N&D 2022 NFL Mock Draft 2.3

I did a three round mock, to make sure each team got to make at least one pick. I’ll analyze team by team:

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Round 1, Pick #1: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Round 2, Pick #33: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan

Round 3, Pick #65: Darian Kinnard, IOL, Kentucky

Round 3, Pick #70: Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma

Conventional wisdom has the Jaguars taking Aidan Hutchinson with the first overall pick, provided they don’t trade it to a QB hungry team. I disagree. New HC, Doug Pedersen is an offensive guy, he was hired to make Trevor Lawrence the generational talent everyone expects him to be. Neal & Kinnard would make Jacksonville’s OL formidable & potentially one of the better units in the NFL. Ojabo is a risk after rupturing his Achilles’ tendon, but he was quite possibly a top ten pick before that. Jacksonville is not in win now mode, they can afford to wait on Ojabo, who could be one of the biggest steals of the draft.

DETROIT LIONS

Round 1, Pick #2: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

Round 1, Pick #32: Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota

Round 2, Pick #34: Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State

Round 3, Pick #66: David Bell, WR, Purdue

Round 3, Pick #97: Mykael Wright, CB, Oregon

Willis wowed at his pro day, and he has the highest ceiling of any QB in this class. Jared Goff is not the answer for the Lions, but I believe they found one. Early focus on their pass defense, well needed. Bell is a great value pick in the third and at a position of need for Detroit.

HOUSTON TEXANS

Round 1, Pick #3: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

Round 1, Pick #13: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

Round 2, Pick #37: Perrion Winfrey, IDL, Oklahoma

Round 3, Pick #68: Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis

Round 3, Pick #80: Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia

Texans have Hutchinson fall into their laps, and use one of the picks acquired in the Deshaun Watson trade for one of my favorite OTs in the draft. All their picks could make significant contributions to a team with needs everywhere,

NEW YORK JETS

Round 1, Pick #4: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Round 1, Pick #10: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Round 2, Pick #35: Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan

Round 2, Pick #38: Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State

Round 3, Pick #69: Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State

Jets would absolutely hit a home run with this haul. Hamilton may be the best overall player in the draft. “Sauce” Gardner is the top CB. Getting a potential franchise LT in the third round is huge.

NEW YORK GIANTS

Round 1, Pick #5: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State

Round 1, Pick #7: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

Round 2, Pick #36: Tyler Smith, IOL, Tulsa

Round 3, Pick #67: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina

Round 3, Pick #81: Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State

Great draft haul for the Giants, especially their two top ten selections, but Big Blue fans will focus on those third rounders. Giants need a back up plan at QB, Howell could make it easier to part ways with Daniel Jones. There has been chatter about the Giants shopping Saquon Barkley, Hall’s addition would make that chatter louder.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Round 1, Pick #6: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

Personally, I think it would be somewhat foolish to use their only pick in the first three rounds on a QB that probably won’t contribute much as a rookie. Panthers HC Matt Rhule may or may not be on the hot seat this season, but there is certainly an argument to be made that QB play has limited Carolina’s growth under his command.

ATLANTA FALCONS

Round 1, Pick #8: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

Round 2, Pick #38: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

Round 2, Pick #58: Logan Hall, EDGE, Houston

Round 3, Pick #74: Darrian Beavers, LB, Cincinnati

Round 3, Pick #82: Ed Ingram, IOL, LSU

The Falcons first two picks are influenced by Calvin Ridley’s suspension and the trade of franchise legend Matt Ryan.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Round 1, Pick #9: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

Round 2, Pick #40: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

Round 2, Pick #41: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

Round 3, Pick #72: Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina

Seahawks are a potential landing spot for Baker Mayfield, I think they’re the front runners, which may or may not preclude them from drafting Ridder. Cross could be an anchor on what’s been a consistently mediocre OL. Dean represents the replacement for Seattle legend Bobby Wagner.

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

Round 1, Pick #11: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Round 2, Pick #47: Sean Rhyan, IOL, UCLA

Pairing Williams with Terry McLaurin would give new QB, Carson Wentz, the best set of receivers he’s ever had.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Round 1, Pick #12: Derek Stingley Jr, CB, LSU

Round 2, Pick #46: Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor

Round 3, Pick #77: Channing Tindall, LB, Georgia

The Vikings going defense on all three picks is a bit surprising, but their biggest needs are on that side of the ball.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Round 1, Pick #14: Jordan Davis, IDL, Georgia

Round 2, Pick #35: Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA

Round 3, Pick #76: Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC

Round 3, Pick #100: Spencer Burford, IOL, UTSA

The Ravens continue the defensive make over they started last year.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Round 1, Pick #15: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

Round 1, Pick #16: Andrew Booth Jr, CB, Clemson

Round 1, Pick #19: Zion Johnson, IOL, Boston College

Round 2, Pick #51: Quay Walker, LB, Georgia

Round 3, Pick #83: Jalen Torbert, WR, South Alabama

Eagles get slam dunks with their first four picks, and Torbert has the upside to make it five for five.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Round 1, Pick #17: Devonte Wyatt, IDL, Georgia

Round 3, Pick #79: Isaiah Likely, TE, Coastal Carolina

Chargers gave up their second rounder to acquire Khalil Mack, so that needs to factor into the evaluation. Wyatt adds to an already upgraded D.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Round 1, Pick #18: Drake London, WR, USC

Round 2, Pick #49: Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan

Round 3, Pick #98: James Cook, RB, Georgia

Round 3, Pick #101: Damarri Mathis, S, Pittsburgh

Saints don’t draft a QB after publicly flirting with, but ultimately failing to land Deshaun Watson. That’s fine, Jameis Winston was good last season before his injury. Cook will help lighten the load on Alvin Kamara and soften the blow on his possible suspension.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Round 1, Pick #20: Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State

Round 2, Pick #52: Jamaree Salyer, IOL, Georgia

Round 3, Pick #84: Mario Goodrich, CB, Clemson

How quickly Pittsburgh moved to sign Mitchell Trubisky tells you all you need to know about how the Steelers view the QBs in this draft. They aren’t taking one. Johnson gives TJ Watt the running mate on the edge that he didn’t have last season.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Round 1, Pick #21: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

Round 2, Pick #54: Christian Harris, LB, Alabama

Round 3, Pick #85: Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State

Patriots draft a replacement for JC Jackson in McDuffie & keep the Belichick-Saban pipeline open with the Harris selection.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Round 1, Pick #22: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue

Round 1, Pick #28: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

Round 2, Pick #53: Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota

Round 2, Pick #59: Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming

Round 3, Pick #92: Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State

Packers get their replacements for Za’Darius Smith & Davante Adams, respectively, in the first round. Their other three picks could also make significant contributions as rookies. Good haul, dammit.

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Round 1, Pick #23: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

Round 2, Pick #55: Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn

Round 3, Pick #87: Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State

Cardinals land another dynamic weapon for Kyler Murray and a potential starting CB.

DALLAS COWBOYS

Round 1, Pick #24: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan

Round 2, Pick #56: Travis Jones, IDL, UConn

Round 3, Pick #88: Alontae Taylor, CB, Tennessee

On the surface, there doesn’t appear to be much for Cowboys fans to get excited about, but this a solid haul.

BUFFALO BILLS

Round 1, Pick #25: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

Round 2, Pick #57: Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State

Round 3, Pick #89: Marcus Jones, CB, Houston

Olave is too good for Buffalo to pass up, Walker gives them the bell cow RB the Bills have lacked. Opposing defensive coaches will have plenty of sleepless nights.

TENNESSEE TITANS

Round 1, Pick #26: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

Round 3, Pick #90: Cade Otton, TE, Washington

Lloyd seems like a Mike Vrabel type of player.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Round 1, Pick #27: Kenyon Green, IOL, Texas A&M

Round 2, Pick #60: Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M

Round 3, Pick #91: Phidarian Mathis, IDL, Alabama

The Bucs’ off season was made when the GOAT, Tom Brady un-retired. Green fills a need, while Spiller and Mathis inject youth into important areas.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Round 1, Pick #29: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia

Round 1, Pick #30: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

Round 2, Pick #50: Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State

Round 2, Pick #62: John Metchie III, WR, Alabama

Round 3, Pick #94: JoJo Domann, LB, Nebraska

Round 3, Pick #103: Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State

After trading away Tyreek Hill, it would be surprising if the Chiefs wait until their fourth pick to take a WR, and one coming off an ACL injury, but Metchie’s skill set comes as close to Hill’s unique talents as one can hope. Cine will replace the likely departed Tyrann Mathieu.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Round 1, Pick #31: Tyler Linderbaum, IOL, Iowa

Round 2, Pick #63: Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State

Round 3, Pick #95: Josh Williams, CB, Fayetteville State

Bengals have already significantly upgraded their OL in free agency, but Linderbaum is too good to pass up.

CHICAGO BEARS

Round 2, Pick #39: Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington

Round 2, Pick #48: George Pickens, WR, Georgia

Round 3, Pick #71: Cole Strange, IOL, Chattanooga

Without a first round pick, used to acquire Justin Fields last year, the Bears address their biggest needs with their first three picks. Albeit, not in the order most would expect. Gordon’s availability at #39 changes their priority.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Round 2, Pick #42: Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State

Round 3, Pick #73: Carson Strong, QB, Nevada

Colts, regrettably, sacrificed their first round pick in the ill-fated Carson Wentz acquisition. This team is built to win now, and new QB, Matt Ryan, gives them the best chance. Ryan’s age does mean Indy should consider a succession plan, hence the pick of Strong.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Round 2, Pick #44: DeMarvin Leal, IDL, Texas A&M

Round 3, Pick #78: Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma

Round 3, Pick #99: Kerby Joseph, S, Illinois

Browns traded their first rounder to land QB Deshaun Watson, consider that when judging their draft.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Round 2, Pick #61: Dylan Parham, IOL, Memphis

Round 3, Pick #93: Sam Williams, EDGE, Ole Miss

Round 3, Pick #105: Kyle Phillips, WR, UCLA

Niners gave up their first rounder to pick Trey Lance last year. San Fran nearly made the Super Bowl last season, and go best player available with their picks.

DENVER BRONCOS

Round 2, Pick #64: Josh Paschal, EDGE, Kentucky

Round 3, Pick #75: Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin

Round 3, Pick #96: Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, Nebraska

Broncos traded their first rounder to acquire Russell Wilson. Paschal fills the void left by Von Miller’s trade last season,

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Round 3, Pick #86: Zachary Carter, IDL, Florida

Raiders used their first and second round picks to acquire Davante Adams. Carter figures into their defensive line rotation.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Round 3, Pick #102: Tyreke Smith, EDGE, Ohio State

Miami’s first and second rounders went to KC for Tyreek Hill. They use their lone pick in the first three rounds to bolster their pass rush.

LOS ANGELES RAMS

Round 3, Pick #104: Jesse Luketa, LB, Penn State

Rams just don’t care about early round picks, shipping them off for key pieces regularly. Hard to argue with a Super Bowl championship. Luketa was best player available.

N&D 2022 NFL Mock Draft 2.0

Every time I start to write this another bomb goes off in the NFL. I’ve never seen an off-season like this.

Russell Wilson in Denver. Deshaun Watson in Cleveland. Davante Adams in Vegas. Matt Ryan in Indy. Khalil Mack in LA. And now, Tyreek Hill in Miami.

This is just scratching the surface. The NFL landscape looks completely different from 2 short months ago.

Here’s my first post free agency mock draft, it may only be relevant for a couple hours, if I even get it written up before another bomb drops.

1. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama- Not buying the hype about Hutchinson to Jacksonville. I think if the Jaguars stay here, they’ll solidify the O-Line despite already paying for Cam Robinson & Brandon Scherff.

2. DETROIT LIONS: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty- Didn’t have Detroit taking a QB here until Willis wowed at his pro day. Lions might get jumped for him, but if he’s here, they’ll take him.

3. HOUSTON TEXANS: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan- Texans have needs everywhere, taking the top rated player on the board is smart.

4. NEW YORK JETS: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame- Hamilton may be the best overall player in the draft.

5. NEW YORK GIANTS: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State- Giants could try to move up for Willis and move on from Daniel Jones. If not, fixing the offensive line is paramount.

6. CAROLINA PANTHERS: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State- Like the Giants, Panthers are in play for Willis, if they decide to move on from Sam Darnold. Solidifying the line is a good plan B.

7. NEW YORK GIANTS (from Chicago): Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon- Assuming they keep their 2 top ten picks, this is the prudent pick.

8. ATLANTA FALCONS: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State- Marcus Mariota is merely a bridge QB, Falcons are in play for Willis, but will settle for filling the huge void created by Calvin Ridley’s suspension.

9. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (from Denver): Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa- I think Seattle is the team most likely to make a move for Willis, if they fail they’ll go offensive line.

10. NEW YORK JETS (from Seattle): Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati- Jets went secondary with their first pick, but I love the fit of ‘Sauce’ in the Big Apple.

11. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama- Williams & Terry McLaurin would be the best receiver tandem Carson Wentz has ever had.

12. MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Derek Stingley Jr, CB, LSU- Minnesota’s biggest needs are on defense, Vikings grab the best defensive player on the board.

13. HOUSTON TEXANS (from Cleveland): Drake London, WR, USC- Houston acquired this pick for Deshaun Watson, they’ll use it to get Davis Mills a weapon.

14. BALTIMORE RAVENS: Jordan Davis, IDL, Georgia- Ravens continue to remake their D with the top IDL in the draft.

15. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (from Miami): Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia- Philly should be ecstatic if Walker is still on the board here.

16. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (from Indianapolis): Andrew Booth Jr, CB, Clemson- Eagles go defense again, getting a corner to play opposite Darius Slay.

17. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: Devonte Wyatt, IDL, Georgia- Chargers continue to beef up their D after acquiring Khalil Mack and JC Jackson.

18. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh- Saints tried hard to land Deshaun Watson before bringing back Jameis Winston. They obviously want an upgrade, and New Orleans has experience with quarterbacks with less than ideal physical dimensions.

19. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah- Would Philly actually use all three of their first rounders on defense? I love the fit of Lloyd on Gang Green, though.

20. PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Tyler Linderbaum, IOL, Iowa- Steelers might have a plan B at QB beyond Mitchell Trubisky, but landing the best IOL in the draft is a great move.

21. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington- Patriots replace the departed JC Jackson.

22. GREEN BAY PACKERS (from Las Vegas): Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State- Packers replace Za’Darius Smith.

23. ARIZONA CARDINALS: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue- Cardinals replace the departed Chandler Jones.

24. DALLAS COWBOYS: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan- I feel like Hill is the kind of player Cowboys DC Dan Quinn loves.

25. BUFFALO BILLS: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida- Bills need another corner in the AFC arms race.

26. TENNESSEE TITANS: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia- Dean seems like a Mike Vrabel type of player.

27. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: Zion Johnson, IOL, Boston College- The GOAT, Tom Brady, un-retired, but his offensive line needs some revamping.

28. GREEN BAY PACKERS: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State- Packers have a huge void at WR after trading Davante Adams.

29. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (from Miami via San Francisco): Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State: Tyreek Hill is irreplaceable but Olave is a pretty good consolation prize.

30. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia- Chiefs draft a replacement for Tyrann Mathieu.

31. CINCINNATI BENGALS: Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota- Bengals totally remade their offensive line in free agency, which allows them to bolster their pass rush.

32. DETROIT LIONS (from LA Rams): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas- Lions landed their franchise QB earlier, now they give him another weapon.

The way this off-season is going, I’ll probably do another mock sooner than later. Thanks for reading.

N&D NFL Mock Draft 1.2

I was doing one final mock draft before the start of free agency, after the Russell Wilson trade, and as I’m writing it up Washington acquires Carson Wentz, making me start all over.

First round mocks usually hinge on QBs, but this a rather underwhelming class. I only see six worthy of being picked in the first two rounds and none that would have gone ahead of any of the five first rounders from last year.

Of course, there’s no shortage of QB needy teams. Detroit, Carolina, Seattle, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Tennessee, Houston, Cleveland, Indianapolis and even Minnesota could be in the market.

Of those, I think Houston, Tampa Bay and Minnesota won’t make a big splash and draft a QB early, since they just did so last year. I don’t see Cleveland picking a QB in the first round with Baker Mayfield still under contract. I think Carolina rolls with Sam Darnold for one more season, while New Orleans will bring back Jameis Winston. Indianapolis, meanwhile, lacks a first round pick and will probably try to find a bridge QB in free agency.

I don’t envision any team falling in love with any QB enough to make a major move. Now, without further ado, my last pre-free agency mock draft:

1. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS- Evan Neal, OT, Alabama: Offensive tackle makes the most sense for the Jags.

2. DETROIT LIONS- Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan: WR is a bigger need, but home stater Hutchinson fills a need, too, and is better value.

3. HOUSTON TEXANS- Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon: Texans need help just about everywhere, Lovie Smith will start on defense.

4. NEW YORK JETS- Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame: Positional value aside, Hamilton may be the best player in the draft.

5. NEW YORK GIANTS- Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State: Giants have been trying to solve the tackle issue for years, have they?

6. CAROLINA PANTHERS- Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State: As I said in the intro, I think Carolina will roll with Darnold for another season. Protection for him becomes priority,

7. NEW YORK GIANTS- Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia: Giants use the pick acquired from Chicago to bolster the pass rush.

8. ATLANTA FALCONS- Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama: Calvin Ridley’s suspension creates a major need at WR.

9. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- Malik Willis, QB, Liberty: Seattle has to go QB here, Willis has tremendous upside.

10. NEW YORK JETS- Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati: Jets address the defensive secondary with both first round picks. ‘Sauce’ is a dynamic shut down corner.

11. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS- Derek Stingley Jr, CB, LSU: Washington’s acquisition of Carson Wentz shouldn’t preclude them from drafting a QB, but it probably will in the first round. Stingley was a top 5 prospect not that long ago.

12. MINNESOTA VIKINGS- Jordan Davis, IDL, Georgia: With Stingley off the board, Vikings go defensive line and land an absolute beast.

13. CLEVELAND BROWNS- Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State: Jarvis Landry will likely depart, Cleveland replaces him with an in state prospect.

14. BALTIMORE RAVENS- David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan: Pairing Ojabo with last year’s first rounder, Odafe Oweh, will make a fearsome pass rushing duo.

15. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State: Eagles use the first of their three first rounders to bolster their pass rush.

16. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington: Eagles second straight pick adds a CB opposite Darius Slay.

17. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS- Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa: Penning and last year’s first rounder, Rashawn Slater, gives Justin Herbert solid bookend protection.

18. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS- Drake London, WR, USC: I do think New Orleans will bring back Winston at QB, upgrading his receivers becomes a priority.

19. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Tyler Linderbaum, IOL, Iowa: Eagles final first round pick lands them the best interior offensive lineman in the draft.

20. PITTSBURGH STEELERS- Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh: Steelers may address QB in free agency, if not I like hometown kid, Pickett, as Big Ben’s replacement.

21. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS- Andrew Booth Jr, CB, Clemson: Pats are likely to lose JC Jackson in free agency, they draft his replacement.

22. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS- Devonte Wyatt, IDL, Georgia: Raiders go best player available and land a force on the defensive line.

23. ARIZONA CARDINALS- George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue: Cardinals draft possible replacement for Chandler Jones.

24. DALLAS COWBOYS- Perrion Winfrey, IDL, Oklahoma: Depending on what happens in free agency, Dallas could be in the WR market, for now they continue to build up their defense.

25. BUFFALO BILLS- Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas: Cole Beasley wants out, and Emmanuel Sanders is no spring chicken, Burks would give Josh Allen another dynamic weapon.

26. TENNESSEE TITANS- Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia: Tennessee is a sleeper team in the QB market. Totally wouldn’t surprise me if they snatch one here, but for now Mike Vrabel goes defense.

27. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS- Zion Johnson, IOL, Boston College: Tampa’s interior offensive line is in flux, Johnson is quickly rising up draft boards.

28. GREEN BAY PACKERS- Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State: I really don’t think Olave falls this far, but Aaron Rodgers would be ecstatic.

29. MIAMI DOLPHINS- Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State: Dotson and last year’s first round pick, Jaylen Waddle, would give Tua some serious weapons on the outside.

30. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS- Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah: KC takes the best defensive player on the board.

31. CINCINNATI BENGALS- Kenyon Green, IOL, Texas A&M: Cincy needs to better protect Joe Burrow, Green is a start.

32. DETROIT LIONS- Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati: Lions use their second first rounder to nab their QB of the future, giving them an extra year of team control.

Free Agency starts next week, I’ll put out another mock draft after the dust settles.

N&D Mock Draft 1.1

It’s mock draft season, and I’m an addict. Along with periodic first round mocks, I’ll also do full seven round mocks for my Chicago Bears. When I do these Bears mocks, I’ll also do seven rounders for some other teams. I decided to go by division and start with the Bears’ own NFC North.

CHICAGO BEARS

Round Two, Pick #39- David Bell, WR, Purdue: This is a popular pick for the Bears, the computer simulations in the other three mocks I ran all landed Bell in Chicago, for good reason. Allen Robinson is likely moving on and Bell would be a nice replacement.

Round Three, Pick #71- Damone Clark, LB, LSU: I wanted to land a CB or OL here, but none were the right value. Bears are switching to a 4-3 defense and need linebackers. Clark is an great athlete with a high motor that fits new HC Matt Eberflus’ HITS philosophy.

Round Four, Pick #147- Dohnovan West, IOL, Arizona State: Bears’ offensive line needs work. West can play center or guard.

Round Four, Pick #149- Akayleb Evans, CB, Missouri: Chicago needs a corner opposite Jaylon Johnson, I would have liked to nab one earlier, but the opportunity never presented itself. Evans is a bit raw, but with a lot of good traits.

Round Six, Pick #184- Dare Rosenthal, OT, Kentucky: Rosenthal is a raw but physically gifted tackle prospect that shouldn’t be expected to start right away, but could develop into a bookend tackle.

DETROIT LIONS

Round One, Pick #2- Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan: Lions have more pressing needs, but keeping Hutchinson in the state of Michigan is a smart and likely popular move.

Round One, Pick #32- Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State: Detroit’s receiving corps was one of the worst in the NFL last season. Olave will improve that.

Round Two, Pick #34- Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati: I thought about taking Ridder with the Lions pick at the end of the first round, to give them that extra year of team control, but ultimately I didn’t want to risk losing Olave. Ridder needs some NFL seasoning but the Lions have Jared Goff so there’s no need to rush him into the starting role.

Round Three, Pick #66- Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming: Lions need help at all three levels of their defense. Muma could be a very productive outside LB for them.

Round Three, Pick #97- Quay Walker, LB, Georgia: Doubling down on LBs in the third round for Detroit. Could do worse than grabbing one from the National Championship Georgia Bulldog’s defense.

Round Five, Pick #176- Thayer Munford, IOL, Ohio State: Munford could be a steal in round five. Lions need to bolster their offensive line.

Round Six, Pick #179- Chase Lucas, CB, Arizona State: Lucas is more of a slot or nickel corner but is fine value in round six.

Round Six, Pick #217- Yusuf Corker, S, Kentucky: Corker should contribute immediately on special teams and could develop into a rotational piece on the back end of the Lions’ defense.

Round Seven, Pick #231- Isaiah Pola-Mao, S, USC: Very similar outlook to the safety Detroit picked 14 slots earlier.

Round Seven, Pick #239- Michael Woods II, WR, Oklahoma: Lions add another receiver with some upside.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Round One, Pick #28- Jordan Davis, IDL, Georgia: I went best player available for Green Bay, and Davis fills a need.

Round Two, Pick #59- Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota: Packers need to bolster their offensive line and get younger and cheaper.

Round Three, Pick #92- Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State: At least one of Green Bay’s edge rushers is likely to be a cap casualty. Ebiketie can get after QBs.

Round Four, Pick #130- Brandon Smith, LB, Penn State: Smith is a gifted athlete from linebacker U, with time and patience can develop into a good one.

Round Four, Pick #139- Tyrese Robinson, IOL, Oklahoma: Packers getting younger and cheaper on the offensive line.

Round Five, Pick #170- Dominique Robinson, EDGE, Miami-Ohio: Green Bay can stand to get younger and cheaper on the edge too.

Round Seven, Pick #225- Leon O’Neal Jr, S, Texas A&M: O’Neal is a run stuffing, big hitting safety. A real thumper and a player I really like, getting him in the seventh round is a steal.

Round Seven, Pick #246- Tre Turner, WR, Virginia Tech: Aaron Rodgers would probably prefer Green Bay to take a WR earlier, but Turner has some upside.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Round One, Pick #12- Andrew Booth Jr, CB, Clemson: Most of Minnesota’s most pressing issues are on the defensive side. Booth is the top corner and top defensive player on the board.

Round Two, Pick #46- Lewis Cine, S, Georgia: Could do worse than adding a big hitter from a stout Georgia defense.

Round Three, Pick #77- Josh Paschal, EDGE, Kentucky: Paschal is good third round value and should help Minnesota’s front seven on defense.

Round Five, Pick #155- Gerrit Prince, TE, UAB: Prince would give Kirk Cousins a reliable pass catching TE.

Round Six, Pick #182- D’Marco Jackson, LB, Appalachian State: Minnesota could use a run stuffing linebacker.

Round Six, Pick #190- Romeo Doubs, WR, Nevada: WR isn’t a pressing need for the Vikings, but Doubs is good value in the sixth round.

Round Six, Pick #206- Juanyeh Thomas, S, Georgia Tech: Should be a core special teamer and hybrid LB/S.

Round Seven, Pick #229- James Empey, IOL, BYU: Vikings add offensive line depth.

Stay tuned for further mock drafts and, as always, thanks for reading.