By Sean Gannon

1. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-14): Aiden Hutchinson, Edge Michigan

The Jags addressed the offensive line issues during free agency thus far and opt to go a complementary pass rusher to Josh Allen. However, Hutchinson has all the tools to succeed at the next level and should make an immediate impact on Jacksonville.

2. Detroit Lions (3-13-1): Travon Walker, DL Georgia

The Lions need help all over the defense. Going for a cornerback here might be too much of a reach. So instead, they opt to help out their defensive line after releasing Trey Flowers this offseason. Walker is a true run stuffer with excellent use of his hands at the point of contact and insane strength where he pushes right through the gap. Lions will love this to stop Aaron Jones and Dalvin Cook.

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

Three defensive players in the first three picks; everyone loves that. Thibodeaux has been a problem since his first year. His quickness, size, strength, and understanding of the game are incredible for such a young player. Lovie Smith will have a field day developing him into one of the best young edge rushers in the NFL.

4. New York Jets (4-13): Sauce Gardner, CB Cincinnati

Gardner is one of the best corners in this draft, if not the best. He hasn’t allowed a touchdown in his collegiate career and hasn’t allowed more than a 50-yard game. He loves the man coverage, understands play development, and makes his adjustments when needed. Saleh could do wonders for his development.

5. New York Giants (4-13): Evan Neal, OT Alabama

Neal falls right into the Giants’ lap here. Offensive line issues have been their Achilles heel for years. Neal has all the tools for a blocker and an even better technique to back it up. Jones (or whoever their quarterback is after 2022) will welcome the upgrade in protection. Hopefully, it will bring Barkley back to the back that he was just a few years ago.

6. Carolina Panthers (5-12): Ickey Ekwonu, OT NC State

Tyler Moton was the only bright spot for the Panthers’ offensive line last year, and getting the big-bodied Ekwonu provides a bully on the offensive line. Panthers could go quarterback here, but solidifying their offensive line will help out CMC (injured the past two years) and provide the protection they need to develop a young quarterback in the future.

7. New York Giants (From Chicago, 6-11): Kyle Hamilton, S Notre Dame

The Giants could go Devin Lloyd or even Jermaine Johnson. Still, I like Hamilton with Bradberry and Jackson holding down the secondary. Hamilton plays coverage on tight ends and receivers; he’s not afraid to line up in the box and rush after the quarterback; he is an excellent tackler in space and offers quick support against the run. He is just a true do it all safety and something the Giants haven’t had in a few years.

8. Atlanta Falcons (7-10): Garrett Wilson, WR OSU

The Falcons need a playmaker with Ridley out for the entire year. Wilson is a great route-runner, catches the 50-50 ball, and is much faster than defenders expect. He should pair well with Kyle Pitts and hopefully give Mariota the help he needs to find ways to win games.

9. Seattle Seahawks (From trade with Denver Broncos, 7-10): Devin Lloyd, LB Utah

Seattle needs help everywhere, but after releasing Bobby Wagner, their linebacking core becomes a glaring issue. Lloyd is an authentic sideline to sideline backer who pass rushes, plays coverage on tight ends, and even picks off the ball at times. Seattle’s defense was always so good because Wagner understood what needed to get done and was the team’s field general. Lloyd can be a tremendous asset to a Seattle team that enters a full rebuild mode and possibly fill the vast shoes Wagner has left behind.

10. New York Jets (From Seattle, 7-10): Charles Cross, OT Miss State

The Jets have not had the offensive line they’ve wanted to help develop young quarterbacks. It was a problem back during Sam Darnold’sDarnold’s tenure and the first season with Zach Wilson; it was a problem once again. Cross is solid in pass protection, good body control, and hand placement. He could bump into the inside of the offensive line but getting Wilson the security he needs will help bring out the best in the entire offense and allow for plays to develop.

11. Washington Commanders (7-10): Drake London, WR USC

This is more for Terry McLaurin than anyone. He needs someone opposite of him if the Commanders hope to have a better season offensively now with Carson Wentz. London is a big-bodied receiver making him excellent on contested catches. He can stretch the field and has the potential to be a RedZone nightmare with his 6’4″ height.

12. Minnesota Vikings (8-9): Derek Stingley Jr, CB LSU

A new era in Minnesota but the same problems. The Vikings’ secondary was terrible the last few years, and an immediate upgrade is necessary. Stingley has everything you want in a corner; great backpedal, tracks down the ball well, anticipates routes, and excellent man coverage. He can be the future of the Vikings secondary and learn from LSU alum Patrick Peterson in his rookie season.

13. Houston Texans (From trade with Cleveland,8-9): AJ Booth, CB Clemson

Texans double down on the defense in the first round and opt not to go, quarterback. Lovie Smith is a defensive mind guy and wants it to be the backbone of his team. Booth comes with excellent playmaking ability on the ball, fits into zone-friendly defenses, and with a great backpedal, he provides the Texans with youth and talent in their secondary.

14. Baltimore Ravens (8-9): Tyler Linderbaum, G/C Iowa

It’s very tempting to go defense here (it’s always possible Calais Campbell comes back). Still, after the injury to Lamar Jackson last year, protection is vital for their success. Linderbaum is a great interior protector; he’s extremely explosive off the snap, has excellent positioning, is a solid run blocker, and has great footwork. For years to come, he can protect Jackson and be an anchor for a run-heavy Ravens offense.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (From Miami, 9-8): Chris Olave, WR OSU

The Eagles need more playmakers (Reagor hasn’t panned out yet), and Olave is just what they could use to add some offensive juice to this team. Olave understands the quarterback and runs back on scrambles, is great in the short passing game and turning it into big yardage plays, and gets separation from cornerbacks. In addition, he can slide well into an offense and work with Devonta Smith.

16. Philadelphia Eagles (From Indianapolis, 9-8): Trent Mcduffie, CB Washington

Mcduffie loves the man coverage, and that’s what this Eagles defense is built on. Learning under Darius Slay (one of the best man-to-man cover corners) will give him all the resources he needs to succeed on the next level. Mcduffie is aggressive with receivers, doesn’t give up on the play, and isn’t afraid to come downhill and support the run. 

17. Los Angeles Chargers (9-8): Tyler Penning, OT Northern Iowa

The Chargers cut ties with Bryan Bulaga this offseason and have a hole at right tackle. Penning can come in to protect Justin Herbert. He’s great in the run game, gets into the second level well, and has the quickness to be a pull blocker on runs or used in the screen game. The Chargers made a great selection with Slater last year, and they double down on the offensive line again this year.

18. New Orleans Saints (9-8): Jameson Williams, WR Alabama

Williams falls into the Saints’ lap at 18. He comes with some injury concerns after tearing his ACL, and there isn’t a clear timetable for his return. However, he creates separation easily, has a big catch radius, excellent yards after the catch, and solid route-running ability. With Michael Thomas coming back fully healthy, this has the potential to be one of the best receiving duos in the NFL when fully healthy.

19. Philadelphia Eagles (9-8): Zion Johnson, G Boston College

The Eagles’ offensive line was an issue in their playoff game against Tampa Bay. Going for Johnson after adding a playmaker and defensive starter is a brilliant move for the Eagles. Johnson is an outstanding overall guard in passing protection and run blocking, with great speed and agility. If Philly doesn’t opt to trade any of their picks, they end up in a great situation for their future after just making it to the playoffs last year.

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

The first quarterback off the board in this draft! The Steelers did sign Mitchell Trubsiky in free agency. He will be the bridge quarterback for Willis; cutting Trubisky next offseason saves $8 million in cap and only 2.6 in dead money. Willis has a year to develop with little pressure to start. He was great at the college level and showed off his big arm capability during Liberty’s Pro Day. He extends plays using his legs and has excellent throws on the sideline. He can become the franchise quarterback Pittsburgh needs following the Big Ben era.

21. New England Patriots (10-7): Jermaine Johnson II, Edge FSU

Patriots need some help in the pass-rushing alongside Matt Judon. Johnson has been ultra-productive during his time in college. He’s agile, sheds blocks quickly, and doesn’t stop until the whistle blows. That’s a Bill Belichick guy who can find success on the defense. He and Matt Judon will make an excellent pairing.

22. Green Bay Packers (From Trade with Las Vegas,10-7): George Karlaftis, Edge Purdue

The Packers released Zadarius Smith and suddenly need to fill in their pass-rushing unit. Karlaftis is a physical edge rusher who adjusts his pass-rushing when the quarterback steps up in the pocket; he’s quick off the line and is a solid tackler. He can be the running mate to Preston Smith during the 2022 season.

23. Arizona Cardinals (11-6): Jordan Davis, DL Georgia

Davis dominated the combine and has the strength, power, and explosiveness you want in a defensive tackle. He destroyed opposing offensive linemen in college and should do the same in the NFL. The Cardinals need help on the defensive side of the ball, and going for defensive linemen after losing Chandler Jones is the right move

24. Dallas Cowboys (12-5): Boye Mafe, Edge Minnesota

Dallas lost Randy Gregory in Free Agency, so filling this position now is needed. Mafe has excellent power, gets off the block with ease, and possesses the overall athleticism to be a standout edge rusher. With Dan Quinn leading the Cowboys’ defense, Mafe’s ceiling is sky-high.

25. Buffalo Bills (11-6): Roger McCreary, CB Auburn

Previous White is one of the best corners in the league, and Buffalo missed him during their playoff run. McCreary is a tried and true man-to-man cover corner and loves the physical game against wideouts. He dominated in the game against Alabama and roughed up Jahan Dotson in their game against Penn State. He will work great on the opposite side of the field of White and could make the Bills’ secondary one of the best in league with Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer.

26. Tennessee Titans (12-5): Kenyon Green, OG Texas A&M

Tennessee released Rodger Saffold in the offseason, leaving a massive gap in the interior of the offensive line. Green was a great guard in college; he doesn’t allow defenders inside the gas, gets to the second level well and has excellent hand placement in the run game. Derrick Henry will welcome a run-heavy guard to his team to help him recapture the rushing title.

27. Tampa Buccaneers (13-4): Devonte Wyatt, DL Georgia

Buccaneers could opt for secondary help, but with wholes in their front seven, it wouldn’t surprise me if they choose to reinforce their front line. Davis is a great defenseman whose motor doesn’t quit and is always looking to make a play; he will be a menace up the A gap against the run, which is how the Buccaneers like to play their defense. Davis can slide in well with Vita Vea, and if Tampa Bay signs Suh like he has been teasing on Twitter, they are in great shape across their defensive line.

28. Green Bay Packers (13-4): Treylon Burks, WR Arkansas

No one can replace Devante Adams’s shoes, they are too big to fill, but that being said, the Packers need help at the receiver position. Allen Lazard is their wide receiver one on the roster, and while he is good, he is not “the guy” to get it done. Burks offers a considerable frame, solid speed, and great route running, with the ability to stretch the ball downfield or take handoffs on jet sweeps. He provides a lot of work from the wideout position and is something that the Packers can utilize on the offensive side of the ball.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (From Trade with Miami, 9-8): Dax Hill, S Michigan

Kansas City got younger by signing Justin Reid in Free Agency but let Daniel Sorensen leave after a fierce 2021 campaign. The Chiefs need the help in their secondary if they hope to slow down the insane talent in the AFC West. Hill offers versatility with coach Spags loves. With the ability to play deep safety in multiple coverages or man-to-man coverage in the nickel spot, Hill’s speed and explosiveness make him a great defensive player who can create turnovers and immediately impact defense.

30. Kansas City Chiefs (12-5): Jahan Dotson, WR Penn State

No one can replace Tyreek Hill, but Kansas City will have to try. Dotson can run routes on all three levels against the defense, has great footwork, gets separation from defenders, and has great adjustment when catching the ball. Dotson offers the playmaking ability that both Reid and Beinimy love in their offense. They will find ways to scheme him into the offense.

31. Cincinnati Bengals (10-7): Nakobe Dean, LB Georgia

The Bengals could opt for secondary help here but instead support their front seven. Dean is a great athlete who’s as good at stopping the run as covering screenplays. Dean offers sideline to sideline play from the linebacking position and can pass rush on blitz packages. Cincinnati has everything it needs offensively to win a championship. If their defense can improve just a little, this could be one of the best teams in football for years to come.

32. Detroit Lions (From Los Angeles Rams, 12-5): Kenny Pickett, QB Pitt

Personally, I don’t think the Lions have to go after a quarterback in the first round or even the draft. I think they could sit with Goff for another year or two before they HAVE to get a quarterback, but that said, Kenny Pickett falls in this draft. They choose not to pass on the opportunity to grab one of the better quarterbacks coming into the draft. Pickett can make all of the throws you want to see coming from a quarterback and isn’t afraid to take off with his legs. He made huge improvements from his 2020 to his 2021 season and looked through his progressions when dropping back on passes. He is a small project, especially with the lack of playmaking weapons that the Lions possess, but he could take over the team in a year or two.