With Mental Dimes first 2 mock drafts I consolidated Trevor’s, Jamie’s & mine into one. With our final mock draft, I’m letting all 3 of our voices be heard. This will allow us all to get recognition & it can be fun to see who has the closest mock draft to the real thing.
- Jacksonville Jaguars
Aaron’s Pick – Travon Walker EDGE Georgia
Trent Baalke was the guy who took a chance on traits with Aldon Smith & DeForrest Buckner in San Fransisco. He could go with Aidan Hutchinson here, but I think the ceiling for Travon Walker may be too enticing for him.
Trevor’s Pick – Aidan Hutchinson EDGE Michigan
The #1 player on the board married with the #1 pick Jacksonville can’t go wrong. This multi-faceted defensive threat. Some may think of adding a tackle here, but with Cam Robinson franchise tagged & Brandon Scherff brought in as a free agent it makes sense to grab an elite defender rather than adding to an already crowded offensive line
Jamie’s Pick – Aidan Hutchinson EDGE Michigan
In the pass happy league that is the NFL Jacksonville has to bolster its pass rush. The 6’6 265-pound edge rusher out of Michigan will do just that. If he can stay healthy for the entire season, he could easily be a favorite for defensive rookie of the year.
2. Detroit Lions
Aaron’s Pick – Aidan Hutchinson EDGE Michigan
With the Jags taking Walker in my draft the hometown hero falls right into the Lion’s lap at #2 overall. The lions would love nothing more than to have this guy on their defensive line running down opposing QBs for the next decade in his hometown city of Detroit & the fans would love this pick too putting money in their pockets for jersey & ticket sales.
Trevor’s Pick – Travon Walker EDGE Georgia
Detroit wisely chooses Walker despite QB rumors. Dan Campbell muddied the waters by saying they weren’t dead set on the QB spot. That plays out with the #2 pick here Walker is a monster that fueled an elite Georgia defense. we can assume those testing numbers will translate well at the next level & he’ll be wreaking havoc in the NFC North for years to come
Jamie’s Pick – Evan Neal OT Alabama
Rumors of a QB have been spreading about this pick. But rather than reach for one here I’ll grab a protector for the guy currently under center in Jared Goff. Evan Neal is a physical specimen that can play all over the line for now and be the future blindside blocker for whomever they end up with at QB.
3. Houston Texans
Aaron’s Pick – Evan Neal OT Alabama
I feel like the Texans would be smart to grab the best offensive lineman in the draft in my opinion, could play either guard position for the time being, or right tackle before eventually switching over to left tackle when they figure out what they want to do with Laremy Tunsil at left tackle.
Trevor’s Pick – Evan Neal OT Alabama
“Davis Mills is our QB” this is a Lovie Smith quote, with that being said the Texans grab a protector for their young QB. Evan Neal can effectively fill in any gap along the Texans offensive line.
Jamie’s Pick -Travon Walker EDGE Georgia
Texans chose to hire a defensive minded head coach in Lovie Smith, and he will begin building his defense up front by building a scary defensive line. With Hutchinson off the board the Texans grab the next best pass rusher in Travon Walker. Walker won a national championship as a key cog to the national championship Georgia Bulldogs & he will help change the culture in Houston.
4. New York Jets –
Aaron’s Pick – Kayvon Thibodeaux EDGE Oregon
Early in the draft process Thibodeaux was considered a possible #1 pick, however some questioned his love for the game when he said he chose Oregon over Alabama because it was about more than football, what better place to build your brand than in New York? I think this pick works well for both sides, remember when Saleh had those dominant defenses in San Fransisco that got him the job in New York he had Bosa coming off the edge, I’m not saying Thibodeaux is on Bosa’s level, but who knows how good he can be with great coaching.
Trevor’s Pick – Kayvon Thibodeaux EDGE Oregon
The Jets are in desperate need of a defensive star & Thibodeaux will gladly answer the call to the tune of 10+ sacks a year in Robert Saleh’s defense
Jamie’s Pick – Kayvon Thibodeaux EDGE Oregon
The Jets followed the Bills blueprint in hiring a defensive minded head coach in Robert Saleh. Saleh is attempting a culture change in New York & needs key players to buy in to the long, but worthwhile process of building through the draft with young leaders one of which being Thibodeaux.
5 New York Giants
Aaron’s pick *TRADE ALERT*
Giants receive 20th pick 2022 draft, 52nd pick in 2022 draft, 208th pick 2022 draft 1st round pick in 2023 draft & 2nd round pick in 2023 draft.
Steelers receive 5th pick in 2022 NFL Draft
Kenny Pickett QB Pittsburgh
I’ll be honest, this trade took a lot more than I thought it would, but thedraftnetwork.com draft simulator won’t let you pull off just any trade. Kenny Pickett is the best QB in this draft & the steelers jump up here in front of the Carolina panthers whose owner is from Pittsburgh & the head coach that recruited Kenny Pickett out of high school in Matt Rhule. The steelers lost Ben Roethlisberger to retirement after the season so those are big shoes to fill & Kenny Pickett may have been the best QB playing home games at Heinz field last season anyway. Bold move here, but I think it’s worthwhile for the Steelers
Trevor’s Pick – Ikem Ekwonu OT NC State
Ekwonu is by far the best run blocker in this class. The giants who had a terrible offensive line last season would benefit immediately from a multi position player like Ekwonu who’s elite skills should put him in the mix right away.
Jamie’s Pick – Ikem Ekwonu OT NC State
The Giants also following the Bills way after hiring Daboll & Shoen from that organization. Giants’ owner John Mara is on record saying they haven’t done enough for QB Daniel Jones, so with the first pick of the Daboll era they grab an OT that is smart & athletic enough to play anywhere on the offensive line.
6. Carolina Panthers
Aaron’s Pick – Ikem Ekwonu OT NC State
With pass rushers flying off the board & the Steelers coming up in a bold move to grab their QB the panthers might think about trading back from this spot as they don’t have another pick until the fourth round. Instead, I have them grabbing the first or second ranked OT on the board. LT has been a revolving door since Jordan Gross retired in 2013, the panthers hope to rectify that position with this pick
Trevor’s Pick – Malik Willis QB Liberty
The panthers have spent the offseason suggesting that Darnold is their QB, but with no picks in the 2nd or 3rd round, the franchise needs to take a leap and cash in for their future. The panthers have many flaws, but if they’re truly in rebuild mode Willis is the QB to do it with. An electric playmaker with elusive running skills makes him an athlete worth taking a shot on at 6.
Jamie’s Pick – Malik Willis QB Liberty
Matt Rhule is on the hot seat, a lot of that having to do with inconsistancy at QB. This may be a bit of a reach, but they need a QB that can compete within the division. Willis is the ultimate wildcard a true dual threat QB & may have the highest ceiling of all the QBs in this draft class
7. New York Giants
Aaron’s Pick – Charles Cross OT Mississippi State
The giants stay put this time and choose Charles Cross the excellent pass blocker from Mississippi State. The air raid offense that Mike Leach runs at MSU is exciting & the guy he trusted to protect his often-passing QBs blindside was Charles Cross. this 6’5 310-pound beast of a man comes with good agility & excellent ability to mirror his opponents in pass blocking sets. Andrew Thomas is a heck of a left tackle already in New York so they may stick cross on the right side or ask Thomas to switch.
Trevor’s Pick – Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner
James Bradbury has hinted at his departure from the roster this offseason. It’d be ideal for the giants struggling with cap space to draft his replacement. Gardner hasn’t given up a single TD in his collegiate career, there’s few stats more inspiring than that. He’d step right in as a rookie with veteran skills.
Jamie’s Pick – Kyle Hamilton S Notre Dame
The giants continue their likeness to the bills with this pick. He is a jack of all trades type of defensive back who can cause turnovers & lay the lumber in the running game, maybe the giants get their version of Micah Hyde with this pick
8. Atlanta Falcons
Aaron’s pick – Garrett Wilson WR Ohio State
I was tempted to slot another pass rusher here, but with Julio leaving a year ago & the Calvin Ridley situation it would behoove the falcons to go get weapons for their offense other than Kyle Pitts & Garrett Wilson is the best WR in this class in my opinion, a smooth route runner with speed & the ability to break tackles and rack up the YAC
Trevor’s Pick – George Karlaftis EDGE Purdue
The falcons may have the worst defense in the league specifically in the area of hurries & sacks. Karlaftis is a steady bull rusher the falcons are hurting for. A presence they can count on to threaten offenses
Jamie’s Pick – Charles Cross OT Mississippi State
Originally, I had Cross going to the Giants, but things have changed for me, I also thought of Malik Willis since they traded Matty Ice before adding Mariota. It seems Arthur Smith is content with Mariota at QB so I grabbed him some protection, you can plug & play Cross at either tackle position
9. Seattle Seahawks
Aaron’s Pick – Jermaine Johnson EDGE Florida State
The Seahawks are dying for any sort of pass rush especially in a division with Kyler Murray, Trey Lance/Jimmy G & Superbowl champion Matthew Stafford. Jermaine Johnson had the traits to succeed at Georgia but decided to bet on himself & transfer to Florida state where he’d be able to show what he can do, and that’s exactly what he did vaulting his draft stock into the top 10 & Seattle would be happy to have him.
Trevor’s Pick – *TRADE ALERT*
Seahawks receive 20th pick in 2022 & 52nd pick in 2022
Steelers receive 9th pick in 2022
Kenny Pickett QB Pittsburgh
After Willis went off the board at 6 to the panthers the Steelers move up into the top 10 and grab their guy blocking the commanders or saints from doing so before they’re on the clock at 20. The Steelers signed Trubisky this offseason & he can help Pickett transition to the NFL. Mike Tomlin grabs a QB in his backyard & they hope to keep him in Pittsburgh & build a long-term relationship that benefits them both
Jamie’s Pick – Ahmad ‘Sauce” Gardner CB Cincinati
The seahawks are still looking for a Richard Sherman replacement & they do just that here with Gardner. I know a QB is the popular pick, but i think smarter heads with prevail and they don’t reach for one here. Instead, they grab the best CB in the class
10. New York Jets
Aaron’s Pick – Ahmad Gardner CB Cincinnati
Robert Saleh got his Bosa earlier & he gets his Richard Sherman here, helping him build a sustainable defense in New York. I thought about grabbing a WR here, but decided to have them wait on that position and build the defense more.
Trevor’s pick – Drake London WR USC
London is a perfect fit for this Jets offense. They missed out on multiple attempts at WR this offseason, but fortunately London will fill that role as a tough WR that makes contested catches and shows off his amazing catch radius. But he’s more than just a pretty face, Drake takes pride in his blocking ability as well. A true all-around receiver that reminds me on Brandon Marshall.
Jamie’s Pick – Derek Stingley Jr CB LSU
The Jets turn to DBU to grab their CB of the future. Stingley is a tough one on one defender who has shutdown ability. plays with good instincts & his testing numbers were off the charts.
11. Washington Commanders
Aaron’s Pick – Derek Stingley Jr. CB LSU
With Gardner off the board one pick ahead of them, the commanders take the second best one with traits that could suggest he’s the best one and continue to build a defense that Ron Rivera can be proud of and trust fully to go riverboat Ron and gamble with his offense some.
Trevor’s Pick – Garrett Wilson WR Ohio State
Ron Rivera kind of foreshadowed this pick talking about how much he liked watching the Ohio State WRs. When you have Wentz under center you have to take all the help you can get & Garrett gives you the versatility of playing inside or out, he’ll take some pressure off McLauren & improve the options for Wentz.
Jamie’s Pick – Drake London WR USC
Some may wonder why Drake London over Garrett Wilson, Drake London is a jack of all trades WR with a huge catch radius, plus you kind of have Garrett Wilson already on the roster in Terry Mclauren (for now) Drake London gives you a more diverse set of WRs he wins with route running like former USC alum Robert Woods, Marquise Lee & Michael Pittman Jr.
12. Minnesota Vikings
Aaron’s Pick – Jordan Davis IDL Georgia
When you’re in a division with reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers you have to do everything in your power to throw him off, many of the top QBs are thrown off their game by pressure in their face more than off the edge because it effects their field of view. Jordan Davis is a mountain of a man the only question mark is his stamina so hopefully the Vikings can keep him fresh on a nice rotation.
Trevor’s Pick – Derek Stingley Jr CB LSU
Despite the foot injury & surgery his combine performance reminded teams why he’s worth a top 20 selection. He will come in and help a struggling Vikings defense that ranked in the bottom 8 of almost every defensive category last season.
Jamie’s Pick – Jermaine Johnson EDGE Florida State
Even though they hired Kevin O’Connell at head coach the former OC with the LA Rams I have them taking a defensive start here to help get after Aaron Rodgers. The former “Last Chance U” star transferred from Georgia to Florida State last year and had a tremendous season for the Seminoles. He will go from the “war chant” in college to the “skol chant” in the pros
13. Houston Texans
Aaron’s Pick – Kyle Hamilton S Notre Dame
The Houston Texans get the general to put on the back of Lovie Smith’s defense with this pick. I like Hamilton because of his versatility. He is just as effective at run support as he is in the passing game. Bears fans remember how good Lovie’s defense was when he had Mike Brown back there? He will be trying to build that again with this pick.
Trevor’s Pick – Kyle Hamilton S Notre Dame
Houston catches a big break with Hamilton falling out of the top 10. Hamilton is the best safety on the board and a true difference maker on defense. He’s an elite defender that can come inside on a blitz or play coverage out on an island & Houston is thanking their lucky stars he fell to them.
Jamie’s Pick – Kaiir Elam CB Florida
The Texans continue to build their defense with this pick. Bill Belichick once said build your defense beginning with great edge rushers & CBs. I’d say he knows a thing or 2 about building a dynasty & the Texans GM came from that system so he will attempt to build it like they did in New England.
14. Baltimore Ravens
Aaron’s Pick – Devonte Wyatt IDL Georgia
The Ravens let Calais Campbell walk in free agency, they’ll look to get younger in the interior of that defensive line & bring pressure in the face of Joe Burrow, Deshaun Watson & Trubisky within their division.
Trevor’s Pick – Jermaine Johnson II EDGE Florida State
The ravens were bottom 10 last year for sacks so they’ll look to bolster that defensive line, maybe with their first 2 picks, Johnson is a prime candidate at this #14 spot.
Jamie’s Pick – Garrett Wilson WR Ohio State
Garrett Wilson is an explosive WR that has good hands & great burst after the catch. He would be a good compliment to Hollywood Brown for Lamar Jackson would lean on.
15. Philadelphia Eagles
Aaron’s Pick – Drake London WR USC
I know, another WR in the first round for Philly? Yes, but this guy is different, he’d give Jalen Hurts a big target down the field making contested catches & he takes pride in his run blocking ability, if you remember, the Eagles rode that running game into the playoffs last year, so I think this is a perfect fit for them.
Trevor’s Pick – Trent McDuffie CB Washington
The first team all PAC 12 CB out of Washington boasts 4.44 in the 40 & shows excellent coverage skills, he should slide in nicely across from Darius Slay to bolster the secondary in Philadelphia.
Jamie’s Pick – Jameson Williams WR Alabama
The Eagles & Saints made a pre-draft trade changing the draft order, the Eagles grab Williams here who is currently injured, but looks to return midseason & build a nice chemistry with another former Alabama QB in Jalen Hurts. Due to his injury this is a bit of a gamble, but it could pay off big time for the Eagles.
16. New Orleans Saints
Aaron’s Pick – Malik Willis QB Liberty
The Saints traded up in the draft & may trade up again if they feel the need, but they patiently wait in my draft & the QB they covet falls right into their laps. The Saints are still looking to replace Drew Brees post retirement & betting on a rookie QB and the type of deal they come with would help them out as they are always in salary cap hell.
Trevor’s Pick – Chris Olave WR Ohio State
After missing out on Pickett & having another pick at 19 the saints reprioritize & grab Olave as one of the best WRs on the board, Olave is an accomplished route runner & deep threat with a knack for finding the endzone. He would pair well with Michael Thomas to give the saints a great receiving core for Jameis Winston to throw to.
Jamie’s Pick – Jordan Davis IDL Georgia
I’ve seen Pickett mocked here in many drafts, but with defensive minded HC Dennis Allen I think he will look to bolster that pass rush & Jordan Davis does just that coming from an historic defense at Georgia he could come in and be a culture setter as the saints turn the page after Sean Payton retires. Remember this saints team beat the Bucs & Tom Brady last year with Trevor Siemian at QB so building that defense with younger guys could be a smarter move than reaching for a QB here
17. Los Angeles Chargers
Aaron’s Pick – Trevor Penning OT Northern Iowa
the chargers boasted a top 10 unit on the offensive line last season (PFF rankings) after drafting a franchise LT in Rashawn Slater & paying Corey Linsley big money to come in from Green Bay. The weak spot on the OL was Storm Norton at RT & i think Trevor Penning would step right into that role and continue great offensive line play for their superstar QB in Justin Herbert
Trevor’s Pick – Jameson Williams WR Alabama
The Chargers take a chance on a WR that may have been the #1 WR off the board before the injury in the national championship game, he’s the most dangerous deep threat in this class when healthy and would serve as a dangerous compliment with Keenan Allen & Mike WIlliams. This is a high-risk high reward pick for the Chargers.
Jamie’s Pick – Trevor Penning OT Northern Iowa
Justin Herbert is already blossoming into a star QB, but he needs protection on noth sides of the line. Penning is a 6′ 7″ 322-pound monster that should plug in to a starting role right away in LA.
18 Philadelphia Eagles
Aaron’s Pick – Trent McDuffie CB Washington
The Eagles have to be happy with the way this draft fell, they cover their 2 biggest needs without reaching for anyone. Trent McDuffie should plug & play across from Darius Slay to help the secondary hold NFC East receivers in check.
Trevor’s Pick – Devin Lloyd LB Utah
The Eagles grab the first LB off the board with Lloyd. The multi faceted defender is the total package at LB. There’s a great chance he comes in right away and takes over the MLB position in a rebuilt group that was dismal in 2020
Jamie’s Pick – Devonte Wyatt IDL Georgia
Devonte Wyatt is a tough story, originally committed to Georgia, but was academically ineligible, so he went the JUCO route before finding his way back between the hedges. A domestic violence dispute has popped up recently from 2020 when he was arrested for family violence. The academic stuff has been cleaned up, but these off the field issues have contributed to a bit of a tumble in his draft stock. The Eagles re-signed Fletcher Cox to a one-year deal, but the 31 year old DT could be on the move into retirement next year so Wyatt would plug into that position and get a year to learn from one of the best ever DTs.
19. New Orleans Saints
Aaron’s Pick – Jameson Williams WR Alabama
The saints would love this draft. Trade up and get a QB as well as an offensive weapon to help build for the future under Dennis Allen. OT was also a possibility here, but I don’t see them passing on the upside of Jameson Williams to pair with Michael Thomas.
Trevor’s Pick – Desmond Ridder QB Cincinnati
The saints pass up the opportunity to grab an elusive runner in Sam Howell to grab Desmond Ridder instead, the better passer and a sneaky athletic QB in his own right, he would have Jameis Winston & Andy Dalton to help mentor the young signal caller who would ideally be the future in NOLA
Jamie’s Pick – Chris Olave WR Ohio State
If the Saints are set on Jameis being their QB why not build around him with one of the best WRs in the draft. Olave is an excellent WR who wins with not only speed but silky-smooth route running.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Aaron’s Pick – Giants – George Karlaftis EDGE Purdue
The giants decided to trade back in this draft and pick up a plethora of draft picks in return for a full on rebuild under Joe Shoen & Brian Daboll. The target at 5 was Thibodeaux, but with all 3 of the top options at pass rusher gone it made some sense for the giants to trade back, and they still get a heck of a pass rusher in Karlaftis who is a versatile edge rusher that brings ability in the passing game as well as being a pretty good run stuffer.
Trevor’s Pick – Seattle Seahawks – Charles Cross OT Mississippi State
The seahawks would be overjoyed to trade back and still land what looks to be a franchise left tackle this late in the draft. Cross comes from the pass happy offense at Mississippi state he gave up only 16 pressures on the season in the daunting SEC West. The seahawks begin a rebuild here with a blind side protector for Drew Lock or whomever they choose to bring in under center. Baker Mayfield perhaps? We’ll see
Jamie’s Pick – Kenny Pickett QB Pittsburgh
This would be dream scenario for the Steelers, staying patient & having their hometown hero fall into their laps. Pickett has question marks about his hand size, but in his time at Pittsburgh in college he broke Dan Marino’s records. It would be a seamless transition for the Steelers & Pickett.
21. New England Patriots
Aaron’s Pick – *TRADE ALERT*
Patriots receive – 39th selection in 2022 draft, 48th selection in 2022 draft
Bears receive – 21st selection in 2022 draft, 85th selection in 2022 draft
Chris Olave WR Ohio State
I was honestly surprised this trade worked after giving up so much for the Steelers to get their guy. but it did and I think it works for both teams, Patriots have a history of trading back & the bears get a 3rd round pick in return. They are able to jump the Packers for their guy & match him up with Justin Fields much like the Bengals did with Jamarr Chase & Joe Burrow, the bears still need help on their OL & secondary, but they can grab those in the 3rd or later rounds with this deep draft class at both positions. I would hate to imagine bears fans if the Packers ended up with Olave & they had to watch him tear up the secondary in green & yellow
Trevor’s Pick – Andrew Booth Jr. CB Clemson
With the departure of JC Jackson in free agency the Patriots have a glaring hole in their secondary. Booth a former 5-star recruit could step in right away & fill it. There are some injury concerns after a hernia surgery, if not for that he could be a top 15 pick, so he is a steal at this point in the first round.
Jamie’s Pick – Zion Johnson IOL Boston College
The patriots take the top OG off the board in Zion Johnson to help protect their immobile QB in Mac Jones. Zion won’t have to get acclimated to the cold of New England after playing his college ball in Boston. Not the sexiest pick, but i think he could be a fan favorite for Patriots fans.
22. Green Bay Packers
Aaron’s Pick – Jahan Dotson WR PennState
After losing Adams via trade & Their rival bears jumping them for Olave, the packers take Jahan Dotson out of Penn State to fill that role, a play maker with the ball in his hands he makes acrobatic catches with a great catch radius that Aaron Rodgers will love in Green Bay.
Trevor’s Pick – Treylon Burks WR Arkansas
You have to think the Packers grab any WR available here after losing Adams to a trade & MVS leaving in free agency Rodgers needs some weapons. NFL Draft bible ranked Burks as #2 WR in this class with his size (6’3) & speed the packers grab a bit of a sleeper here as his testing numbers drop his draft stock, but all he did is make plays in the toughest division in college football last year.
Jamie’s Pick – Trent McDuffie CB Washington
The Packers grab a good running mate for Jaire Alexander here to begin rebuilding their defense. With this WR draft class being so deep and the packers having 2 firsts & 2 seconds they can take a chance on a CB here with excellent upside.
23. Arizona Cardinals
Aaron’s Pick – Andrew Booth Jr. CB Clemson
The draft slide ends here with Andrew Booth who as Trevor mentioned had a hernia surgery but should be ready for training camp this offseason. The Cardinals still have a hole in their secondary where Peterson left last season & they fill that hole here with the best CB available on the board.
Trevor’s Pick – Tyler Linderbaum- C Iowa
With premier WRs flying off the board the Cardinals go BPA (Best Player Available) with this pick here they get the top center over the last 2 seasons in college football. There are some questions about arm length, but he can step right in and fill that spot helping the cardinals get the ground game going after re-signing James Conner this offseason.
Jamie’s Pick – Andrew Booth Jr. CB Clemson
The Cardinals take the top CB prospect left on the board here and try to fill the role of Patrick Peterson. Booth will be a steal at this position in the draft after being a high-level recruit at Clemson under a great DC in Venables who just took the job in Norman with the Sooners.
24 Dallas Cowboys
Aaron’s Pick – Boye Mafe EDGE Minnesota
I thought about going OL here, and Tyler Smith from Tulsa is a true possibility, however i chose to grab Mafe who is a raw athletic prospect they can stick on the edge & let Micah Parsons roam the middle of their defense as a sideline-to-sideline LB.
Trevor’s Pick – Bernard Raimann OT Central Michigan
The cowboys no longer have Connor WIlliams or La’el Collins & with Raimann’s position versatility they can bring him in and find out where he fits best. the former TE made a change to OT in college & started turning heads with his athleticism at the position, he’s still raw as he’s learning the position, but the tools are there for a good coach to mold
Jamie’s Pick – Tyler Linderbaum C Iowa
If selected Linderbaum would become another Hawkeye lineman taken in the first round & make an impact, Jerry Jones smartly invests highly in his offensive line and that continues here helping Ezekiel Elliot & Tony Pollard run wild behind this line.
25. Buffalo Bills
Aaron’s Pick – Kaiir Elam CB Florida
The Bills went to the SEC and grabbed Tre’Davious White out of LSU; they go back to the SEC & grab another lock down CB in Elam that can lock down offenses on both sides & let them bicker about which of their schools are actually DBU on a Superbowl run
Trevor’s Pick – Devonte Wyatt IDL Georgia
The Bills take BPA here and help create pressure in the face of opposing offenses with Von Miller screaming off the edge much like last year with Aaron Donald in LA. Wyatt is a chaos creator in the interior of a defensive line that couldn’t stop the chiefs from tying the game with 13 seconds left. this defensive overhaul is building to fix that.
Jamie’s Pick – Kyler Gordon CB Washington
The most logical pick here, the Bills take the best CB available to put across from Tre White. Gordon could be a #1 CB for anyone else, but he will slide in as #2 CB on this defense
26. Tennessee Titans
Aaron’s Pick- Treylon Burks WR Arkansas
When the titans had their best offense, it was due to having Jonnu Smith as a key cog. Treylon Burks while not being a TE can do many of the things Smith did for that offense the 6’3 big bodied WR can be a big target for the arm of Tannehill.
Trevor’s Pick – Nakobe Dean LB Georgia
The titans grab a sideline-to sideline LB with Dean whose elite speed makes him an immediate starter joining former teammate Monty Rice on the Titans defense. Nakobe is somewhat undersized, but that is the only downfall of his game he is great in coverage & offers pass rush ability as well
Jamie’s Pick – George Karlaftis EDGE Purdue
The Titans lost their playoff game to the Cincinnati Bengals at home, but that isn’t entirely on the defense that totaled 9 sacks in the game, but Mike Vrabel can’t help himself but to grab the top pass rusher available at this point. You can never have too many guys getting after the QB.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Aaron’s Pick – Zion Johnson IOL Boston College
The Buccaneers are happy to grab the best guard on the board after Ali Marpet surprisingly retired early at the age of 29 years old. They can plug Zion Johnson right into that spot, but honestly Johnson can play any interior position, even showed off his snapping ability at the senior bowl to improve his draft stock
Trevor’s Pick – Jordan Davis IDL Georgia
Georgia defensive players round out my last 3 picks consecutively & the Bucs get a steal here with a run stuffing DT that also offers Pas rush ability. After re-signing Brady the Bucs can wait until later rounds to grab a QB, they lock down their Ndamukong Suh replacement here late in round 1.
Jamie’s Pick – Devin Lloyd LB Utah
Bruce Arians out as head coach Todd Bowles takes over & the team grabs another great LB to add to their LB core. Lloyd is a big athletic LB who can plug up running lanes & brings in the versatility to rush the passer as well. With Devin White & Levonte David on the inside we might see Lloyd as the weakside LB in this defense that would let him roam the defense & create havoc for Todd Bowles.
28. Green Bay Packers
Aaron’s Pick – Arnold Ebiketie EDGE Penn State
Ebiketie is a pass rusher that has risen lately, Mel Kiper Jr is a big fan of his and says he has the traits to be an elite pass rusher in this league, with Za’Darius Smith leaving for the Minnesota Vikings, the Packers get a nice young piece they can plug in that will also save them in cap space after Rodgers’ mega deal.
Trevor’s Pick – Trevor Penning OT Northern Iowa
After grabbing need 1 at #22 i grab need #2 here without reaching and plug Penning into the RT position. With Dillon & Jones in the mix for running duties & the loss of WR weapons the Packers may look to lean on the running game a little more thisseason Penning fits nicely as the highest run block grade in this class.
Jamie’s Pick – George Pickens WR Georgia
With Davonte Adams out the door to Las Vegas the packers must replace him early in the draft. George Pickens is a deep ball threat who has break away speed and shows the ability to track the ball well. He can also run intermediate routes from the pro style offense at Georgia & that bodes well with the ultra accurate QB in Rodgers.
29. Kansas City Chiefs
Aaron’s Pick – Skyy Moore WR Western Michigan
With Tyreek Hill getting traded away the Chiefs need a new deep ball threat & that’s exactly what Skyy Moore is. a speedy reciever who tracks the ball deep & knows how to get open if Patrick Mahomes is scrambling to make a play
Trevor’s Pick – David Ojabo EDGE Michigan
Ojabo is a raw pass rusher with incredible upside, tearing his Achilles at his pro day dropped his draft stock, but grabbing him in the first round allows the Chiefs to get that coveted 5th year option even if he doesn’t make it back on the field this season.
Jamie’s Pick – Treylon Burks WR Arkansas
This pick is a no-brainer. They lost arguably the fastest WR in the NFL with Tyreek Hill being traded & while Burks in no way is nicknamed the cheetah, he has a knack for getting open with smooth route runnong and gives Mahomes a big body to find when he’s in trouble.
30. Kansas City Chiefs
Aaron’s Pick – David Ojabo EDGE Michigan
Just like Trevor said for his pick here, the chiefs take a shot on an extremely talented edge rusher who can sit a year if he needs to from the Achiles injury and the Chiefs would still get 4 years out of him. With the AFC West loading up on QBs the defenses have to adjust & even the playing field
Trevor’s Pick – Kaiir Elam CB Florida
The second addition to the Chiefs defense is Kaiir Elam an incredibly physical CB who spent his time in college locking down WRs in the SEC his ability to keep those guys in check bodes well for the Chiefs defense
Jamie’s Pick – Trey McBride TE Colorado State
Now that you add Burks to replace Hill you grab the best TE in the draft to help take some pressure off of Kelce, this would allow the Chiefs to go 2 TE sets and have a catching option on both sides of the line
31. Cincinnati Bengals
Aaron’s Pick – Tyler Linderbaum C Iowa
We all saw the Superbowl & the Bengals just couldn’t keep Burrow upright enough to pull the upset, they helped out with that this offseason bringing in free agents like La’el Collins from the cowboys as well as Alex Cappa & Ted Kerras, they’ll add Linderbaum here and finish rebuilding their offensive line for years to come.
Trevor’s Pick – Zion Johnson IOL Boston College
Johnson will serve the Bengals well with their balanced attack, hes a relative new comer to the position, but has risen up draft boards due to his ability to anchor in the passing game, and dominate defenders in the running game as well.
Jamie’s Pick – Daxton Hill S Michigan
I made this choice because Jessie Bates was only franchise tagged, adding to the defensive secondary could help them in big games against QBs like Patrick Mahomes & Josh Allen, instead of reaching for OL I grabbed BPA in this position.
32. Detroit Lions
Aaron’s Pick – Desmond Ridder QB Cincinnati
With the final pick in the first round, the lions grab their QB of the future and get that coveted 5th year option. Ridder is a good thrower showing arm strength, but also sneaky athletic for the position. The Lions have Jared Goff right now, but he isn’t the long-term answer for the fighting kneecap biting Dan Campbells in the motor city.
Trevor’s Pick – Sam Howell QB North Carolina
After passing on QB at the top of the draft the Lions get their guy here, Howell is an elusive running option whose numbers dipped when his weapons at North Carolina left for the league, they’ll let him get some seasoning under Goff & Dan Campbell before thrusting him into the starting role.
Jamie’s Pick – Desmond Ridder QB Cincinnati
The Lions do not need to reach for Willis at 2. They can get a steal with Ridder here. Ridder led his Bearcats team to the CFB playoff and hung tough with Bama for 3 quarters. Ridder may have a chance to compete for the starting job, but id stick with Goff to start the year, if that starts to go downhill it could be Ridder time in Motown
