Round 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft officially kicks off this Thursday April 28 at 8 P.M. ET LIVE from Las Vegas, NV, where yours truly will be in attendance. After spending the last couple of months listening to podcasts and reading every article and mock draft I could find on the web (all while analyzing the moves made in the offseason through trades and free agency), I am finally ready to drop my 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Let’s have some fun!

  1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker DE | Georgia

It has been interesting to see the names that have been suggested as the first overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft throughout this whole process. Initially it seemed to come down to Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux or Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson with Thibodeaux having the slight edge. Once the Jaguars actually landed the pick though, Albama’s Evan Neal became the new favorite, as a replacement for the pending free agent left tackle Cam Robinson. More tape was watched, and suddenly N.C. State’s Ickey Ekwonu overtook Neal as the best tackle prospect and destined blind side protector for Jaguar’s franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Then free agency happened, Cam Robinson was slapped with the franchise tag, and left tackle was no longer the glaring weakness it once was on this Jacksonville depth chart. We were back to Thibodeaux and Hutchinson at the top, only now there were questions about Thibodeaux’s character, motor and love of the game, which gave Hutchinson the nod. Next came the NFL combine and a new contender unveiled himself in Georgia’s Travon Walker. Despite the lack of production in college, Walker’s size, strength, athleticism and untapped potential may remind Jaguars GM Trent Baalke of a guy he drafted back in San Francisco by the name of Aldon Smith. While Hutchinson may be the safer pick, Walker might have the most upside and would pair with Josh Allen to wreak havoc on opposing AFC quarterbacks (a role former 2020 first round pick, K’Lavon Chaisson, has failed to live up to).

2. Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson DE | Michigan

It’s very likely the Jaguars go with Hutchinson, leaving the Lions to choose between Travon Walker and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Lion’s head coach Dan Campbell has already come out and said he’s not a fan of Thibodeaux so if Hutchinson is gone it seems likely that Walker is the pick. In this case Hutchinson is still on the board, which would have Detroit sprinting to the podium to turn in their card for the hometown hero.

3. Houston Texans: Evan Neal OT | Alabama

The Texans are a wildcard at pick number three but they really can’t go wrong with a roster full of holes. Could they follow the theme so far and make it back-to-back-to-back pass rushers with the selection of Kayvon Thibodeaux? Perhaps they opt for a corner like Sauce Gardner or Derek Stingley Jr.? Kyle Hamilton anyone? Any of those moves would be solid for Houston, but I am going to stick to my board and take the best available player in Alabama’s Evan Neal. If Davis Mills is indeed the future at quarterback then Houston needs to protect him. I know Laremy Tunsil is there and they just used a first round pick on Tytus Howard in 2019, but neither of those guys were brought in by current GM Nick Caserio. Drafting Neal gives you flexibility and depth on the offensive line where he can step in at right tackle on day one, allowing you to kick Howard inside to guard, thus strengthening two positions in the process.

4. New York Jets: Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner CB | Cincinnati

Tough decision here if you’re the Jets. Even with Carl Lawson returning from injury, the Jets could use another pass rusher and Kayvon Thibodeux is still on the board. In this scenario you also have arguably the best tackle prospect available in Ickey Ekwonu. Jets GM Joe Douglas has certainly shown over the years through the draft and free agency that this is always an area of focus for them. When I look at this roster though, I see a glaring weakness in the secondary, specifically at the cornerback position. DJ Reed was a nice signing in free agency to hold down the second cornerback spot, but names like Bryce Hall, Michael Carter II, and Brandin Echols are third or fourth string at best. Missing from this Jets team is a true number one, lockdown corner. Enter Sauce Gardner. During his three seasons at Cincinnati, Gardner never allowed a touchdown in coverage, a feat that should give off some Darrelle Revis type vibes for Jets fans.

5. New York Giants: Kayvon Thibodeux EDGE | Oregon

Azeez Ojulari was a solid second round pick last year but this is a Giants team that is used to having guys like Jason Pierre-Paul, Mathias Kiwanuka, Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Michael Strahan wreaking havoc together on the defensive line. Let’s also not forget Giants new GM, Joe Schoen, comes over from Buffalo where he watched Brandon Beane draft guys like Gregory Rousseau, Boogie Basham, and A.J. Epenesa in the first two rounds over the past couple of seasons. I can’t see Thibodeux falling out of the top five.

6. Carolina Panthers: Ickey Ekwonu OT | N.C. State

A lot of discussion around Carolina possibly taking a quarterback here with either Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett or Liberty’s Malik Willis the likely options. While Sam Darnold is clearly not the long-term answer at the position, I have a hard time believing Pickett or Willis is an upgrade and the missing piece the Panthers need to make a playoff push. Head coach Matt Rhule is coaching for his job this upcoming season and needs an immediate impact player with this pick. The hole at left tackle sticks out like a sore thumb on this Panthers roster and at pick number six Carolina should be able to snag one of the top prospects at the position in Neal, Ekwonu or Cross. In this case it’s the local kid Ekwonu who is still on the board. If Ekwonu goes three to the Texans then this could be Evan Neal, but either way the Panthers would be happy. Solidifying the offensive line should hopefully help Darnold, but let’s not forget about the impact it can have for a healthy Christian McCaffrey as well.

7. New York Giants: Charles Cross OT | Mississippi State

I’ve heard the Giants are high on Mississippi State tackle Charles Cross. This offensive line is a mess, and with it being a make or break year for quarterback Daniel Jones, New York needs to do everything they can to help him. That includes using one of your two first round picks on an offensive lineman. Cross can be plugged in right away at right tackle to pair with 2020 first-round pick, Andrew Thomas, giving New York bookend tackles for years to come.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Garrett Wilson WR | Ohio State

Atlanta is another team, like Houston, that can benefit by simply going with the best player available approach. However, the suspension of receiver Calvin Ridley (despite probably being on his way out of town anyway) and the loss of Russell Gage to the division rival Buccaneers, leaves a gaping hole at wide receiver for the Falcons. Names like Auden Tate, Damiere Byrd and Olamide Zaccheaus aren’t exactly striking fear in other teams secondary rooms. There is debate over who the top receiver in this draft class may be in Alabama’s Jameson Williams, USC’s Drake London and Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson. With both Williams and London coming off injuries, let’s make the safer bet and go with Wilson here.

9. Seattle Seahawks: Jermaine Johnson II DE | Florida State

This pick comes from the Denver Broncos as part of the trade package involving Russell Wilson. The Seahawks haven’t picked this high in the draft since they took tackle Russell Okung with the sixth overall pick in 2010. Speaking of tackle, Seattle could definitely use help at that position with holes at both left and right tackle. Evan Neal would be a great pick for them if he slid, but unfortunately the top three tackle prospects are all off the board and it feels a little too early for Northern Iowa’s Trevor Penning. I really wanted to give the Seahawks cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. here but the Seahawks haven’t taken a corner in the first round since Kelly Jennings all the way back in 2006. Seattle seems to make questionable (reach) selections in the first round or typically trade back / out of the first round all together, so be on the lookout for a head scratching move from GM John Schneider. Could a quarterback be in play here? Malik Willis could certainly grow into a Russell Wilson 2.0 in time, but reports are the Seahawks like Drew Lock. I’ll stick to my board and give them a rising prospect in Florida State defensive end Jermaine Johnson II. Johnson II should give them a presence on the edge that this team has been sorely missing ever since Frank Clark left town.

10. New York Jets: Jameson Williams WR | Alabama

The Jets top three areas that they should be looking to address in this years draft are pass rusher, cornerback and wide receiver. We just gave them Sauce at corner with pick number four, and now all the top edge rushers are off the board. (I just want to say that I would also like safety Kyle Hamilton here, but I’m not sure if Jets fans would agree.) What are the chances this pick ends up with the 49ers on draft night and Deebo Samuel is rocking a Gang Green jersey? It’s no secret Joe Douglas is looking to upgrade the wide receiver corps to assist with the development of 2021 first-round pick Zach Wilson. The Jets were so close to landing Tyreek Hill before he chose the division rival Dolphins. Now with Deebo wanting out of town in San Fran and the connection to head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, it makes too much sense for this to get done. So how much will it cost the Jets and will they pay up? Whether this pick is flipped for Samuel or the Jets hold on to it, look for a receiver to be the outcome. I’ve seen a lot of mocks with USC wide receiver Drake London here and I think that makes a lot of sense, especially with Jameson Williams coming off that torn ACL he suffered in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. However, after seeing Williams latest workout video and how ahead of schedule he looks to be, I think a team needs to pull the trigger on him early. J!-E!-T!-S! Jets! Jets! Jets!

11. Washington Commanders: Drake London WR | USC

Some quality options available for the Commanders in the secondary, including cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr. and Trent McDuffie, as well as safety Kyle Hamilton. Hamilton in this defense with that front four of Chase Young, Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne and Montez Sweat, plus linebacker Jamin Davis, would be scary. However, I can’t see Washington using yet another first-round pick on the defense in what would be the sixth draft in a row. You made the trade to bring in Carson Wentz to solidify the quarterback position and so now you need to surround him with weapons. Terry McLaurin is a stud, but he can’t do it all by himself, and let’s not forget he is going into the final year of his deal. Let’s get him a running mate and a nice big red zone target for Wentz in USC’s Drake London.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Derek Stingley Jr. CB | LSU

The Vikings have to be thinking defense with this pick. The Zadarius Smith signing and a return to health for Danielle Hunter solidifies the edges on defense, at least on paper, but more depth could be added either via a top prospect that falls (Jermaine Johnson II, Kayvon Thibodeux or Travon Walker) or maybe even taking a flier on Purdue’s George Karlaftis. There are two storylines I like better for Minnesota though. The first is selecting Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton to pair with, learn from, and eventually take over for, former Notre Dame safety Harrison Smith (a former-first round pick of the Vikes ten years ago (2012)). The other storyline (that I ended up going with) is selecting LSU corner Derek Stingley Jr., who would come in and learn from former LSU standout corner, Patrick Peterson. The Vikings have had some success in drafting former LSU players, most recently with 2020 first-round pick Justin Jefferson. I’m sure the Vikings wish their other first-round pick from that draft, cornerback Jeff Gladney, had panned out so that they wouldn’t need to reinvest in the position again just two years later, but what are you going to do.

13. Houston Texans: Kyle Hamilton S | Notre Dame

After a poor showing at both the NFL combine and his pro day (specifically in the 40-yard dash), there is talk that Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton may slip out of the top ten. As an Eagles fan I’d love to see him make it down to pick number fifteen, but Houston at thirteen looks to be his floor. In this case, the Texans land arguably the best player in this draft class and a tone setter for Lovie Smith’s defense.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Devin Lloyd LB | Utah

Baltimore could really use some help on the offensive line, particularly at center, so a prospect like Iowa’s Tyler Linderbaum makes a lot of sense here. Turning to the defensive side of the ball where the Ravens were a mess in 2021, and there is depth needed at all three levels. On the defensive line, Calais Campbell and Derek Wolfe aren’t getting any younger so a guy like Georgia’s Jordan Davis could be in play. The Ravens also pride themselves in having a deep and talented secondary group so another corner like Washington’s Trent McDuffie to pair with Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters would be a solid pick. What is more telling to me though is the move Baltimore tried to make in the offseason at the linebacker position, trying to land former Seahawk Bobby Wagner before he opted to sign with the Los Angeles Rams. You know they are looking for an upgrade over Josh Bynes and put a premium at that linebacker position, so I actually like Devin Lloyd here. Lloyd is a stat sheet stuffer and a top fifteen prospect in this draft class who would pair nicely with 2020 first-round pick Patrick Queen.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Jordan Davis DT | Georgia

The Eagles can go in a lot of different directions and have set themselves up nicely with two first-round picks this year and two first-round picks next year. Some believe the Eagles should use these picks on offense to help support their young quarterback, Jalen Hurts. Could a wide receiver be in play in the first-round for the third straight year? With former 2020 first-round pick Jalen Reagor looking like a bust, it’s certainly plausible, but you could also argue a quarterback’s best friend is a good defense. Philadelphia could really use some impact players at all three levels of the defense and with the fifteenth overall pick I have them starting up front with Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis. Davis put on a show at the NFL combine and something about him just screams Eagles. I can honestly see Philly trading up to make sure they get him. Fletcher Cox isn’t getting any younger and just re-signed on a one-year deal, so drafting Davis allows the Eagles to let him learn behind Cox for a year before stepping in to replace him as a full-time starter in 2023.

16. New Orleans Saints: Trevor Penning OT | Northern Iowa

New Orleans has two first-round picks of their own now after acquiring what was the Eagles third first-round pick. The Saints believe they can contend now in a weak NFC, or so we think. There’s no telling what the Saints may be up to. Could they be looking to draft a quarterback like Liberty’s Malik Willis, Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett or Mississippi’s Matt Corral? Their pursuit of Deshaun Watson this offseason makes you wonder. Jameis Winston played well for New Orleans last season though before going down with a torn ACL, so I am going to give him the benefit of the doubt and get him some help. Terron Armstead’s signing with the Miami Dolphins leaves a massive hole at left tackle and we know the Saints put a premium on their offensive line. Trevor Penning, is the consensus fourth best tackle in this draft class and this is about in the range where he is expected to go. This fills a need for New Orleans and would give them four former first-round picks on that offensive line.

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Kenyon Green G | Texas A&M

I’m betting the Chargers have their eyes on the two prospects that just came off the board to the Eagles at fifteen and Saints at sixteen and those teams know it. Defensively the Chargers spent a lot in free agency to bring in a couple of run-stuffing defensive tackles in Austin Johnson and Sebastian Joseph-Day along with an interception machine in cornerback JC Jackson. Let’s also not forget about the trade made with the Chicago Bears to add Khalil Mack on the edge opposite Joey Bosa. While a corner like Trent McDuffie could be in play to add even more firepower to the secondary, this defense seems pretty stacked already. Meanwhile on the other side of the ball, the offensive line is looking suspect, especially on the right side with holes at guard and tackle. With Trevor Penning off the board to the Saints in the pick prior, what about giving the Chargers the best guard prospect in this year’s draft? Texas A&M’s Kenyon Green is extremely versatile, having played each position along the offensive line, and would be a nice piece to go along with last year’s first-round pick Rashawn Slater. A wildcard move here could also be Ohio State receiver Chris Olave, but at the end of the day if Los Angeles want to make a real run, they need to protect their franchise quarterback, Justin Herbert.

18. Philadelphia Eagles: Trent McDuffie CB | Washington

I’m sure I am a little biased as a Philadelphia Eagles fan putting together this mock draft, but this would be a dream scenario for me if we somehow came away with Jordan Davis and Trent McDuffie in the first-round. That, or we trade up for a top ten prospect. I realize the Eagles haven’t taken a cornerback since 2002 when they selected Lito Sheppard 26th overall but something’s gotta give. Cornerback Darius Slay is still a stud but he’s getting up there in age and Philly could use an upgrade across from him, especially with Steven Nelson signing with the Texans. I was tempted to go receiver here with Chris Olave and Treylon Burks still on the board, but with a name like McDuffie, this dude just sounds like he belongs in Philadelphia.

19. New Orleans Saints: Chris Olave WR | Ohio State

Again, assuming the Saints are all in with Jameis Winston at quarterback this season, it’s all about reloading this offense. They were able to grab a left tackle at pick sixteen in this mock draft, and so here with their second first-round pick we address their other weakness at receiver, opting to select Ohio State’s Chris Olave. Michael Thomas has not been able to stay healthy the last two seasons and frankly theres no telling if he is still the same player he once was. Hopefully Thomas can return to the same level of play that netted him Offensive Player of the Year honors back in 2019, but regardless, this receiver room could use another weapon and Olave is just what the doctor ordered.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenny Pickett QB | Pittsburgh

I’ve waited until pick number twenty to have the first quarterback come off the board. Personally I don’t believe any of these quarterback prospects are worth a first-round pick and yet somehow, come draft day, a number of these guys will hear their names called in round one. The importance of the position along with that the fifth-year option is going to prove to be too valuable and will in turn catapult some of these quarterbacks up into the first round. The names to be aware of are Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett, Liberty’s Malik Willis, Mississippi’s Matt Corral, Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder and North Carolina’s Sam Howell. Team’s that could potentially be looking to add a quarterback include the Steelers, Lions, Panthers, Falcons, Seahawks, Saints and I’d throw the Titans in there as a wild card. I’ve heard a lot of buzz for Malik Willis to the Steelers, but I like the storyline of Kenny Pickett being their guy better after playing his college ball at Pittsburgh, on Heinz Field. Mitch Trubisky was brought in as a bridge the gap starter, Mason Rudolph has proven to be an adequate back-up at best, and with the sudden and tragic passing of Dwayne Haskins earlier this month, competition at the quarterback position is needed. In a move similar to what Ozzie Newsome did in his last draft as Baltimore’s GM in selecting Lamar Jackson, I can see something similar playing out with Kevin Colbert in Pittsburgh to replace the hall of famer Ben Roethlisberger.

21. New England Patriots: Daxton Hill S | Michigan

Everyone seems to think wide receiver to the Patriots at pick number 21 but with the failed development of 2019 first-round pick N’Keal Harry and the recent acquisition of former Dolphin Devante Parker, I don’t think New England is looking for a wideout here. If there is a bigger need on offense it would be at guard with the trade of Shaq Mason to the Buccaneers this offseason. With how poorly this defense played down the stretch last season though I gotta believe the Pats will be looking to that side of the ball. There are two players in this draft class that I think scream New England Patriots in the first round and they are Utah’s Devin Lloyd and Michigan’s Dax Hill. With Lloyd off the board, you could argue Nakobe Dean here, but I like Hill better. He is an extremely versatile player with the ability to play safety or slot corner which is a skillset the Patriots covet. With the loss of JC Jackson at cornerback and the aging of safeties Devin McCourty and Adrian Phillips, this pick makes too much sense.

22. Green Bay Packers: Treylan Burks WR | Arkansas

The Packers haven’t taken a receiver in the first round since 2002 when they selected Javon Walker 20th overall, however if I don’t mock a wideout to Green Bay my Packer friends are going to riot, and with good reason! Aaron Rodgers favorite target, Davante Adams, will be catching passes from Derek Carr next season leaving the Packers wide receiver room with a soon to be 32-year-old Randall Cobb, Sammy Watkins and Allen Lazard. Yikes! With Rodgers opting to return to Green Bay this offseason on a new deal making him the highest paid quarterback in the league, if the Packers hope to make another run, then he is going to need all the help they can get him. Burks is a big bodied do-it-all receiver who specializes in yards after catch and is only available in this scenario due to a poor showing during the combine. Make no mistake about it, Burks could go on to be one of the best receivers in this draft class when we look back in five years.

23. Arizona Cardinals: Jahan Dotson WR | Penn State

The Cardinals are kicking themselves for not being able to land Burks or Olave, but Jahan Dotson is a nice consolation prize. Let’s face it, this is the Kyler Murray show and Arizona needs to do whatever it takes to make him happy and set him up for success. Kliff Kingsbury’s air raid offense calls for 4-5 receivers on the field at all times which the Cardinals depth chart currently does not have last time I checked. DeAndre Hopkins, AJ Green and Rondale Moore round out the top three receiver spots with Hopkins returning from injury (and turning 30), Green who just recently resigned (and is turning 34 before the season begins), and Moore, a second-round pick from last year, who has shown flashes at best. Don’t even bother mentioning 2019 second-round pick Andy Isabella. The truth of the matter is, this is a thin and aging wide receiver group that is one injury away from the Cardinals shitting the bed and Murray forcing his way out of town. Dotson can more than make up for the loss of Christian Kirk and help keep Arizona in contention. Other positions to keep an eye on include cornerback and edge rusher after the loss of Chandler Jones to the Raiders in free agency.

24. Dallas Cowboys: George Karlaftis Edge | Purdue

Turn your attention to the trenches where on one side, what was once arguably the most dominate offensive line in the league a few years ago is now old and leaky while on the other side it’s… well pretty much the same. Let’s go through this Dallas offensive line: At left tackle you have Tyron Smith who while still only 31, has 12 years in this league now and has battled his fair share of injuries. At left guard, Connor Williams (who was a scrub anyway) leaves and signs with the Dolphins in free agency leaving a gaping hole. Center seems solidified with Tyler Biadasz who has done a nice job replacing Travis Frederick and Joe Looney but Iowa’s Tyler Linderbaum would definitely be an upgrade. Zack Martin remains a steady presence at right guard but is now 31. Finally at right tackle you released La’el Collins who went on to sign with the Cincinnati Bengals, which leaves you with Terence Steele. The problem now is what options will you have available to you at pick 24 to address the offensive line issues you so clearly have. I already mentioned Linderbaum, but if Kenyon Green is still on the board I think you go with him and that Texas connection. Zion Johnson is another option of course. Or, you go defense. Dallas needs a pass rusher after botching Randy Gregory’s contract and watching him sign with the Denver Broncos instead. Also, as much as you love Demarcus Lawerence, he turns 30 on draft day and hasn’t had the production you’ve been looking for since 2018. I give you Purdue’s George Karlaftis. While Karlaftis himself doesn’t have the sack numbers that some of the other top prospects in this draft class have, this dude was in conversations to be the top pick in this draft just last fall and so I can’t see him falling out of the first round.

25. Buffalo Bills: Andrew Booth CB | Clemson

I’ve seen some recent mocks calling for the Bills to draft Iowa State running back Breece Hall. While I agree the Bills could use an upgrade at the position, this draft class doesn’t warrant a running back going in round one. The Bills should be able to grab a back in rounds two or three if needed. To me, this is one of the easiest teams to mock. Cornerback Tre’Davious White is coming back from a torn ACL while opposite starting corner, Levi Wallace, is now a Pittsburgh Steeler. I think Bills go best cornerback available on their board and for me that’s Andrew Booth from Clemson. Book it, or should I say, Booth it.

26. Tennessee Titans: Zion Johnson G | Boston College

The Titans have done a solid job during the offseason addressing most of their needs. Re-signing Harold Landry after a career best year keeps the pass-rush intact, while on offense, the trade for Robert Woods fills the wide receiver void left after the failed Julio Jones experiment, and the signing of Austin Hooper gives them a respectable option at the tight end position that the team was missing last season without Jonnu Smith. The one place the Titans have failed to improve however, is along the offensive line. Rodger Saffold was released and then signed with Buffalo, leaving a big hole at guard. I like the connection of Zion Johnson to Tennessee. Head coach Mike Vrabel’s son, Tyler, was Johnson’s roommate and teammate at Boston College. Let’s make this happen!

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devonte Wyatt DT | Georgia

There have been a bunch of situations in this mock where a player a team probably has their eye on is getting scooped up a pick or two before they are on the clock, which means things should get interesting with a flurry of trades on draft day. Tampa Bay lost both their starting guards this offseason in Ali Marpet (retirement) and Alex Cappa (signed with Bengals), and were only able to replace one of them with the offseason acquisition of former Patriot, Shaq Mason. The Bucs would be thrilled to grab a Kenyon Green or Zion Johnson here to plug and play at the other guard spot. With neither on the board, I think the Buccaneers shift their attention to the other side of the ball where defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh remains unsigned, leaving another big hole on that defensive line. Georgia’s Devonte Wyatt would form a formidable wall alongside Vita Vea that no opposing offensive line would enjoy facing. Wyatt is rumored to slide a bit due to some off the field issues, but Tampa Bay has a strong locker room and coaching staff to handle any concern. Wyatt actually had more production than fellow Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis and may be the better pro when it’s all said and done. Keep an eye on Wyatt’s teammate, safety Lewis Cine here too.

28. Green Bay Packers: Nakobe Dean LB | Georgia

I know I decided to give the Packers a receiver at 22 but if I’m going to be honest, I could really see them bypassing the position in the first-round altogether and wait until day two to take a wideout. Green Bay has had a lot of success finding pass catchers over the years like Davante Adams, Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, James Jones, etc later in the draft. So where else could the Pack be thinking? Pass-rusher could certainly be in the mix for some depth behind Preston Smith and Rashan Gary, especially with Zadarius Smith now with the division rival Vikings. Their other two biggest needs are linebacker and offensive line. I really like Georgia’s Nakobe Dean, and believe he is the best linebacker in this draft, certainly worthy of a top 15-20 pick. There are rumblings that due to his size he may slide, potentially out of the the first-round entirely, which would be dumb. This Packers defense looks really good on paper right now and Dean could be the missing piece as an upgrade over Krys Barnes, that finally gets Green Bay over the hump. At offensive line I could see Central Michigan’s Bernhard Raimann or Tulsa’s Tyler Smith as options here too.

29. Kansas City Chiefs: Kaiir Elam CB | Florida

Back-to-back first-round picks for the Chiefs here at 29 and 30 with three areas they need to address in cornerback, edge and wide receiver. The loss of Charvarius Ward to the 49ers in free agency leaves this secondary looking a little thin. I like Florida’s Kaiir Elam as a first-round cornerback prospect and this feels about the range he could go.

30. Kansas City Chiefs: David Ojabo Edge | Michigan

David Ojabo was a top 15 pick before suffering a torn achilles at his pro day. In years past you would typically see such players drop out of the first round entirely and come off the board sometime in the second round, but not this year. This year, the talent you’ll find between the back half of the first round through the second round is about the same. With a plethora of picks in this years draft, the Chiefs can afford to take a chance on a player with upside in Ojabo and reap the benefits. If Kansas City believes they need to make a selection on a prospect that can start on day one though, then keep an eye on Minnesota’s Boye Mafe or Penn State’s Arnold Ebiketie. I’ve also heard some last minute buzz for Georgia receiver George Pickens with one of these picks, which would tie the 2004 record for most receivers taken in the first round (7).

31. Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Linderbaum C | Iowa

Iowa’s Tyler Linderbaum is one of the top center prospects to come out in the last decade and yet no mock drafts I’ve seen are giving him any love. He is easily one of the top 10-15 prospects in this draft class and would be deserving to go in that range, but for whatever reason (arm length?) he is being mocked late first or not until early second round. Blows my mind. If Linderbaum were still here at 31 when the Bengals are currently scheduled pick, I think it’s a no brainer. Billy Price was supposed to be Cincinnati’s franchise center when he was drafted out of Ohio State in the first round of the 2018 draft but alas he was a bust. Joe Burrow took a beating last year, getting sacked 51 times in the regular season, 19 times in the playoffs, and then seven times in the Super Bowl. Those numbers are inexcusable, you must protect your franchise quarterback! The Bengals did a solid job of addressing the offensive line this offseason in bringing in former Buccaneer Alex Cappa at guard, former Patriot Ted Karras at center, and former Cowboy La’el Collins at right tackle, but they shouldn’t stop there. Ted Karras should not be looked at as a long-term answer and would be a better option at left guard, paving the way for Linderbaum.

32. Detroit Lions: Malik Willis QB | Liberty

Here we are back on the quarterbacks. It’s a pick your favorite ice cream between Kenny Pickett, Malik Willis, Matt Corral and Desmond Ridder. Malik Willis will need a season or two to develop but has the potential to be a game changer at the quarterback position. He can get drafted anywhere from Atlanta at eight to Detroit at 32. As a poor man’s Lamar Jackson, who went 32 to the Ravens in 2018, I like this spot for Willis too. Detroit has done their homework on Malik, having coached him at the Senior Bowl. Taking him here gives the Lions that coveted fifth-year option, and allows Willis to sit behind Jared Goff before taking the reigns in Motor City.