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The upcoming NFL offseason could be wild from the quarterback perspective. Tom Brady and Lamar Jackson are free agents. Derek Carr seems to be on his way out of Las Vegas. Aaron Rodgers is a wild card. What comes of Matt Ryan? Then, there are the incoming rookies. 

Houston seems very likely to land the No. 1 overall selection, but it is very important to land in the top five overall this year. A team that lands in the top five overall is guaranteed to land a top-flight defensive prospect, a rookie quarterback or a trade package that justifies moving back a bit in the order. In today's thought exercise, we explore some of the decisions facing those franchises with decisions to make at quarterback.

The draft order below is now the official order based on team records and tiebreakers. There is not a No. 22 pick here, as that's the pick the Dolphins forfeited due to tampering violations. 

Without further ado, let's kick this off!

For more extensive draft content, check out our latest prospect rankings and mock drafts, as well as our new weekly podcast, "With the First Pick," featuring former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. (Check out the latest episode below.)

NFL Mock Draft
Round 1
Round 1 - Pick 1
Kentucky • Soph • 6'4" / 229 lbs
Projected Team
Houston
PROSPECT RNK
6th
POSITION RNK
3rd
I have typically gone Bryce Young in this spot, but it would be naive to think that other options do not exist. Levis and Young are very different players, so it is not out of the realm of possibility that they would prefer the bigger quarterback with an elite arm.
Round 1 - Pick 2
Alabama • Soph • 6'4" / 243 lbs
Projected Team
Chicago
PROSPECT RNK
1st
POSITION RNK
1st
Anderson is simply a difference-maker on the defensive side of the ball. Chicago finds itself picking this early because it does not have enough difference-makers. Other teams will likely be calling the Bears in an effort to move up for the right to select Bryce Young.
Round 1 - Pick 3
Alabama • Soph • 5'10" / 204 lbs
Projected Team
Seattle
PROSPECT RNK
2nd
POSITION RNK
1st
Seattle uses one of the draft picks acquired as part of the Russell Wilson trade to select his replacement, who also happens to be a traditionally short quarterback by NFL standards. Young is just a gamer with high-end leadership skills.
Round 1 - Pick 4
Georgia • Soph • 6'3" / 314 lbs
Projected Team
Arizona
PROSPECT RNK
3rd
POSITION RNK
1st
After losing J.J. Watt to retirement following the season, Arizona handpicks arguably the best defensive prospect in the draft.
Round 1 - Pick 5
Ohio State • Soph • 6'3" / 218 lbs
Projected Team
Indianapolis
PROSPECT RNK
4th
POSITION RNK
2nd
Indianapolis has tried and tried the veteran quarterback route since Andrew Luck's abrupt retirement, and it has not paid off. Will the Colts venture down that same path or consider a rookie like Stroud in this situation?
Round 1 - Pick 6
Clemson • Soph • 6'5" / 270 lbs
Projected Team
Atlanta
PROSPECT RNK
5th
POSITION RNK
2nd
Atlanta would absolutely consider a quarterback if the board fell in that manner. As it stands, the Falcons stay put and take the best defensive prospect available.
Round 1 - Pick 7
Georgia • Soph • 6'2" / 207 lbs
Projected Team
Detroit
PROSPECT RNK
10th
POSITION RNK
1st
The board did not exactly fall in Detroit's favor, but it sticks and picks a traits-y cornerback from the defending national champions.
Round 1 - Pick 8
Florida • Soph • 6'4" / 244 lbs
Projected Team
Carolina
PROSPECT RNK
19th
POSITION RNK
4th
Carolina is making a big gamble by taking a chance on what Richardson could become with more experience. He has a massive frame, a big arm and plus mobility. If the Panthers want a rookie quarterback, then Richardson is the last justifiable option in the first round unless they trade up.
Round 1 - Pick 9
Northwestern • Soph • 6'4" / 313 lbs
Projected Team
Las Vegas
PROSPECT RNK
7th
POSITION RNK
1st
It seems as though Derek Carr's time in Las Vegas has come to an end, but it is easy to envision Tom Brady playing for the Raiders and Josh McDaniels. Skoronski has five-position flexibility, so he would theoretically upgrade the protection.
Round 1 - Pick 10
Texas • Soph • 5'11" / 215 lbs
Projected Team
Philadelphia
PROSPECT RNK
16th
POSITION RNK
2nd
Robinson is the best running back prospect to enter the draft since Saquon Barkley. Running back may seem like a luxury, but that level of a player running behind the Eagles offensive line will be able to grind out some games with the core they have now.
Round 1 - Pick 11
Texas Tech • Soph • 6'6" / 275 lbs
Projected Team
Houston
PROSPECT RNK
18th
POSITION RNK
3rd
Houston has its quarterback of the future, so it needs to continue stacking talent on both sides of the ball. Wilson is still developing, but it is encouraging to see improvement from last season to this year.
Round 1 - Pick 12
Florida State • 6'4" / 260 lbs
Projected Team
Seattle
PROSPECT RNK
11th
POSITION RNK
2nd
Seattle has two young pass rushers, Verse and Boye Mafe, who they can develop. Verse has played well when available since transferring in from Albany.
Round 1 - Pick 13
TCU • Soph • 6'4" / 215 lbs
Projected Team
Tennessee
PROSPECT RNK
23rd
POSITION RNK
2nd
Tennessee was looking for size when it acquired Julio Jones from Atlanta, but that did not pan out. The Titans bring in Johnston to compliment Treylon Burks.
Round 1 - Pick 14
Clemson • Soph • 6'2" / 235 lbs
Projected Team
New England
PROSPECT RNK
38th
POSITION RNK
1st
New England has always had good linebackers: Mike Vrabel, Tedy Bruschi, Jerod Mayo, Dont'a Hightower, etc. It is time for that next wave to arrive, and Simpson could be that player. He is a versatile talent who would allow the Patriots to show multiple looks.
Round 1 - Pick 15
Ohio State • Soph • 6'6" / 313 lbs
Projected Team
N.Y. Jets
PROSPECT RNK
17th
POSITION RNK
2nd
New York did a fantastic job of filling needs and building depth along the defensive line last year. However, the offensive line is still very much a work in progress. Johnson has played both guard and tackle over the past two years, but his future is at tackle.
Round 1 - Pick 16
Georgia • Soph • 6'5" / 311 lbs
Projected Team
Pittsburgh
PROSPECT RNK
21st
POSITION RNK
3rd
Pittsburgh has other pressing talent needs, but it has been able to hide those weaknesses a bit. The offensive line is a larger concern. The Steelers have used consecutive drafts to select quarterback Kenny Pickett and running back Najee Harris. Those investments are a waste if the production does not improve.
Round 1 - Pick 17
Georgia • Soph • 6'7" / 265 lbs
Projected Team
Green Bay
PROSPECT RNK
27th
POSITION RNK
2nd
Green Bay has some promising young wide receivers who could develop into a productive duo. Christian Watson has already been on a tear over the past month-plus. Washington gives the Packers a big body who can contribute as a blocker in the wide-zone blocking scheme, in addition to being a large target.
Round 1 - Pick 18
Notre Dame • Soph • 6'4" / 265 lbs
Projected Team
Detroit
PROSPECT RNK
8th
POSITION RNK
1st
Mayer is a tough target who should upgrade Detroit's capabilities in the red zone. Detroit has addressed the skill group in recent years with the additions of Jameson Williams, Amon-Ra St. Brown and D'Andre Swift.
Round 1 - Pick 19
Clemson • Soph • 6'5" / 305 lbs
Projected Team
Jacksonville
PROSPECT RNK
34th
POSITION RNK
4th
Jacksonville has used a lot of early draft capital on edge rushers, but the interior defensive line could use equal attention. Bresee has high-end athletic traits to develop into an impact performer for the Jaguars.
Round 1 - Pick 20
Penn State • Soph • 6'2" / 194 lbs
Projected Team
Tampa Bay
PROSPECT RNK
30th
POSITION RNK
5th
Tampa Bay still has a chance to make the playoffs, which is hard to believe considering how most in the media have written that team off. If it falls short, it could be a wild offseason for the recent Super Bowl champion.
Round 1 - Pick 21
Illinois • Soph • 6'0" / 185 lbs
Projected Team
Washington
PROSPECT RNK
35th
POSITION RNK
7th
Illinois defensive backs have been well-coached in recent years, so Witherspoon should be able to come in and make an impact for an improving Washington defense.
Round 1 - Pick 23
USC • Soph • 5'11" / 175 lbs
Projected Team
N.Y. Giants
PROSPECT RNK
22nd
POSITION RNK
1st
New York just needs to add bodies to that room right now. It is hard to count on anyone long-term because none have had success over more than a small sample size. The Giants may not feel the position is a need come draft day, but Addison would be a positive addition to that room.
Round 1 - Pick 24
Tennessee • Soph • 6'0" / 185 lbs
Projected Team
L.A. Chargers
PROSPECT RNK
56th
POSITION RNK
6th
Keenan Allen's time in Los Angeles is likely coming to an end sooner rather than later. Jalin Hyatt would give the Chargers speed to go along with Mike Williams' size.
Round 1 - Pick 25
Alabama • Soph • 5'9" / 200 lbs
Projected Team
Baltimore
PROSPECT RNK
15th
POSITION RNK
1st
While unfortunate, Baltimore has had a difficult time keeping running backs healthy. Gibbs allows the Ravens to upgrade the passing attack as well.
Round 1 - Pick 26
Alabama • Soph • 6'0" / 203 lbs
Projected Team
Denver
PROSPECT RNK
13th
POSITION RNK
3rd
Transition is already underway in Denver following the franchise's decision to move on from head coach Nathaniel Hackett. The incoming head coach could dictate which direction the Broncos go with this selection, but Branch is the best prospect on the board.
Round 1 - Pick 27
Ohio State • Soph • 6'0" / 197 lbs
Projected Team
Dallas
PROSPECT RNK
25th
POSITION RNK
3rd
Dallas has been looking for a compliment to CeeDee Lamb. The answer may not be on their roster right now. Smith-Njigba is a polished route runner who can make an impact from Day 1.
Round 1 - Pick 28
Florida • Soph • 6'5" / 347 lbs
Projected Team
Cincinnati
PROSPECT RNK
9th
POSITION RNK
1st
Cincinnati leans into its commitment to upgrade the offense line. The Bengals have devoted ample resources to the unit in recent years, but that trend must continue until the problem is solved. Torrence received NFL coaching this year with last year's Giants offensive line coach calling Gainesville home this season.
Round 1 - Pick 29
Kansas State • Soph • 6'4" / 255 lbs
Projected Team
Kansas City
PROSPECT RNK
36th
POSITION RNK
6th
Kansas City is looking for more dynamic traits off the edge. Anudike-Uzomah is not the most explosive, but he will upgrade the pass-rush floor.
Round 1 - Pick 30
South Carolina • Soph • 6'1" / 186 lbs
Projected Team
Minnesota
PROSPECT RNK
12th
POSITION RNK
2nd
Minnesota has some young talent to build around in the secondary with Lewis Cine, Andrew Booth Jr. and now Smith.
Round 1 - Pick 31
Texas A&M • Soph • 6'2" / 198 lbs
Projected Team
Buffalo
PROSPECT RNK
14th
POSITION RNK
1st
Jordan Poyer is a free agent at season's end and Micah Hyde will be 32 years old next season. It would make sense for Buffalo to address one of those spots now before being forced to replace both in the same offseason.
Round 1 - Pick 32
Oregon • Soph • 6'1" / 205 lbs
Projected Team
Philadelphia
PROSPECT RNK
24th
POSITION RNK
4th
Gonzalez is not a perfect fit for what Philadelphia hopes to do on defense, but James Bradberry is scheduled to hit free agency and Gonzalez is one of the best prospects available.