Due to the season going longer, it feels like the draft just came out of nowhere this season. The Super Bowl went right into the combine, and then we had our typical draft cycle. Anonymous scouts, last minute leaks, it’s always fun. This year it can be really chaotic as there’s no clear cut talent that everyone can agree should be taken with the top few picks. Now who has those picks you might ask? Why it’s the two teams my family roots for! My dad has been hoping for years to see this happen and even with the rookie wage scale either team would have to throw in incentives for a team to trade up. My only near guarantee for this draft is that the best player from it won’t be taken first or second. Now to the mock: I’m doing this out of tradition as compared to past years I haven’t spent the time I’d normally allocate to studying for the draft. So the “what I would do” section will only be for the first ten picks this year.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker, EDGE Georgia: There’s only one thing Trent Baalke has proven he can do in an NFL front office at an above average level: win power struggles. Of course, that means there are reports that Baalke, Doug Pederson and Shad Khan all have different preferences for how they’d used this pick. Baalke’s preference is said to be Walker who despite playing on a historically good Georgia defense, was considered a second rounder until he showcased freakish athleticism in his underwear at the combine. Walker has the traits teams love to gamble on, but my question is will the Jaguars be the team to maximize them? Aidan Hutchinson projects to at least a solid pro and if he’s not selected, Walker will likely be the choice here. Ikem Ekwonu and Evan Neal also figure to be considered.
What I would do- How much time do you have? First off, if I had a say in this Baalke wouldn’t have ever been anywhere near the building let alone making this pick. His six drafts as the 49ers GM as a collective whole are so bad they’d make Matt Millen sick. As someone who rooted for a team that had Millen at the helm for far too long, I at least knew people around the league genuinely liked and respected him. The same can’t even be said with Baalke. Here’s where I ask myself why I care about this sport. But anyway, last year the Jaguars got what should be their franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence. A QB who many feel is a sure thing, but the Jaguars will surely try their best to break his mental spirit along the way. To protect him, I’d select Evan Neal who not only has planet theory level physical traits, but has played both tackle spots and guard at a high level.
2. Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE Oregon: Deep down, you have to wonder if the Lions brass hopes Hutchinson is gone here, because if they pass on him they’ll never hear the end of it. Not only was he a highly productive player at Michigan, he was also born and raised in the state which paired with the passion he plays with would make him the face of the Dan Campbell era. However, if Brad Holmes is truly getting to make this pick, he seems infatuated with Thibodeaux. Between flying out to watch the college games, in person meetings, etc. That’s just a hunch, but Hutchinson being the pick here would not be surprising at all. The Lions regardless are likely to go pass rusher so it likely comes down to the two mentioned and Walker.
What I would do- Unfortunately nobody is in love with a quarterback here, so trading down would be tough. Considering the Lions should be much more competitive next year, I’d strongly consider Malik Willis as this is their best chance to land a guy with potential franchise QB tools without giving up massive draft capital. If Hutchinson isn’t here though, I’d take Thibodeaux as he’s arguably the best prospect in the class and the culture you’re building should be able to reign him in.
3. Houston Texans: Derek Stingley, CB LSU: The Texans are actually in a really nice spot here. They have a cheap quarterback in Davis Mills they can assess, but also have their pick at various positions they need to address. I would think the pick comes down to Ekwonu, Neal and Derek Stingley. Stingley upside is the highest of any corner in the draft as he had tremendous tape his freshman year. Unfortunately, the two following seasons were a mixed back and he’s coming off a Lisfranc injury that can be tricky. Neal’s also rumored to have some injury concerns (though those can be a smokescreen), and then there’s Ekwonu. Given how Lovie Smith has been vocal about the drastic need to improve the defensive backs I’m leaning Stingley for the mix of upside/need, but I’m not incredibly confident.
What I would do- Regardless of if it’s Mills or a player yet to be determined, it’s always important to protect your potential franchise QB. With Neal off the board in the “what I would do” portion, Ekwonu would be the pick and with Laremy Tunsil would give the Texans a tackle duo many teams would envy.
4. New York Jets: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE Michigan: The Jets can go a bunch of different ways here, but defensive line play was a staple of Robert Salah’s defenses in San Francisco. With Hutchinson on the board he gets a pass rusher who has a track record of high level production and impressive athletic measurables. Hutchinson also gave me my favorite recurring bit of this draft cycle which was analysts/fans trying to one-up each other finding white pass rushers from the 2000’s to early 2010’s to compare him to (Kyle Vanden Bosch and Patrick Kerney, take a bow!). A corner such as Sauce Gardner, Stingley or a tackle also can’t be ruled out with this pick. Jermaine Johnson is another edge rusher that has gotten some buzz around this pick. The Jets will likely address corner or receiver at ten if they keep that selection.
What I would do- In my “what I would do” portion the top two tackles and edge rushers are both gone. In that case, I’d take Gardner who not only was incredibly productive, but has a unique blend of size and length to go with ball skills at the cornerback position.
5. New York Giants: Evan Neal, T Alabama: With Brian Daboll as the new head coach, 2022 will be focused on seeing if Daniel Jones is the Giants quarterback of the future. Whether it’s Jones or not, that quarterback will need protection in a division full of teams with pass rushing depth. Neal a few months ago was a favorite to be the first overall pick, and his versatility at both tackle spots should help him contribute early. Sauce Gardner, Thibodeaux and Charlie Cross would also figure to be considered if this is how the board goes.
What I would do- Considering the Giants also have seven, you basically have to account for what the Panthers or teams trading up could be looking for. At the least with the Panthers at six, you know this is probably your only chance to get one of the top three tackles. As a result I’m taking Cross who is the best tackle left in the “what I’d do” section.
6. Carolina Panthers: Ikem Ekwonu, T North Carolina State: The Carolina Panthers are desperately in the quarterback market. They’ve made a run at every star or proven commodity that’s up for trade only to come up short. The good news is they have their choice of quarterbacks on the board here at six. The bad news is this group of quarterbacks isn’t exactly awe inspiring. A trade down is a possibility if there’s a market, but if they stay put Ekwonu or the best tackle available makes sense.
What I would do- The first five picks of the what I’d do portion is a nightmare for the Panthers with none of the top tackles available. However, while Malik Willis is raw the traits to be a very valuable quarterback in today’s NFL are there. If he’s “your guy”, you might as well grab him while you can. I’d go with Willis who would also have some nice weapons to grow with in Carolina.
7. New York Giants: Sauce Gardner, CB Cincinnati: The Giants need secondary help, and that is with James Bradberry on the roster who they’re apparently looking to trade. As I mentioned earlier, Gardner’s a unique corner prospect with his rare size/length combo for the position. He also offers a skillset that would be a strong fit within the system Wink Martindale wants to install defensively. If Gardner isn’t available, Stingley would be in play if here or a tackle if available, though they might look to trade down otherwise.
What I would do- Gardner is gone in the “what I’d do” portion, but Stingley is still available. A few years ago, some thought Stingley would enter the draft as the best cornerback prospect in recent memory. The Giants take an upside swing and land him here.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Jameson Williams, WR Alabama: This time last year, Falcons fans were excited by the idea of a nucleus of Matt Ryan throwing the ball to Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, and Kyle Pitts. Fast forward a year and Ryan got traded to the Colts for a second, Jones was dealt last summer for a second, Ridley is suspended for all of 2022 due to placing NFL parlays (and possibly played his last game as a Falcon), and Pitts looks like he’s going to be a perennial Pro Bowler. Let’s face it, this year’s Falcons team isn’t going to be good and they can afford to be patient. That’s why they take Williams here who is coming off an ACL tear, but is the most dynamic receiver in this draft. He and Pitts would be a dynamic duo for Marcus Mariota or whoever becomes the future franchise QB. If Thibodeaux is available, I’d have to imagine he’s strongly considered along with Jermaine Johnson as the Falcons are in desperate need of a big time pass rusher. You’re not going to believe this, but giving Dante Fowler $29 million guaranteed didn’t work out. Malik Willis could also be in play, and I wouldn’t be shocked if Kyle Hamilton’s considered.
What I would do- I would stick with the playmaker theme here for Atlanta, though I would likely go with Drake London here. Arthur Smith has had success with big receivers that can create yards after the catch, and London fits that mold.
9. Seattle Seahawks: Charles Cross, T Mississippi State: The Seahawks are likely to have one of the presumed top talents in this draft fall here. The question is which one will it be, and will they look to trade down as teams try to jump the Jets for a receiver. Whether it’s a top three tackle, one of the two corners or Thibodeaux, they’re likely to have a chance to grab one. In this case, Cross is the one available so he’s the pick here. Outside of the players mentioned earlier, Willis is likely to be considered here, along with Jermaine Johnson.
What I would do- Knowing teams would want to trade up to snipe the Jets for a receiver, I would trade back a spot and snag a few extra picks in the process. Trading back just one pick would also likely assure you get the player you wanted at 9.
10. New York Jets: Drake London, WR USC: The Jets have been in the market to add a big-time playmaker for Zach Wilson and they get their chance here. To secure London or another wideout, they might even trade up to get their guy to do so. London would give Zach Wilson a big, physical target on the outside who was also a team captain at USC, which is a trait Joe Douglas has looked for in recent draft picks.
What I would do- Do you we know what the 49ers would take for Deebo Samuel? Aside from that, London is off the board in this portion, so Jameson Williams makes sense given his field stretching abilities with Wilson’s arm.
11. Washington Commanders: Kyle Hamilton, S Notre Dame: The Commanders have commonly been linked to a receiver here, so there are a few different ways this could go. With that said, they thought they had a big-time safety when they signed Landon Collins but could capture that in Hamilton who was viewed as a potential top-five pick early in the process. Some of the receivers that would be considered here include Williams, London, Garrett Wilson or Chris Olave.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Garrett Wilson, WR Ohio State: If Stingley was to fall, this seems like a decent guess as to his floor given the Vikings needs at corner. Justin Jefferson’s fantastic, but Adam Thielen is getting older and the depth in that room falls off quickly. Some feel Wilson is the best receiver in this entire class, so he could be gone by now. Olave, Trent McDuffie and Hamilton could also be considered here.
13. Houston Texans: Jermaine Johnson, EDGE Florida State: The Texans could certainly use another playmaker to help evaluate Davis Mills. Lovie Smith’s a defensive oriented coach though, so if they don’t take Stingley third, they could go corner here. Johnson at this point would be a bit of a value as some feel he could go much higher. The typical wideouts would likely be considered here, but a tackle like Trevor Penning could also be in play if they don’t go that route at three.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Davis, DT Georgia: This isn’t a pressing need for the Ravens, but Davis’ athleticism at his size is incredibly rare and I think would be too much to pass up. If not Davis, you would think a tackle like Penning or Tyler Smith would be names to watch with this selection.
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Trent McDuffie, CB Washington: The Eagles are another team that seems like they could be enamored with Davis. Especially as Fletcher Cox is getting older. Adding to the receiver room would also be an option, but in this mock most of the top receivers are off the board. McDuffie would help add depth to a thin Eagles secondary and could possibly start right away. If Kyle Hamilton managed to fall, he’d also be tough to pass up, and a linebacker could also be in play.
16. New Orleans Saints: Chris Olave, WR Ohio State: The Saints have two clear cut needs at the moment: wide receiver and offensive tackle. Olave would be a great fit to go with Michael Thomas as he gets consistent praise for his advanced route running. Penning is also a possibility here, but the Saints might think they could get him or another tackle at 19.
17. Los Angeles Chargers: Quay Walker, LB Georgia: Given the struggles the Chargers had against the run, Jordan Davis would be a big boost here. He’s unavailable in this mock, but his college teammate who would add to a linebacker corps with room to improve is. Walker has had buzz in recent days suggesting he could go in the top 20, and this is a spot that would make sense. This is another selection where Penning could get serious consideration, along with a corner such as Kaiir Elam, and if Jameson Williams was somehow available he’d make a lot of sense for a receiving corps in need of speed.
18. Philadelphia Eagles: George Karlaftis, EDGE Purdue: Having picked at 15, the Eagles could go a few different ways depending how the board plays out. If a receiver they still like is on the board, that’s a route they could consider along with corner if that isn’t addressed earlier. With Brandon Graham getting older, the Eagles could use some additional depth there and Karlaftis has shown he can win on the edge or on the inside.
19. New Orleans Saints: Trevor Penning, T Northern Iowa: If this is how the board unfolds, things would look very promising for the Saints. They would have gotten their wideout, and now their left tackle of the future. Penning might take time to adjust, but the physical tools that teams look for are there. Tyler Smith would figure to be the other player considered here if the Saints haven’t already gone receiver or bundled their picks to trade up.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Malik Willis, QB Liberty: You know how there are certain picks that when announced you hear the team that picks them and you think “oh yeah, he’s going to be good”? That’s how a lot of people would feel about this pick. Heck, a lot of people I know don’t want this to happen solely due to wanting to see the Steelers fail. Willis might not make it to 20, but if he falls out of the top ten, it seems like he’ll end up in Pittsburgh even if they trade up. Kenny Pickett is sure to be considered here, but Willis’ upside is too much to ignore.
21. New England Patriots: Daxton Hill, DB Michigan: A productive and versatile defensive back who comes from a team a program Bill Belichick has loved to draft from? This seems meant to be. However, there are other other versatile players that should be considered here whether it’s Devin Lloyd at linebacker or Zion Johnson on the interior offensive line.
22. Green Bay Packers: Zion Johnson, G Boston College: Is this the year Aaron Rodgers finally gets his first round receiver? Well, that depends on if a receiver the Packers feel is worth the pick is available. In this case there isn’t, so they’d get a versatile lineman who can help makeup for various departures/injuries in the early going. Hill would also make sense here if he wasn’t on the board along with an edge rusher aside from the glaring need to add depth in the receiver room.
23. Arizona Cardinals: Logan Hall, DT Houston: The Cardinals could go a few different ways with this pick. Their interior offensive line needs help, though Zion Johnson’s off the board in this scenario and I’m not sure if they’d want to go receiver here. The franchise does need help along the defensive interior and to their pass rush with Chandler Jones gone. Karlaftis is off the board in this mock, but is sure to be considered if available. Given what’s left, Hall seems like a good fit as his combination of length and explosiveness on the interior is a package that is very intriguing.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Kenyon Green, G Texas A&M: The Cowboys seem destined to go offense with this pick, the only question is where. Treylon Burks addresses a receiver need and like Jerry Jones has the Arkansas ties, but the Cowboys have recent success of developing wideouts who weren’t day one picks. I’d think the pick comes down to Zion Johnson, Burks and Green, but I’ll go with the player left on the board that can help protect their investment in Dak Prescott.
25. Buffalo Bills: Kaiir Elam, CB Florida: This is an interesting pick as the two positions I think the Bills would be most likely address are corner and running back. As you know, those positional values are drastically different, but corner is an area the Bills have wanted to address for a while now. Likely even more so with Levi Wallace leaving and Tre’Davious White returning from an ACL surgery. Elam has the physical ability you’d want in a corner, and the Bills tend to draft players with impressive physical traits early. Andrew Booth Jr is another corner to consider here, while Breece Hall would be the likely running back option if they address that in round one.
26. Tennessee Titans: Tyler Smith, T Tulsa: I’ve seen some suggest the Titans as a surprise team to draft a quarterback here. Unfortunately for them, outside of Willis there isn’t another one that really offers a high ceiling that would be worth targeting. For that reason I could see them taking Smith who at this point is the best lineman available and whose physical playing style is sure to catch the eye of Mike Vrabel and company. A receiver such as Burks, or another one of the recently drafted lineman like Johnson could be considered here. Depending on the trade market, the Titans might also look to trade down.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Lewis Cine, S Georgia: Given that the Bucs are in “win now” mode with Tom Brady returning, a playmaker such as Burks, Skyy Moore, Jahan Dotson or Breece Hall wouldn’t stun me here. However, the Buccaneers lost Jordan Whitehead this offseason and Logan Ryan who they added is more of a short term solution. Cine has received first round buzz as the process went on, so it wouldn’t stun me if he’s the pick here. Daxton Hill if he’s available would also be in strong consideration.
28. Green Bay Packers: George Pickens, WR Georgia: After the early receiver run, the Packers have their choice here at 28. Given they lost Davante Adams and have two first rounders, the fan base might just think management is pulling a sick joke on them by not taking receiver with either pick. All I can say is I’m doing my part here. Pickens has a lot of raw talent, but he did miss most of last year coming back from an ACL tear and has some questions about his maturity. They could go with various receivers here, but I figured the Packers might as well swing for the fences with the upside play. If they go receiver at 22, offensive line, a linebacker such as Quay Walker or an edge rusher would likely be the primary options discussed.
29. Kansas City Chiefs: Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE Penn State: The Chiefs are likely to go defense/receiver at some combination with these picks. Which way they choose, I don’t know but Ebiketie makes sense here given that he’s received first round buzz given that he’s considered to be a pretty technically sound prospect. The Chiefs could also opt to go with a corner such as Booth or another edge such as Boye Mafe if they don’t take a receiver here.
30. Kansas City Chiefs: Treylon Burks, WR Arkansas: As the process started, Burks’ tape had him as a potential top ten pick as it appeared he had a freakish combo of size/speed to pair with being a menace after the catch. Then Burks ran a 4.55, and after doing deeper dives people realized he didn’t run a real sophisticated route tree while at Arkansas. You know who is willing to get creative and put players in position to do what they’re best at? Andy Reid and Eric Bieniemy. Don’t forget there were reports that the Chiefs also called the Jaguars about the availability of Laviska Shenault and the Chiefs could use Burks in similar ways as his route running develops. I assume the Chiefs go defense with one of their picks if they don’t trade out or package the two picks to move up, but the other receiver prospects mentioned would also be considered at 29 or here at 30.
31. Cincinnati Bengals: Andrew Booth Jr, CB Clemson: One thing the Bengals didn’t get enough credit for in their magical 2021 season was what defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo got out of their cornerback room. There weren’t exactly lock down corners in there, but the group as a whole did an admirable job. That’s why it makes sense to grab one here at 31. Booth could be the top corner on their board left, but others such as Elam if available or Kyler Gordon could be considered better scheme fits. With Larry Ogunjobi’s departure, an interior defensive lineman such as Devonte Wyatt wouldn’t be surprising here either.
32. Detroit Lions: Devin Lloyd, LB Utah: I’ve seen Kenny Pickett mocked here various times, but unless the Lions trade this pick, I can’t see him being selected here. Pickett’s ceiling at this time appears to be that of a serviceable NFL quarterback. The Lions already have that under contract with Jared Goff, and if Pickett was to start it would likely be in his second year where he’s already 25. That doesn’t really give you the high upside you’re looking for with a QB on a cost controlled deal. The Lions also have plenty of other positions they need to address like linebacker and Lloyd if here would be a fantastic fit given his versatility and track record of productivity. Heck, there’s a chance he goes significantly higher than this as it seems the only real con with him is that his athletic testing wasn’t as expected. If Malik Willis somehow made it here, I think the Lions take him and they might entertain Desmond Ridder given his athletic traits. Otherwise, the realistic options if Lloyd isn’t here would be defensive backs like Cine or Daxton Hill, and maybe consider taking a receiver if the right one is there.
Aaron Resnick
The Field Goal Post 