NFL Mock Draft 3.0

Jaguars: Travon Walker, EDGE Georgia 

There is suddenly a lot of buzz about Walker going number 1 overall. Taking a chance on any player from that Georgia defense isn’t a bad idea. This is nowhere near a certainty as a pick as drafts in the past. 

Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE Michigan 

The Lions could screw everyone up by taking a QB here (Malik Willis) but they won’t. I think instead they will prioritize defense in a good draft for it. The Michigan pass rusher winds up in Detroit after all. 

Texans: Ahmad Gardner, CB Cincinnati 

While not usually a position that is drafted this high, there are some exceptions like Jalen Ramsey and Denzel Ward over the years. I think Gardner is in that territory. Nick Caserio, a former New England guy, knows the value of top-notch CBs. I think he nabs one here. 

Jets: Garrett Wilson, WR OSU

The Jets make the first move on the WR draft class. Garrett Wilson is a fun player and fits what they want to do. 

Giants: Ikem Ekwonu, OT NC State 

The Giants get a steal here with Ekwonu. They need help on the line. 

Panthers: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE Oregon 

I don’t think the Panthers are taking a QB in this draft, at least not early. They would prefer a tackle but they can’t pass up on Thibodeaux here. 

Steelers (trade with Giants): Malik Willis, QB Liberty

The Steelers long liked Willis and come away with him here. They move up ahead of other potential suitors to get him. Sometimes it’s as simple as following the tea leaves all along on this. 

Falcons: Jameson Williams, WR Alabama 

The Falcons probably won’t see Ridley ever again playing for them. They need a WR badly and address it here. They have had great success with Bama WRs so they go there again. 

Seahawks: Evan Neal, OT Alabama

The Seahawks need offensive line help. Neal slides due to late medical concerns. 

Jets: Jermaine Johnson, EDGE FSU

At the end of the day, the Jets land two huge prospects in positions of need. 

Commanders: Kyle Hamilton, S Notre Dame

The Commanders get a gift here. Hamilton falls due to how the board fell but he’s a top 6 player in the draft. They easily take him. 

Vikings: Jordan Davis, DT Georgia 

Jordan Davis has been a big draft riser for months and now he’s in the top 12-15 pick conversation and should go in that range. Vikings seem a good fit. 

Texans: Chris Olave, WR OSU 

The Texans are in a good spot here. They can use this pick to pair Cooks with a good WR prospect. They have enough capital to pull it off. 

Ravens: Derek Stingley Jr., CB LSU

The Ravens get the CB they need and Stingley has loads of potential. 

Packers (trade with Eagles): Drake London, WR OSU

The Packers move up to nab the big WR from USC in London. Large shoes to fill for Adams though. 

Saints: Charles Cross, OT Mississippi State

The Saints lost a big-time offensive lineman and immediately replace him in the draft. 

Chargers: Devonte Wyatt, DT Georgia 

The Chargers add some more defensive help up the middle, something they need.  

Eagles: Devin Lloyd, LB Utah

Eagles need some help at LB and are in a perfect spot for one here. 

Saints: Matt Corral, QB Ole Miss 

The Saints find their QB now in Corral. He can sit behind Winston and develop or win the job right away. 

Giants (trade with Steelers): Trent McDuffie, CB Washington 

The Giants are likely to move on from James Bradberry in one way or another. They draft his replacement here. 

Patriots: Zion Johnson, OG Boston College 

Belichick loves his offensive lineman. He drafts one here. 

Eagles (trade with Packers): Kaiir Elam, CB Florida 

The Eagles grab the CB they will pair with Slay. 

Cardinals: George Karlaftis, EDGE Purdue

The Cardinals immediately replace Chandler Jones here. 

Cowboys: Trevor Penning, OT Northern Iowa 

The Cowboys need to remake their offensive line. They start right here. 

Bills: Logan Hall, DT Houston 

Logan Hall is a sneaky 1st round possibility and the Bills need DT help. Crazy how the Bills not too long ago drafted another DT out of Houston. You might know of him. Yeah, Ed Oliver. 

Titans: Desmond Ridder, QB Cincinnati 

This would be the surprise of the first round, maybe the draft. I think the Titans are fine with Tannehill but will want more from the position. Tannehill becomes easier to move off after next season and he can start for them this season as Ridder develops. I’m a huge fan of Ridder so I love this pick for Tennessee. 

Bucs: Kenyon Green, OG Texas A&M 

The Bucs lost both their guards this offseason. They are good at building along the offensive line and prioritize it. This is a solid pick for them here to keep that philosophy alive. 

Seahawks (trade with Packers): Sam Howell, QB UNC

The Seahawks move up to take what they hope is their future QB. I can see Carroll really liking Howell. 

Chiefs: Daxton Hill, S Michigan 

The Chiefs fill a need at safety here. Hill is a steal this late in the round. 

Chiefs: Treylon Burks, WR Arkansas 

Burks would be a monster in the Chiefs offense. He’s big and deceptively fast. Andy Reid would have fun with him. 

Bengals: Tyler Linderbaum, OC Iowa 

The Bengals have addressed the offensive line a ton this offseason and they do it once again here. 

Falcons (trade with Lions): Kenny Pickett, QB Pitt 

Pickett at 32 sounds shocking at first but I think his stock has dropped. He’s a prospect where overanalyzing hurts him badly. His hype after the season was high but I think it’s lessened a lot now. Falcons move up to get him here and take a chance on him. 

NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Intrigue at pick 1 and QB fuels the first round

Jaguars: Travon Walker, EDGE Georgia 

There is suddenly a lot of buzz about Walker going number 1 overall. Taking a chance on any player from that Georgia defense isn’t a bad idea. This is nowhere near certainty as a pick as drafts in the past. 

Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE Michigan 

The Lions could screw everyone up by taking a QB here (Malik Willis) but they won’t. I think instead they will prioritize defense in a good draft for it. The Michigan pass rusher winds up in Detroit after all. 

Texans: Ahmad Gardner, CB Cincinnati 

While not usually a position that is drafted this high, there are some exceptions like Jalen Ramsey and Denzel Ward over the years. I think Gardner is in that territory. Nick Caserio, a former New England guy, knows the value of top-notch CBs. I think he nabs one here. 

Jets: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE Oregon

Jets need a WR but pass rush is a more premium position and taking one here is more valuable than a WR. They take a chance on an elite prospect in Thibodeaux, despite the questions. 

Saints (trade with Giants): Malik Willis, QB Liberty 

When the Saints made that weird trade with the Eagles, it felt like something else was coming. I think this is it. Saints are positioned for the prime move up for a QB in this draft. I think they get it here with Willis, who has elite traits. The Giants, meanwhile, are looking to stockpile picks and get young players on cheap contracts. They accomplish that. 

Panthers: Evan Neal, OT Alabama 

I don’t think the Panthers are taking a QB in this draft, at least not early. Never in their wildest dreams did they think Neal would be here. They don’t hesitate to send the card in on this one. 

Giants: Ikem Ekwonu, OT NC State 

Giants need offensive line help and get it here. An easy pick. 

Falcons: Jameson Williams, WR Alabama 

The Falcons probably won’t see Ridley ever again playing for them. They need a WR badly and address it here with yet another Alabama wide receiver. They have had success going there so why not. Williams being the first WR taken might surprise some but it wouldn’t surprise me. 

Seahawks: Charles Cross, OT Mississippi State

The Seahawks need offensive line help. Cross is a very easy pick here. Almost too easy. 

Jets: Garrett Wilson, WR OSU

There goes a top OSU WR. At the end of the day, the Jets land two huge prospects in positions of need. 

Commanders: Kyle Hamilton, S Notre Dame

The Commanders get a gift here. Hamilton falls due to how the board fell but he’s a top 6 player in the draft. They easily take him. 

Vikings: Jordan Davis, DT Georgia 

Jordan Davis has been a big draft riser for months and now he’s in the top 12-15 pick conversation and should go in that range. Vikings seem a good fit. 

Steelers (trade with Texans): Kenny Pickett, QB Pitt 

The Steelers haven’t hidden their actions at QB in the draft. They trade up here to get one from their own backyard in Pickett. He will have a chance to win the job immediately there. Texans make a value play here. 

Packers (trade with Ravens): Chris Olave, WR OSU

The Packers traded Adams and need WR help badly. They trade up to secure Chris Olave. 

Eagles: Derek Stingley Jr., CB LSU

The Eagles take a risk on Stingley but they have the draft capital to absorb it. It could pay off big-time though. 

Giants (trade with Saints): Jermaine Johnson, EDGE FSU

Best player available pick here by the Giants. Could always use more pass-rush. 

Chargers: Zion Johnson, OG Boston College

The Chargers drafted a tackle last year with their first pick last year. This time they go guard. Protect the franchise QB as much as possible. 

Eagles: Devin Lloyd, LB Utah

Eagles need some help at LB and are in a perfect spot for one here. 

Seahawks (trade with Giants): Matt Corral, QB Ole Miss 

The Seahawks get aggressive and move back up all this way to grab Corral. They end up sending some of the capital they got for Wilson to get there, including a future 1st. I’m not a big Corral guy but I could see Pete Carroll liking him. The Giants move out of picking a third player in round 1 and instead spread it out to next year. 

Texans (trade with Steelers): Trevor Penning, OT Northern Iowa

Another tackle to pair with Tunsil isn’t a bad idea at all. Caserio knows the value of that position as well. This draft seems on-brand for a guy who learned in New England. 

Patriots: Drake London, WR USC 

I think Belichick is finally understanding the need for WRs more than ever. He got Parker from Miami but needs more. London was great last year before getting hurt. He fits that offense very nicely though. 

Ravens (trade with Packers): Andrew Booth Jr., CB Clemson 

The Ravens grab the CB help they desperately need. 

Cardinals: George Karlaftis, EDGE Purdue 

Cardinals replace Chandler Jones and hope who they pick is even 75% as good as him. 

Cowboys: Daxton Hill, S Michigan 

The Cowboys have long looked for a safety to plug in. They get it here. 

Bills: Kaiir Elam, CB Florida 

The Bills get a CB to pair with White. Why not? They don’t have many holes on this team. 

Titans: Desmond Ridder, QB Cincinnati 

This would be the surprise of the first round, maybe the draft. I think the Titans are fine with Tannehill but will want more from the position. Tannehill becomes easier to move off after next season and he can start for them this season as Ridder develops. I’m a huge fan of Ridder so I love this pick for Tennessee. 

Bucs: Kenyon Green, OG Texas A&M 

The Bucs lost both their guards this offseason. They are good at building along the offensive line and prioritizing it. This is a solid pick for them here to keep that philosophy alive. 

Packers: Nakobe Dean, LB Georgia   

The Packers filled their hole at WR. Now they do it at LB too. 

Chiefs: Treylon Burks, WR Arkansas 

Chiefs get the WR they are seeking. Burks is a monster so he should fit in well. Reid will have fun utilizing him. 

Chiefs: Jaquan Brisker, S Penn State

The Chiefs replaced Mathieu with Justin Reid but could still use more safety help. They take Brisker here. 

Bengals: Tyler Linderbaum, OC Iowa 

The Bengals have addressed the offensive line a ton this offseason and they do it once again here. 

Lions: Christian Watson, WR NDSU

The Lions need help in a ton of places and WR is certainly one. This is a great spot to take a chance on Watson, who has legitimate traits despite playing at an FCS school. 

2022 NFL Mock Draft: Crazy QB picks highlight wild first round

Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE Michigan 

While not as much of a slam dunk as top picks in the past, Hutchinson seems a good bet to go number 1 overall as there is no such thing as too much edge help on defense. 

Lions: Travon Walker, EDGE Georgia

The Lions could screw everyone up by taking a QB here (Malik Willis) but they won’t. I think instead they will prioritize defense in a good draft for it. They get a premier edge rusher prospect in Walker from the elite Georgia defense. 

Falcons (trade with Texans): Malik Willis, QB Liberty 

After all, the Falcons are the team to make the aggressive play for Malik Willis. After trading Ryan, they have Mariota as QB1 and need to find their next guy badly. Willis is an elite prospect and deserves the hype he’s getting. This is also a great value play for Houston to make this move. It’s a no-brainer for them with how the board is set up. 

Jets: Garrett Wilson, WR OSU

The Jets go aggressive and address WR with their pick at 4. It sounds crazy as they could get someone at 10 but why wait and risk it. They are in control here at this pick and might as well just take their guy. Throw caution to the wind. Wilson has the makings of a star and will be a dynamic weapon for Zach Wilson. 

Giants: Evan Neal, OT Alabama  

The Giants likely never thought Neal would be here and will receive trade calls for that but they ultimately just take him themselves as he will fortify the line for a long time. It’s an easy pick. 

Panthers: Ikem Ekwonu, OT NC State

Panthers lost out on Willis here and aren’t taking another QB here and can’t trade down so they take an offensive lineman. A decent consolation prize. But if Willis winds up here, I think they would take him for sure. 

Giants: Ahmad Gardner, CB Cincinnati 

Another no-brainer for the Giants. They can’t do much better than Neal and Gardner with their picks. The board fell perfectly for them. 

Texans (trade with Falcons): Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE Oregon

In this scenario, Texans get the guy they might have honestly picked at 3. They get it plus a lot of extra capital. Big win for them. Thibodeaux has some questions but a lot of potential. He’s worth the chance here. 

Seahawks: Charles Cross, OT Mississippi State

Seahawks need offensive line help. Cross is a very easy pick here. Almost too easy. 

Texans (trade with Jets): Kyle Hamilton, Safety Notre Dame

Texans use a bit of the extra capital to go get a top prospect that fell a bit. Hamilton could really shine in the NFL. Texans getting two big prospects. 

Saints (trade with Commanders): Chris Olave, WR OSU

The Saints have a real plan after their trade with Philadelphia. I originally suspected QB but I think it could be as simple as getting players at positions of need for cheaper given their cap crunch. They kind of quietly need a WR and could make this trade up to get an elite prospect in Olave. 

Vikings: Jordan Davis, DT Georgia 

Jordan Davis has been a big draft riser for months and now he’s in the top 12-15 pick conversation and should go in that range. Vikings seem a good fit. 

Jets (trade with Texans): Jermaine Johnson, EDGE FSU

The Jets are seeking edge rusher help. Robert Saleh is going to push for it and they get it here. 

Chiefs (trade with Ravens): Jameson Williams, WR Alabama 

After trading Hill, the Chiefs get aggressive and land Jameson Williams. His skill set fits the Chiefs so well and it’s scary to imagine him in that offense. 

Eagles: Derek Stingley Jr., CB LSU

The Eagles take a risk on Stingley but they have the draft capital to absorb it. It could pay off big-time though. 

Commanders (trade with Saints): Trevor Penning, OT Northern Iowa

Washington builds on the line. Good call.

Titans (trade with Chargers): Desmond Ridder, QB Cincinnati

This would be the shocker of the draft, but I can actually see it. The Titans like but do not love Tannehill, similar to the 49ers last year with Garoppolo. They can make an aggressive play to get his replacement but still start Tannehill for a year then trade him when his contract is easier to move on from. Ridder as the second QB off the board would not surprise me either as he is my QB2 in the draft and has a growing buzz around him. Titans get ahead of Pittsburgh and New Orleans to land him. 

Eagles: Tyler Linderbaum, OL Iowa

Not a need for Philly but Howie Roseman would take Linderbaum here as the best player available I would bet. 

Saints: Matt Corral, QB Ole Miss

The Saints do also get a QB that they desire. I think Corral is a good fit. He doesn’t have to play right away either. They can give Winston some more time but they aren’t committed to him long-term. Corral would eventually take over and the Saints would welcome that whenever it happens. The Saints' plan comes to fruition. 

Steelers: Kenny Pickett, QB Pitt

The Steelers find their next hopefully long-term answer at QB from their own backyard. Pickett is a guy I really like and the Steelers would do good to get him here. Trubisky and Rudolph don’t have the juice or the big contract that would prevent Pickett from rolling in there and winning the job either if that happens. I love the fit. 

Patriots: George Karlaftis, EDGE Purdue 

This pick may be too easy for the Patriots to make. They might take some random mid-2nd round talent here as usual. We’ll see. 

Packers: Drake London, WR USC 

The Packers badly need help at the position and Rodgers is probably pressuring for it. He will finally get his 1st-round WR. That’ll make him happy for 5 minutes. 

Cardinals: Andrew Booth Jr., CB Florida

Cardinals are still looking for a top CB to replace Peterson. They hope to find it with Booth Jr, who has a lot of potential. 

Cowboys: Nakobe Dean, LB Georgia

Cowboys continue to build on defense, as they should. Dean is a good fit for Dallas. 

Bills: Zion Johnson, OG Boston College

Nobody ever said more protection for the star QB is a bad thing. A solid move here for Buffalo, who has almost no real holes on their roster. 

Chargers (trade with Titans): Devin Lloyd, LB Utah

The Chargers go with the best player available and fortify that defense even more. They need it. 

Bucs: Kenyon Green, OG Texas A&M 

The Bucs lost both their guards this offseason. They are good at building along the offensive line and prioritizing it. This is a solid pick for them here to keep that philosophy alive. 

Packers: David Ojabo, EDGE Michigan 

Ojabo sustained a brutal injury at his pro day but his talent is immense. The Packers bet on that. 

Ravens (trade with Chiefs): Trent McDuffie, CB Washington 

CB help for the Ravens is now on the way. They need it. 

Seahawks (trade with Chiefs): Sam Howell, QB UNC

The Chiefs restock some of the picks they lost from trading up earlier. The Seahawks are happy to oblige to get what they hope is their future QB in Howell. I don’t love Howell but I think Pete Carroll will. I think he will like the swagger and all that he brings in that regard. 

Bengals: Perrion Winfrey, DT Oklahoma 

The Bengals need some help at DT and get it here. 

Lions: Treylon Burks, WR Arkansas 

The Lions need more skill position guys. Burks is a physical freak and would elevate the Lions in that regard.