Over the next month I’ll do seven round mocks for all 32 teams. I’ll do 8 teams at a time, simultaneously, so there won’t be any overlapping players within each group of eight.

For these mocks I am not projecting any trades. I did try to keep each team’s first round selection the same as I had for Mock Draft 3.0.

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Unless Arizona trades out of #3, Will Anderson to the Cardinals is the surest thing in this draft.

Rashee Rice is my favorite pick for the Cardinals.

ATLANTA FALCONS

In 3.0 I had Atlanta trading up for Anthony Richardson. He’s off the board this time, so I pivoted to defense & took the top CB, Devon Witherspoon.

I gave the Falcons a QB in the fourth round, Tanner McKee is QB5 on a lot of draft boards.

Ricky Stromberg in the seventh could be a steal.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

I had Baltimore trade up for Quentin Johnston in 3.0, he’s off the board at #22, but they still land a WR in Jordan Addison.

With the uncertainty of the Lamar Jackson situation, I have the Ravens drafting a possible successor in Hendon Hooker.

BUFFALO BILLS LOL

Buffalo drafting O’Cyrus Torrence is one of my more consistent picks. I really like the fit.

Tyler Scott has speed for days which will make the Bills’ offense even more dangerous.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

I explained in 3.0 why I switched Carolina’s choice at #1 from CJ Stroud to Bryce Young.

Adding Young’s Alabama teammate, Jahmyr Gibbs, was a nice pick, but I should have also targeted a WR.

CHICAGO BEARS

In 3.0 I had the Bears trading back and drafting Broderick Jones, so I had them take him at #9 this time.

As Bears fan, I’d be thrilled to land Adetomiwa Adebawore & John Michael Schmitz in the second.

I hate the idea of drafting kickers, but Chicago has a ton of picks, so I picked Jake Moody with the next to last pick of the draft.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Just like 3.0, Dalton Kincaid is off the board, so I have Cincinnati pivot to the offensive line and take Anton Harrison.

I have the Bengals grabbing their TE in the third round with Tucker Kraft.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Cleveland doesn’t have a first round pick, so this is my first time mocking any draft picks for them.

The Browns first pick, Keion White, has been rising up draft boards.

Kayshon Boutte has first round talent, but off field issues push him down to the fourth round.

Cleveland picks Jake Haener in the sixth round to develop behind Deshaun Watson.

First wave of free agency is over. There will still be some lesser signings, roster moves and, of course, trades that could shake up the draft. For now, this is how I envision the first round:

PICKS 1-10 (Comments after)

1. CAROLINA PANTHERS- This is a change. I’ve had Stroud here, but Adam Schefter is reporting that Carolina is leaning towards Young. I trust Schefter. 2. HOUSTON TEXANS- Obviously, another change, Panthers & Texans flip flop QBs 3. ARIZONA CARDINALS- Prime trade back candidate, for now ‘Zona stays put for the best player in the draft. 4. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS- I think Levis has been their guy all along. 5. ATLANTA FALCONS- Falcons are the team I have making the move for Richardson, though I like the idea of either Seattle or Detroit landing and stashing him. 6. DETROIT LIONS- With Richardson gone, Detroit has no reason not to go defense. 7. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS- With what they’re paying Jimmy G, I don’t see a QB move here, protecting him is the move. 8. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- Seattle moves back 3 spots and still gets one of the guys they were probably eyeing at 5. 9. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS- With Johnson & Wilson off the board, Chicago is open to moving back, NE wants to jump Philly for a CB. 10. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Eagles still go CB.

PICKS 11-20

11. TENNESSEE TITANS- Titans are a dark horse candidate to make a move for a QB. 12. HOUSTON TEXANS- Texans get their new QB1 a WR1. 13. MINNESOTA VIKINGS- Minnesota makes a move to jump all their division rivals to land the top edge rusher on the board. 14. CHICAGO BEARS- Bears move down, adding an important second rounder, and take a RT who may be the best scheme fit for them. 15. GREEN BAY PACKERS- Packers don’t take receivers in the first round, they do take edge rushers. 16. BALTIMORE RAVENS- Baltimore makes a move to land a bona fide number 1 WR. 17. PITTSBURGH STEELERS- Bresee just feels like a great fit for Pittsburgh. 18. DETROIT LIONS- No player is more polarizing in this draft, nor can throw it on its head like Jalen Carter. His talent is top 5, but off field issues and questionable professionalism could drive him at least this far down the board. 19. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Philly makes a move for a lead back to not only replace Miles Sanders, but surpass him. 20. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- Seahawks front line will be scary with Kancey, Tyree Wilson and free agent addition Dre’mont Jones.

Picks 21-31

21. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS- Chargers get Justin Herbert a reliable security blanket. 22. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS- Washington goes CB after trading down a few spots. 23. NEW YORK JETS- Branch might have been the top target on their board at 13, but Jets get better value by moving down. 24. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS- Had a tough choice between CB & OT for Jacksonville, opted for CB. 25. NEW YORK GIANTS- Giants have a true #1 WR fall into their laps. 26. DALLAS COWBOYS- Cowboys go with a replacement & possibly an upgrade over Dalton Schultz. 27. BUFFALO BILLS- I’ve been mocking OL to the Bills quite often. 28. CINCINNATI BENGALS- With Kincaid off the board, Bengals pivot to the OL. 29. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS- Saints add an athletic freak to their pass rush. 30. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS- Bucs add draft capital to kick start their rebuild, then take the top corner on the board. 31. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS- Chiefs lost Smith-Schuster in free agency, Flowers may be an upgrade.

I’ll probably do a three round mock in a couple weeks, and maybe a full seven rounder after that. Barring trades or any news that could significantly shake things up, that should be it until draft week.

Just a quick mock on the eve of free agency, reflecting the big trade between the Chicago Bears & Carolina Panthers.

Here we are, on the cusp of free agency frenzy, and I’m doing another mock draft that I swore I wouldn’t do. The problem is, my last mock was kind of a knee jerk reaction to the Jalen Carter news. I’ve revised my thinking on how far he falls down the board.

Since publishing Mock Draft 2.3, there has also been some QB news. Derek Carr is now a Saint, and getting PAID! Speaking of getting paid, Geno Smith got paid by Seattle. Still some QB dominoes to fall, but I don’t think they’re going to be the major, earth shattering moves that most want to talk about.

Aaron Rodgers will still be a Packer. Lamar Jackson will still be in Baltimore. I think the Raiders will sign Jimmy G. I think Tampa Bay will land Baker Mayfield. I think, to the dismay of Jets fans, that Zach Wilson will get one more chance, because they don’t really have any other options.

I’ve also clarified my thoughts on what happens with the number one overall pick. I’ve known from the end of the 2022 regular season that Chicago would trade the pick, the popular trade partner has been Indianapolis, but I don’t think Indy will give up the capital the Bears want, because at 4 their guaranteed a QB, and they all shined at the combine.

No, I think it’s Carolina that’s desperate enough to give up the haul Ryan Poles wants, specifically 3 firsts; this year’s and the next two. They have to make a move, they won’t get one at number nine. Moving to three, in a trade with Arizona, would be cheaper but still pricey, but if you’re going to spend why not go all in and get YOUR guy?

With all that said, let’s kick this pig!

*TRADE*

Carolina receives pick #1, Chicago receives picks #9 & 39, Carolina’s first & second round picks in 2024 & their first round pick in 2025.

1. CAROLINA PANTHERS- CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State: Like I said, go get your guy. I just think Stroud is new HC Frank Reich’s guy. The total package. Size, athleticism, accuracy, strong arm and results.

2. HOUSTON TEXANS- Bryce Young, QB, Alabama: Young would be the slam dunk first overall pick if he was five inches taller and 20 pounds heavier. He’s smaller, but he’s shown what he can do on the field.

3. ARIZONA CARDINALS- Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama: Cardinals explore trading back, but ultimately decide to stay put and add a generational pass rusher.

4. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS- Will Levis, QB, Kentucky: GM Chris Ballard has said Indy is fine staying at 4, I think this is why. I think they’ve had their eye on Levis for awhile.

5. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech: Seattle re-signed Geno Smith, but that doesn’t necessarily take them out of the QB market, and they could be a trade back target for QB needy teams like Tennessee or Tampa Bay, but I think they’ll stay put and take a super long pass rusher with a very high ceiling.

6. DETROIT LIONS- Jalen Carter, IDL, Georgia: Detroit has a decision here. On one hand, I think Detroit is a perfect landing spot for Anthony Richardson, a QB with all the tools that needs some seasoning. With Jared Goff on board, there would be no rush to push him on the field. However, Carter could transform this defense and make Detroit a playoff team and fringe contender in a weak NFC.

7. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS- Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida: Yes, I think Vegas signs Jimmy G in free agency, but he’s not a long term solution. He just allows the Raiders to bring a rookie along slowly while still being competitive. As I said before, Richardson has tremendous potential as the most athletically gifted QB in this draft.

8. ATLANTA FALCONS- Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa: Interestingly there hasn’t been a whole lot of buzz connecting Atlanta to any QBs. They’re an under the radar team, maybe they’ll be the one to give Carson Wentz a fourth chance? Here they take a pass rusher with a ton of untapped potential.

9. CHICAGO BEARS- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State: Chicago extracted a king’s ransom from Carolina to move down into the perfect spot to land the WR1 of this class. An injury riddled 2022 season had pushed JSN down draft boards, but the NFL Combine sends him skyrocketing back up. This is the guy Justin Fields needs to take that next step.

10. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois: Philly should still be the favorite in the NFC this year, but they’re losing some key pieces to free agency, one of those is CB James Bradberry. Witherspoon could step right into that vacancy.

11. TENNESSEE TITANS- Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern: Tennessee is a team in transition. Will Ryan Tannehill be back? Will they actually move Derrick Henry? Plenty of questions to answer. They’ll go with the top OL in the draft, Skoronski may kick inside to guard because of his shorter arms, but he’s the best blocker in the draft.

12. HOUSTON TEXANS- Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU: Houston got their QB1 earlier, now they get him a WR1 to grow with.

13. NEW YORK JETS- Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State: Unless the Jets land Aaron Rodgers, which they won’t (sidebar: I’m sick of the yearly Aaron Rodgers drama, he’ll stay in GB, they don’t have the balls to trade him and he just wants the attention, he doesn’t want to prove his legacy elsewhere), I f do not see the Jets replacing Zach Wilson with a mid-level guy. Wilson is entering his third season, yes he’s been bad, but the potential is still there. NY uses this pick to improve the offensive line.

14. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS- Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: Patriots need pass catchers for Mac Jones, but I can’t seen Belichick using a first round pick on one. Defense is his game, always has been. Pass defense will be the way New England goes.

15. GREEN BAY PACKERS- Brian Branch, S, Alabama: The Packers need for receivers isn’t as acute as some think. Christian Watson & Romeo Doubs flashed enough as rookies for GB to have confidence there. TE is possible, but I think only in a trade down. I couldn’t find a trade partner for them, so they stay here and take a perfect fit for the back end of their defense.

16. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS- Joey Porter Jr, CB, Penn State: Washington is one of those fringe QB needy teams. Pretty much out of range of a true franchise caliber QB, they have a young QB, Sam Howell, who may prove to be a decent starter. Here, they’ll go with the top corner on the board.

17. PITTSBURGH STEELERS- Calijah Kancey, IDL, Pittsburgh: I think Kancey will go higher than 17th, but I couldn’t find a fit earlier. The comparisons to Aaron Donald are legit, same school, similar size and athleticism and motor. I’m not saying Kancey is Donald 2.0, but the traits are there.

18. DETROIT LIONS- Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland: I stated previously that I think Detroit could be a playoff team with some tweaks. Those tweaks are almost all on the defensive side. They got the game wrecker for their front end earlier, now they strengthen the back end.

19. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS- Bryan Bresee, IDL, Clemson: Bresee should go higher, but again I couldn’t find a fit for an IDL. Tampa needs a QB, but I think they’ll grab a veteran with some upside like Baker Mayfield. It’s time Tampa got younger and cheaper everywhere.

*TRADE*

Buffalo receives pick #20, Seattle receives picks #27 & 59.

20. BUFFALO BILLS- Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma: Buffalo moves up to grab the top offensive lineman on the board.

21. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS- Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah: In a deep TE class, Kincaid may be the best of them. Justin Herbert could use a reliable security blanket at TE.

22. BALTIMORE RAVENS- Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia: WR is possible, but an athletic freak like Smith seems like a Ravens type player.

23. MINNESOTA VIKINGS- Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson: Murphy has been usurped in recent weeks by other edge rushers, but Minnesota will be happy to add him to their lackluster defense.

24. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS- Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia: Jags could lose Jawaan Taylor in free agency, they draft his replacement.

25. NEW YORK GIANTS- Jordan Addison, WR, USC: Giants have one of the worst receiving corps in the NFL, adding one of the most complete WR in the class is a must.

26. DALLAS COWBOYS- Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame: Dalton Schultz is a free agent, even if he ultimately re-signs, Dallas needs more pass catchers.

27. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- Mazi Smith, IDL, Michigan: Seattle continues to rebuild its defense after trading back.

28. CINCINNATI BENGALS- Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State: Bengals get a massive, MASSIVE, protector for Joe Burrow.

29. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS- Adetomiwa Adebawore, EDGE, Northwestern: Athletic freak of a pass rusher finds himself in the first round after shooting up draft boards.

30. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas: This Eagles offense will be scary, and virtually unstoppable if they add the best RB prospect since Saquon Barkley.

31. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS- Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College: Chiefs just won a Super Bowl with a patchwork group of receivers. Adding a dynamic home run threat will only make them scarier.

I know, I know, I swore I wouldn’t do another mock draft before free agency, barring a trade. Well, the news of Jalen Carter’s implication in the death of a teammate and Georgia football staffer has sent ripples through the draft just like a trade would.

How will it affect his draft status? Hard to say, for sure, because we still have nearly 2 months until draft day. He could ultimately reclaim his previous status as one of the top two non quarterbacks in this class.

For now, I think it drops him completely out of the top ten. There’s too much talent there for him to fall completely out of the first round, but that could also change.

With that being said, let’s get to it.

*TRADE*

Seattle trades picks #5, 20 & 37 to Chicago for pick #1

1. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- Bryce Young, QB, Alabama: The first surprise of the draft. Seattle has Geno Smith, maybe, but Pete Carroll has made it clear he’s looking at these QBs. They have one thing the other suitors don’t, an extra first this year. That should sway Chicago.

There’s been a lot of talk about Young’s size, or lack there of, but Seattle has vast experience with a smaller QB (Russell Wilson). All of Young’s intangibles will outweigh his smaller physical stature.

2. HOUSTON TEXANS- CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State: Houston has an extra first this year, as well, but they’re unwilling to part with it to move up one spot, especially when Stroud is a pretty good consolation prize.

3. ARIZONA CARDINALS: Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama: Cardinals explore trading back, but with Anderson still on the board, they hold at 3. Anderson may be the one ‘can’t miss’ prospect in this class.

4. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS- Will Levis, QB, Kentucky: Colts GM Chris Ballard has said the Colts are fine not trading up for a QB, that may be a smoke screen or it may be because Levis has been their guy and they figure he’ll still be on the board.

5. CHICAGO BEARS- Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech: Trading with Seattle is enticing for Chicago a couple reasons. One is the extra first rounder in this draft and the other is staying in the top five.

It’s really starting to look like Wilson is their guy, he fits their 4-3 scheme better than Will Anderson, and with Jalen Carter’s fall down the board, he might not be on the board if they go any further down.

*TRADE*

Carolina trades picks #9 & 61 to Detroit for pick #6.

6. CAROLINA PANTHERS- Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida: Carolina can’t wait any longer, they need to get their QB. Richardson is the biggest project of the possible first round QBs, but he may have the highest ceiling.

7. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS- Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State: Raiders will probably get their QB in free agency or via a trade, here they’ll strengthen his protection.

8. ATLANTA FALCONS- Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson: I’m convinced Atlanta will go defense here. They could have their pick of corners, but opt instead for an edge rusher.

9. DETROIT LIONS- Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois: Detroit happily pounces on the top corner on the board.

*TRADE*

NY Jets trade picks #13, 74 & 145 to Philadelphia for pick #10.

10. NEW YORK JETS- Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern: Jets leapfrog Tennessee to grab the top OT on the board.

11. TENNESSEE TITANS- Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU: With Skoronski off the board, Tennessee pivots to WR.

12. HOUSTON TEXANS- Jordan Addison, WR, USC: Houston gets their new QB a number one WR to grow with.

13. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: Philadelphia adds a couple more picks and then snags a replacement for James Bradberry.

14. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS- Joey Porter Jr, CB, Penn State: WR is a huge need, but I feel like Belichick will go defense here.

15. GREEN BAY PACKERS- Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame: First, Aaron Rodgers will be the Packers QB in 2023. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get him some help, the top TE in the class would do that.

*TRADE*

Detroit trades picks #18 & 154 to Washington for pick #16.

16. DETROIT LIONS- Jalen Carter, IDL, Georgia: Detroit moves up and stops Carter’s fall. Red flags aside, Carter is a massive talent.

17. PITTSBURGH STEELERS- Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia: Pittsburgh builds up the protection for Kenny Pickett.

*TRADE*

Jacksonville trades picks #24 & 88 to Washington for pick #18.

18. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS- Brian Branch, S, Alabama: Jacksonville moves up to secure the top safety in the class.

*TRADE*

Philadelphia trades picks #30 & 74 to Tampa Bay for pick #19.

19. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas: Philly keeps wheeling and dealing, leapfrogging several teams to grab the best RB prospect since Saquon Barkley. Robinson could take this Eagles offense to a whole other level, scary.

20. CHICAGO BEARS- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State: The city of Chicago rejoices as GM Ryan Poles turns the number one pick into Tyree Wilson & a true number one receiver and one that Justin Fields is quite familiar with.

*TRADE*

NY Giants trade picks #25 & 100 to LA Chargers for pick #21.

21. NEW YORK GIANTS- Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee: Giants jump ahead of Baltimore to snag the speedster from Tennessee to bolster one of the worst receiving corps in the NFL.

22. BALTIMORE RAVENS- Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College: Baltimore will ultimately sign Lamar Jackson to an extension, now they get him another weapon.

23. MINNESOTA VIKINGS- Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa: I’d be surprised if Minnesota doesn’t go defense with this pick.

24. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS- Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia: After trading down twice, Washington lands what was once considered the top corner in the class.

25. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS- Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah: Chargers drop down a few spots and add a stud TE for Justin Herbert.

26. DALLAS COWBOYS- Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas: Pairing Sanders with Micah Parsons would give Dallas’ opponents’ nightmares.

27. BUFFALO BILLS- O’Cyrus Torrence, IOL, Florida: Bills grab the top interior lineman in the class.

28. CINCINNATI BENGALS- Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina: For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, like Cincinnati, pass defense is paramount in the AFC.

29. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS- Bryan Bresee, IDL, Clemson: Personally, I’m shocked Bresee is still on the board, but New Orleans should be perfectly happy about it.

30. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS- Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia: So many directions Tampa could go, but with the GOAT gone, it’s time to get younger and cheaper everywhere.

31. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS- Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma: Super Bowl champion Kansas City drafts a replacement for the possibly departing Orlando Brown.

I said I wouldn’t do another first round mock until after free agency frenzy, barring any trades beforehand, but I never said I wouldn’t do any mocks at all. I love mock draft season, I can’t get enough. For this one, I picked six teams and did full seven round mocks for each.

I picked these six because 1 is my team, the other 5 are teams I have friends that root for. It must be noted that I did each team’s mock separately, so there may be the same players listed for different teams.

I decided to include trades mainly because I’m pretty certain my Chicago Bears are going to trade out of the first overall pick, so I might as well do trades for everyone. I used Pro Football Focus’s mock draft machine because their trades are the most realistic.

Without further ado:

CHICAGO BEARS

Rd1, Pick9- Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

Rd2, Pick46- John Michael Schmitz, IOL, Minnesota

Rd2, Pick54- Siaki Ika, IDL, Baylor

Rd2, Pick61- Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa

Rd3, Pick64- Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee

Rd3, Pick90- Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State

Rd4, Pick103- Kei’Trel Clark, CB, Louisville

Rd4, Pick117- Keondre Coburn, IDL, Texas

Rd4, Pick134- Andrew Vorhees, IOL, USC

Rd5, Pick137- Chase Brown, RB, Illinois

Rd5, Pick150- Rakim Jarrett, WR, Maryland

Rd5, Pick176- Connor Galvin, OT, Baylor

Rd7, Pick 220- Zack Kuntz, TE, Old Dominion

A lot went on here. I had Bears GM Ryan Poles wheeling & dealing. A quick recap of the trades:

Traded the #1 overall pick to Indianapolis for the #4 & #35 in this draft, PLUS Indy’s first & second rounders in 2024.

Traded the #4 pick to Carolina for #9 & #61 this year AND Carolina’s ‘24 first rounder.

Traded pick #35 to New England for picks #46, 76 & 117.

Traded pick #76 to Dallas for picks #90 & 176 this year AND Dallas’ 2024 fourth rounder.

So, double trade down in the first round? It’s possible, but unlikely. It’s good to think big in mock drafts though. Bears add 2 ‘24 firsts and get an edge (Wilson) that’s a better schematic fit than Will Anderson may be.

I was also able to add a day one starting center (Schmitz), a good rotational piece to the defensive line (Ika), a possible starting LB (Campbell), a speedy WR with a ton of potential (Hyatt), offensive line depth & a replacement for David Montgomery (Brown), should Monty leave in free agency.

Overall, I’m pretty pleased with this Bears mock. PFF gave this an A grade.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Rd1, Pick 17- Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

Rd2, Pick32- Mazi Smith, IDL, Michigan

Rd2, Pick49- Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse

Rd4, Pick 108- Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee

Rd4, Pick120- Ji’Ayir Brown, S, Penn State

Rd7, Pick236- Carlton Martial, LB, Troy

Rd7, Pick243- TJ Bass, OT, Oregon

I had the Steelers making one trade, sending pick #80 to Denver for pick #108 & Denver’s 2024 third & fourth rounders.

This is the first mock I’ve run where Pittsburgh doesn’t go defense in the first round. Jones should help protect Kenny Pickett, while Tillman will give him 3 high end receiver targets. Smith & Williams should be immediate contributors on defense.

PFF gave this Steelers mock draft an A- grade.

NEW YORK GIANTS

Rd1, Pick25- Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

Rd2, Pick57- Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

Rd3, Pick93- Kendre Miller, RB, TCU

Rd3, Pick100- Jaquelin Roy, IDL, LSU

Rd4, Pick128- Trey Palmer, WR, Nebraska

Rd5, Pick162- Trey Dean III, S, Florida

Rd6, Pick209- Clayton Tune, QB, Houston

Rd6, Pick218- Darrell Luter Jr, CB, South Alabama

Rd7, Pick 242- Richard Gouraige, OT, Florida

Rd7, Pick245- Brenton Strange, TE, Penn State

Rd7, Pick254- Daniel Scott, S, California

Giants made one trade in this mock, sending pick #89 to Carolina for pick #93 and Carolina’s 2024 fifth rounder.

Flowers & Simpson should be immediate contributors and key pieces of the Giants’ future. Miller is a nice insurance policy in case Saquon Barkley leaves. NY will almost certainly pay QB Daniel Jones, and they’ll most certainly regret it. Taking flyers on late round QBs is never a bad idea.

PFF gave this mock an A- grade.

DALLAS COWBOYS

Rd1, Pick26- Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Rd2, Pick60- Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

Rd3, Pick90- JL Skinner, S, Boise State

Rd4, Pick129- Byron Young, IDL, Alabama

Rd5, Pick163- Luke Haggard, OT, Indiana

Rd5, Pick170- Emil Ekiyor Jr, IOL, Alabama

Rd5, Pick176- Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan

Rd6, Pick212- Dee Winters, LB, TCU

Rd7, Pick246- Jalen Wayne, WR, South Alabama

The Cowboys trade pick #58 to Cincinnati for pick #60 AND Cincy’s fourth rounders in 2024 & 2025.

PFF didn’t like the Robinson pick as much as I did. Positional value and need, I guess. But, with Ezekiel Elliot nowhere near his prime, and Tony Pollard recovering from injury (assuming either remains with the team), I think Jerry Jones would love to add a stud RB from Texas.

PFF also didn’t like my Schoonmaker pick, but it’s up in the air if Dalton Schultz returns. I could have targeted a WR earlier than with their last pick, I suppose.

PFF gave this a B+ grade.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Rd1, Pick13- Calijah Kancey, IDL, Pittsburgh

Rd1, Pick30- Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Rd2, Pick43- Tuli Tuipuloto, EDGE, USC

Rd2, Pick62- Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

Rd3, Pick94- Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

Rd7, Pick221- Caleb Murphy, IOL, Indiana

Rd7, Pick250- Brandon Hill, S, Pittsburgh

Eagles traded pick #10 to the New York Jets for picks #13 & 43.

Philly is coming off a Super Bowl appearance and has no glaring needs, so I traded down from 10, at 13 I still wasn’t crazy about any of the players in that range and I looked to trade down again, but I couldn’t find a good match. Kancey could help replace Javon Hargraves and/or Brandon Graham if they leave.

PFF, once again, didn’t like the selection of Robinson, but I just think of how dangerous this Eagles offense would be with his addition, a huge upgrade over Miles Sanders & Boston Scott.

Philly is in a perfect position to take a chance on Hooker, whose skill set is closer to Jalen Hurts than Gardner Minshew is.

PFF grades this Eagles mock draft a B.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Rd2, Pick52- John Michael Schmitz, IOL, Minnesota

Rd3, Pick77- Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

Rd3, Pick84- DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas

Rd6, Pick198- Ryan Hayes, OT, Michigan

Rd7, Pick240- Habakkuk Baldonado, EDGE, Pittsburgh

Miami only has five picks total, and doesn’t make their first selection until the end of the second round. Still, I think I did well for the Dolphins.

Schmitz, Ringo & Overshown should be immediate contributors and long term pieces. Hayes is good OL depth & you can never have too many pass rushers.

PFF gave this Dolphins mock a B+ grade.

That’s it, for now. If you’re reading this and would like to see seven round projections for any other team, please let me know. I’ll be happy to go down the mock draft rabbit hole, again.

The 2022 NFL season is in the books. Congratulations to Andy Reid & the Kansas City Chiefs on winning their second Super Bowl in 4 years.

Mock drafts before free agency are purely speculation, I’m not going to add to that speculation by trying to predict who goes where, I’m basing needs on what they currently are.

Barring any trades, this will be my only first round mock until after free agency frenzy.

Let’s kick this pig!

*TRADE*

Indianapolis receives the #1 overall pick. Chicago receives #4 & #35 this year & Indy’s first & second round picks in 2024.

1. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS- Bryce Young, QB, Alabama: Colts pay a steep price to move up 3 spots, but they’re going to have to to get their guy, because there’s plenty of competition. With the hiring of Shane Steichen as head coach, I believe Young is their guy.

2. HOUSTON TEXANS- CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State: Davis Mills hasn’t been terrible, but new head coach, Demeco Ryans is going to want to build around his guy, that guy should be Stroud.

3. ARIZONA CARDINALS- Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama: Cardinals don’t have a head coach, yet, but Anderson should be firmly on their radar, regardless.

4. CHICAGO BEARS- Jalen Carter, IDL, Georgia: An absolute win for Da’ Bears. They get a tremendous haul from Indy and still land the guy they’re probably targeting at #1. Anderson & Carter are the premier defensive players in this draft, but the 3 tech is the key to Eberflus’ defense. Mission accomplished.

*TRADE*

Carolina receives #5 pick. Seattle receives #9 & #39 this year plus Carolina’s second rounder in 2024.

5. CAROLINA PANTHERS- Will Levis, QB, Kentucky: Frank Reich isn’t going to make the same mistake he made in Indy, he won’t roll with veteran also rans at QB. Sitting at #9, they will have to move up to thwart other QB needy teams, but they can’t afford not to.

6. DETROIT LIONS- Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois: Jared Goff was good enough that Detroit shouldn’t be looking for a QB, instead they should be looking defense to take that next step and make the playoffs in ‘24.

7. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS- Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State: Raiders will reportedly release Derek Carr, so they’re firmly in the QB market, but I think they’ll land a veteran through free agency or a trade. Protection for their new QB becomes their priority.

8. ATLANTA FALCONS- Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech: I think Atlanta will give Desmond Ridder a chance to take over the QB job in ‘23. They may think about receiver or O-line here, but the value pick is pass rusher.

9. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- Calijah Kancey, IDL, Pittsburgh: Seattle trades down to add some picks and makes the first real surprise pick of this mock. Kancey has been shooting up draft boards since the end of the season.

10. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas: Philly will lose some guys in free agency, including, possibly their top two RBs. This might seem high for RB, but Robinson is a top ten talent in this class. Imagine the Eagles offense with a bell cow RB.

11. TENNESSEE TITANS- Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern: I think Tennessee will move on from Ryan Tannehill at QB, Malik Willis has tons of potential so I don’t think they’ll draft one, even though he’s not quite ready to be the starter. Here, they shore up the offensive line.

12. HOUSTON TEXANS- Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU: Houston got their new franchise QB earlier, now they get him a number one WR.

*TRADE*

Tampa Bay receives pick #13. NY Jets receive picks #19, 50 & 155 this year & Tampa’s third rounder in ‘24.

13. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS- Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida: The GOAT’s retirement leaves Tampa at a crossroads. They have an expensive, aging roster and no successor at QB. It’s time to hit the reset button. They can’t afford to wait too long on Richardson, who is raw but has exciting potential.

14. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS- Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa: Receiver might be a bigger need, especially if Jakobi Myers leaves, but I feel Belichick will prioritize defense and let’s face it, Lukas Van Ness sounds like a Patriot.

*TRADE*

LA Chargers receive pick #15. Green Bay receives picks #21 & 124 this year & LA’s second rounder in 2024.

15. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS- Jordan Addison, WR, USC: Rumor is Keenan Allen may be a cap casualty, here the Chargers move up to replace him.

16. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS- Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia: Washington can go in many directions with this pick, I don’t think they’ll be in the QB market, though. Offensive line or defensive back is my thinking, Jones is the top player, at either, still on the board.

17. PITTSBURGH STEELERS- Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: Been mocking cornerbacks to Pittsburgh pretty consistently, at this point in time it’s Gonzalez.

18. DETROIT LIONS- Bryan Bresee, IDL, Clemson: I’ve seen some mock drafts where Detroit takes Bresee with their first pick, getting him here is a steal.

19. NEW YORK JETS- Brian Branch, S, Alabama: When the Jets were on the clock at #13, I was leaning towards Branch until Tampa called. Jets add picks and still get him.

20. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson: Much like Detroit, Seattle gets a guy many are mocking to them with their first pick with their second. That’s a win.

21. GREEN BAY PACKERS- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State: As a Chicago Bears fan my strategy for mocking Green Bay is ‘what would tick me off the most’? This is it.

22. BALTIMORE RAVENS- Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College: Baltimore needs to get better, more reliable receivers for Lamar Jackson. Flowers could be dynamic.

23. MINNESOTA VIKINGS- Joey Porter Jr, CB, Penn State: Minnesota should be singularly focused on pass defense this offseason.

24. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS- Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland: Jacksonville could go in several directions, the value is at corner.

25. NEW YORK GIANTS- Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah: Giants need pass catchers, including a go to tight end.

26. DALLAS COWBOYS- Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame: Dallas may lose Dalton Schultz in free agency, Dak Prescott needs more weapons.

27. BUFFALO BILLS- Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma: Improving Josh Allen’s protection is never a bad idea.

28. CINCINNATI BENGALS- Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army: Cincy adds a top notch athlete to its pass rush.

29. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS- Tanner McKee, QB, Stanford: New Orleans has been in cap purgatory for years, they need to reset the clock with a rookie QB.

30. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M: Pretty much best player available & he’ll help the Eagles secondary.

31. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS- Mazi Smith, IDL, Michigan: Super Bowl champs add a run stuffer to the defensive line.

Down to 4 teams left standing. 27 of the first round positions are set. For this mock, I’ll go 3 rounds w/ no projected trades.

ROUND ONE

1. CHICAGO BEARS- Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama: Fully expect Bears to trade down, but staying put they take the best overall player in the draft.

2. HOUSTON TEXANS- Bryce Young, QB, Alabama: Texans are in danger of being leapfrogged for the top QB, but they land him here.

3. ARIZONA CARDINALS- Jalen Carter, IDL, Georgia: Cardinals are a prime trade back candidate, but here they go with a disruptive force for their defensive line.

4. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS- CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State: Colts could move up ahead of Texans to get first crack at QB. I think the Levis talk is just smoke at this point.

5. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (from Denver)- Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson: Seahawks use the pick acquired for Russell Wilson to continue rebuilding the Legion of Boom.

6. DETROIT LIONS (from LA Rams)- Bryan Bresee, IDL, Clemson: Lions bolster their defensive line w/ the pick acquired for Matthew Stafford.

7. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS- Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State: I expect the Raiders to go the veteran route at QB, they use this pick to protect him.

8. ATLANTA FALCONS- Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech: I think the Falcons will give Desmond Ridder a full season at QB, they use this pick for defense.

9. CAROLINA PANTHERS- Will Levis, QB, Kentucky: I don’t think Carolina can stay at 9 & land a QB, but they do here.

10. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (from New Orleans)- Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: James Bradberry could leave in free agency, Eagles draft a replacement.

11. TENNESSEE TITANS- Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU: Titans add the top WR in the draft.

12. HOUSTON TEXANS (from Cleveland)- Jordan Addison, WR, USC: Texans give their new QB a number 1 WR.

13. NEW YORK JETS- Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern: No matter who’s under center for the Jets, he needs better protection.

14. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS- Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia: Opting for a potential lock down corner feels like a Belichick move.

15. GREEN BAY PACKERS- Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame: Another reliable pass catcher for Aaron Rodgers, if he stays in Green Bay, of course.

16. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS- Joey Porter Jr, CB, Penn State: I think Washington will give Sam Howell a chance to solidify the QB position, they’ll bolster the pass defense here.

17. PITTSBURGH STEELERS- Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina: Steelers could use a shut down corner.

18. DETROIT LIONS- Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida: Feels like a perfect spot for Richardson. Detroit can let him sit behind Goff for awhile until he’s ready.

19. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS- Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois: Witherspoon is quickly rising up draft boards, Tampa snatches him up.

20. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- Brian Branch, S, Alabama: Seattle uses their second first rounder to solidify the back end of their defense.

21. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State: Another weapon for Justin Herbert.

22. BALTIMORE RAVENS- Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah: Having to face Burrow & the Bengals twice a year means you can’t have enough defensive backs.

23. MINNESOTA VIKINGS- Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia: Vikings pass rush could still use some help.

24. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS- Siaki Ika, IDL, Baylor: Jags strengthen their run defense.

25. NEW YORK GIANTS- Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson: Giants opt for the top defensive player on the board.

26. DALLAS COWBOYS- Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas: Cowboys need more offensive weapons. Robinson is the best RB prospect since Saquon Barkley.

27. BUFFALO BILLS- O’Cyrus Torrence, IOL, Florida: Bills address their offensive line.

28. CINCINNATI BENGALS- Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia: Joe Burrow still gets sacked too often.

29. DENVER BRONCOS (from San Francisco via Miami)- Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame: A replacement for Bradley Chubb.

30. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS- Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma: More protection for Patrick Mahomes.

31. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama: Miles Sanders & Boston Scott are both free agents.

ROUND TWO

32. PITTSBURGH STEELERS (from Chicago)- Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas

33. HOUSTON TEXANS- BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU

34. ARIZONA CARDINALS- Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State

35. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS- Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee

36. LOS ANGELES RAMS- Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State

37. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (from Denver)- Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa

38. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS- Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army

39. CAROLINA PANTHERS- Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina

40. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS- Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

41. TENNESSEE TITANS- John Michael Schmitz, IOL, Minnesota

42. CLEVELAND BROWNS- Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU

43. NEW YORK JETS- Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M

44. ATLANTA FALCONS- Gervon Dexter, IDL, Florida

45. GREEN BAY PACKERS- Rashee Rice, WR, SMU

46. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS- Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon

47. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS- Henry To’oto’o, LB, Alabama

48. DETROIT LIONS- Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn

49. PITTSBURGH STEELERS- Tuli Tuipulotu, DL, USC

50. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS- Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA

51. MIAMI DOLPHINS- Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

52. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- Tanner McKee, QB, Stanford

53. CHICAGO BEARS (from Baltimore)- Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State

54. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS- Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

55. DETROIT LIONS (from Minnesota)- Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

56. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS- Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

57. NEW YORK GIANTS- Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse

58. DALLAS COWBOYS- Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa

59. BUFFALO BILLS- Jordan Battle, S, Alabama

60. CINCINNATI BENGALS- Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State

61. CAROLINA PANTHERS (from San Francisco)- Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State

62. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS- Mazi Smith, IDL, Michigan

63. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Brandon Joseph, S, Notre Dame

ROUND THREE

64. CHICAGO BEARS- Andrew Vorhees, IOL, USC

65. HOUSTON TEXANS- Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland

66. ARIZONA CARDINALS- Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M

67. DENVER BRONCOS (from Indianapolis)- Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama

68. DENVER BRONCOS- Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State

69. LOS ANGELES RAMS- Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse

70. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS- Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

71. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS- Chris Smith II, S, Georgia

72. TENNESSEE TITANS- Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa

73. HOUSTON TEXANS (from Cleveland)- Jarrett Patterson, IOL, Notre Dame

74. NEW YORK JETS- Jaylon Jones, CB, Texas A&M

75. ATLANTA FALCONS- Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee

76. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (from Carolina)- Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma

77. MIAMI DOLPHINS (from New England)- Blake Freeland, OT, BYU

78. GREEN BAY PACKERS- JL Skinner, S, Boise State

79. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (from Washington)- DJ Turner, CB, Michigan

80. PITTSBURGH STEELERS- Tyler Steen, OT, Alabama

81. DETROIT LIONS- Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU

82. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS- Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State

83. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- Kyu Blu Kelly, CB, Stanford

84. MIAMI DOLPHINS- Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State

85. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS- Calijah Kancey, IDL, Pittsburgh

86. BALTIMORE RAVENS- Zach Evans, RB, Mississippi

87. MINNESOTA VIKINGS- Sydney Brown, S, Illinois

88. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS- Luke Wypler, IOL, Ohio State

89. NEW YORK GIANTS- Parker Washington, WR, Penn State

90. DALLAS COWBOYS- Jaquelin Roy, IDL, LSU

91. BUFFALO BILLS- Zion Nelson, OT, Miami-Fl

92. CINCINNATI BENGALS- Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State

93. CAROLINA PANTHERS (from San Francisco)- Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State

94. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS- Adetomiwa Adebawore, EDGE, Northwestern

95. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Mike Morris, EDGE, Michigan

96. ARIZONA CARDINALS- Nathaniel Dell, WR, Houston

97. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS- Emil Ekiyor Jr, IOL, Alabama

98. CLEVELAND BROWNS- Rashad Torrence II, S, Florida

99. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS- Mekhi Garner, CB, LSU

100. NEW YORK GIANTS (from Kansas City)- Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn

101. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS- Colby Wooden, IDL, Auburn

“Wishful Thinking Edition”

The top 23 positions are set, actually 24 but Miami forfeited their first rounder. I’ve projected a couple trades in this one, for QBs of course.

1. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (Projected trade w/Chicago)- Will Levis, QB, Kentucky: Indy seems the most likely team to move up to number one, and rumor has it they’re already enamored w/ Levis.

2. HOUSTON TEXANS- Bryce Young, QB, Alabama: Texans get jumped by a division rival, but Young is a pretty good consolation prize.

3. CAROLINA PANTHERS (Projected trade w/Arizona): CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State- Panthers are sitting at 9 w/ one team definitely in the market for a new QB & 3 more that could be in front of them. They can’t afford to wait.

4. CHICAGO BEARS (Projected trade w/ Indianapolis)- Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama: Best case scenario for the Bears, they add more draft capital moving down 3 spots & still land the guy they’d have taken at 1.

5. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (from Denver)- Jalen Carter, IDL, Georgia: The Russell Wilson trade gets more lopsided in favor of Seattle.

6. DETROIT LIONS (from LA Rams)- Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia: Detroit is a team on the rise, strengthening the pass defense could make them a playoff team.

7. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS- Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State: Raiders are in the QB market, but they’ll probably go the veteran free agent route. Strengthening the OL is the play here.

8. ATLANTA FALCONS- Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson: Falcons have got to get better defensively.

9. ARIZONA CARDINALS (Projected trade w/ Carolina)- Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech: Cardinals trade down, adding draft capital & finding a replacement for JJ Watt.

10. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (from New Orleans)- Joey Porter Jr, CB, Penn State: Eagles could lose James Bradberry in free agency, they draft a replacement.

11. TENNESSEE TITANS- Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU: Johnston & last year’s first rounder, Treylon Burks, would give Tennessee a young, formidable receiver duo.

12. HOUSTON TEXANS (from Cleveland)- Jordan Addison, WR, USC: Texans give their new QB a go to WR to grow with.

13. NEW YORK JETS- Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern: Regardless of who is behind center for the Jets next season, he’ll need better protection.

14. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS- Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: Receiver might be a bigger need, but Belichick will prioritize defense.

15. GREEN BAY PACKERS- Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame: Adding another reliable pass catcher seems like a move to appease Rodgers.

16. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS- Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina: Bolstering the pass defense in a division w/ Philly & Dallas is a wise move.

17. PITTSBURGH STEELERS- Bryan Bresee, IDL, Clemson: Steelers benefit from an inexplicable fall, Bresee is a top ten talent in this class.

18. DETROIT LIONS- Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida: With Jared Goff in the fold, the Lions can be patient w/ Richardson, who has all the tools but needs time to develop.

19. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS- Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois: Tampa needs to start revamping their defense, they start with a corner.

20. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- Brian Branch, S, Alabama: Branch could be the final piece in Seattle’s new legion of boom.

21. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS- Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia: Adding Jones could give Justin Herbert elite protection.

22. BALTIMORE RAVENS- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State: Injuries marred his 2022 season, but JSN might be the best receiver in the class.

23. MINNESOTA VIKINGS- Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah: Minnesota tried to improve their secondary in last year’s draft, they need to take another shot.

The order for the rest of the picks are subject to change.

24. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS- Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma: Jags might lose Jawaan Taylor in free agency, they draft a replacement.

25. NEW YORK GIANTS- Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee: Giants have one of the worst receiving corps in the NFL.

26. DALLAS COWBOYS- Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas: Tony Pollard is probably gone in free agency & Zeke is a shell of his former self.

27. CINCINNATI BENGALS- O’Cyrus Torrence, IOL, Florida: Cincy vastly upgraded the offensive line last offseason but it still needs work.

28. DENVER BRONCOS (from SF via Miami)- Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia: Denver drafts a replacement for Bradley Chubb.

29. BUFFALO BILLS- Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M: Bills have no glaring needs, safety might be one.

30. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS- Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame: Can never go wrong with a pass rusher.

31. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson: Eagles use their second first rounder to land the best off ball linebacker in the class.

The regular season is over, so now it’s mock draft season! The first 18 picks are set, 19 through 31 (Miami forfeited their first round pick) are still to be determined. Let’s dive right in.

1. CHICAGO BEARS- Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama: I fully expect Chicago to trade out of this spot for a monster haul, but if they stay put it’s between Anderson & Jalen Carter. I opted for Anderson because IDL are available in free agency.

2. HOUSTON TEXANS- Bryce Young, QB, Alabama: Texans have to go QB here, but they’ll have to fend off other suitors for Young.

3. ARIZONA CARDINALS- Jalen Carter, IDL, Georgia: Arizona is a potential trade target for QB needy teams, but staying put lands them a disruptive force on their defensive line.

4. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS- CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State: Colts cannot keep playing the veteran QB carousel. They may covet Young and move up, but staying at 4 lands them Stroud.

5. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (from Denver)- Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson: A gift from the Russell Wilson trade, Seattle continues rebuilding their defense.

6. DETROIT LIONS (from LA Rams)- Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia: Detroit is a team on the rise, need to strengthen the defense to take the next step.

7. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS- Will Levis, QB, Kentucky: Raiders have signaled they’re ready to move on from QB Derek Carr. Unless they trade up, Levis could be their target.

8. ATLANTA FALCONS- Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech: Falcons could go in many directions with this pick, including QB, but I have them bolstering their pass rush.

9. CAROLINA PANTHERS- Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida: I have to think Carolina has to take a QB here, Richardson is the only first round worthy one left.

10. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (from New Orleans)- Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon: Philly has very few holes to fill, LB may be one.

11. TENNESSEE TITANS- Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State: Titans take the top tackle in the draft.

12. HOUSTON TEXANS (from Cleveland)- Jordan Addison, WR, USC: Texans get their new QB a number one receiver.

13. NEW YORK JETS- Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern: Jets may move on from Zach Wilson, but they’ll do it with a veteran not through the draft. Here they’ll bolster his protection.

14. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS- Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: Belichick knows he needs lockdown corners in a division with Buffalo & Miami.

15. GREEN BAY PACKERS- Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame: Will Aaron Rodgers return or retire? Who knows, but let’s add a reliable TE to the mix.

16. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS- Joey Porter, Jr, CB, Penn State: Commanders need a QB, but none worth this pick. Instead they’ll bolster the pass defense.

17. PITTSBURGH STEELERS- Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina: I have the Steelers eyeing corners, Smith is the top one still on the board.

18. DETROIT LIONS- Bryan Bresee, IDL, Clemson: Lions go defense, again, with their second first rounder.

The order of the rest of the picks are subject to change.

19. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS- Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia: Brady’s future is uncertain, but QB isn’t really an option here. Revamping the pass rush is Tampa’s choice.

20. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- Brian Branch, S, Alabama: Love the pairing of player & team here.

21. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS- Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M: Jags could go several directions here, I have them opting to strengthen the back end of their defense.

22. NEW YORK GIANTS- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State: Giants have to get a receiver.

23. BALTIMORE RAVENS- Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU: Ravens are one of the best drafting teams in the NFL, it helps when the board falls your way.

24. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS- Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson: Chargers address the weakest part of their defense.

25. DALLAS COWBOYS- Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas: Tony Pollard is a free agent. Zeke Elliot is not what he used to be & Robinson is a Texas guy, definitely feels like a Jerry Jones pick.

26. CINCINNATI BENGALS- Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia: Cincy improved their OL last offseason but it still needs work.

27. MINNESOTA VIKINGS- Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah: Minnesota needs to keep improving the pass defense.

28. DENVER BRONCOS (from SF via Miami)- BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU: Broncos draft a replacement for Bradley Chubb.

29. BUFFALO BILLS- O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida: Not many needs for Buffalo, interior offensive line might be one.

30. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS- Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame: Chiefs go with a pass rusher.

31. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama: Eagles may need a replacement for James Bradberry.