I would like to take a moment to ask the NFL offseason to slow down. I'm tasked with doing a new mock draft every two weeks, and never have I seen so much change over a two-week period as I repeatedly have this offseason.
On the one hand, it's good for mock drafts because it keeps things fresh. On the other hand, it's becoming a lot more challenging to track who has gone where and what each team needs! Let us poor mock drafters catch our breath!
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There are a lot of significant changes in this mock compared to my previous three, including the No. 1 pick. After Jacksonville's flurry of moves in free agency, their draft priorities have shifted, and it has also created a ripple effect throughout the first round.
NFL Mock Draft
Round 1
Round 1 - Pick 1
Aidan Hutchinson
EDGE
Michigan
• Jr
• 6'7"
/ 268 lbs
I don't know if the Jaguars fixed their offensive line in free agency, but they sure spent a lot of money on it, freeing them up to add a potential franchise cornerstone to their defense in Hutchinson.
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Round 1 - Pick 2
Kayvon Thibodeaux
EDGE
Oregon
• Jr
• 6'5"
/ 258 lbs
I love Thibodeaux and have him as the top player in this class. While it's a deep class at the edge-rusher position, there aren't any other players in this class with the ceiling he has if he becomes a bit more refined with his pass-rushing moves.
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Round 1 - Pick 3
Evan Neal
OL
Alabama
• Jr
• 6'7"
/ 340 lbs
The Texans still have Laremy Tunsil and now need a QB, but is there one worth taking here when you have more picks to come? Adding a potential franchise tackle makes a lot of sense. Neal can start at right tackle before eventually moving left.
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Round 1 - Pick 4
Ikem Ekwonu
OL
NC State
• Jr
• 6'4"
/ 320 lbs
It's too soon for the Jets to give up on Mekhi Becton, but it's not too soon to look for a potential upgrade on him. Ekwonu is stronger than any person has a right to be, and he plays angry. He's not a finished product yet, but there's plenty here to work with, and he could be the best left tackle in the league one day.
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Round 1 - Pick 5
Jermaine Johnson II
EDGE
Florida State
• Jr
• 6'5"
/ 254 lbs
I'm higher on Johnson than many others I talk to, but I'm comfortable being out on this ledge. He's not an incredible athlete, but while he's not "twitchy," he's got great bend and can get under blockers without sacrificing his speed or strength. He's also a three-down player who reminds me of a young Khalil Mack.
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Round 1 - Pick 6
Pittsburgh
• Jr
• 6'3"
/ 220 lbs
I had Pickett in my first two mocks before taking the Panthers in a different direction in my last, but with the Panthers still searching for an answer at QB, it's more likely they'll find it in the draft. Pickett isn't spectacular at anything, but he's got the size you want and the mobility. His footwork gets choppy at times, but he still makes accurate throws on the move. Also, while Panthers fans might not want to read this, he reminds me of Sam Darnold! But, you know, hopefully without all the turnovers.
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From
Chicago Bears
Round 1 - Pick 7
Notre Dame
• Jr
• 6'4"
/ 224 lbs
Hamilton is one of the best players in this draft, and if not for teams having bigger needs, he wouldn't fall this far. Kyle's loss is the Giants' gain because Hamilton can do so many different things for you defensively. He's the player a defensive coordinator would design in a lab if they could.
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Round 1 - Pick 8
Malik Willis
QB
Liberty
• Jr
• 6'1"
/ 225 lbs
The new era of Atlanta Falcons football begins with Malik Willis, the quarterback in this class with all-world potential. He still has plenty to learn, but the Falcons can afford to take some time to teach him. He'd be far and away the most exciting QB in Atlanta since Michael Vick.
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From
Denver Broncos
Round 1 - Pick 9
Mississippi State
• Jr
• 6'5"
/ 311 lbs
I'm sure Seattle wouldn't mind if Atlanta hadn't taken Willis in this mock, but they did, so the Seahawks address their OL and draft Cross to protect Drew Lock. Cross is already a terrific pass-blocker, but he has room to grow as a run-blocker. Maybe that makes him less appealing to Seattle (why would they need someone to pass-block?), but I think it's more a lack of experience than ability.
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From
Seattle Seahawks
Round 1 - Pick 10
Cincinnati
• Jr
• 6'3"
/ 190 lbs
The Jets have added to their secondary in free agency, but it's hard to pass up on a potential shutdown corner if he falls to you in this spot, and Ahmad Gardner can be a shutdown corner. He doesn't have top-end speed, but he's brilliant at diagnosing plays and routes, and his size and length make it nearly impossible to get a pass by him.
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Round 1 - Pick 11
LSU
• Jr
• 6'1"
/ 195 lbs
There's no questioning Stingley's talent, but teams have concerns about his durability and effort. When he's locked in, though, he's locked onto receivers. If you're Washington, he's the kind of talent that you don't mind taking a shot on here.
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Round 1 - Pick 12
Alabama
• Jr
• 6'1"
/ 180 lbs
Think about all the space Justin Jefferson creates for himself without the Vikings having another deep threat. Now think of what he could do if defenses have to worry about Jameson Williams over the top. It's a combo that will wreak havoc, and while Williams is recovering from an ACL injury, this is the kind of move that could lead to an NFC North title for the Vikings.
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From
Cleveland Browns
Round 1 - Pick 13
Georgia
• Jr
• 6'5"
/ 272 lbs
I spent all year asking "but have you seen their other guys" every time somebody brought up Georgia's Jordan Davis, and Walker is one of those guys. While I love Jordan Davis as much as everybody else, I'd rather have Walker or Devonte Wyatt than Davis if I were drafting a defensive lineman from Georgia. Not the most polished pass-rusher, but strong and quick. For maximum awe, find tape of him dropping into coverage.
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Round 1 - Pick 14
Washington
• Jr
• 5'11"
/ 193 lbs
I have a long-running love affair with Washington defensive backs, and McDuffie is the latest. Some teams will be scared off by his size, and I understand that, but he's so quick and versatile. He also plays bigger than he is, and is a terrific tackler who will provide support in the run game.
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From
Miami Dolphins
Round 1 - Pick 15
Clemson
• Jr
• 6'0"
/ 194 lbs
Booth is an all-around talent who isn't exceptional at anything but is solid at a minimum in every area except as a tackler. Even in a limited time as a starter at Clemson, he's shown the ability to be used in different schemes, which will make him attractive to plenty of teams.
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From
Indianapolis Colts
Round 1 - Pick 16
Ohio State
• Jr
• 6'0"
/ 183 lbs
It wouldn't be the first round without the Eagles taking a receiver, right? Garrett Wilson is one of my favorite receivers in this class. His catch radius, body control, and shiftiness will make him a nightmare to cover. He's just as dangerous after the catch too.
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Round 1 - Pick 17
Jordan Davis
DL
Georgia
• Jr
• 6'6"
/ 336 lbs
A plug-and-play that makes a lot of sense for the Chargers, who are looking to address a defense that struggled to stop the run. Throw Jordan Davis into the middle of your front alongside Khalil Mack on the edge, and suddenly your run defense is a lot better.
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Round 1 - Pick 18
Drake London
WR
USC
• Jr
• 6'4"
/ 213 lbs
Jameis Winston had a lot of success in Tampa with Mike Evans, and Drake London is the closest thing to Mike Evans in this draft class. He's a big target who can get downfield and outmuscle defensive backs. There are concerns with his hands, though, which could scare teams more than the broken ankle he suffered in October.
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Round 1 - Pick 19
Nakobe Dean
LB
Georgia
• Jr
• 5'11"
/ 231 lbs
I've had Dean to the Eagles in nearly every mock so far. I know they don't typically use early draft capital on linebackers, but this is their third pick of the round, and he makes too much sense for them. He's an All-Pro waiting to happen.
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Round 1 - Pick 20
Georgia
• Jr
• 6'3"
/ 304 lbs
Wyatt is everything you want as an interior lineman these days. He has the size and strength to hold up against the run in a variety of fronts, and he's quick enough to be disruptive as a pass-rusher. His get-off on the snap is not Aaron Donald-esque (whose is?), but it's the most impressive I've seen from a DT in this class.
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Round 1 - Pick 21
Arkansas
• Jr
• 6'2"
/ 225 lbs
The Patriots need to give Mac Jones weapons that will allow him to be more than a game-manager, and Treylon Burks would be a great start. He's big, fast, and has excellent ability after the catch. I can see Burks being used similarly to how the Patriots used Rob Gronkowski in the slot.
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From
Las Vegas Raiders
Round 1 - Pick 22
Chris Olave
WR
Ohio State
• Jr
• 6'0"
/ 187 lbs
The Ringer's Danny Kelly described Olave as "Tyler Lockett with a growth spurt." Since reading that, I can't get it out of my mind because it's a perfect description of what Olave is. He may never become a true No. 1 receiver, but there aren't many aspects to his game you'll find fault with.
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Round 1 - Pick 23
Kaiir Elam
CB
Florida
• Jr
• 6'1"
/ 191 lbs
Elam is a physical corner with a nose for the football and making plays. In a division like the NFC West, where you'll be facing a lot of great QBs and receivers, having a player like him in your secondary would be a good idea.
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Round 1 - Pick 24
I love Hill's versatility, as he showed at Michigan that he could play as a slot corner and deep safety thanks to his speed and intelligence. The Cowboys take him here and add another outstanding Swiss Army knife to their defense as they did with Micah Parsons last season.
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Round 1 - Pick 25
Boye Mafe
DL
Minnesota
• Jr
• 6'4"
/ 261 lbs
Boye Mafe is an athletic freak who is still tapping into his potential as a pass-rusher. There's still some ironing out of his game that needs to happen, but he offers tremendous upside as a prospect if the Bills want to swing for the fences. They may go for a "safer" choice like George Karlaftis here too.
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Round 1 - Pick 26
Northern Iowa
• Jr
• 6'7"
/ 325 lbs
I'm not as high on Penning as others, but while I doubt his potential to play on the left side, his nasty demeanor as a blocker -- he plays through the echo of the whistle's echo -- could fit right in with a Titans group that loves to out-physical its opponents.
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Round 1 - Pick 27
Kyler Gordon
CB
Washington
• Jr
• 6'0"
/ 200 lbs
Gordon is another Washington defensive back, so you know I love him, but he's also been creeping up draft boards as of late. Corners are always a need, and his versatility and athleticism are attractive.
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Round 1 - Pick 28
Arnold Ebiketie
EDGE
Penn State
• Jr
• 6'2"
/ 250 lbs
Ebikitie is an interesting player because if you're judging him by how he performs in tights, you might not be overly impressed. When you watch the tape, though, he jumps out at you. He's not the quickest player you'll find off the snap, but he's polished and smart. He uses his hands to keep blockers off-balance, and he's stout against the run too.
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From
Miami Dolphins
Round 1 - Pick 29
George Karlaftis
EDGE
Purdue
• Jr
• 6'4"
/ 263 lbs
Karlaftis is a player I loved heading into the 2021 season, but whose stock slipped a bit in my eyes. He's still powerful and plays with the kind of ferocity you want to see, but he's also the same player he was when I saw him as a freshman. It leads me to wonder if he's already a finished product, and while that product is worth having on your team, I don't think it's one you want to take too early. This is a good spot for him, though, as the Chiefs need to get younger up front.
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Round 1 - Pick 30
Jahan Dotson
WR
Penn State
• Jr
• 5'11"
/ 184 lbs
Dotson will be viewed as a Tyreek Hill replacement, but he is not Tyreek Hill. Still, Dotson's shiftiness and ability to change direction on a dime could be devastatingly effective in Kansas City's offense with Patrick Mahomes scrambling around and buying time.
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Round 1 - Pick 31
Iowa
• Jr
• 6'2"
/ 314 lbs
The Bengals have done a lot to address their offensive line already this offseason, but this is too good of a value to pass up. Linderbaum is one of the safest bets in this class.
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From
Los Angeles Rams
Round 1 - Pick 32
Cincinnati
• Jr
• 6'3"
/ 207 lbs
I've reached the point where I'll be shocked if the Lions do anything but take a QB with this pick. It might not be Ridder, but it will be somebody. Jared Goff isn't the long-term answer, and the Lions need to find one if this rebuild is going to work. Plus, this isn't the kind of draft capital that would force Detroit to "marry" the QB if a better option comes along next spring.
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