By Sean Gannon

This Mock Draft was made before the trade from Denver Broncos to Seattle to acquire Russell Wilson. So I am leaving it as Denver for now. Once the new league year begins and the trade becomes official, this will be changed to Seattle.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-14): Evan Neal, OT Alabama

Lawrence had a rough rookie season. However, the Jaguars have Cam Robinson on the franchise tag, adding Evan Neal gives Trevor Lawrence the help he needs to take the next step in year two. Neal has everything you want in an offensive tackle, technical, quick lateral movement, good hand placement on the defenders, and has played at a high level for three straight seasons. He will be an excellent addition to the Jaguars offense. 

2. Detroit Lions (3-13-1): Aiden Hutchinson, Edge Michigan

The stud Michigan product doesn’t move too far, only from Ann Arbor to Detroit. Hutchinson is a proven edge rusher and has all the tangible and intangibles you want in a rusher. Detroit needs help in a lot of places but solidifying edge rushers is essential in the NFL.

3. Houston Texans (4-13): Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge Oregon

Interviews between the Texans front office and Thibodeaux went positively during the combine process, and Houston has no one on defense. Since his first year, Thibodeaux has been a menace and has the size, speed, and strength you love in edge rushers. Houston goes the best player available here.

4. New York Jets (4-13): Kyle Hamilton, S Notre Dame

This might be a reach and could be subject to change, but with a defensive-minded coach in Saleh, I think he goes after players he wants. Maye is looking to be out the door, and secondary help is essential for the Jets defensive success. Hamilton provides an immediate boost for a secondary that struggled all of 2021.

5. New York Giants (4-13): Ikem Ekwonu, OT NC State

Offensive line woes have been a problem for New York for years now, and Nate Solder is no longer with the team. Getting the right tackle of the future can do wonders for Jones in his potential last year and can be an immediate boost for Saquon Barkley, who is looking to bounce back after the previous two years.

6. Carolina Panthers (5-12): Charles Cross, OL Miss St.

They may go QB and surprise, but the offensive line is needed for now. CMC has had two injury-riddled years, and their quarterback play has been awful. With an improved offensive line, better pass protection for whomever their starter is at the quarterback to find DJ Moore and provide more open running lanes for CMC.

7. New York Giants From Chicago: Devin Lloyd, LB Georgia

The Giants could go edge rusher here, but after the injury to Blake Martinez, you could see how weak their linebacking core is. Lloyd is a true sideline to sideline linebacker and was a stud for the national team Georgia Bulldogs defense. He can learn under Martinez (one of the most underrated linebackers in the league) and immediately impact the Giants front seven.

8. Atlanta Falcons (7-10): Travon Walker, Edge Georgia

Falcons may opt to go quarterback, but after the combine, I don’t feel that the quarterbacks have proven to be top 10 picks just yet; maybe the pro-days will switch that for me. After releasing Dante Fwler Jr, they need an edge rusher, and this is the draft to do that as there is an insane amount of pass-rushing and defensive talent. Atlanta can begin to restructure their defense around Walker.

9. Denver Broncos (7-10): Jermaine Johnson II, Edge FSU

After trading away Von Miller, this became a need for them. I loved Jermaine Johnson’s game film, but then in both the senior ball and combine, he put on a show. Johnson is a stud coming off the edge and could be the running mate opposite Bradly Chubb. Reinforcing the defense in a tough AFC West division is crucial for the Broncos.

10. New York Jets (From Seattle, 7-10): Derek Stingley Jr, CB LSU

Jets double down on the secondary in this mock draft, and they could easily go Sauce Gardner here as well. Stingley was a beast for LSU, he has had a down last two years with injuries, but when he is fully healthy, he can be the best corner in the draft. Having him and Hamilton for the Jets could be the young future on defense this team needs.

11. Washington Commanders (7-10): Kenny Pickett, QB Pittsburgh

Washington desperately needs a starting quarterback; everyone has been saying this for years. Don’t worry about Pickett’s hands the way others have. He throws the ball well on short and intermediate passes, putting the ball where the receiver can get it and away from defenders. I think he needs to grow and might not be an immediate day one starter, but having their quarterback of the future will be excellent for the Commanders.

12. Minnesota Vikings (8-9): Amahd “Sauce” Gardner, CB Cincinnati

Vikings secondary has been awful the last two years. They need talent, and they need youth. Gardner did not allow a single touchdown in his college career and didn’t let up more than 50 yards in a game. He has been an absolute menace for opposing offenses, and that’s exactly what the Vikings need in their secondary.

13. Cleveland Browns (8-9): Jordan Davis, DL Georgia

WHAT A COMBINE DAVIS PUT ON. At 6-foot-6, 341 pounds, he ran a 4.78 40 yard dash and notched a 32-inch vertical. This is an insane feat to accomplish for an athlete. He can slide in on the defensive line along with Garrett and Clowney, immediately boosting the front seven of the Browns defense that looked solid in 2021.

14. Baltimore Ravens (8-9): Devonte Wyatt, DL Georgia

Another Georgia player who showed out at the combine, the Ravens, need help in the trenches, especially if they cannot sign free agent Calais Campbell. Wyatt can provide the interior defensive line run stop ability. He’s quick off the snap, and once he gets momentum, good luck stopping him.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (From Miami,): Devin Lloyd, LB Utah

A weakness for the Eagles the last few years has been their linebacking core, and getting Devin Lloyd here is an immediate boost for their front seven. Lloyd can play all over the linebacking area and be a swiss army knife linebacker for the Eagles and can be used in blitz packages as he has solid pass-rushing ability that you cant sleep on.

16. Philadelphia Eagles (From Indianapolis,): David Ojabo, Edge Michigan

Back-to-back defensive players for the Eagles. Derek Barnett never panned out for the Eagles and is a free agent. Brandon Graham is 33 years old and won’t be around forever; they need to get younger in their pass rushers. Ojabo’s pass-rushing ability is excellent; he mixes it up every time, giving tackles, stutter steps, and altered change of pace. He can be a solid addition to the Eagles’ defense.

17. Los Angeles Chargers (9-8): Kenyon Green, IOL Texas A&M

Green can play anywhere on the line, which is suitable for the Chargers; you like players that can do a lot. Herbert only grew more in his second year, and everyone should expect him to make another jump in year three. Green protects one of the best young quarterbacks in the league and helps Austin Eckler in the run game. The Chargers need to protect their franchise quarterback, no better player than Green right now.

18. New Orleans Saints (9-8): Drake London, WR USC

London is 6-foot-5, loves to high point the ball, and can stretch the field deep. He can slide in with Michael Thomas well, and assuming Jameis Winston is the starter again for New Orleans; he will have a ton of fun throwing the deep ball to London. In addition, London is great at creating cornerbacks; his size presents a mismatch against defenses and a great contested catcher. He and Mike Thomas can be an excellent 1-2 punch for the Saints.

19. Philadelphia Eagles (9-8): Jameson Williams, WR Alabama

Do you know what’s better than one Alabama Wide receiver? Two. Williams is coming off of a torn ACL in the National Championship game, so you never know when he could start, and that could be a reason why the Eagles opt for Olave or Wilson, who can play immediately. But Williams is one of the best wideouts in this draft. Great speed, good route running, ability to get YAC, solid separation, and a big catch radius. Once Williams is healthy, he can make an immediate impact on a team

20. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7-1): Malik Willis, QB Liberty

Pittsburgh needs a quarterback; it’s not a surprise after Big Ben announced his retirement. Mason Rudolph is not the future of this team. Willis is a great quarterback with excellent zip-on slant routes and short routes and a solid deep ball hitting wideouts in stride. He has the athletic ability you like in a quarterback extending plays with his legs. Willis is a great player, and head coach Mike Tomlin can bring out the best in anyone.

21. New England Patriots (10-7): Trent McDuffie, CB Washington

The Patriots traded away Stephone Gilmore last year, and it doesn’t seem as though they will resign JC Jackson to the contract he’s earned, so this becomes a need for them. McDuffie has insane athleticism; you can put him inside against the slot receiver or the outside against the burners. Bill loves guys that can do more than is asked of their position and will scheme McDuffie to bring out the best in him at the next level.

22. Las Vegas Raiders (10-7): Boye Mafe, DL Minnesota

Boye is a “my guy” I really like him. He has a great mix of power, speed, and bend, which has been a problem for opposing tackles in college. Mafe dominated the Senior Bowl this year in the 1v1 drills and then showed out in the combine notching a 4.53 40 yard dash. I love the talent he brings to the table.

23. Arizona Cardinals (11-6): Aj Booth Jr, Cb Clemson

Cardinals Achilles heel was the secondary last year. Booth is consistently competitive in coverage, doesn’t give up position on contested catches, and has fluid footwork in coverage. Booth can be the cornerback for the Cardinals and give Budda Baker some support in the secondary. He’s not afraid to come downhill and make a big hit; backpedal with the wideout is smooth, and he has good playmaking ability on the ball. Booth can be an instant impact player for Arizona. 

24. Dallas Cowboys (12-5): Tyler Linderbaum, IOL Iowa

Cowboys have had a solid offensive line for years now, but that doesn’t mean upgrades aren’t welcomed. Linderbaum enters into the draft as one of the best interior offensive linemen who can. Lineup at both guard positions and center. If he somehow falls (there’s a good chance he gets picked earlier in the actual draft), it would be wise for the Cowboys to get depth in a vital position.

25. Buffalo Bills (11-6): Garrett Wilson, WR OSU

The Bills could do a lot with this pick, but they can get a true wide receiver two alongside Stefon Diggs with Wilson still not drafted. Wilson has excellent speed (ran a 4.38 40 yard dash), superb control of his body when making catches, brings in the 50-50 catches, and uses his strength to run through coverage and stick to his route. He can be a great running mate to Diggs and help Josh Allen out in the passing game.

26. Tennessee Titans (12-5): Chris Olave, WR OSU

If wide receiver talent like Olave or Wilson or even Willims is sitting here late in the draft, Tennessee has to make a move for them. They missed Jonu Smith and Corey Davis last year as Julio Jones never reached expectations that so many had. Olave scrambles when his quarterback does, to get open, is excellent on curl routes, has the smooth route-running ability, and can extend the field for the deep ball.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (13-4): Roger McCreary, CB Auburn

After the retirement of Tom Brady and Ali Marpet, Tampa Bay may opt for offensive line or quarterback help. But for now, we need to focus on the secondary, which was the worst in the NFL. McCreary doesn’t let the receiver away from him on vertical runs, is not afraid to be physical with opposing wideouts, and shows up in the big games (watch the film against Alabama). This is what the Buccaneers need for their secondary.  

28. Green Bay Packers (13-4): George Karlaftis, Edge Purdue

The packers have signed Rodgers to a mega-deal and will most likely be releasing Za’Darius Smith to help with the cap. If that’s the case, they need to get after an edge rusher, and Karlaftis is solid. Karlaftis is quick to get hands-on the tackle, plays physical through the play, has the size you see in edge rushers in the NFL, and is good at playing through the whistle. He can fill in for Smith and

29. Miami Dolphins (From San Francisco): Trevor Penning, IOL Northern Iowa

Miami has struggled on the offensive line the last few years, and if they are going to keep Tua around for the long haul, they have to get protection for him. Penning has slowly been growing throughout the senior bowl and combine. He plays with an edge, is solid in the run blocking, and can be used as a pull-blocker on run designs. In addition, Penning has the ideal size that you like to see from your offensive linemen, making it hard for defenders to get around him.

30. Kansas City Chiefs (12-5): Treylong Burks, WR Arkansas

Kansas City can do a lot here, they can make a move on defense, but I love Burks for them. Burks has a huge frame and catch radius, solid route running ability, gets up there for contested catches, and has been used on jet sweeps as a running back. He reminds me of Deebo Samuel or AJ Brown, which on Kansas Citys offense that is already loaded makes them that much more terrifying. He can open their playbook up that much more and allow Hill/Kelce to get even more open than they already are.

31. Cincinnati Bengals (10-7): Zion Johnson, IOL Boston College

Joe Burrow was the most sacked quarterback in the NFL last season, and in the postseason, he was sacked a whopping 19 times. They have to keep him healthy and upright. Johnson is a great pass protector, sustains blocks until the end, has a wide base that allows him to use his strength to overpower defenders. Johnson would be an upgrade for the Bengals roster.

32. Detroit Lions (From Los Angeles Rams): Dexton Hill, S Michigan

The Lions struggled from poor secondary play like so many teams did in 2021. Hill has excellent speed, can play in multiple coverages, understands route development happening around him on the play, and isn’t afraid to jump routes. The Lions could benefit from someone with his speed and decision-making to lead their secondary in the 2022 season.