Harris Oates
1. Jacksonville Jaguars
Evan Neal | Alabama, OT
The Jags play it “safe” rather than overthinking this move by taking their top OT in the class. By finishing dead last in back-to-back years, it has allowed them to have their pick of the litter for both QB and OT. The Jags have tagged Cam Robinson, but this move secures both sides of the OL, which will be monumental in the development of Trevor Lawrence. Evan Neal is a true 6’7″ 340 lbs behemoth who moves exceptionally well for a player of his stature. I will likely go back and forth here until draft day, but as of now it is Neal.
2. Detroit Lions
Aidan Hutchinson | Michigan, Edge
Dan Campbell needs a fire lit on defense and can provide that with the in-state hero who ranks as one of my top edge rushers in the last five years. Production, technique, ceiling…Hutchinson checks every box for me and will become one of the best pass rushers Detroit has even had.
3. Houston Texans
Ikem Ekwonu | NC State, OT
This is where things get tricky, as the Texans have holes throughout their roster and can reasonably go in any direction. Quarterback, tackle, edge, cornerback…the list goes on of players that the Texans could reasonably select with this pick, but they maximize their draft capital by taking the second elite tackle in this class. It is also very much in the cards that they trade back to a QB hungry team, but I think they stay put and select their foundation here with Ikem Ekwonu. This move also opens up the possibility of trading Laremy Tunsil to a team that is classified as “win now” and would free up a massive amount of Cap for a rebuilding team.
4. New York Jets
Kyle Hamilton | Notre Dame, S
The Jets had one of the worst secondaries in the league but can add one of the most versatile players in the draft who will fill holes across the board. Hamilton is much more than your standard safety and ranks as our top defensive prospect in this entire class. Think of Hamilton’s role as more of a safety/linebacker hybrid, which will allow the opportunity to take over this defense and help slow down the strong, young QBs in the AFC East.
5. New York Giants (per @TheClemReport)
Kayvon Thibodeaux | Oregon, Edge
If Thibodeaux falls to 5, the Giants would likely be the team that keeps him from dropping much further. Per our wager following the Panthers loss to the Giants in October, Barstool’s Clem owns the rights to both picks 5 & 7.
6. Carolina Panthers
Devin Lloyd | Utah, LB
Lloyd didn’t run a freakish 40-yard dash at the combine but he did come in at 6’3” 237 and still was able to keep it in the 4.6 range. Shaq Thompson had a wonderful season in 2021, but the Panthers can add depth to their solid defense that is likely going to lose several key pieces in the next couple weeks. There are still issues across the board for Carolina offensively but reaching for needs is not in Fitterer’s wheelhouse, so expect Carolina to select the best player available once again. Realistically, I think this pick will be moved, but it is too soon to make any bold predictions of that nature.
Note: Throughout Fitterer’s short tenure as Panthers GM, he has built up a reputation of moving back in the draft. Expect this pick to very much be on the market and a popular destination for QB needy teams to move up to land their top guy. It is also worth noting that he landed his top QB, Russell Wilson, in the 3rd round.
7. New York Giants (per @TheClemReport)
Charles Cross | Mississippi State, OT
Offensive Line is too big of an issue for Clem to ignore, so with the second pick he takes OT3, Charles Cross. Cross had a wonderful combine and is another great mover, who will check many boxes for the new regime who is looking to secure the outside.
8. Atlanta Falcons
Travon Walker | Georgia, Edge
The Falcons had one of the worst pass rushes in NFL history last year but luck out with this rich class that is extremely deep with edge rushers. Travon Walker has seen his stock skyrocket this offseason and had as productive of a combine as anyone. The Falcons not only bring in an uber talented and athletic pass rusher, but the former Bulldog is already a popular name throughout the state of Georgia.
9. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver)
Malik Willis | Liberty, QB
Denver officially changed their 2022 objectives at the drop of a hat on Tuesday, but what does that mean for Seattle? Now that the team is in clear rebuild mode with a boatload of picks, they can afford to take a shot on a QB that will fit the scheme well. I could also see Seattle going edge here and waiting for a later round QB like Ridder, but they take a shot at 9 with their QB1.
10. New York Jets
Jermaine Johnson II | Florida State, Edge
New York has options here, and as much as I would love them taking another defensive back here with Gardner, they need to bring in an edge rusher. Johnson is a dynamic pass rusher with a refined skillset that will translate well to early success.
11. Washington Commanders
Drake London | USC, WR
Washington made waves this week when they made the shocking trade to bring in Carson Wentz. By keeping the 11th pick, they can give this high-powered offense another piece. London is a true do-it-all WR that will compliment Terry Mclaurin.
12. Minnesota Vikings
Ahmad Gardner | Cincinnati, CB
If Gardner falls to 12, then the Vikings officially have won the draft in terms of value picking. Gardner currently sits as my 5th overall player in the class, but with the amount of key talent at edge and offensive line, there is a chance he falls outside the top 10. This would be an absolute steal.
13. Cleveland Browns
Garrett Wilson | Ohio State, WR
The Dawg Pound wants a WR as much as any fanbase and they will walk away happy with this pick, as they select the in-state Buckeye stud. We knew Wilson would be a high-quality tester but he solidified his stock as a 1st rd pick with a phenomenal combine.
14. Baltimore Ravens
Trevor Penning | Northern Iowa, OT
The Ravens need more athletic offensive lineman and get one with an absolute bully. Penning enjoyed a dominant week at the Senior Bowl, where he rose atop the group and legitimized his stock as a 1st round pick by showing out on a level playing field for the first time in his college career. Penning held his own and dominated P5 edge rushers all week long.
15. Philadelphia Eagles
David Ojabo | Michigan, Edge
Ojabo has an exceptional ceiling but is a true project at the position. The scariest part about it is he had no trouble producing last year as he had double digit sacks in the Big10. If Ojabo somehow falls outside the top 15, look for teams to bring him in as a clear-cut BPA.
16. Philadelphia Eagles
Tyler Linderbaum | Iowa, C
The Eagles lost one of the top centers in the league but can capitalize by bringing in a rock-solid prospect that will help in the development of Jalen Hurts. There have been questions about his size, at under 300 lbs, but the tape is phenomenal and his versatility should keep him inside the 1st round.
17. LA Chargers
Devonte Wyatt | Georgia, DL
Wyatt had an incredible combine and is an exceptionally smooth mover for a 300+ lbs defensive lineman. Wyatt is a bit more versatile than his teammate, Jordan Davis, which ultimately elevates his stock as a top 20 player in my book. He is a great scheme fit for the Chargers and can help fortify a line without much interior depth.
18. New Orleans Saints
Kenny Pickett | Pittsburgh, QB
The Saints are as QB-needy as anyone, but 18 is a very interesting spot for this market. If only one QB is gone in the first 17 picks, expect the Saints to very much be in play to lock down their potential next franchise QB. Pickett would be perfect here, as he is a high-floor prospect that will be an instant upgrade as a passer over the $90M man, Taysom Hill, and the somehow drafted Ian Book.
19. Philadelphia Eagles
Derek Stingley | LSU, CB
The Stingley free-fall finally comes to a halt, as the 2019 tape and production is far too exceptional to knock him out of the 1st round. Stingley is dealing with a concerning Lisfranc injury but should workout at the LSU pro day, which could lessen the worries surrounding his health. Injury or not, Stingley at 19 is solid value for the CB-needy Eagles with their third 1st round pick. Stingley may fall, but mark my words…he will not fall past the Eagles thrice.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Kenyon Green | Texas A&M, IOL
The Steelers miss out on their well-known QB crush, Malik Willis, but instead focus on fortifying their offensive line. This QB class isn’t worth trading up for, so the smart move is to stay put and resort to plan b if Willis doesn’t fall. Kenyon Green has become somewhat of a sleeper in the late 1st round but brings one of the most polished skillsets for an interior lineman in this class.
21. New England Patriots
Jordan Davis | Georgia, DT
The Patriots land one of the best players from college football here and bring in the massive defensive tackle from Georgia. Davis’s role has been projected as a 2 down nose tackle, but his versatility and agility has been a slept on a bit through this process, which was evident at the combine. It is also worth noting that he has dropped his weight down to 340, which certainly creates confidence in those hopes. Bill Belichick doesn’t overthink it and brings in good football players that are true professionals. Jordan Davis is both of those things.
22. LV Raiders
Chris Olave | Ohio State, WR
Olave brings much more than just speed to the Raiders offense, as the 4.39 prospect also has one of the most crisp and versatile route trees. The run on WRs could start in the early 20s, but once the ball gets rolling, you can expect the top tier to fly off the board.
23. Arizona Cardinals
Trent McDuffie | Washington, CB
The Cardinals have been searching for Patrick Peterson’s replacement since he departed and land one of the most fluid CBs in the class here. McDuffie did nothing but dominate in the Pac12 and has some of the cleanest tape out of the group. He would also join fellow Huskies Budda Baker and Byron Murphy Jr. on the scheme-friendly Cardinals.
24. Dallas Cowboys
Lewis Cine | Georgia, S
The Cowboys secondary showcased an amazing ceiling last year, but also one of the lowest floors in the league. When Diggs wasn’t picking passes off he was either getting absolutely torched or called for pass interference penalties. To reach his superstar potential, he must get much more consistent, which will be possible with some help at safety. Cine is a savvy route reading ballhawk, but also is such a solid tackler that the Cowboys could use him in a variety of roles.
25. Buffalo Bills
Breece Hall | Iowa State, RB
I was sure they Bills would take a shot at Travis Etienne last year, but the Jags swept in and secured him before they could. At 25, you’d assume that they can comfortably land their guy, but they will have to be careful as there is a clear drop-off from RB1 to RB2 in this class that could force Hall’s stock trending upwards. You won’t see RBs in the class going often in the 1st round, but it happens all the time and it the most unpredictable position in the draft.
26. Tennessee Titans
Jameson Williams | Alabama, WR
The Titans were as solid as any team last year but could seriously benefit from bringing in a field stretcher like Jameson Williams. We have seen the Titans cash out by picking 1st round sliders due to injuries and there is no reason for concern over the long-term health of Jameson Williams here.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kyler Gordon | Washington, CB
It’s looking like the Bucs elected to keep Godwin over Carlton Davis, so CB very much could be in play here. Gordon has the makes to become a CB1 in the league. He is an athletic freak, but also has a very solid technical skillset that oozes with lockdown potential.
28. Green Bay Packers
Treylon Burks | Arkansas, WR
Burks didn’t have the best day testing, but at 6’2” 225 lbs he certainly brings more than enough to the table to become a future WR1. With Rodgers returning to the Packers next year the front office will need to reload on cheap weapons and this would be the first step.
29. Miami Dolphins
Zion Johnson | Boston College, IOL
Expect the Dolphins to utilize free agency to fortify their OL, but another option on the interior could be Zion Johnson at 29. Johnson is not only one of the most technically sound prospects, but he is an extremely intelligent player that could be huge in the development of Tua. If you have ever heard the phrase “Phone Booth Lineman”, that term was probably created after watching Zion Johnson. He is not the fastest or best mover, but is incredibly strong and will fit the scheme well. He also has perfect size and power to be a day 1 starter at any position on the interior.
30. Kansas City Chiefs
Daxton Hill | Michigan, S
The Honey Badger is irreplaceable, but if they do parts ways then they will need to bring in a defensive jackknife to this scheme. Hill can fly around the secondary as a center fielder, but also has the skillset that can plug him in as a nickel on day 1.
31. Houston Texans (from Cincinnati)
Jahan Dotson | Penn State, WR
Cincinnati trades: 31st overall pick, 173rd overall pick, ’23 2nd Rd pick, ’23 4th Rd pick
Houston trades: Laremy Tunsil, 80th overall pick
At pick 31, there is a good chance that all of the R1 graded offensive lineman will be off the board. Houston is reportedly open to moving Laremy Tunsil, who could be a great addition to a team that is hungry for another shot at the Super Bowl. The Texans should expect a package that is somewhere in the Orlando Brown Jr. range from last year, which could be well worth it for the Bengals.
Houston needs to restock on weapons and lands the sure-handed stud out of Penn State. Cooks is getting older and soon will need relief in his massive target share, which opens the door wide for Dotson to emerge as Davis Mills’ future WR1, assuming that he continues down the path he is on.
32. Detroit Lions
Christian Harris | Alabama, LB
TRIGGER WARNING: Christian Harris is a raw prospect who will be a project in coverage, but automatically brings in a ceiling that is much higher than their current situation. Harris flies around the field and is a true sideline-to-sideline LB who will be a major defensive playmaker. I like Nakobe Dean a lot, but the physical limitations really have raised his concerns and lowered his NFL ceiling.
Round 2
33. Jacksonville Jaguars – Nakobe Dean | Georgia, LB
34. Detroit Lions – Matt Corral | Ole Miss, QB
35. New York Jets – Bernhard Raimann | Central Michigan, OT
36. New York Giants – Andrew Booth Jr. | Clemson, CB
37. Houston Texans – Kaiir Elam | Florida, CB
38. New York Jets – Christian Watson | South Dakota State, WR
39. Chicago Bears – Jalen Tolbert | South Alabama, WR
40. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver) – Travis Jones | Connecticut, DT
41. Seattle Seahawks – Darian Kinnard | Kentucky, OT
42. Washington Commanders – Roger McCreary | Auburn, CB
43. Atlanta Falcons – Perrion Winfrey | Oklahoma, DL
44. Cleveland Browns – George Karlaftis | Purdue, Edge
45. Baltimore Ravens – Leo Chenal | Wisconsin, LB
46. Minnesota Vikings –DeMarvin Leal | Texas A&M, DL
47. Indianapolis Colts – Jalen Pitre | Baylor, S
48. LA Chargers – Trey McBride | Colorado State, TE
49. New Orleans Saints – Max Mitchell | Louisiana, OL
50. Miami Dolphins – Tyler Allgeier | BYU, RB
51. Philadelphia Eagles – Jaquan Brisker | Penn State, S
52. Pittsburgh Steelers – Arnold Ebiketie | Penn State, Edge
53. Las Vegas Raiders – Myjai Sanders | Cincinnati, Edge
54. New England Patriots – David Bell | Purdue, WR
55. Arizona Cardinals – Alec Pierce | Cincinnati, WR
56. Dallas Cowboys – Jake Ferguson | Wisconsin, TE
57. Buffalo Bills – Zyon McCollum | Sam Houston State, CB
58. Atlanta Falcons – George Pickens | Georgia, WR
59. Green Bay Packers – Chad Muma | Wyoming, LB
60. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Desmond Ridder | Cincinnati, QB
61. San Francisco 49ers – Derion Kendrick | Georgia, CB
62. Kansas City Chiefs – Kingsley Enagbare | South Carolina, Edge
63. Cincinnati Bengals – Logan Hall | Houston, DL
64. Denver Broncos – Sam Williams | Ole Miss, Edge
draftidsports.com 
5 Thoughts