First Mock of the Season. Hope y’all enjoy!

1.01 Jacksonville Jaguars – Aiden Hutchinson, EDGE

• This seems to be the best prospect, but the margin is closer than one may think. I see the Jaguars going this route based off of how they approached Free Agency, but I do not think one of the top OTs or a trade back is completely off the table.

TRADE: The Falcons have a lot of draft capital which they could use 2 of their 4 day 2 picks and another early pick next year to move up to the 2 slot.

1.02 Atlanta Falcons (from DET) – Malik Willis, QB

• I think the Falcons have some sneaky plans going soon down in Atlanta. Having a Pro’s Pro like Mariota to mentor a raw talent with a similar skill set in Willis could give us that Vick 2.0 (minus the dogs) in Atlanta. I do think Willis goes top 3 regardless, even here to Detroit if a trade never happens.

1.03 Houston Texans – Ikem Ekwonu, OT

• The Texans may want to see what they truly have in Mills, so a OT to pair with Tunsil seems like the safe pick. Now there has been nothing safe and smart about the Texans ever since they blew that 2nd half lead to the Chiefs in 2020… but I don’t know I have some faith in the team to do this right.

1.04 New York Jets – Sauce Gardner, CB

• We already have Vick 2.0 in ATL so let’s get Revis 2.0 in the Big Apple. The first of a slew of picks for the city, Ahmad Gardner would be on the big targets of the AFC East like sauce.. hint hint (see later picks for the division).. This is a no brainer in my mind, dude never let up a touchdown in 4 years starting in college. He’s the best bet to be a lockdown CB for years.

1.05 New York Giants – Kayvon Thibodeaux

• Boom or Bust for a team that has busting on an off the field. Risky pick, who seems to be falling down team’s draft boards. Probably the highest ceiling of any player in this draft, but question marks about motivation and attitude has his floor lower than most going in the top 5. Some reports say he could fall outside the top 10, but I just don’t see how that could happen. Look for Travon Walker here if not Thibodeaux.

1.06 Carolina Panthers -Kenny Pickett, QB

• The Panthers NEED a Quarterback. They were in the market for just about everyone this offseason. Jimmy G is an option, but the lack of draft capital seems to be an issue, as it was with Deshaun Watson talks. Pickett may have pre pubescent hands, but his play garners him a chance to go at 6.

1.07 (from CHI) New York Giants – Evan Neal, OT

• Go out and get that Tackle. Pair him with upside Andrew Thomas and keep whoever you want/have at QB upright. It seems that the Giants still believe in Daniel Jones, and I think they have reason to. He has not been the issue, rather he may just be the scapegoat. Keep him upright,

1.08 Detroit Lions (from ATL) – Travon Walker, EDGE

• The Lions get the a dependable EDGE rusher, who has been rumored to go to them if they were to stay at pick number 2. With my trade plus the Giants taking a chance on Thibs and the Jets looking elsewhere on Defense, Walker falls to 8. This would be a Win-Win for the Lions. Now if Walker goes earlier or in place Kayvon or Sauce look for one of them OR Kyle Hamilton to go here.

TRADE: Eagles use a Day 2 pick and 15 to move up to 9.

1.09 Philadelphia Eagles (from DEN via SEA) – Kyle Hamilton, S

• Too good to be true. The Eagles had just made a trade getting rid of one of their three firsts, picking up extra draft capital in their pick-lucrative 2022 outing. I see them moving up if a quarterback needy team does not. They could go get their pick of the litter at WR or nap the best hanging Tackle or Defensive player. I have them going with arguably the best prospect in the draft Kyle Hamilton at a steal of a price, pick number 9.

1.10 New York Jets (from SEA) – Garrett Wilson, WR

• It may very well be much earlier than this that we see our first WR off the board, but Garrett Wilson at 10 to the Jets makes too much sense. Highest upside of any of the WRs, and to pair him with Elijah Moore and Corey Davis gives Zach Wilson another dangerous weapon for the Jets in a tough AFC East. This would be a dream come true for Jets fans.

1.11 Washington Commanders – Matt Corral, QB

• The newly arrived Commanders take Matt Corral here. I think they need a lot of OL help, which may cause for them to trade out of this pick for a QB needy team, but when you also are unsure at QB you take one if he’s there. I think Corral or another QB goes at 11 regardless just a matter if it’s the Commanders or not.

1.12 Minnesota Vikings – Chris Olave, WR

• With a Kirk Cousins extension and Adam Theilen aging, the Viking go out and get a sure talent in Chris Olave to pair with Justin Jefferson. This would make for arguably the best WR corp in the league out the gate. In a depleted NFC and specifically NFC North this may be all they need to win the division.

1.13 Houston Texans (from CLE) – Derek Stingley, CB

• Houston gets a high ceiling, low floor player here. Many arguing him to be the best corner others have him as a bigger risk than reward. The Texans are known for making odd decisions so why not take a flyer on a flyer worthy player. 13 seems appropriate for a “totally inappropriate” franchise.

1.14 Baltimore Ravens – Jordan Davis, IDL

• I have no idea where to put this guy. I would take him top 5 personally and I think some teams feel the same way. On the flip side I don’t think some teams would take him in the first round even. Questions about his stamina are out there, but what is not questioned is his ability to change a game. He affects scheming and game planning even if his floor is 20 snaps a game. I think

1.15 Seattle Seahawks (from MIA via PHI) – Charles Cross, OT

• Duane Brown help down the fort for the past few years, but you need to inject some young blood into the team. This is what the Seahawks trade back with the Eagles for, a stud day one starter in Cross. Cross could go as easy as top 5 on draft night and I don’t see him slipping further than where I have him at 15 in this mock. Big win for the rebuilding Seahawks who may be adding another Day 1 pick if we see DK Metcalf leaving town.

1.16 New Orleans Saints (from IND via PHI) – Jameson Williams, WR

• The Saints get their Michael Thomas 2.0 here. A common theme of this mock. With so much uncertainty surrounding the Saints and MT, I think it is safe to assume that they take a WR. Jameson Williams is a stud, this is a great selection here. My counterpart seems to think that these two picks will be used to trade up and get a QB, but I am in the camp that they get the stud WR AND still get the QB that they want. Hint. Hint.

TRADE: Green Bay trades newly acquired 22 and a day 2 pick to the Chargers, who could use another after giving one away in the Mack Trade.

1.17 Green Bay Packers (from LAC) – Drake London, WR

• Stud. Big W here for the Packers. A steal to get London here at 17, oddly enough he is not 17. Tae will be missed by Pack Fans, but as a Die Hard Bear fan I say good riddence. Still London will be a problem for opposing Defenses and anyone playing with Aaron Rodgers is immediately elevated to a higher level.

1.18 Philadelphia Eagles (from NO) – George Karlaftis, EDGE

• Tremendous value here for Karlaftis. I could see the Eagles going WR or EDGE here. Honestly I could see the Eagles going in a million different directions here. Karlaftis is a great fit and the team seems to still be in the AJ Brown & DK Metcalf sweepstakes so anything can happen, but as stands I’m going with the Boilermaker at 18 to Philly.

1.19 New Orleans Saints (from PHI) – Desmond Ridder, QB

• More like Taysom Hill than Drew Brees, but the Saints get their guy. Personally I think Ridder sucks. Well let me rephrase.. he sucks. I think he was a hinderance for the Bearcats the past two seasons with his accuracy, can it be fixed most definitely but I wouldn’t take the risk at least not until the very last couple picks of the first round. I actually do have this weird inkling that Ridder will be okay in the NFL, but it is strictly off of how I do not think he is good. It’s weird, but it works. Just like the Saints having Bountygate.

1.20 Pittsburgh Steelers – Sam Howell, QB

• What better than to have an UNC QB mentor (ironically from Mentor, OH) an UNC QB. Perfect for Steelers is probably Malik Willis but second best I think has to be Sam Howell. It just feels right, his hands aren’t too small, etc. Howell seems to need some guidance and teaching, who better to get that from than Mike Tomlin and Mitch Trubisky. Honestly though, any QB stepping into Pittsburgh will have a great support system, plus they won’t be asked to replace Big Ben – just Mitch Trubisky. Win, Win anddd Win for the Steelers.

1.21 New England Patriots – Treylon Burks, WR

• I have no idea what Bill is going to do here. Like I can’t lie he might take another quarterback like I have no clue. Burks is going to be a stud, and even after adding Devante Parker seems like a great fir. Give Mac Jones more weapons. Burks feels like he could be a Deebo / Cordarelle type player with his size and speed. Is he as good as the both of them? Who’s to tell but if he is a fraction of that he will be the most dangerous Patriot WR since a loose Antonio.

1.22 Los Angeles Chargers (from LV via GB) – Devonte Wyatt, IDL

• Chargers trade back and still get who I had them taking at 17. I think they’re good for a CB or DL. Can’t rule out WR but with Mike Williams coming back I like Wyatt here. Wyatt + Bosa + Mack + … omg this defense would be INCREDIBLE. The Chargers are near the top of my Pre Draft Power Rankings, which will be released later this week (👀), and this could bring them to the very top.

1.23 Arizona Cardinals – Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE

• Johnson is a guy that gave me headaches when making this draft. Freak athlete, seems like he could go anywhere from 10 to 30. He only showed off his last year at FSU but all the materials are there for the guy to be an All-Pro. I have questions some teams may not. For that the Cardinals get their Chandler Jones replacement at 23.

1.24 Dallas Cowboys – Bernhard Raimann, OT

• Cowboys recently had an All-Time Great OLine, and with the loss of Collins they have an opening at Tackle. Could see Penning going here as well. They could possibly go WR in Watson here too, but I am feeling Tackle and they can pickup a WR in the later rounds.

1.25 Buffalo Bills – Trent McDuffie, CB

• I could see Devin Lloyd here too, but a potential CB1 offset of White could cause absolute NIGHTMARES for opposing teams. In a league shifting to Offensive juggernauts, having the best DB tandem while Von Miller rushing is a good place to be. Look out for a late CB Steal here.

1.26 Tennessee Titans – Zion Johnson, G

• This is the point in the draft that I just have no clue what could happen. Titans in need of a G/C, tough down hill Zion Johnson could be perfect for the ground and pound on the Back of King Henry. Look for OL or like the Bills, value DBs.

1.27 Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Kenyon Green, G

• Marpet and Cappa are out, Mason and Green in. The Bucs would not miss a beat going with a stud IOL in Kenyon Green here. He’s been slipping a little on draft boards, and should definitely be available here. I think IOL is the move for the Bucs, especially after revamping WR and CB… oh and getting the GOAT back.

1.28 Green Bay Packers – Trevor Penning, OT

• I could see anything here for there Packers. Literally everything they are the new Oakland Raiders of the NFL Draft. I think the best available O Lineman would be smart here after losing 3 key players there. Penning is a solid bet out of Northern Iowa and just sounds like a Packer. Fuck the Packers, though. Great Pick.

1.29 Kansas City Chiefs (from SF via MIA) – Jahan Dotson, WR

• Another 2.0?? Probably not. But maybe. Dotson gives me John Ross / Kadarius Toney vibes more than Tyreke Hill. Although, who knows how good those guys could’ve been in an Andy Reid system. Maybe he will never be Hill but DeSean Jackson would be a hell of a comparison and addition to the team.

1.30 Kansas City Chiefs – David Ojabo, EDGE

• ROBBERY! ROBBERY! This would be a phenomenal move by the Chiefs. I do not think they will stay put at these two selections, but if they do Dotson and Ojabo would be a haul. Ojabo is a STUD and after his unfortunate pro day his draft stock has slid, but a contending team with a late pick could use another edge rusher entering a championship push. I think he’ll be back by then and getting that fifth year option on a stud pass rusher would be a wise decision.

1.31 Cincinatti Bengals – Tyler Linderbaum, C

• What a W for the Bengals. They totally revamped the OL room which was a necessity, but they killed it. Cincy could go CB here or even ILB, but if Linderbaum is here, you take him. He will be an instant upgrade to anyone out there and another Win for the reigning AFC Champs.

1.32 Detroit Lions (from LAR) – Nakobe Dean, ILB

• Dan Campbell rounds out the first round with another Bulldog. Roquan 2.0 for the Lions they revamp their defense at the front 7 level. I could honestly see no ILBs going in the first round, but if either Dean or Lloyd do go on Day One it’d be a good choice.