Writer: Gage O'Leary
Twitter: @Gage_Sports_54
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The NFL draft is quickly approaching which means more and more mock drafts are being made each and every day. Today I'll attempt my first real NFL mock draft of the season. I'll be making a few more of these likely between now and the draft because I'm not quite done evaluating players tape. My next mock drafts will feature more about the players, where they rank on my big board, player comps, and more. But for now… this is my 1st first round mock draft.
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1. Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama.
There is a lot of hype surrounding Buckeyes QB C.J. Stroud as many believe he will be going first overall… however… in my opinion Young is by far the best Quarterback in this class. His football IQ is through the roof. Although he isn't the biggest guy or the fastest, he uses that football IQ to his advantage in his rushing attack. He senses the pressure from the defensive line incredibly well and does a phenomenal job extending plays and making something out of nothing. Young has great arm talent, he's accurate, has good power in his throwing arm… he's an overall very well rounded player. He'll be a good leader in the locker room and in the huddle as well. I'm very confident that Bryce Young will be one the best players in this class.
2. Houston Texans: C.J Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Stroud will easily be either the 1st or 2nd player taken in the draft. Stroud easily had the best WR room and weapons than any other QB in college football during his time at OSU and going to Houston, where they recently traded their best weapon, and his top target would be former Michigan WR Nico Collins, could be a difficult transition for him. Ohio State has been a bust factory for QB's but I think Stroud, if the right team is built around him, could break that streak and be a good playoff QB. I didn't like what Houston was building before this off-season but I like what they did with bringing in DeMeco Ryans as head coach and they have quietly had a really good off-season.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama.
Alabama in my opinion has the top two players in the draft, Bryce Young and Will Anderson. The Cardinals can sit tight at number 3 and get the best player in the draft with the two teams in front of them needing Quarterbacks desperately. Arizona beefs up their defense, getting a replacement for J.J Watt who retired, and can look forward to Kyler Murray's return. The Cardinals are probably in a tough position, and will need to retool a little bit, but landing Anderson would be a heck of a start. This is someone who has the ability to lead the NFL in sacks, while being a fantastic run defender at the same time. A huge difference maker could fall in Arizona's lap come day one of the draft.
4. Baltimore Ravens: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida (VIA: trade with Colts)
It's my first mock draft, so why not go big or go home. Lamar Jackson gets traded to Indianapolis while the Ravens replace him with a somewhat similar QB in Richardson. I'm not as high on Richardson as most people are but if Baltimore gets the 4th overall pick, and needs a QB, and Richardson is on the table… I don't think they'll pass on him. He fits their playbook, he'd do well in that offense, but he's still a project. The Ravens would also need to find a veteran to let Anthony learn behind before throwing him into the role of starter. This could be a great fit for Richardson and it'll be interesting to see his progress during the first few years of his NFL career.
5. Seattle Seahawks: Jalen Carter, IDL, Georgia
Interior Defensive Lineman is a big need for the Seattle Seahawks. When the draft process started and the Chicago Bears had the 1st overall pick, it didn't look like Carter would slip to Seattle, but things have changed. Carter gained nine pounds in two weeks and performed terribly in front of scouts, head coaches, and general managers. If Seattle chooses to draft him because of his tape, it wouldn't surprise me. If he can get right he could be the top player in the draft. He has the potential for sure.
6. Houston Texans: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech. (VIA trade with Lions)
The Detroit Lions are in a position where it would make sense for them to trade back for more picks. Houston has seemed to be aggressive this off-season and they seem like a good trade partner for Detroit. In this trade they would go up and get a home town star, Tyree Wilson. I'm not high on Wilson as an EDGE rusher, he's slow off the ball, and lacks pass rush moves. However, I think he will be moved to IDL and be very successful at that position. The experience at EDGE rusher though will be a bonus and will help with depth at the pass rush position. He could be a difference maker with his ability to stop the run and power his way to the QB. Wouldn't surprise me one bit if Houston trades up.
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Las Vegas doesn't really have a great Corner and their secondary isn't very strong so why not go and add one of the best players in the draft. I'm extremely high on Witherspoon and think he'll be a star in the NFL. Las Vegas is rebuilding and adding a star defensive player would be a great start for them. If not Witherspoon, I'd expect the Raiders to look to trade back and get some more picks and continue to build their roster.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
The Falcons know they have work to do on both sides of the ball. They are building a good offense but I don't believe they have a franchise QB on their roster. I don't think Atlanta will go QB in the first unless they trade up. I'm not at all high on Levis and I think Atlanta will pass on him. Smith-Njigba has incredible talent but can't stay healthy. If Atlanta can land him and he stays healthy, they could maybe have the steal of the draft. Smith-Njigba is a special talent and would continue to make the Falcons offense more and more dangerous.
9. Chicago Bears: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
The Chicago Bears had the worst record of any team in the NFL last year and had the number one pick. They traded that for a number of picks and WR D.J Moore. Now that Chicago sits at nine people don't really have to wonder if they'll take a QB. They need to bulk up their offensive line and protect Fields and now they've downgraded at RB too. Skoronski or Paris Johnson should be the pick.
10. Philadelphia Eagles: Calijah Kancey, IDL, Pittsburgh
I've been excited about Kancey since a few minutes into watching his tape. There truly hasn't been a pass rushing talent like him in the interior since Donald. He's a bit of a project though. He has flaws in the run game and could develop a few more pass rushing moves to help with his already raw talent. The Eagles are a great fit and I believe Kancey will be a star in the NFL.
11. Tennessee Titans: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
Zay Flowers stood out immediately when watching his film. He plays a lot like Deebo Samuel and he has elite level speed and elusiveness. He's my top WR in this class, even ahead of JSN. It's not a great fit when you look at it from Zay's perspective. The QB situation is rocky and I don't think Tennessee is where he would be able to show off his talents just because of the QB situation but it's a good fit for the Titans. Him lined up next to Treylon Burks could help open up that offense as well as Burks game.
12. Detroit Lions: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon. (VIA trade with Texans)
The Lions landing Gonzalez at 12 after trading back and getting more picks would be a steal. Gonzalez is extremely talented, he's got a good build, plays with a big motor and has great speed. Athleticism is off the charts for Gonzalez as well. Jeff Okudah could be gone next season and Emmanuel Mosley is only on a one year deal, so CB is still a need in this draft for Detroit.
13. Detroit Lions: Quentin Johnson, WR, TCU. (VIA trade with Jets)
(I made this choice before Marvin Jones Jr signed a one-year deal with Detroit, however, I still think that this is a possibility)
Brad Holmes is a draft wizard, and he's already shown everyone that he's willing to be aggressive. He traded up from 32 to 12 last season to draft Jameson Williams, now, with WR D.J Chark's absence, Detroit has a hole to fill at the position. Nobody would fit their offense better in this draft than Quentin Johnson. He's exactly who they need. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is great, but they have an elite slot WR already in Amon-Ra St. Brown. Zay Flowers and Jordan Addison are exciting to watch with their speed but they already have Jameson Williams to play that role. Johnson plays more like Chark and is a much different player than St. Brown and Williams. Adding him would be huge as Detroit had one of the best offenses in the league last season and they would continue to build that offense up and do great things. Trading up makes a lot of sense for two reasons: One, there are teams in front of them that would likely take Johnson, two, one of them is their division rival, the Green Bay Packers. The Jets are the perfect trade partner as their biggest need is offensive line help, they can land a tackle at 18, moving back and getting more picks makes way too much sense.
14. New England Patriots: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Everyone knows that the Pats are obsessed with making sure they have good TE's. It's only right if "baby gronk" is drafted by the Patriots. Mayer can be one of the best tight ends in the league, maybe even the best TE in the league once Kelce retires, he is that good. He plays just like Rob Gronkowski and New England would be a good fit because they love to make their TE's a key part of their offense.
15. Green Bay Packers: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
The Packers have to add a weapon for Jordan Love it they hope to keep up with teb Lions in the NFC North. They have chosen for years not to draft a WR in the first round, but I don't think they can just ignore it this time. It doesn't look like Rodgers will be a Packer any longer, they won't have a Hall of Fame QB to make up for their lack of talent offensively. Josh Downs is a fantastic player who can succeed in just about any role. He has great speed and athleticism, he's a good deep threat, and you can play him in the slot. This would be a really good addition even though I think Johnson would've been a slightly better fit. I'm higher on Downs than I am on Addison, so I'm gonna trust my gut and say Green Bay chooses the WR out of North Carolina.
16. Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Addison, WR, USC. (VIA trade with Commanders)
The Chargers need a Jordan Addison on their roster. They've had a deep threat, 6' 4" WR in Mike Williams, and veteran 6' 2" WR in Keenan Allen who isn't all that explosive throughout Justin Herbert's time there. What they haven't really had was a smaller, speedy, and electric player to help open up their offense. Landing a guy like Addison could help Herbert break through and be an even bigger star in the NFL. It could also help the Chargers take the next step as far as contention. I see them trading up to ensure that they can land Addison, but, if I'm wrong about the Titans picking Zay Flowers, that would also be a great fit for them.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State
Paris Johnson Jr had an incredible college career, he played 925 snaps in pass protection and allowed just ONE QB hit. He will be one of the top offensive tackles in this draft, Pittsburgh drafting him at 17 would be good value for them. The Steelers haven't had a very good O-Line and Johnson would make an impact on day one. They will likely in my opinion add to their offensive line or go cornerback with the 17th overall pick.
18. New York Jets: O'Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida. (VIA trade with Lions)
Nobody knows who will start week one for the Jets. I wouldn't be surprised if the Rodgers trade never happens. Whoever is playing QB though will need to be protected. The Jets need to upgrade their O-Line and Torrence would be a good start. I haven't watched tape on offensive lineman yet, but I have heard only good things about O'Cyrus.
19. Minnesota Vikings: Bryan Bresee, IDL, Clemson. (VIA trade with Buccaneers)
I have the Vikings moving up to get Breese because it's a positional need for them, and Bresee has been one of the top prospects in this draft since last season's draft ended. I think it'd be a good move for Minnesota to try and get better in the trenches.
20. Seattle Seahawks: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Back-to-Back Clemson University pass rushers go off the board here as Seattle doubles down on building in the trenches and strengthening their defensive line. Carter and Murphy would be a lethal pass rush duo. I'm extremely high on Myles Murphy and would almost be suprised if he fell this far. He's a big guy, who moves more like a linebacker than anything. He has incredible speed and athleticism off the edge and he has the potential to be a huge difference maker for whatever team he lands on.
(The Miami Dolphins had to forfeit the 21st overall pick for tampering with Tom Brady and Sean Payton following a six-month investigation stemming from Brian Flores' racial discrimination lawsuit against the league)
21. Washington Commanders: Joey Porter, CB, Penn State. (VIA trade with Chargers)
A lot of people will probably think that Will Levis would be chosen here, but I don't think he goes in the first round. Porter is a talented player in a draft that's stacked with good corners. I wasn't really sure where to go with this pick, but I chose Porter because CB is a need for them and I felt he was the right choice for this area of the draft when you look at the other needs they are looking to fill.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
With this pick, the Ravens continue to build up their defense after selecting their QB of the future with the 4th overall pick. Nolan Smith with Roquan Smith, David Ojabo, and Odafe Oweh would make for a really good group of pass rushers.
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
Kincaid has the perfect build for a tight end that will be used a lot as a weapon in the passing attack. He's not as well rounded as Michael Mayer but can be equally as productive in the right offense. The Bucs are in need of a threat at the TE position to open up their offense which has Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Russel Gage at WR.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa
The Jags spent a lot of money last off-season and it paid off with a playoff berth and a playoff victory. Their offense looks pretty good and I see an opportunity to pare Van Ness with last year's first overall pick Travon Walker. Van Ness is versatile and can play on the edge or inside. I think it would be a good fit and the Jags can work on getting a good pass rush going.
25. New York Giants: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
I genuinely don't understand why Simpson is so underrated. He has the complete package. He's quick enough, strong enough, and versatile enough to play on the edge while being an elite level LB at the same time. You can drop him in coverage or you can send him in on a blitz. He has great speed and gets a good jump off the snap. I've honestly never seen a linebacker prospect who can read a play as good as he can. He's gonna be a great pro and could be the steal of the draft. The Giants would be a good fit.
26. Dallas Cowboys: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
The Cowboys and Zeke Elliott have moved on, and while most Cowboys fans are looking forward to Tony Pollard being the starting running back, there may be some competition for him. If Bijan is still there I don't think there's any way Dallas passes on him.
27. Buffalo Bills: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
I'm not sure if Cam Smith will fall this far, but the Bills would sure love it if he would. This would be a great pick for the Bills as they look to continue to bulk up defensively. South Carolina has produced some great CB's over the past few years, and Cam Smith looks to be the next player out of SC to be drafted round one.
28. Cincinnati Bengals: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
Washington is such a sneaky good prospect. He's a physical monster and not very many people have been blessed with the athletic build that he has. He is 6' 7" tall but has good speed and his athleticism is off the charts. Washington is also one of the best blocking TE's in this draft. Darnell in the Bengals offense would be so exciting to watch.
29. New Orleans Saints: Steve Avila, G, TCU
I don't know a lot about Avila, and I haven't watched his tape yet, but guard is a big need for the Saints and I've heard good things about Avila. I wouldn't be surprised if Avila is the pick.
30. Philadelphia Eagles: Brian Branch, S, Alabama
The Eagles lost C.J Gardner-Johnson to the Lions in free agency, they will need to replace one of the best safeties in the NFL. Branch would be a great fit. He's extremely talented and would make a lot of sense for the Eagles at 30.
31. Kansas City Cheifs: Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State
In my previous two not so serious mocks on the PFF simulator I had B.J Ojulari being taken here... But Will McDonald's tape is just too impressive for me to not put him in this spot. He's a natural edge rusher and is very explosive. I'd definitely hate to be the offensive lineman who has to stop him from taking down the Quarterback.
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