1. Jacksonville Jaguars
Evan Neal | Alabama, OT
The Jags need help across the board, but Cam Robinson is set to hit free agency with a $17M market value. The Jags are in clear rebuild mode and spending that much, when they could land a generational talent would be foolish. The Jags are also set to lose both starting guards, which will force them to focus on OL throughout the draft and offseason.
2. Detroit Lions
Aidan Hutchinson | Michigan, Edge
You could make the case for the Lions going in just about any direction here, but they elect to take the stud from Michigan who can make an instant impact in the NFL. Hutchinson is the most polished and talented edge rusher in this class and is a top 5 lock.
3. Houston Texans
Kayvon Thibodeaux | Oregon, Edge
Rumors have been swirling that Thibodeaux has been a bit overhyped by the media, but as of now I think he will land in Houston due to his upside. Don’t count out a trade from a QB hungry team here, but as of now it is too early to predict anything of that nature. Thibodeaux’s production never came close to his true potential, but the ceiling is too high to ignore.
4. New York Jets
Kyle Hamilton | Notre Dame, S
Hamilton can be viewed as somewhat of a luxury pick, but his versatility will bring the juice that Robert Saleh needs on his defense. Hamilton is an oversized safety with a very diverse skillset that will allow him to play all over the field. The Jets will need to continue to add to this secondary in the later rounds and bring in some cornerbacks as well.
5. New York Giants
Ikem Ekwonu | NC State, OT
Pronunciation: EE-kehm eck-WAHN-ew…I’ve been hearing a lot of EYE-kehm’s from draft media lately, but let’s give this guy the respect he deserves. Regardless of the miss-pronunciations, nobody is mistaking that he is an absolute monster and moves as well as lineman in this class. The Giants could go many ways with this pick, but elect to continue to work on this horrible O-Line to give Daniel Jones a fighting chance. Fun fact: both Ekwonu and Jones played in the same HS conference in Charlotte, NC.
6. Carolina Panthers
Malik Willis | Liberty, QB
I have been waiting for a QB worthy of trading into the top 3 arrive and Malik Willis is that guy. Although I think it will happen, it is too soon to really predict any movement. If Carolina scores Willis by sitting tight, then it is a major win for them. Willis has been tabbed as the highest upside QB by a mile, but also there are some concerns about his processing ability and progressions. You can clearly see the weaknesses on film, but the arm talent and zip is great enough for a team to risk it all for his upside. The Senior Bowl was a massive test for this QB class and Malik Willis rose to the top with an incredible week of practice. He checked every box necessary and was especially more impressive than anyone else throwing in the rain. He has been deemed a “sit a year and develop QB”, but with the Panthers current QB situation, he could be playing a lot sooner than expected.
7. New York Giants
Sauce Gardner | Cincinnati, CB
The Giants have needs all over the field, but after landing Ekwonu at 5, they feel much more comfortable drafting the best player available here. Many think that Gardner is the consensus CB1 among front offices and both Adoree Jackson and James Bradberry could be out after 2022. Gardner is a lockdown stud that certainly would bring much needed swagger to the Giants defense.
8. Atlanta Falcons
Drake London | USC, WR
The Falcons probably should go edge here, but with an extremely deep class they comfortably address another need here. With Ridley gone, the Falcons draft another physical specimen to spread the field along with Kyle Pitts. The Falcons are one half step away from a complete overhaul, but the pass rush issue can be solved in free agency while giving Matt Ryan here.
9. Denver Broncos
Kenny Pickett | Pittsburgh, QB
Pickett may be the most pro ready and safest pick out of this QB class, but the ceiling probably depends a lot on the situation. He doesn’t have the most “wow-factor”, but will protect the ball well and has displayed great potential reading the field and protecting the ball.
10. New York Jets
Jermaine Johnson II | Florida State, Edge
Johnson was probably the best defensive player all week at the Senior Bowl and certainly played his way into the early first round. He absolutely dominated at practice and was the clear-cut top edge rusher out of a talented group.
11. Washington Commanders
Garrett Wilson | Ohio State, WR
The Commanders are a team that we believe will address their QB problem with a veteran due to their draft positioning and current roster. If they indeed keep this pick, another strong receiver could help push this offense over the edge and keep the Commanders in contention to win the NFC Beast.
12. Minnesota Vikings
Derek Stingley | LSU, CB
With Dantzler as their top rated CB, the Vikings could justify drafting several corners early in this DEEP class. Stingley has top tier talent, but may drop a bit due to inconsistencies and his inability to stay on the field post-2019. The upside is too good for one of the most CB needy teams in the league to ignore here.
13. Cleveland Browns
Treylon Burks | Arkansas, WR
With OBJ gone and Juice likely following suit, the Browns take the stud receiver out of Arkansas. The big bodied Burks not only brings a much needed target in the pass game, but he is one of the most efficient run blockers in the class as well.
14. Baltimore Ravens
Jordan Davis | Georgia, DT
Nose Tackle is a niche position that will make Davis’s stock very scheme dependent, but he was an elite level defensive playmaker that will elevate his status. With Wink Martindale out of the building this pick is tough to predict, but lineman are likely departing, so Davis is a young player this defense can build around early.
15. Philadelphia Eagles
Devin Lloyd | Utah, LB
The consensus is that the Eagles will target defense with a few of their early pick, which leads them to take the top rated linebacker in this class. Lloyd has the most advanced and diverse skillset out of this group and will be an instant contributor on this defense.
16. Philadelphia Eagles
David Ojabo | Michigan, Edge
The Eagles follow up their Lloyd pick with another talented defender. Ojabo may not be the most polished or developed edge rusher, but the talent and athleticism is rare and could allow him to turn into one of the scariest defenders in the NFL.
17. L.A. Chargers
George Karlaftis | Purdue, Edge
Outside of Bosa, the Chargers need to seriously improve their defensive line and the versatile Karlaftis would be an awesome fit and instant contributor. He plays with incredible strength and speed that would allow him to dominate on both the inside and outside.
18. New Orleans Saints
Matt Corral | Ole Miss, QB
The Saints have one of the most uncertain QB situations in the league and with Sean Payton out the door, I would find it hard to believe that anyone else would ever think Taysom Hill is a long term option. I am not sold on Corral, but he certainly is a quick decision maker that has thrived in an RPO heavy system. With the right pieces around him in New Orleans, Corral could be the first step to solving their salary cap hell.
19. Philadelphia Eagles
Jahan Dotson | Penn State, WR
Dotson is one of my “guys” in this class and has a polished skillset that will transfer well to the NFL. The Jalen Reagor pick was one of the worst picks of this decade, but they can make up for that by adding a high ceiling prospect like Dotson.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Roger McCreary | Auburn, CB
Although many are calling for a QB, there likely won’t be any clear upgrade over their current situation unless they trade up. If they decide to stay put, it would allow them to bring in a Day 2 QB to add to the mix, while addressing another need here. McCreary was a lockdown corner at Auburn and has some of the cleanest tape in the nation. Despite being a hair undersized, McCreary plays with a major chip on his shoulder and locked down some of the best WRs in the nation. McCreary finished 2021 as the top graded cornerback in the nation in 2021, which is incredible considering the fact that he matched up against Jahan Dotson, Kayshon Boutte, Treylon Burks, Jameson Williams and John Metchie.
21. New England Patriots
Christian Harris | Alabama, LB
Harris is a raw, sideline to sideline LB that is absolutely a day one contributor. I think he is being forgotten a bit because of the Dean and Lloyd hype. Among those three, I think there will be a lot of disparity throughout the league and no clearcut order. The Patriots take the higher ceiling Harris over Nakobe Dean here.
22. Las Vegas Raiders
Chris Olave | Ohio State, WR
The Raiders lost their burner, Henry Ruggs, but can replace him with another prospect with track speed. I think Olave is a much more versatile receiver that brings a lot to the table with a refined skillset that can transition into becoming Carr’s top dog.
23. Arizona Cardinals
Trevor Penning | Northern Iowa, OT
I am in the camp that believes that Marco Wilson is the worst corner in the league, but since this is such a deep class they can address that later. Penning is an absolute beast that plays bully ball and showcased his high level tendencies at the Senior Bowl. Penning also moves extremely well for his size and could fill in at right tackle for the aging Kelvin Beachum.
24. Dallas Cowboys
Perrion Winfrey | Oklahoma, DT
Winfrey may have played himself into the first round at the Senior Bowl and was a standout defensive lineman that quickly became a favorite personality of everyone that was in attendance. He brings a clear tenacity that teams long for with a dominant work ethic and fire that burned throughout the week. There may be some room for improvement with his technique, but he certainly showcased an incredibly high ceiling that is worth reaching for.
25. Buffalo Bills
Andrew Booth Jr. | Clemson, CB
Booth was one of the bright spots on Clemson’s roster and brings versatility and coverage skills to this solid Bills D. The Bills led the league in pass defense in 2021, but following an injury to Tre White, they were held together by their strong duo of safeties. Booth also brings youth to this group and can help the secondary stay steady for years to come.
26. Tennessee Titans
Jameson Williams | Alabama, WR
Williams was at one time the top receiver in this class, but a torn ACL has caused his stock fall a bit. The Titans are an organization that both crave a burner and have taken advantage of prospects who have fallen due to injury. Williams to Tennessee could be a home run pick for this offense.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tyler Linderbaum | Iowa, IOL
Brady is done and the rebuild is in full effect. As much as fans are still in denial, this team isn’t winning 7 games with the roster they currently have. Ryan Jenson is a free agent and if I had to guess, he won’t be the team’s main priority for next season, if they are in fact rebuilding. Linderbaum is a top option here and also keeps the door for a Brady comeback slightly still open.
28. Green Bay Packers
Boye Mafe | Minnesota, Edge
Mafe is another edge rusher that showed that he belongs in the first round discussion while in Mobile. He followed up a strong week of practice with a big time performance of two sacks, three tackles for loss and a forced fumble. The athletic abilities alone are freakish, but his technique and hands can also become elite and will keep him in the first round discussion.
29. Miami Dolphins
Zion Johnson | Boston College, OL
The more I watch Johnson, the more he raises to the top of the offensive lineman in this class. He has the versatility to play all over the field and is one of the most technically sound lineman in this class. His IQ play-style will tremendously help Tua’s presnap routine and is a lineman that this team can build around.
30. Kansas City Chiefs
David Bell | Purdue, WR
Priority number one for the Chiefs needs to be addressing their WR2. Although they could find a gem in the 2nd round, there is usually a run on skill players in the 30s through 50s, so the team can capitalize on their chance to land their favorite here.
31. Cincinnati Bengals
Charles Cross | Mississippi State, OT
The Bengals Super Bowl run has been historic and a large part is due to taking Ja’Marr Chase over addressing their OL last draft. Now they can focus on fixing the offensive line that could stand in the way of a Super Bowl crown.
32. Detroit Lions
DeMarvin Leal | Texas A&M, DL
Leal is a guy I have had in a free fall since the fall. His upside and athleticism has always been there, but the motor and production has always been a big question. The Lions would be happy to land Leal here, who despite being a positional “tweener”, is a clear upgrade in potential over the historically weak duo of Michael Brockers and Nick Williams.
Round 2
33. Jacksonville Jaguars – Nakobe Dean | Georgia, LB
34. Detroit Lions – Wan’Dale Robinson | Kentucky, WR
35. New York Jets – Kenyon Green | Texas A&M, IOL
36. New York Giants – Travon Walker | Georgia, DL
37. Houston Texans – Kaiir Elam | Florida, CB
38. New York Jets – Trent McDuffie | Washington, CB
39. Chicago Bears – Jalen Tolbert | South Alabama, WR
40. Denver Broncos – Travis Jones | Connecticut, DT
41. Seattle Seahawks – Desmond Ridder | Cincinnati, QB
42. Washinton Commanders – Coby Bryant | Cincinnati, CB
43. Atlanta Falcons – Kinglsey Enagbare | South Carolina, Edge
44. Cleveland Browns – Devonte Wyatt | Georgia, DT
45. Baltimore Ravens – Christian Watson | North Dakota State, WR
46. Minnesota Vikings – Jalen Pitre | Baylor, S
47. Indianapolis Colts – Logan Hall | Houston, DL
48. LA Chargers – Trey McBride | Colorado State, TE
49. New Orleans Saints – Darian Kinnard | Kentucky, OT
50. Miami Dolphins – Breece Hall | Iowa State, RB
51. Philadelphia Eagles – Max Mitchell | Louisiana, OL
52. Pittsburgh Steelers – Bernhard Raimann | Central Michigan, OT
53. Las Vegas Raiders – Leo Chenal | Wisconsin, LB
54. New England Patriots – Kenneth Walker III | Michigan State, RB
55. Arizona Cardinals – Arnold Ebiketie | Penn State, Edge
56. Dallas Cowboys – Jaquan Brisker | Penn State, S
57. Buffalo Bills – Tyler Allgeier | BYU, RB
58. Atlanta Falcons – Chad Muma | Wyoming, LB
59. Green Bay Packers – Jake Ferguson | Wisconsin, TE
60. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Sam Howell | North Carolina, QB
61. San Francisco 49ers – Martin Emerson | Mississippi State, CB
62. Kansas City Chiefs – Derion Kendrick | Georgia, CB
63. Cincinnati Bengals – Myjai Sanders | Cincinnati, Edge
64. Denver Broncos – Sam Williams | Ole Miss, Edge
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