The post-free agency mock draft predicts the first three rounds to give every fanbase at least one selection to hold them over with a little less than one month to go until the big event. I have also listed the draft hauls for each team (below the picks).

 

Round 1

 

1. JAX: Aidan Hutchinson, OLB, Michigan

I believe it’s worth putting down a bet for Evan Neal at +1400 to be the first pick (that’s who I would undoubtedly take), but all signs seem to point to Hutchinson here. Jacksonville’s thinking would be that Hutchinson is a great complement to Josh Allen to create the NFL’s best young duo on the edge.

 

2. DET: Travon Walker, DE, Georgia

Detroit might want to trade down here, but the theme for every team looking to acquire 2023 first-round picks will likely be that no one will want to give one up. Instead, Walker has the knee-cap-biting style that fits well playing for Dan Campbell in the Motor City.

 

3. HOU: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

Although the Texans already have Laremy Tunsil on the blindside, Neal can easily slide in at right tackle after starting there for the Crimson Tide in 2020. Houston’s choice here—likely between an offensive lineman or pass rusher—could lead to a domino effect for the rest of the top ten.

 

4. NYJ: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Gardner was slotted here in my previous mock, and I feel strongly that he will be the pick because of his fit in Robert Saleh’s defense. The choice is probably between Gardner and an edge despite some still thinking an offensive lineman is in play.

 

5. NYG: Kayvon Thibodeaux, OLB, Oregon

Thibodeaux’s personality could lead to a bit of a slide, but would the Giants pass up an opportunity select the elusive star pass rusher they’ve been lacking? The duo of Thibodeaux and second-year edge Azeez Ojulari would suddenly make the position a strength.

 

6. CAR: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

Carolina’s decision will almost certainly come down to whether they want to get a stud left tackle (Charles Cross would be the best fit to me) or settle on a long-term answer at quarterback after striking out multiple times over the past couple of years. Pickett was recruited by Matt Rhule when he coached at Temple, and team owner David Tepper is notably a Pitt graduate and big-time booster.

 

7. NYG (via CHI): Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

This might be too much of an investment on the defensive line for New York with Leonard Williams and Dexter Lawrence, but could you imagine throwing Davis in between them? The Giants’ front in their base defense (3-4 scheme) would be reason to view them as an NFC East contender.

 

8. ATL: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

I keep mocking Dean in the top ten with the hopes that a team will be wise enough to take him, and Atlanta now has a hole alongside Deion Jones after Foyesade Oluokon signed with Jacksonville. The leader of Georgia’s championship defense can help quickly turn things around for the Falcons.

 

9. SEA (via DEN): Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State

Seattle wants to get back to bullying opponents, and I’d bet Ekwonu is ranked very high on their board. The NC State standout would be the clear Day 1 starter at left tackle and can help open holes for Rashaad Penny and Chris Carson.

 

10. NYJ (via SEA): Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

The Jets wanting a top-tier wideout is the biggest open secret in football right now, but John Schneider might not even pick up the phone if Joe Douglas calls about DK Metcalf, and A.J. Brown is a total pipe dream. Wilson and Elijah Moore would be an exciting duo for Zach Wilson to grow with.

 

11. WAS: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

While a slower-than-expected 40 time (4.59 at the Scouting Combine and 4.70 at his Pro Day) really hurts Hamilton’s chances of going in the top ten, Washington would be a strong landing spot for him to patrol the backend of a defense that is already set up front.

 

12. MIN: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

Even after re-signing Patrick Peterson, the Vikings have a need a cornerback, so Stingley Jr. would provide a significant boost to the group. I’m assuming the analytically driven front office will count on the peak performance of Stingley Jr. being something they can permanently unlock.

 

13. HOU (via CLE): Jermaine Johnson II, DE, Florida State

The character of Johnson could push him up draft boards, and he’d be a power edge to pair with Jonathan Greenard for a Houston defense/team that can go in any direction. Nick Caserio gets a prime opportunity to hit on two picks in the top 15 following the Deshaun Watson trade.

 

14. BAL: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

Baltimore will hope Ronnie Stanley is healthy and returns to form in 2022, but Cross doubles as an insurance policy on the blindside in addition to having the ability to immediately start at right tackle. Either way, both tackle spots need to be secured considering the pass-rush talent in the division (and conference).

 

15. PHI (via MIA): Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

Defensive tackle isn’t a significant need for the Eagles with Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave on the roster, but Howie Roseman always wants to bolster the trenches. Wyatt has a very impressive blend of athleticism and power on the interior.

 

16. PHI (via IND): Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

Staying in the SEC worked for the Eagles last year by taking DeVonta Smith and Landon Dickerson with their top two picks, and that could remain a focus into the future. Elam has great size (6’1 1/2″) in addition to elite speed (4.39 40-yard dash) to start opposite Darius Slay.

 

17. LAC: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Mike Williams, Keenan Allen, and Williams would create the perfect complementary trio at wide receiver, and Los Angeles could use more firepower in the loaded AFC West. The rare speed of Williams should get him drafted high despite coming off a torn ACL.

 

18. NO: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

Left tackle is probably the biggest hole on the roster for New Orleans, so Penning is a clean replacement for Terron Armstead. Also, his nasty play style fits well with the aggressive defense of the Saints as they try to slug their way back into contention this year.

 

19. SEA (mock trade w/ PHI): Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

This is a projected trade for the Eagles to acquire DK Metcalf from the Seahawks as Philadelphia tries to fix their past mistakes—and Howie Roseman has the ammo to not get outbid. With Seattle sticking with Drew Lock (or maybe acquiring Baker Mayfield), I have them passing on a quarterback to take a local cornerback in McDuffie.

 

20. PIT: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

It sounds like the Steelers will stay put and let the chips fall where they may, which could result in Willis dropping into their laps if he’s a quarterback that Kevin Colbert would want to go out selecting. The dynamic, strong-armed passer can develop behind Mitchell Trubisky for at least a season.

 

21. NE: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

There are a few wideouts projected to go in Round 1 that are still available, and even though his stock has seemed to dip during the pre-draft process, Burks is a fit for New England to make things easier on Mac Jones. The run-heavy offense would be more creative by designing pass plays to get the ball to Burks.

 

22. GB (via LV): Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

Olave to Green Bay is a popular connection, and Matt LaFleur wanting a deep threat makes it all the more likely. Aaron Rodgers uncorking some play-action shots to Olave is easy to picture.

 

23. ARI: George Karlaftis, OLB, Purdue

An interior offensive lineman remains possible for the Cardinals, but Karlaftis can step in to replace Chandler Jones on the edge. Last season, a lack of pass rush down the stretch was partly to blame for Arizona collapsing down the stretch and disappointing in the playoffs.

 

24. DAL: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

Jerry Jones recently said he’d like to draft a lineman in the first round, so Linderbaum—if he were to fall this far—would seem to have a good chance to be selected. I’d be fine with giving Tyler Biadasz another year on the job, but Dallas won’t pass on Linderbaum if he’s the best value on the board.

 

25. KC (mock trade w/ BUF): Drake London, WR, USC

Rivals trading during the draft (including division rivals) has become more common in recent years, so the Chiefs might hop up a few spots to ensure themselves of their target at wide receiver. London compares to Mike Evans and could be available late in the first round due to a slower pre-draft process coming off a broken ankle (he’s having an individual Pro Day next week).

 

26. TEN: Kenyon Green, G, Mississippi State

Tennessee needs to fill a starting spot at left guard following the release of Rodger Saffold, and Green would be a home-run value at this point in the draft. It would be fun to see the holes he can open in the running game alongside Taylor Lewan.

 

27. TB: Zion Johnson, G, Boston College

Tampa Bay is in a very similar position to Tennessee with the last hole on their offensive line being at left guard, so Johnson is an ideal fit to start in Year 1 for the Tom Brady-led offense. I also have them taking a running back on Day 2 to pair with Leonard Fournette.

 

28. GB: Boye Mafe, OLB, Minnesota

Outside linebacker is a sudden need for Green Bay with Za’Darius Smith now in Minnesota—as an injury to Rashan Gary and/or Preston Smith would be a huge blow to their defense. Mafe is excellent depth to keep the pass rush churning for a unit that is already set in the secondary.

 

29. KC (from MIA via SF): Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

The Chiefs are surely happy with 2021 second-rounder Nick Bolton at linebacker, but Lloyd can play alongside him to improve a run defense that allowed the second-most yards per carry in the league last season (4.8). Kansas City can remain a force in the AFC if they hit on their collection of picks from the Tyreek Hill trade.

 

30. BUF (mock trade w/ KC): Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn 

I could see Brandon Beane having some sort of analytical thresholds that McCreary doesn’t fit because of his below-average length, but McCreary can flat out cover and brings toughness to the position. The outside duo of Tre’Davious White and McCreary with a star safety duo would be extremely stingy.

 

31. CIN: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

Offensive line is no longer a must-have priority for Cincinnati with the La’el Collins signing as a second wave move, so the team can go in a variety of directions in the draft. Booth Jr. would push Eli Apple for playing time and provides perimeter depth.

 

32. DET (via LAR): Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming

The Lions have also done a solid job improving the roster this offseason, and Muma paired with former first-rounder Jarrad Davis (in his return to Detroit) would give them a promising tandem at linebacker. Don’t be surprised if the franchise competes for a playoff spot with a promising draft haul in the top-heavy NFC.

 

Round 2

 

33. IND (mock trade w/ JAX): Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan

34. DET: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan

35. NYJ: Arnold Ebiketie, DE, Penn State

36. NYG: Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington

37. HOU: Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State

38: NYJ (via CAR): Quay Walker, LB, Georgia

39. CHI: George Pickens, WR, Georgia

40. SEA (via DEN): David Ojabo, DE, Michigan

41. SEA: DeMarvin Leal, DT, Texas A&M

42. JAX (mock trade w/ IND via WAS): Lewis Cine, S, Georgia

43. ATL: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

44. CLE: Travis Jones, DT, Connecticut 

45. BAL: Logan Hall, DT, Houston

46. MIN: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina

47. WAS (via IND): Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

48. CHI (via LAC): Channing Tindall, LB, Georgia

49. NO: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

50. KC (via MIA): Drake Jackson, DE, USC

51. PHI: Christian Harris, LB, Alabama

52. PIT: Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State

53. GB (via LV): Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota

54. NE: Nik Bonnito, OLB, Oklahoma

55. ARI: Luke Fortner, C, Kentucky

56. DAL: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa

57. BUF: Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State

58. ATL (via TEN): Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan

59. GB: Leo Chanel, LB, Wisconsin

60. TB: Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma

61. SF: Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State

62. KC: Martin Emerson, CB, Mississippi State

63. CIN: Cam Jurgens, C, Nebraska

64. DEN (via LAR): Myjai Sanders, OLB, Cincinnati

 

Round 3

 

65. JAX: Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson

66. DET: Carson Strong, QB, Nevada

67. NYG: Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama

68. HOU: Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA

69. NYJ: Dameon Pierce, RB, Florida

70. JAX (via CAR): Damone Clark, LB, LSU

71. CHI: Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, Nebraska

72. SEA: Brandon Smith, LB, Penn State

73. IND (via WAS): Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati

74. ATL: Kingsley Enagbare, OLB, South Carolina

75. DEN: Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State

76. BAL: Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor

77. MIN: Marcus Jones, CB, Houston

78. CLE: John Metchie III, WR, Alabama

79. LAC: Phidarian Mathis, DT, Alabama

80. HOU (via NO): Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State

81. NYG (via MIA): Dylan Parham, G, Memphis

82. ATL (via IND): Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati

83. PHI: Bryan Cook, S, Cincinnati

84. PIT: Smoke Monday, S, Auburn

85. NE: Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma

86. LV: Neil Farrell Jr., DT, LSU

87. ARI: Darian Kinnard, G, Kentucky

88. DAL: Sam Williams, DE, Ole Miss

89. BUF: Kevin Austin Jr., WR, Notre Dame

90. TEN: Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA

91. TB: Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M

92. GB: Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State

93. SF: Jalyn Armour-Davis, CB, Alabama

94. KC: Kerby Joseph, S, Illinois

95. CIN: Cameron Thomas, DE, San Diego State

96. DEN (via LAR): Jamaree Salyer, G, Georgia

97. DET: Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis

98. NO: Isaiah Likely, TE, Coastal Carolina

99. CLE: Josh Paschal, DE, Kentucky

100. BAL: Khalil Shakir, WR, Boise State

101. NO: Cole Strange, G, UT-Chattanooga

102. MIA (via SF): Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State

103. KC: Max Mitchell, OT, Louisiana

104. LAR: Darrian Beavers, LB, Cincinnati

105. SF: Luke Goedeke, G, Central Michigan

 

Draft Selections By Team

 

Jaguars 

1.01: OLB Aidan Hutchinson

2.42: S Lewis Cine

3.65: WR Justyn Ross

3.70: LB Damone Clark

 

Lions

1.02: DE Travon Walker

1.32: LB Chad Muma

2.34: S Daxton Hill

3.66: QB Carson Strong

3.97: WR Calvin Austin III

 

Texans

1.03: OT Evan Neal

1.13: DE Jermaine Johnson II

2.37: RB Breece Hall

3.68: CB Tariq Woolen

3.80: LB Troy Andersen

 

Jets

1.04: CB Ahmad Gardner

1.10: WR Garrett Wilson

2.35: DE Arnold Ebiketie

2.38: LB Quay Walker

3.69: RB Dameon Pierce

 

Giants

1.05: OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux

1.07: DT Jordan Davis

2.36: CB Kyler Gordon

3.67: WR Jalen Tolbert

3.81: G Dylan Parham

 

Panthers

1.06: QB Kenny Pickett

 

Falcons

1.08: LB Nakobe Dean

2.43: QB Desmond Ridder

2.58: WR Skyy Moore

3.74: OLB Kingsley Enagbare

3.82: WR Alec Pierce

 

Seahawks

1.09: OT Ikem Ekwonu

1.19: CB Trent McDuffie

2.40: DE David Ojabo

2.41: DT DeMarvin Leal

3.72: LB Brandon Smith

 

Commanders

1.11: S Kyle Hamilton

2.47: QB Matt Corral

 

Vikings

1.12: CB Derek Stingley Jr.

2.46: QB Sam Howell

3.77: CB Marcus Jones

 

Ravens

1.14: OT Charles Cross

2.45: DT Logan Hall

3.76: S Jalen Pitre

3.100: WR Khalil Shakir

 

Eagles

1.15: DT Devonte Wyatt

1.16: CB Kaiir Elam

TRADE: WR DK Metcalf 

2.51: LB Christian Harris

3.83: S Bryan Cook

 

Chargers

1.17: WR Jameson Williams

3.79: DT Phidarian Mathis

 

Saints

1.18: OT Trevor Penning

2.49: WR Jahan Dotson

3.98: TE Isaiah Likely

3.101: G Cole Strange

 

Steelers

1.20: QB Malik Willis

2.52: WR Christian Watson

3.84: S Smoke Monday

 

Patriots

1.21: WR Treylon Burks

2.54: OLB Nik Bonnito

3.85: LB Brian Asamoah

 

Packers

1.22: WR Chris Olave

1.28: OLB Boye Mafe

2.53: OT Daniel Faalele

2.59: LB Leo Chanel

3.92: OT Abraham Lucas

 

Cardinals

1.23: OLB George Karlaftis

2.55: C Luke Fortner

3.87: G Darian Kinnard

 

Cowboys 

1.24: C Tyler Linderbaum

2.56: OT Tyler Smith

3.88: DE Sam Williams

 

Chiefs

1.25: WR Drake London

1.29: LB Devin Lloyd

2.50: DE Drake Jackson

2.62: CB Martin Emerson

3.94: S Kerby Joseph

 

Titans

1.26: G Kenyon Green

3.90: TE Greg Dulcich

 

Buccaneers

1.27: G Zion Johnson

2.60: DT Perrion Winfrey

3.91: RB Isaiah Spiller

 

Bills

1.30: CB Roger McCreary

2.57: RB Kenneth Walker III

3.89: WR Kevin Austin Jr.

 

Bengals

1.31: CB Andrew Booth Jr.

2.63: C Cam Jurgens

3.95: DE Cameron Thomas

 

Colts 

2.33: OT Bernhard Raimann

3.73: CB Coby Bryant

 

Bears

2.39: WR George Pickens

2.48: LB Channing Tindall

3.71: CB Cam Taylor-Britt

 

Browns

2.44: DT Travis Jones

3.78: WR John Metchie III

3.99: DE Josh Paschal

 

49ers

2.61: S Jaquan Brisker

3.93: CB Jalyn Armour-Davis

3.105: G Luke Goedeke

 

Broncos

2.64: OLB Myjai Sanders

3.75: TE Trey McBride

3.96: G Jamaree Salyer

 

Raiders

3.86: DT Neil Farrell Jr.

 

Dolphins

3.102: OT Nicholas Petit-Frere

 

Rams

3.104: LB Darrian Beavers