One week away from the NFL Draft, time for my one and only full seven round mock. This is tough and time consuming, therefore I didn’t entertain trade scenarios. Nor will I comment on the majority of picks, just some noteworthy ones. Without further ado,

ROUND ONE

#1 JAGUARS- Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

#2 LIONS- Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

#3 TEXANS- Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

#4 JETS- Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

#5 GIANTS- Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State

#6 PANTHERS- Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh: Carolina may have to make a move to secure Pickett, if he’s their guy. With no other picks until the fourth round, I feel they have to go QB.

#7 GIANTS- Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon: Perfect scenario for the Giants as they land Ekwonu & Thibodeaux.

#8 FALCONS- Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

#9 SEAHAWKS- Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State: I actually think Seattle is the likely landing spot for Baker Mayfield, so they can use this pick to improve the line.

#10 JETS- Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

#11 COMMANDERS- Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

#12 VIKINGS- Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State

#13 TEXANS- Derek Stingley Jr, CB, LSU

#14 RAVENS- Jordan Davis, IDL, Georgia

#15 EAGLES- Drake London, WR, USC

#16 SAINTS- Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

#17 CHARGERS- Devonte Wyatt, IDL, Georgia

#18 EAGLES- Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

#19 SAINTS- Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

#20 STEELERS- Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati: Growing buzz connecting Pittsburgh to a QB, particularly Ridder.

#21 PATRIOTS- Zion Johnson, IOL, Boston College

#22 PACKERS- Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State: DAMMIT!

#23 CARDINALS- Andrew Booth Jr, CB, Clemson

#24 COWBOYS- Daxton Hill, S, Michigan

#25 BILLS- Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

#26 TITANS- Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

#27 BUCCANEERS- Kenyon Green, IOL, Texas A&M

#28 PACKERS- George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue

#29 CHIEFS- Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

#30 CHIEFS- Lewis Cine, S, Georgia

#31 BENGALS- Tyler Linderbaum, IOL, Iowa

#32 LIONS- Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota

ROUND TWO

#33 JAGUARS- Perrion Winfrey, IDL, Oklahoma

#34 LIONS- Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

#35 JETS- Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State

#36 GIANTS- Quay Walker, LB, Georgia

#37 TEXANS- Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State

#38 JETS- Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

#39 BEARS- Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State

#40 SEAHAWKS- David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan: Seahawks take a chance on an injured player with tremendous upside.

#41 SEAHAWKS- Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington

#42 COLTS- Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan

#43 FALCONS- Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss: Falcons are taking a QB in this draft, they may trade back into the first round for Corral, just to get that fifth year option.

#44 BROWNS- Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State

#45 RAVENS- Tyler Smith, IOL, Tulsa

#46 VIKINGS- DeMarvin Leal, IDL, Texas A&M

#47 COMMANDERS- Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA

#48 BEARS- Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan

#49 SAINTS- Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor

#50 CHIEFS- Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M

#51 EAGLES- Sean Rhyan, IOL, UCLA

#52 STEELERS- Jamaree Salyer, IOL, Georgia

#53 PACKERS- Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota

#54 PATRIOTS- Christian Harris, LB, Alabama

#55 CARDINALS- George Pickens, WR, Georgia

#56 COWBOYS- Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State

#57 BILLS- Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State

#58 FALCONS- Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming

#59 PACKERS- Travis Jones, IDL, UConn

#60 BUCCANEERS- Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn

#61 49ERS- Dylan Parham, IOL, Memphis

#62 CHIEFS- Josh Paschal, EDGE, Kentucky

#63 BENGALS- Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State

#64 BRONCOS- Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin

ROUND THREE

#65 JAGUARS- Darian Kinnard, IOL, Kentucky

#66 LIONS- David Bell, WR, Purdue

#67 GIANTS- Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina: New Regime in NY puts Daniel Jones on notice.

#68 TEXANS- Logan Hall, EDGE, Houston

#69 JETS- Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State

#70 JAGUARS- Isaiah Likely, TE, Coastal Carolina

#71 BEARS- Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma

#72 SEAHAWKS- John Metchie III, WR, Alabama

#73 COLTS- Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina

#74 FALCONS- Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC

#75 BRONCOS- Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma

#76 RAVENS- Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis

#77 VIKINGS- Darrian Beavers, LB, Cincinnati

#78 BROWNS- Zachary Carter, IDL, Florida

#79 CHARGERS- Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State

#80 TEXANS- Ed Ingram, IOL, LSU

#81 GIANTS- Cade Otton, TE, Washington

#82 FALCONS- Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State

#83 EAGLES- Channing Tindall, LB, Georgia

#84 STEELERS- Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, Nebraska

#85 PATRIOTS- Alontae Taylor, CB, Tennessee

#86 RAIDERS- Phidarian Mathis, IDL, Alabama

#87 CARDINALS- James Cook, RB, Georgia

#88 COWBOYS- Cole Strange, IOL, Chattanooga

#89 BILLS- Jalen Torbert, WR, South Alabama

#90 TITANS- Carson Strong, QB, Nevada: Anyone that watched Tennessee in the playoffs knows that it’s time to think beyond Ryan Tannehill.

#91 BUCCANEERS- Khalil Shakir, WR, Boise State

#92 PACKERS- Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State: Another DAMMIT!

#93 49ERS- Marcus Jones, CB, Houston

#94 CHIEFS- Josh Williams, CB, Fayetteville State

#95 BENGALS- Kerby Joseph, S, Illinois

#96 BRONCOS- Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA

COMPENSATORY PICKS

#97 LIONS- Nick Cross, S, Maryland

#98 SAINTS- Cam Jurgens, IOL, Nebraska

#99 BROWNS- Kyle Philips, WR, UCLA

#100 RAVENS- Sam Williams, EDGE, Ole Miss

#101 EAGLES- Bryan Cook, S, Cincinnati

#102 DOLPHINS- Spencer Buford, IOL, UTSA

#103 CHIEFS- Luke Goedeke, OT, Central Michigan

#104 RAMS- JoJo Domann, LB, Nebraska

#105 49ERS- Tyreke Smith, EDGE, Ohio State

ROUND FOUR

#106 JAGUARS- Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State

#107 TEXANS- Damarri Mathis, S, Pittsburgh

#108 TEXANS- Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky

#109 SEAHAWKS- Alec Lindstrom, IOL, Boston College

#110 RAVENS- Martin Emerson, CB, Mississippi State

#111 JETS- Brian Robinson Jr, RB, Alabama

#112 GIANTS- Mario Goodrich, CB, Clemson

#113 COMMANDERS- Jesse Luketa, LB, Penn State

#114 FALCONS- Tyler Badie, RB, Missouri

#115 BRONCOS- Zach Tom, OT, Wake Forest

#116 BRONCOS- Zyon McCollum, CB, Sam Houston State

#117 JETS- Brandon Smith, LB, Penn State

#118 BROWNS- Jelani Woods, TE, Virginia

#119 RAVENS- Kyren Williams, RB, Notre Dame

#120 SAINTS- Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati

#121 CHIEFS- Matthew Butler, IDL, Tennessee

#122 COLTS- Jake Ferguson, TE, Wisconsin

#123 CHARGERS- Michael Clemons, EDGE, Texas A&M

#124 EAGLES- DeAngelo Malone, EDGE, Western Kentucky

#125 DOLPHINS- Dominique Robinson, EDGE, Miami-OH

#126 RAIDERS- Cordell Volson, OT, North Dakota State

#127 PATRIOTS- Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati

#128 RAVENS- Terrel Bernard, LB, Baylor

#129 COWBOYS- Jalyn Armour-Davis, CB, Alabama

#130 BILLS- Justin Shaffer, IOL, Georgia

#131 TITANS- Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Maryland

#132 PACKERS- Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati: I keep giving the hated Packers players I like, DAMMIT!

#133 BUCCANEERS- Dameon Pierce, RB, Florida

#134 49ERS- Velus Jones Jr, WR, Tennessee

#135 CHIEFS- Tyrese Robinson, IOL, Oklahoma

#136 BENGALS- Isaiah Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma

#137 PANTHERS- Matt Waletzko, OT, North Dakota

COMPENSATORY PICKS

#138 STEELERS- John Ridgeway, IDL, Arkansas

#139 RAVENS- Tycen Anderson, S, Toledo

#140 PACKERS- Rachaad White, RB, Arizona State

#141 RAVENS- Akayleb Evans, CB, Missouri

#142 RAMS- Dohnovan West, IOL, Arizona State

#143 TITANS- Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama

ROUND FIVE

#144 PANTHERS- Danny Gray, WR, SMU

#145 BRONCOS- Lecitus Smith, IOL, Virginia Tech

#146 JETS- Gerrit Prince, TE, UAB

#147 GIANTS- Zamir White, RB, Georgia

#148 BEARS- Jaylen Watson, CB, Washington State

#149 PANTHERS- Amare Barno, EDGE, Virginia Tech

#150 BEARS- Joshua Ezeudu, IOL, North Carolina

#151 FALCONS- Eyioma Uwazurike, IDL, Iowa State

#152 SEAHAWKS- Jerome Ford, RB, Cincinnati

#153 SEAHAWKS- Braxton Jones, OT, Southern Utah

#154 EAGLES- Sincere McCormick, RB, UTSA

#155 COWBOYS- Bo Melton, WR, Rutgers

#156 VIKINGS- Dane Belton, S, Iowa

#157 JAGUARS- Sterling Weatherford, S, Miami-OH

#158 PATRIOTS- Max Mitchell, OT, Louisiana

#159 COLTS- Montaric Brown, CB, Arkansas

#160 CHARGERS- Luke Fortner, IOL, Kentucky

#161 SAINTS- Hassan Haskins, RB, Michigan

#162 EAGLES- Otito Ogbonnia, IDL, UCLA

#163 JETS- Thayer Munford, IOL, Ohio State

#164 RAIDERS- Matt Henningsen, IDL, Wisconsin

#165 RAIDERS- Pierre Strong Jr, RB, South Dakota State

#166 EAGLES- Jack Sanborn, LB, Wisconsin

#167 COWBOYS- Jack Jones, CB, Arizona State

#168 BILLS- D’Marco Jackson, LB, Appalachian State

#169 TITANS- ZaQuandre White, RB, South Carolina

#170 PATRIOTS- JT Woods, S, Baylor

#171 PACKERS- Yusuf Corker, S, Kentucky

#172 49ERS- Josh Thompson, CB, Texas

#173 GIANTS- Reed Blankenship, S, Middle Tennessee

#174 BENGALS- Chase Lucas, CB, Arizona State

#175 RAMS- Tariq Castro-Fields, CB, Penn State

COMPENSATORY PICKS

#176 COWBOYS- Haskell Garrett, IDL, Ohio State

#177 LIONS- Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia

#178 COWBOYS- Dare Rosenthal, OT, Kentucky

#179 COLTS- Logan Bruss, OT, Wisconsin

ROUND SIX

#180 JAGUARS- Damone Clark, LB, LSU

#181 LIONS- Tyler Goodson, RB, Iowa

#182 GIANTS- Romeo Doubs, WR, Nevada

#183 TEXANS- Malcolm Rodriguez, LB, Oklahoma State

#184 VIKINGS- Chris Paul, IOL, Tulsa

#185 BILLS- Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M

#186 BEARS- Verone McKinley III, S, Oregon

#187 49ERS- Alex Wright, EDGE, UAB

#188 JAGUARS- Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson

#189 COMMANDERS- Cade Mays, IOL, Tennessee

#190 FALCONS- Tariq Carpenter, S, Georgia Tech

#191 VIKINGS- Charleston Rambo, WR, Miami-FL

#192 VIKINGS- Isaac Taylor-Stuart, CB, USC

#193 COWBOYS- Kellen Diesch, OT, Arizona State

#194 SAINTS- Thomas Booker, IDL, Stanford

#195 CHARGERS- Cole Turner, TE, Nevada

#196 RAVENS- Daniel Bellinger, TE, San Diego State

#197 JAGUARS- Kalon Barnes, CB, Baylor

#198 JAGUARS- Ty Chandler, RB, North Carolina

#199 PANTHERS- Mike Rose, LB, Iowa State

#200 PATRIOTS- James Mitchell, TE, Virginia Tech

#201 CARDINALS- Cade Hall, EDGE, San Jose State

#202 BROWNS- David Anenih, LB, Houston

#203 BILLS- Nick Grant, S, Virginia

#204 TITANS- Reggie Roberson Jr, WR, SMU

#205 TEXANS- Skylar Thompson, QB, Kansas State

#206 BRONCOS- Juanyeh Thomas, S, Georgia Tech

#207 TEXANS- Charlie Kolar, TE, Iowa State

#208 STEELERS- Tyquan Thornton, WR, Baylor

#209 BENGALS- Micah McFadden, LB, Indiana

#210 PATRIOTS- Jeffrey Gunter, EDGE, Coastal Carolina

COMPENSATORY PICKS

#211 RAMS- Obinna Eze, OT, TCU

#212 RAMS- Matt Hankins, CB, Iowa

#213 FALCONS- Austin Allen, TE, Nebraska

#214 CHARGERS- Jean Delance, OT, Florida

#215 CARDINALS- Jack Coan, QB, Notre Dame

#216 COLTS- Damarion Williams, CB, Houston

#217 LIONS- Jalen Nailor, WR, Michigan State

#218 RAMS- Matt Araiza, P, San Diego State: Some team will take the ‘Punt God’ well before this, trust me.

#219 TITANS- Kyler McMichael, CB, North Carolina

#220 49ERS- Tyler Allgeier, RB, BYU

#221 49ERS- Markquese Bell, S, Florida A&M

ROUND SEVEN

#222 JAGUARS- Stanley Berryhill III, WR, Arizona

#223 BROWNS- Sam Webb, CB, Missouri Western

#224 DOLPHINS- Joshua Ross, LB, Michigan

#225 STEELERS- Leon O’Neal Jr, S, Texas A&M

#226 BENGALS- Kevin Austin Jr, WR, Notre Dame

#227 RAIDERS- James Empey, IOL, BYU

#228 PACKERS- Tanner Conner, WR, Idaho State

#229 SEAHAWKS- Neil Farrell Jr, IDL, LSU

#230 COMMANDERS- Erik Ezukanma, WR, Texas Tech

#231 BILLS- Esezi Otomewe, EDGE, Minnesota

#232 BRONCOS- Brittain Brown, RB, UCLA

#233 CHIEFS- Ellis Brooks, LB, Penn State

#234 BRONCOS- Michael Woods II, WR, Oklahoma

#235 JAGUARS- Mykael Wright, CB, Oregon

#236 CHARGERS- Vederian Lowe, OT, Illinois

#237 EAGLES- Andrew Stueber, OT, Michigan

#238 RAMS- Isaiah Pola-Mao, S, USC

#239 COMMANDERS- Jashaun Corbin, RB, Florida State

#240 COLTS- Amari Carter, S, Miami-Fl

#241 STEELERS- Chance Campbell, LB, Ole Miss

#242 PANTHERS- Ja’Tyre Carter, IOL, Southern

#243 CHIEFS- Tayland Humphrey, IDL, Louisiana

#244 CARDINALS- Brock Hoffman, IOL, Virginia Tech

#245 TEXANS- MarQuan McCall, IDL, Kentucky

#246 BROWNS- Abram Smith, RB, Baylor

#247 DOLPHINS- Tre Turner, WR, Virginia Tech

#248 BUCCANEERS- Smoke Monday, S, Auburn

#249 PACKERS- Luke Wattenberg, IOL, Washington

#250 VIKINGS- Cole Kelley, QB, Southeastern Louisiana

#251 CHIEFS- Darrell Baker Jr, CB, Georgia Southern

#252 BENGALS- Christopher Hinton, IDL, Michigan

#253 RAMS- Kaleb Eleby, QB, Western Michigan

COMPENSATORY PICKS

#254 CHARGERS- Mike Harley, WR, Miami-FL

#255 CHARGERS- Bailey Zappe, QB, Western Kentucky

#256 CARDINALS- Zakoby McClain, LB, Auburn

#257 CARDINALS- Samori Toure, WR, Nebraska

#258 PACKERS- Nick Ford, IOL, Utah

#259 CHIEFS- Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa, EDGE, Notre Dame

#260 CHARGERS- Noah Elliss, IDL, Idaho

#261 BUCCANEERS- Jeremiah Moon, EDGE, Florida

#262 49ERS- Nephi Sewell, LB, Utah: Mr. Irrelevant 2022.

Time for another mock draft, for this one I did a simultaneous seven rounder for eight teams. Those eight teams are my Chicago Bears, local teams the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers & Baltimore Ravens, plus teams I have friends that root for; the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins & Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

I’ll present the picks round by round, commenting on every first round pick, every team’s first selection and notable selections throughout.

Without further ado:

ROUND ONE

Pick #5 NEW YORK GIANTS- Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia: The top two tackles went with picks 3&4. Instead of reaching, I think the Giants will take the top Edge on the board. Walker has gotten some number one overall buzz lately.

Pick #7 NEW YORK GIANTS- Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State: With their second top ten selection, NY lands their offensive tackle.

Pick #14 BALTIMORE RAVENS – Devonte Wyatt, IDL, Georgia: I’ve been mocking Jordan Davis to Baltimore for weeks, in this one Minnesota grabs him before the Ravens, so they pivot to his Georgia teammate.

Pick #15 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Derek Stingley Jr, CB, LSU: Tough call here, a couple stud receivers on the board, but Stingley falling this far feels like a gift Philly can’t pass on.

Pick #18 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama: The receiver I almost took three picks earlier is still on the board, Philly would love to pair Williams with fellow Crimson Tide alum DeVonta Smith.

Pick #20 PITTSBURGH STEELERS- Zion Johnson, IOL, Boston College: Tough call between Johnson and Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum, but Johnson feels more like a Steelers kind of lineman.

Pick #24 DALLAS COWBOYS- Daxton Hill, S, Michigan: Hill to the Cowboys has been one of my most consistent mock selections.

Pick #27 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS- Kenyon Green, IOL, Texas A&M: Bucs lost both starting guards from last season, Green will be a day one starter.

ROUND TWO

Pick #36 NEW YORK GIANTS- Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

Pick #39 CHICAGO BEARS- Tyler Smith, IOL, Tulsa: My Bears first pick comes down to a decision between Smith, who many view as a tackle, or a WR. New GM Ryan Poles is a former offensive lineman and believes in building a solid line full of players with a mean streak, Smith fits that bill.

Pick #45 BALTIMORE RAVENS- Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor: Many believe he can also play corner.

Pick #48 CHICAGO BEARS- Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State: Strategy pays off as I land the receiver I wanted for my Bears.

Pick #51 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Jamaree Salyer, IOL, Georgia

Pick #52 PITTSBURGH STEELERS- DeMarvin Leal, IDL, Texas A&M

Pick #56 DALLAS COWBOYS- Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan

Pick #60 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS- John Metchie III, WR, Alabama

ROUND THREE

Pick #67 NEW YORK GIANTS- Dylan Parham, IOL, Memphis

Pick #71 CHICAGO BEARS- Darian Kinnard, IOL, Kentucky

Pick #76 BALTIMORE RAVENS- Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC

Pick #81 NEW YORK GIANTS- Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina: The new regime in NY officially puts Daniel Jones on notice.

Pick #83 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin

Pick #84 PITTSBURGH STEELERS- Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State: This would be an absolute steal for the Steel City.

Pick #88 DALLAS COWBOYS- Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma

Pick #91 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS- Marcus Jones, CB, Houston

Pick #100 BALTIMORE RAVENS- Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, Nebraska

Pick #101 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Carson Strong, QB, Nevada: The Eagles have repeatedly expressed confidence in Jalen Hurts, but with a ton of picks why not take a chance on a more prototypical QB.

Pick #102 MIAMI DOLPHINS- Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State: The Dolphins use their first selection to add a big hitting, athletic linebacker.

ROUND FOUR

Pick #110 BALTIMORE RAVENS- Alec Lindstrom, IOL, Boston College

Pick #112 NEW YORK GIANTS- Martin Emerson, CB, Mississippi State

Pick #119 BALTIMORE RAVENS- Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati

Pick #124 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Tyler Badie, RB, Missouri

Pick #125 MIAMI DOLPHINS- Kyren Williams, RB, Notre Dame

Pick #128 BALTIMORE RAVENS- Dameon Pierce, RB, Florida

Pick #129 DALLAS COWBOYS- Matthew Butler, IDL, Tennessee

Pick #133 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS- Zamir White, RB, Georgia

Pick #138 PITTSBURGH STEELERS- Tycen Anderson, S, Toledo

Pick #139 BALTIMORE RAVENS- Gerrit Prince, TE, UAB

Pick #141 BALTIMORE RAVENS- Jermayne Lole, IDL, Arizona State

ROUND FIVE

Pick #147 NEW YORK GIANTS- Rachaad White, RB, Arizona State

Pick #148 CHICAGO BEARS- Montaric Brown, CB, Arkansas

Pick #150 CHICAGO BEARS- Otito Ogbannia, IDL, UCLA

Pick #154 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Braxton Jones, OT, Southern Utah

Pick #155 DALLAS COWBOYS- Max Mitchell, OT, Louisiana

Pick #162 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Matt Henningsen, IDL, Wisconsin

Pick #166 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- JT Woods, S, Baylor

Pick #167 DALLAS COWBOYS- Josh Thompson, CB, Texas

Pick #173 NEW YORK GIANTS- Danny Gray, WR, SMU

Pick #176 DALLAS COWBOYS- Cade Mays, IOL, Tennessee

Pick #178 DALLAS COWBOYS- Alex Wright, EDGE, UAB

ROUND SIX

Pick #182 NEW YORK GIANTS- Romeo Doubs, WR, Nevada

Pick #186 CHICAGO BEARS- Tariq Carpenter, S, Georgia Tech

Pick #193 DALLAS COWBOYS- Austin Allen, TE, Nebraska

Pick #196 BALTIMORE RAVENS- Matt Hankins, CB, Iowa

Pick #208 PITTSBURGH STEELERS- Jeffrey Gunter, EDGE, Coastal Carolina

ROUND SEVEN

Pick #224 MIAMI DOLPHINS- Tyquan Thornton, WR, Baylor

Pick #225 PITTSBURGH STEELERS- Kyler McMichael, CB, North Carolina

Pick #237 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Michael Clemons, EDGE, Texas A&M

Pick #241 PITTSBURGH STEELERS- Michael Woods II, WR, Oklahoma

Pick #247 MIAMI DOLPHINS- Luke Goedeke, OT, Central Michigan

Pick #248 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS- Smoke Monday, S, Auburn

QUICK RECAP:

NEW YORK GIANTS: This is a great draft for Big Blue. Their two first rounders are home runs, in fact their first 2 second rounders are damn good, too. They got some gems in later rounds, as well, including two WR with intriguing potential. Of course, all that Giants fans & beat writers will care about is QB Sam Howell.

BALTIMORE RAVENS: Baltimore has a ton of picks in the middle rounds, 7 total in the third and fourth rounds, they should be able to hit on several of those, and they do here. Cam Taylor-Britt & Alec Pierce are two I’m especially high on.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: The Eagles two first rounders are as good as it gets. With a ton of picks, Philly can afford to take chances. QB Carson Strong is exactly the kind of low risk/high reward type of pick they should consider.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Offensive line has been a weakness for Pittsburgh the last few years, this draft could change that. Zion Johnson & Nicholas Petit-Frere could both be day one starters. No QB might surprise some, but the Steelers moved quickly to sign Mitch Trubisky in free agency, telling you all you need to know about how the Steelers feel about this class of signal callers.

DALLAS COWBOYS: No pick really stands out as a slam dunk, but 2 of their fifth rounders, Max Mitchell & Cade Mays, could go a long way in rebuilding the Cowboys offensive line.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: First rounder, Kenyon Green, is the jewel of their draft class, there is intriguing upside for a couple more of their picks.

CHICAGO BEARS: Tyler Smith & Darian Kinnard fit the profile Ryan Poles likes in offensive lineman. I’m really high on Christian Watson, personally. Would like to have addressed CB earlier with more of a sure fire player, but overall it’s a draft I’m pleased with.

MIAMI DOLPHINS: Miami sacrificed much of their draft capital to acquire Tyreek Hill, which Dolphins fans have to be okay with. If a couple of their later round picks hit, this will be a successful draft.

Another mock draft, in light of the recent Eagles/Saints trade, another three rounder, so every team has at least one pick. This mock is different in that I’m projecting some trades in this one.

ROUND ONE

#1 Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan- I’m giving into the hype and putting Hutchinson at number one.

#2 Detroit Lions: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty- If Detroit is taking a QB in this draft, they might as well get the top guy.

#3 Houston Texans: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama- With needs at every level on both sides of the ball, Texans can’t go wrong taking the best player available.

#4 New York Jets: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon- Jets entertain offers for this pick, but ultimately stay put and take the top defensive player on the board.

*TRADE ALERT*

Giants trade 5th overall pick to the Seahawks for pick #9, pick #41 & Denver’s 2023 first round pick.

#5 Seattle Seahawks: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh- Seattle may wind up landing Baker Mayfield, but until then they need a QB, to get Pickett they’ll have to get in front of Carolina.

*TRADE ALERT*

Panthers trade 6th overall pick to the Saints for picks #16 & #19.

#6 New Orleans Saints: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State- Quite a few NFL experts that I respect believe the Saints/Eagles trade was about the Saints targeting an OT instead of a QB. Saints paid a high price for it and still might not land one of the top tackles without making another trade. With Pickett off the board and Carolina not having another pick in the first three rounds, they’ll be open to moving down.

#7 New York Giants: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia- Walker is starting to get some buzz about perhaps being the top EDGE in this draft.

#8 Atlanta Falcons: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State- This pick fills the void left by Calvin Ridley’s suspension.

#9 New York Giants: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati- With the pick acquired from Seattle, the Giants land the top corner in the draft, bringing ‘Sauce’ to the Big Apple.

#10 New York Jets: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame- Jets miss out on Gardner but land Hamilton, who may be the best overall player in this draft.

*TRADE ALERT*

Commanders trade the 11th overall pick to the Ravens for picks #14, #76 & #110.

#11 Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Davis, IDL, Georgia- Davis is a perfect fit for Baltimore but they’ll probably need to get in front of Minnesota to get him.

#12 Minnesota Vikings: Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State- Vikings almost surely have to go defense with this pick, Johnson is the top defensive player on the board.

#13 Houston Texans: Derek Stingley Jr, CB, LSU- As I said about their first pick, Texans have needs everywhere and once again take the best player available.

#14 Washington Commanders: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama- Washington trades down and still gets the guy I liked for them at #11.

#15 Philadelphia Eagles: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue- Corner or WR are possible here, but the value wasn’t there, in my opinion.

#16 Carolina Panthers: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State- With the first of the two picks acquired from New Orleans, Panthers land a tackle they might have considered earlier.

#17 Los Angeles Chargers: Zion Johnson, IOL, Boston College- Chargers beefed up their defense in free agency and now bolster their offensive line with the best IOL in the draft.

#18 Philadelphia Eagles: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah- A lot of buzz connecting Lloyd to Philly among draft experts.

#19 Carolina Panthers: Matt Corral, QB, Mississippi- With the second pick they acquired from New Orleans, the Panthers land their QB.

#20 Pittsburgh Steelers: Tyler Linderbaum, IOL, Iowa- I just don’t think Pittsburgh is in the mix for a first round QB this year, beefing up the offensive line is a higher priority.

#21 New England Patriots: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State- Mac Jones needs weapons, especially ones that can stretch the field.

#22 Green Bay Packers: Drake London, WR, USC- After trading Davante Adams, it feels like Green Bay has to break their streak of not drafting a WR in the first round.

#23 Arizona Cardinals: Andrew Booth Jr, CB, Clemson- A few directions for Arizona to go with this pick, they go with the top corner on the board.

#24 Dallas Cowboys: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan- I just like this fit, A LOT, so it probably won’t happen.

#25 Buffalo Bills: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida- In what is sure to be an air raid AFC, more corners is never a bad idea.

#26 Tennessee Titans: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia- Another fit I really like, Dean seems like a Mike Vrabel type player.

#27 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenyon Green, IOL, Texas A&M- The GOAT is back, but both his starting guards from last season are not, Green will step in and start immediately.

#28 Green Bay Packers: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa- Packers have to be ecstatic to land Penning with this pick.

#29 Kansas City Chiefs: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas- With the first of their back to back first rounders, the Chiefs get their Tyreek Hill replacement.

#30 Kansas City Chiefs: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia- With their second pick, Chiefs land a replacement for Tyrann Mathieu.

#31 Cincinnati Bengals: Perrion Winfrey, IDL, Oklahoma- Bengals did a good job improving the OL in free agency, they’ll bolster the DL here.

#32 Detroit Lions: Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State- Lions landed their QB earlier, now they address their pass defense.

ROUND TWO

#33 Jaguars: David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan

#34 Lions: Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota

#35 Jets: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

#36 Giants: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

#37 Texans: Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC

#38 Jets: Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming

#39 Chicago Bears: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa- Bears use their first pick on an offensive lineman with a mean streak, which is exactly what new GM Ryan Poles wants.

#40 Seahawks: Roger McCreary. CB, Auburn

#41 Giants: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati- Rejoice Giants fans! With the second rounder they acquired earlier from Seattle, the new regime in New York puts Daniel Jones on notice.

#42 Indianapolis Colts: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina- Colts fully expect to contend with Matt Ryan, this team is built to win now, but Ryan is no spring chicken, Colts use their first pick to draft a successor.

#43 Falcons: Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State

#44 Cleveland Browns: Devonte Wyatt, IDL, Georgia- Browns use their first pick to bolster their run defense.

#45 Ravens: Sean Rhyan, IOL, UCLA

#46 Vikings: DeMarvin Leal, IDL, Texas A&M

#47 Commanders: Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State

#48 Bears: Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State

#49 Saints: Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati

#50 Chiefs: Sam Williams, EDGE, Mississippi

#51 Eagles: Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor- Some experts believe Pitre can play corner in the NFL, Eagles have needs at both CB & S.

#52 Steelers: George Pickens, WR, Georgia

#53 Packers: Christian Harris, LB, Alabama

#54 Patriots: Travis Jones, IDL, UConn

#55 Cardinals: Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State

#56 Cowboys: Brandon Smith, LB, Penn State

#57 Bills: Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State– As if Buffalo’s offense wasn’t scary enough, having a bell cow RB would take them to the next level.

#58 Falcons: Carson Strong, QB, Nevada- Falcons hedge their bets on Marcus Mariota.

#59 Packers: Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State

#60 Buccaneers: Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA

#61 San Francisco 49ers: Lecitus Smith, IOL, Virginia Tech- Niners use their first pick to bolster the offensive line.

#62 Chiefs: John Metchie III, WR, Alabama

#63 Bengals: Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan

#64 Denver Broncos: Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati- With their first pick, Denver replaces Von Miller.

THIRD ROUND

#65 Jaguars: Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama

#66 Lions: Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan

#67 Giants: Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M

*TRADE ALERT*

Texans trade pick #68 to the Bears for pick #71 & Chicago’s 2023 fourth rounder.

#68 Bears: Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington- Bears trade up 3 spots to nab a potential starting corner.

#69 Jets: Romeo Doubs, WR, Nevada

#70 Jaguars: Phidarian Mathis, IDL, Alabama

#71 Texans: David Bell, WR, Purdue

#72 Seahawks: Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State

#73 Colts: Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina

#74 Falcons: Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma

#75 Broncos: Martin Emerson, CB, Mississippi State

#76 Commanders: Ed Ingram, IOL, LSU

#77 Vikings: Leon O’Neal Jr, S, Texas A&M

#78 Browns: Quay Walker, LB, Georgia

#79 Chargers: Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA

#80 Texans: Logan Hall, IDL, Houston

#81 Giants: Alec Lindstrom, IOL, Boston College

#82 Falcons: Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin

#83 Eagles: Isaiah Likely, TE, Coastal Carolina

#84 Steelers: Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State

#85 Patriots: Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati

#86 Las Vegas Raiders: Matthew Butler, IDL, Tennessee- Raiders go defensive line with their first pick.

#87 Cardinals: Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota

#88 Cowboys: Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson

#89 Bills: Isaiah Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma

#90 Titans: Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State

#91 Buccaneers: Rachaad White, RB, Arizona State

#92 Packers: Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, Nebraska

#93 49ers: Matt Waletzko, OT, North Dakota

#94 Chiefs: Jake Ferguson, TE, Wisconsin

#95 Bengals: Kerby Joseph, S, Illinois

#96 Broncos: Brian Asamoah II, LB, Oklahoma

#97 Lions: Verone McKinley, S, Oregon

#98 Saints: Kaleb Eleby, QB, Western Michigan- Saints take a mild risk/high reward chance on a very productive collegiate QB.

#99 Browns: Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis

#100 Ravens: Damone Clark, LB, LSU- Clark was a late first to second rounder until a medical condition was discovered at the combine. He should fully recover and the Ravens get considerable value here.

#101 Eagles: Jalyn Armour-Davis, CB, Alabama

#102 Miami Dolphins: Darian Kinnard, OT, Kentucky- Dolphins use their first pick to strengthen the offensive line.

#103 Chiefs: Channing Tindall, LB, Georgia

#104 Los Angeles Rams: Chris Hinton, IDL, Michigan: Rams first pick is a defensive lineman to run alongside Aaron Donald.

#105 49ers: James Cook, RB, Georgia

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.

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.

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.

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.

The NFL season is over. The Rams are Super Bowl Champs and 31 other teams are focused on dethroning them.

Early mock drafts are tough, and somewhat futile. Predicting what any team may do in the draft before free agency is an exercise bound to end in frustration. This year is even tougher because there is no clear cut number one pick. The QB class is less than stellar, and no player currently stands out as the best in the class.

All that being said, I still do it because it’s fun and I share it with you because some may value my opinion. Without further ado, my first mock of 2022:

1. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama- Many directions the Jags and new HC Doug Pedersen could go here, but protecting franchise QB, Trevor Lawrence, with the best tackle in the class seems like the best move.

2. DETROIT LIONS: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan- QB & WR may be bigger needs, but none are worthy of the number two pick. Keeping Hutchinson in the state of Michigan would be a very popular and wise move.

3. HOUSTON TEXANS: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon- Texans are still a mess and will be until the Deshaun Watson situation is cleared up. New HC Lovie Smith is a defensive guy and Thibodeaux was the consensus number one guy not too long ago.

4. NEW YORK JETS: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State- Jets could use some pass catchers for Zach Wilson, but this is a little high for one, bolstering the franchise QB’s protection is the right play.

5. NEW YORK GIANTS: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State- Giants fans might prefer a QB here, but Daniel Jones will have at least one more year to prove himself. NY has tried to fix the offensive line for years, Cross is their latest attempt.

6. CAROLINA PANTHERS: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh- Panthers may regret passing on a QB last year. HC Matt Rhule starts the season on the hot seat and he can’t be comfortable with Sam Darnold. Pickett is the most accomplished of an underwhelming class.

7. NEW YORK GIANTS (via Chicago): David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan- Giants fans are not going to like this pick when it happens, but will grow to love it. Ojabo may end up being even better than his Michigan teammate Aidan Hutchinson.

8. ATLANTA FALCONS: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame- Falcons have questions at WR, and there’s always the question of when they’ll draft Matt Ryan’s successor, but defense has been Atlanta’s Achilles heel for years. Hamilton is the best defender on the board.

9. DENVER BRONCOS: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty- Another team that may regret passing on a QB last year. New HC Nathaniel Hackett will want his guy. Willis may have the most raw talent and upside of this class of QBs.

10. NEW YORK JETS (via Seattle): Derek Stingley Jr, CB, LSU- This could be a spot for the first WR off the board, but Jets take the top corner instead.

11. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati- Washington could go QB, but I get the sense they’re content on giving Heinecke another year and waiting on a better class next year. Shoring up the pass defense is a wise move.

12. MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Jordan Davis, IDL, Georgia- New Vikings HC, Kevin O’Connell is an offensive guy, but the Vikings issues are mostly on the defensive side of the ball. Davis is the best IDL in the draft.

13. CLEVELAND BROWNS: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas- Browns need to give Baker Mayfield some more weapons.

14. BALTIMORE RAVENS: Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State- Ravens continue to bolster their pass rush.

15. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (via Miami): Andrew Booth Jr, CB, Clemson- Eagles solidify the corner opposite Darius Slay.

16. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (via Indianapolis): Kenyon Green, IOL, Texas A&M- Eagles established their identity as a running team last season, adding another mauler to the trenches makes sense.

17. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia- Pairing Walker with Joey Bosa will give opposing QBs nightmares.

18. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss- This pick hinges on Jameis Winston’s availability, but the Saints are in cap hell, so a cheaper option at QB might be the way to go.

19. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue- Eagles use their third first rounder on an Edge rusher many see as a top ten pick.

20. PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Tyler Linderbaum, IOL, Iowa- Steelers are certainly in the QB market after Big Ben’s retirement, but the best center in the draft is too good to pass up.

21. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah: Lloyd just feels like a Belichick type defender.

22. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: Zion Johnson, IOL, Boston College- New HC Josh McDaniels may opt for a WR, but I think offensive line is the top priority.

23. ARIZONA CARDINALS: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington- Cardinals mantra for this draft should be defense, defense, defense.

24. DALLAS COWBOYS: Devante Wyatt, IDL, Georgia- Cowboys do need to consider re-tooling the offensive line, but adding a guy like Wyatt could help raise the Dallas D to elite levels.

25. BUFFALO BILLS: Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn- Bills are on the cusp of title contention, bolstering the pass defense is the smart move.

26. TENNESSEE TITANS: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia- This just feels like a Mike Vrabel type of pick.

27. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama- Tom Brady retired, but I don’t feel like the Bucs will try to draft his replacement here. Instead, they’ll take a WR to replace the likely to depart Chris Godwin.

28. GREEN BAY PACKERS: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa- What the Packers do here depends on what happens with Aaron Rodgers. Assuming Rodgers stays in GB, and Davante Adams does too, pass protection seems like a good bet.

29. MIAMI DOLPHINS (via San Francisco): Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State – Pairing Wilson with last year’s first rounder Jaylen Waddle will give Tua some serious weapons.

30. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State- As if the Chiefs offense wasn’t scary enough, Olave may be the perfect running mate for Tyreek Hill.

31. CINCINNATI BENGALS: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan- Bengals offensive line is bad, but it got them close to a Super Bowl championship, Cincy opts for best player available instead.

32. DETROIT LIONS (via Los Angeles Rams): Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati- Lions use their second first rounder on a possible starting QB, giving them that fifth year of team control as he develops.

We’re down to two. If you had Cincinnati versus the LA Rams in your preseason picks, stop reading now, you obviously know more than I do.

This is shaping up to be a crazy offseason. Tom Brady retired. Ben Roethlisberger retired. Nine coaching vacancies. Uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers’ future, which has the domino effect on all of free agency as the top WR on the market, Davante Adams, is undoubtedly tied to Rodgers.

I’ll address all these possible moves in future writings, for now I’ll focus on the two teams whose offseasons have begun.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: On the one hand, this is still the Kansas City Chiefs and they still have Patrick Mahomes and it’s hard to pinpoint an exact reason for why they fell short, unlike last season where the offensive line was a point of focus.

On the other hand, the Chiefs and Mahomes never really felt the same this year. Sure, there were stretches where it looked like they were ascending back to the mountain top, but unlike years past, there were also a lot of moments where they didn’t come close to resembling the dominant unit of the past 3 years.

The AFC is loaded with young and coming teams, Cincinnati & Buffalo are on the cusp. Tennessee, Indianapolis, New England, Los Angeles, Baltimore and even Cleveland are a couple of tweaks away. Even the rest of the AFC, outside of Houston and Jacksonville, could be next year’s Bengals.

This is all to say, the road doesn’t get any easier for the Kansas City Chiefs. They’re still the big dog in the AFC, but they’ll be in a fight for that supremacy.

Defensive secondary and another WR should be top priorities for the Chiefs this offseason.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: The Niners had a great run in the post season, one that fell short because of their biggest weakness. Jimmy Garrapolo is a fine QB, but he’ll never carry a team over the hump. He won’t make the big play when his team absolutely needs it. Maybe, just maybe, San Francisco has that in Trey Lance, we’ll see.

The Niners have everything else, a great defense, strong running game, good pass catchers. If Lance’s learning curve was sufficiently flattened by his year of apprenticeship, San Francisco could very well find themselves in the Super Bowl next year, especially in a weakened NFC.

All eyes are on Trey Lance.

I went 1-1 on Championship Sunday, putting me at 8-4 for the playoffs. On paper, everything tells me to pick the Rams, but I’m officially on the Bengals train. I will not pick against Joe Burrow and company.

Super Bowl Pick: BENGALS 30 Rams 27

I’ll go a step further and make a bold MVP prediction, Evan McPherson will be the first kicker to raise the trophy after hitting a 50+ yard walk off.

Now that we’re two weeks into the Chicago Bears coaching search, and now that they’ve got a General Manager in place, the list has narrowed and so have my preferences.

As far as we know, there’s 3 finalists. I tend to believe there may be more that we haven’t heard about, at least I hope so.

Here’s my thoughts:

DAN QUINN- One of the three known finalists. Of the three, he’s my preference of the three. Two weeks ago, I wanted no part of Quinn, but I’ve warmed to him.

He got Atlanta to a Super Bowl in his second season, and should have won it if not for that epic meltdown. His run with the Falcons was never the same after that. There has to be hope that he learned from the mistakes made.

He did a phenomenal job with Dallas’ defense this year and it’s said he already has a killer staff lined up. Other than one other candidate, I am leaning toward a defensive minded head coach. One that won’t insist on calling offensive plays. One that will be more likely to focus on the big picture.

Right now, that guy is Quinn.

MATT EBERFLUS- Another of the known finalists. I know little of Eberflus, except he’s had really good defenses in Indianapolis.

I wouldn’t be completely opposed to hiring Eberflus, but it would all hinge on who he brings in to run the offense.

Based solely on the individual, I prefer Quinn to Eberflus because of experience as a head coach.

JIM CALDWELL- The third of the 3 known finalists, and the only one with an offensive background.

I like Caldwell, and I think he got railroaded by Detroit. I believe he would be a steady hand, and wouldn’t stubbornly stick to his offensive plans when they don’t work out. His ego won’t get in the way of progress.

However, I’m not wild about his age and the fact he’s been out of football for a few years. I don’t like the idea of Bill Polian pushing him on the Bears because of past relationships.

I don’t hate Caldwell, but I wouldn’t be terribly excited by his hiring. Feels like John Fox 2.0 to me.

BRIAN DABOLL- While he’s not one of the known finalists, Daboll is at the top of my wish list.

I stated earlier that I prefer a defensive minded head coach because they’re less likely to micromanage the offense, Daboll is the exception to that preference.

Watching Buffalo’s offense and the growth of Josh Allen makes me dreamy about what he could do for Justin Fields.

To be honest, Justin Fields is not Josh Allen. There is only one Josh Allen, but I remember Allen’s first two years. He was a good runner, with a live arm, that showed flashes but nobody, and I mean nobody saw his ascendance to superstardom in his third year. Fields has the same traits, he may never reach Allen’s heights, but Daboll may give him the best chance.

BRIAN FLORES- When Miami unexpectedly fired Flores, he immediately became my favorite. I’ve cooled on him significantly, but I still wouldn’t be adverse to his hiring.

I think Flores is a good head coach, he turned Miami into a playoff contender and they were miles further away than Chicago is now.

There are two strikes against him, in my opinion. One is the inconsistencies of his offensive staff, in three years Miami’s offense always seemed to be in flux. The second, and most damning, is his reported handling of Tua Tagovailoa.

His lack of confidence in Tua may have been justified, but it’s concerning that he would belittle and undermine the young franchise QB because he wasn’t his choice. It gives me pause to wonder how he would handle Justin Fields and his development.

BYRON LEFTWICH- Not one of the reported finalists, and I’ve been lukewarm on his candidacy. It’s fair to wonder how much of his success as an OC is due to having Tom Brady and stellar core of weapons at his disposal. How well can he build an offense from scratch?

Leftwich impressed me in a losing effort against the Rams. Down 27-3, he never panicked, he kept a steady hand the wheel and Tampa nearly pulled off the miracle come back.

Leftwich is reportedly at the top of Jacksonville’s list.

TODD BOWLES- Number one on my list two weeks ago, I’ve cooled significantly on Bowles.

Bowles did the opposite of Leftwich against the Rams, meaning he did not impress me. To be fair, the Bucs defense had a big hand in the comeback, but it’s that Cooper Kupp play that sticks out.

I understand that there was a miscommunication on the defensive call, but that’s simply inexcusable in that situation. Under no circumstances should they have been single covering Kupp in that situation.

Bowles is rumored to be high on the Vikings list.

Here’s my current predictions for the 9 open head coaching jobs:

BEARS: Dan Quinn

BRONCOS: Nathaniel Hackett

DOLPHINS: Brian Daboll

GIANTS: Brian Flores

JAGUARS: Byron Leftwich

RAIDERS: Rich Bisaccia

SAINTS: Dennis Allen

TEXANS: Absolutely clueless on this one, if they’re smart… Demeco Ryans

VIKINGS: Todd Bowles