The regular season is over, so for 18 teams, it’s draft season!
The top 18 picks are locked into place, so it’s time for me to release my first mock draft! There are no trades in this mock draft; it’s just a simple showcase of who I think every team would take at their spot.
This mock draft is a mix of who I would draft and who I think is going to be drafted.
If you want to yell at me, reach out on Instagram at @fanmusings!
1. Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
This doesn’t need any explanation.
2. Jets – Justin Fields, QB, Clemson
The Jets will most likely trade down, but if they stay, I don’t think they can pass up on the clear second best QB.
3. Dolphins (from Texans) – Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
The Dolphins had a really good season this year… on defense. They need to fix that offense, and Ja’Marr Chase could be an instant star.
4. Falcons – Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
Full disclosure: I don’t really like Zach Wilson. However, a lot of teams seem to like him, so he’ll probably go in the top 5.
5. Bengals – Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
This is the best case scenario for the Bengals. They get wins to boost morale, and they still land the clear top tackle in the draft.
6. Eagles – Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
The Eagles don’t look good, but some of it can be charged to injuries. Drafting a top-tier prospect like Parsons would do wonders for their defense.
7. Lions – DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones are free agents, so the Lions might be left with… Quintez Cephus? If Smith is available here, this feels like a lock.
8. Panthers – Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
The Panthers defense was not good at all last year. If one of the top 3 QBs is here, the Panthers might take him. If not, they take Farley, who I think is the top corner in the draft.
9. Broncos – Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
The Broncos really don’t have any depth at CB, and Patrick Surtain II looks to be a guy who could fill in from day 1.
10. Cowboys – Kwity Paye, DL, Michigan
The Cowboys best pass rusher was Aldon Smith… yikes. Kwity Paye looks to be a force on the inside, and the Cowboys could definitely use that.
11. Giants – Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami (FL)
Another year, another lineman for the Giants. This one’s a good pick though; Rousseau was incredible when he played.
12. 49ers – Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
This might be my favorite pairing so far. Kyle Shanahan would love to work with a talented QB like Lance.
13. Chargers – Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
Good job, Chargers; Justin Herbert looks like the real deal. Now, you gotta protect him with a good tackle like Cosmi.
14. Vikings – Wyatt Davis, OG, Ohio State
This might be high for an interior lineman, but Davis is a special talent. The Vikings need a lot of help on the interior of their offensive line.
15. Patriots – Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
Look out, NFL. If Belichick gets a guy like Pitts, the Patriots offense might jump up a couple of notches.
16. Cardinals – Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia
I’m a lot higher on Ojulari than most, but I think the Cardinals could use him to bolster their pass rush.
17. Raiders – Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
That Raiders defense is awful. Getting a guy like JOK would absolutely instantly upgrade that defense.
18. Dolphins – Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
This Dolphins offense is gonna be fun. Pairing Chase and Moore would give Tua no excuse to fail.
19. Football Team – Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Washington needs a QB; there’s no way around it. At this point, they should take a risk on Jones and see what he becomes.
20. Bears – Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
Is Mitch Trubisky the guy? The Bears don’t know, but they need to protect him if they wanna make an informed decision.
21. Jaguars (from Rams) – Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
The absolute worst case scenario is if Trevor Lawrence gets injured. They need to draft a tackle to ensure that doesn’t happen.
22. Colts – Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
T.Y. Hilton wasn’t good this year, and this is a great WR class. The Colts take a chance on Waddle.
23. Browns – Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
The Browns need a CB opposite Denzel Ward, and Horn is incredibly good value this last in the first round.
24. Titans – Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas
The Titans NEED pass rush help, and Ossai is a guy who could be an instant-impact rusher while also developing into a star.
25. Buccaneers – Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
Godwin’s a free agent this year, so the Buccaneers might look to reload at WR. Bateman could be the best receiver in this draft.
26. Ravens – Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Olave balled out in the Sugar Bowl, and I think he’ll shoot up draft boards during the pre-draft process.
27. Jets (via Seahawks) – Alex Leatherwood, OT, Ohio State
Just like the Jaguars, the Jets need to protect their rookie QB. That’s where the proven Leatherwood comes in.
28. Steelers – Levi Onwuzurike, DL, Washington
The Steelers defense is great, but there’s a slight weakness on the defensive line. Onwuzurike immediately fixes that need.
29. Saints – Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
The Saints defense is good, but it could become great with the addition of a young linebacker like Collins.
30. Bills – Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama
Dylan Moses could’ve been a top 10 pick if he didn’t get injured. I think this is incredible value, and the rich just get richer.
31. Packers – Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
Davante Adams and… nobody else. The Packers need receiver help, and Toney is a guy who could help them immensely.
32. Chiefs – Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame
The Chiefs don’t have a lot of pressing needs, and drafting a guy like Eichenberg gives them the ability to strengthen their offense even more.
