Wild card weekend is over, so for 24 teams, it’s draft season!
Now that more of the draft order is beginning to get sorted, I’m going to start to incorporate trades in my draft. This draft has some big ones, including a trade featuring Deshaun Watson. The full list of trades will be at the bottom.
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!
Mock Draft
1. Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Just like last time, this doesn’t need any explanation.
2. Panthers (from Jets) – Justin Fields, QB, Clemson [TRADE]
Here’s the first big move! The Panthers give the #8 pick, the #39 pick, and their 2022 first rounder to trade up to get their QB of the future.
3. Dolphins (from Texans) – DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
I think the Dolphins will take a WR here. This time, I’m giving them Smith, who already has some rapport with Tua.
4. Falcons – Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
The Falcons really need a QB, and for a lot of people, there’s a clear top 3. I don’t really like Wilson, but he’s got the upside to be one of the best in the class.
5. Bengals – Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
Just like last time, this is the best case scenario for the Bengals. At #5, they still land the clear top tackle in the draft.
6. Eagles – Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
The Eagles went through some massive changes, but this pick doesn’t change. In fact, the commitment to Wentz makes this pick an even better pairing.
7. Lions – JaMarr Chase, WR, LSU
The Lions took Smith last time, but he’s not here. Luckily, they get Chase, who I think is the best WR in this draft.
8. Jets (from Panthers) – Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech [TRADE]
The Jets commit to Sam Darnold by trading down from #2. They grab more picks (3 firsts in 2022!), and get the top CB in this draft.
9. Colts (from Broncos) – Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State [TRADE]
Another huge trade! The Broncos miss out on the top CB, and instead of taking Surtain (who is still really good), they move back to #21 and pick up the Colts’ 2022 first. The Colts get the #71 pick and also get their possible franchise QB.
10. Cowboys – Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
The Cowboys need a pass rush, but they need CBs more. In this mock, Surtain is available at #10, and the Cowboys don’t hesitate.
11. Giants – Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami (FL)
This is one of my favorite pairings. The Giants love linemen, and Rousseau has the potential to be a top-tier pass rusher.
12. Patriots (from 49ers) – Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida [TRADE]
The 49ers miss out on Lance, so they decide to get a piece on their offensive line. They move back to #15 and pick up Joe Thuney, and the Patriots get an instant boost for their offense.
13. Chargers – Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
A new draft, but the same pick. In my opinion, Cosmi is the best tackle (besides Sewell), and the Chargers need to make sure Herbert stays protected.
14. Vikings – Kwity Paye, DL, Michigan
The Vikings get some help on an already good front seven. Paye is already a disruptive force, and he’ll only grow.
15. 49ers (from Patriots) – Wyatt Davis, OG, Ohio State [TRADE]
The 49ers come out of this first round with, maybe, the best guard tandem in the NFL. Quite the upgrade for this offensive line.
16. Cardinals – Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia
Ojulari is a top-two edge rusher in my opinion, and the Cardinals are one of the best fits for a rusher like him.
17. Raiders – Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
No big changes from the last mock draft here. JOK is still gonna be an instant upgrade for that Raiders defense.
18. Dolphins – Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
Alabama… but in the NFL. With Tua, Smith, and now Harris, this Dolphins offense could be electric.
19. Football Team – Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Washington needs a QB, and this pairing feels like a great one. Jones will try to be the future at the position.
20. Bears – Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
The verdict might be in: Mitch Trubisky isn’t the guy. However, there’s no good QB here, so the Bears should take a top-tier tackle.
21. Texans (from Colts via Broncos) – Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina [TRADE]
Deshaun on the move! The Broncos send this pick, their 2022 first rounder, the Colts’ 2022 first rounder, and Drew Lock to the Texans for Deshaun Watson. Here, the Texans take a really good CB in Horn.
22. Titans – Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas
The Titans have one HUGE need: pass rush. Ossai is a guy who’s gonna get after the QB, which is what they really need in Nashville.
23. Jets (from Seahawks) – Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
Rondale Moore is one of my favorite WRs, and the Jets take him to get Sam Darnold some more weapons.
24. Steelers – Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
Yikes. That was not a great showing from Pittsburgh, but on the bright side, they’re now in a spot to get a stalwart on the line in Slater.
25. Jaguars (from Rams) – Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
A small run on tackles here. The Jags just got Trevor Lawrence, and now, they get Leatherwood to protect him.
26. Packers (from Browns) – Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota [TRADE]
In a complete reversal from 2020, the Packers actually move up for a WR. They give up the #94 pick to take Bateman, who’s been slightly forgotten but is still a stud.
27. Buccaneers – Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Godwin’s gonna be a free agent, and this offense needs to keep humming. By plugging in Waddle, they won’t miss a beat.
28. Ravens – Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami (FL)
The Ravens have an amazing defense, and by adding Phillips, they become nearly perfect on the defense.
29. Saints – Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
Just like the Ravens, the Saints could make a great defense perfect with the addition of a guy like Collins.
30. Bills – Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
Josh Allen is a STUD. Now, the Bills have to make a lethal offense even stronger with a stud on the offensive line.
31. Browns (from Packers) – Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State
The Browns are looking to stockpile talent. They pick up a day 2 pick to move down and still select a great CB.
32. Chiefs – Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG, USC
The Chiefs could use something on their offensive line, and this move just makes them even more unstoppable.
List of Trades
Jets receive: #8 pick, #39 pick, 2022 CAR 1st; Panthers receive: #2 pick
Broncos receive: #21 pick, 2022 IND 1st; Colts receive: #9 pick, #71 pick
49ers receive: #15 pick, OG Joe Thuney; Patriots receive: #12 pick
Texans receive: #21 pick, 2022 DEN 1st, 2022 IND 1st, QB Drew Lock; Broncos receive: QB Deshaun Watson
Browns receive: #31 pick, #94 pick; Packers receive: #26 pick
