already has two years of experience as a starter in Alabama’s defense under his belt. The Giants would benefit from his sideline-to-sideline range.

11. Atlanta Falcons (50-1) – Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State
I like what the Falcons did in the 2021 draft, but they still have yet to address their need on the edge. Zach Harrison has been used primarily as a situational rusher up to this point, but has the length to excel in a 4-3 defensive end role. He came on strong towards the end of the year for the Buckeyes and could be poised for a true breakout season in 2021.

12. Washington Football Team (50-1) – Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
Washington crushed the 2021 draft, at least on paper. They filled some needs and built quality depth across the roster. However, they still do not have a plan for the quarterback position. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Taylor Heinicke are currently the only two options on the roster. Desmond Ridder earned some late first-round love before opting to return to school. He is big and mobile. Without question, there are some mechanics you would like to see him improve, but he has enough tools to be in the first-round conversation.

13. Minnesota Vikings (40-1) – Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
The last time Minnesota drafted a safety from Notre Dame in the first round worked out pretty well for them. Harrison Smith is now 32 though and Anthony Harris departed in free agency. Kyle Hamilton led the Irish in tackles this season. At 6’4″, 219 pounds, he could probably fit into a hybrid linebacker roll in today’s NFL. He started all year at safety for Notre Dame, but he can move around the formation and make plays. The Vikings will sign up for that.

14. Arizona Cardinals (40-1) – Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC
Arizona is relying on a number of veteran players to produce in pass rushing situations this year. J.J. Watt is 32 and Chandler Jones is 31. The team could use some youth on the outside. Drake Jackson had a quieter 2021 season after picking up 5.5 sacks as a freshman. He is a bit of a tweener, able to line up as a 4-3 end or a 3-4 outside linebacker. His versatility could boost his draft stock as the year rolls on.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers (35-1) – Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Few teams need offensive line help like the Steelers. Charles Cross started all 10 games at left tackle for Mississippi State in 2020. He checks all the boxes from a physical perspective and should be set for another year of facing elite competition in the SEC.

16. Los Angeles Chargers (35-1) – Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Chris Olave was a borderline first-round player before returning to school. He was Justin Fields’ favorite target and will form one of the nation’s best receiver duos with Garrett Wilson in 2021. It will be interesting to see if Olave can gel as quickly with Ohio State’s new starting quarterback.

17. Tennessee Titans (30-1) – George Pickens, WR, Georgia
Tennessee built some quality depth with Senior Bowl standouts Dez Fitzpatrick and Racey McMath in the 2021 draft. Maybe one of them will develop into a quality starter, but outside of A.J. Brown, this team is lacking in proven options. George Pickens is a bit of a question mark at the moment. He had surgery on a torn ACL in April and will likely miss most, if not all of the 2021 season. His game tape from the previous two years is impressive though and at 6’5″, he will have plenty of suitors in the NFL.

18. New England Patriots (30-1) – Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama
Rumors continue to fly about the future of Stephon Gilmore. The team could be betting on the development of 2019 second-round pick Joejaun Williams, but I think corner will be one of the team’s top needs next year. Josh Jobe is a physical corner with good size. He will get a chance to be Alabama’s No. 1 option with Patrick Surtain II now in the NFL.

19. Philadelphia Eagles via Miami Dolphins (28-1) – Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia
At 6’6″, 330 pounds, Jordan Davis is a problem. Philly can continue to rebuild its defense with a high-upside space eater. Davis is quicker than most people his size should be. He is routinely double teamed and does well at not allowing offensive linemen into his body. He could be in for a monster season at Georgia.

20. Dallas Cowboys (28-1) – Sevyn Banks, CB, Ohio State
Dallas missed out on the top corners in this draft class, so I have to imagine they would target one next year if given the chance. Sevyn Banks is a long, fluid defensive back coming off a solid season at Ohio State. He needs to work on his open-field tackling. The effort and form is lacking right now. His coverage skills are well above average. I am looking forward to watching more of him.

21. New Orleans Saints (25-1) – Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
The Saints went heavy on defense in the draft, but they still need to find a receiver to complement Michael Thomas. Why not return to his alma mater? Garrett Wilson was arguably the better Ohio State receiver this past season. His production took a dive in the second half of the year though. If Wilson can replicate his hot start and this time maintain it, he will be in the conversation to be the first receiver selected.

22. Indianapolis Colts (25-1) – Thayer Munford, OT, Ohio State
Indy essentially passed on the offensive tackle class this year. I expect Chris Ballard will find a veteran stop-gap option, but a long-term solution is still needed. Thayer Munford enters his fifth season with the Buckeyes having already played in 46 collegiate games. He has been rock solid and should be among the top linemen selected next year.

23. New York Jets via Seattle Seahawks (25-1) – Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M
Building in the trenches is often a recipe for success. After grabbing the top edge rusher in the class, Joe Douglas grabs the top interior linemen. Kenyon Green has a mean streak and was an All-American in 2020. He certainly passes the eye test to be an NFL lineman and looks like a reliable pass blocker in the limited tape I’ve watched so far. He would continue to solidify the Jets offensive line in an effort to protect Zach Wilson.

24. Denver Broncos (20-1) – Perrion Winfrey, DL, Oklahoma
Anyone else surprised to see the Broncos picking this late? Who am I to doubt Vegas though. Denver’s biggest need is an edge rusher, but there aren’t any I think are worth going here that fits Vic Fangio’s scheme. Instead, they grab a versatile defensive lineman to prepare for the future. Perrion Winfrey picked up steam as the 2020 season rolled on. He finished the year with six tackles for loss and solidified himself in the starting lineup.

25. Cleveland Browns (18-1) – Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
It is hard to find many clear needs for this Browns team on paper. Jadeveon Clowney is on a one-year deal though, so finding a replacement would make sense. Aidan Hutchinson is a prototypical 4-3 end. He had his season cut short in 2020 due to injury, but should be ready to bounce back.

26. Green Bay Packers (16-1) – John Metchie, WR, Alabama
Another Alabama wide receiver goes in the first round. John Metchie will get his chance to shine after sitting behind an all-star group of receivers over the past two years. That’s not to say Metchie hasn’t made plays either. He finished 2020 with close to 1,000 yards and six touchdowns. This year, he will be “the guy” though in this offense. For Green Bay, he would be a great No. 2 option across from Davante Adams with every single receiver, other than recently-drafted Amari Rodgers, set to be a free agent next offseason.

27. Baltimore Ravens (14-1) – Cade Mays, G, Tennessee
The Ravens took big Ben Cleveland to develop along the interior of the offensive line. Kevin Zeitler is 31 and Bradley Bozeman is a free agent after the season, so this is still a potential need. Plus, building in the trenches is always smart. Cade Mays is a former five-star recruit with great size and tons of experience. He would be up for the task of keeping Lamar Jackson healthy.

28. Detroit Lions via Los Angeles Rams (14-1) – Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Detroit grabbed its quarterback of the future and now can find him a weapon to develop with. Treylon Burks was one of the top receivers in the SEC in 2020. He has a big frame with good run after the catch ability. He could be primed for a huge season and a rise up draft boards.

29. Miami Dolphins via San Francisco 49ers (14-1) – Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
One of my favorite players in this draft class, I’ve been tracking Devin Lloyd since 2019. He is fast and diagnoses plays well. Utah moves him all over the formation to create confusion. He is best as an off-ball linebacker, but he has shown some ability to rush the passer as well. For Miami, I think Lloyd would challenge for a starting spot right away and that Brian Flores would get the most out of him.

30. Buffalo Bills (13-1) – Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M
Buffalo stacked up on defense in 2021, but still has a clear need at tight end. Jalen Wydermyer is the best one in the class and has the production to back it up. He would be another receiving option for Josh Allen and could cause headaches for opposing defenses with his size and speed.

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (13-2) – George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
Even after drafting Joe Tryon, Tampa could go edge rusher again to help lessen the blow of impending free agents. George Karlaftis had a truncated 2020 season between injury and COVID-19. However, he absolutely dominated in 2019, posting 17 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks as a true freshman. If he can get back to that type of disruptor in 2021, he will not still be on the board by pick 31.

32. Kansas City Chiefs (21-4) – Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
Kansas City rebuilt its offensive line this offseason, which means it can turn its attention back to the defense. Charvarius Ward and Bashaud Breeland are both free agents after this season and the Chiefs do not have much proven depth. Andrew Booth Jr. could step in as a potential starter at one of those two corner spots. He is incredibly athletic and should have a chance to prove himself this year as Clemson’s top corner.

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