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My plan is to release two mock drafts before the actual NFL Draft, plus a column detailing 10 specific predictions I have for this year’s event.
I probably won’t prognosticate trades in my final mock but am doing so here.
Let’s get after it.
1. Panthers – Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Young draws Drew Brees comparisons inside scouting departments.
2. Texans – Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
Texans flexible enough with draft capital to land edge bender here, then QB.
3. Texans (trade up with Cardinals) – Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Cardinals look like a virtual lock to trade out of No. 3.
4. Colts – C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Shane Steichen Era begins with a high-efficiency, 6-foot-3 pocket passer.
5. Commanders (trade up with Seattle) – Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Washington begins post-Dan Snyder Era with Ron Rivera’s new Cam Newton.
6. Lions – Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Witherspoon, Emmanuel Moseley, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Cam Sutton fix Lions’ backend.
7. Raiders – Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Gonzalez is plus-sized, fluid, and a playmaker on the ball.
8. Falcons – Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Run-game aficionado Arthur Smith splurges for this year’s premier back.
9. Bears – Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State
Johnson solidifies right tackle across from budding star LT Braxton Jones.
10. Eagles – Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Motor and off-field concerns send a steal Howie Roseman’s way.
11. Titans – Peter Skoronski, OT/G, Northwestern
An Andre Dillard–Daniel Brunskill LT-LG combo isn’t going to cut it.
12. Cardinals (trade down with Texans) – Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
Arizona finished bottom 10 in sacks, then lost J.J. Watt to retirement.
13. Jets – Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
Offensive tackle is one of Gang Green’s few needs.
14. Patriots – Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
Bill Belichick adds this year’s most naturally explosive outside edge rusher.
15. Packers – Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Prolific college tight end helps usher in the Jordan Love era.
16. Seahawks (trade down with Washington) – Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa
Seattle loves trading down and badly needs help on the defensive front.
17. Steelers – Brian Branch, CB, Alabama
Feisty, playmaking slot corner addresses a huge need in Pittsburgh.
18. Lions – Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
Lions add vertical-threat tight end after trading away T.J. Hockenson.
19. Bucs – Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
Bookend tackle for Tristan Wirfs after Bucs cut Donovan Smith.
20. Seahawks – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Tyler Lockett entering his age-31 season. JSN starts right away inside.
21. Chargers – Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Bolts desperately need an infusion of speed/playmaking ability on offense.
22. Ravens – Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
Local product checks several boxes for what Ravens seek at corner.
23. Vikings – Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
High-effort EDGE injects life into Minnesota’s underperforming pass rush.
24. Jaguars – Joe Tippmann, OG/C, Wisconsin
Jacksonville lands this year’s top interior offensive line prospect.
25. Giants – Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
Will Fullerian home-run hitter averaged 19.0 YPR with 15 TDs in 2022.
26. Cowboys – Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
Interior pocket smasher piled up 14.5 sacks over the last two seasons.
27. Bills – Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
Dynamic slot complement for Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis.
28. Bengals – Joey Porter Jr., DB, Penn State
Bengals may convert Porter to safety at their biggest position of need.
29. Saints – Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Dennis Allen’s job depends on Derek Carr succeeding in New Orleans.
30. Eagles – Will McDonald, EDGE, Iowa State
Doubling down on the defensive front is Howie Roseman’s M.O.
31. Chiefs – Anton Harrison, offensive tackle, Oklahoma
Bookend tackle for Jawaan Taylor after Chiefs lost Orlando Brown.
