Hello Draft Compass Fans! Time for the annual Should Pick and Will Pick Mock Draft 1 of 2022.
Per usually, I will assert my not so humble opinions on what each team should do and what they will do (many times against my recommendation should they call me on draft day). No trades for this mock draft but I will be stunned if there is not at least one trade in the top five. Additionally, I added some thoughts on the teams that do not have a first round pick as well. Have fun and please feel free to comment!
1. Jaguars – Needs: Just about everything but QB and RB but the Jaguars have a stronger roster than most teams that have been in this position.
Thoughts: Unfortunately, this is one of those drafts where the separation between pick 1 and 5 may not be that large. There is no doubt that the Jaguars should trade out of this spot because they have a lot of holes. But no trades for this mock draft and they can get a player that can be the heart of the team.
Should Pick: Aiden Hutchinson, Edge Rusher, Michigan – I have Hutchinson and Thibodoeaux neck and neck as they both bring different things to the table. In the end, Hutchinson is more of an effort type and Thibodeaux is more the finesse type. The Jaguars already have that in Josh Allen so having a variety of skillsets helps. Furthermore, you know what you have in Hutchinson game in and game out and the Jags need that type of consistency.
Will Pick: Same – but there is a part of me that thinks that there may be a surprise pick here such as Hamilton (yes I know, ridiculous) or Ekwonu
2. Lions – Needs: Edge, QB, S, DB
Thoughts: The Lions have some versatility with this pick so it is really going to be a guts moment when they are on the clock—do you overdraft a QB here or go for the best player available regardless of position?
Should Pick: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge Rusher, Oregon – Ideally, they were hoping for Hutchinson but as I said, Thibodeaux and Hutchinson are neck and neck for me. Despite other players rising up the ranks, this is the right player here for the Lions. Thibodeaux’s skills are off the charts but he does need some coach for sure so a shred of bust factor here. That being said, he is not Dion Jordan, he has moves and counter-moves, and is only partially relying on being a great athlete.
Will Pick: Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina – I know I am going out on a limb here quite a bit and I was all ready to push the button on Malik Willis but my gut told me, “André Stop”. I really hope I am wrong here but I am not confident in the Lions making the right move. The Lions will realize that this is overdrafting but he may not be there at 32. Maybe it is because he is a little more refined than Willis or maybe it is because he virtually the same size as the QB Coach, I am not sure. I just have a feeling that this is their QB and Howell is going to be a riser. This is a fear based move and the Lions will figure they can start to supplement the team in later rounds. Obviously, if they are going this route they will be trading down a few spots if they can.
3. Texans – Needs: Edge, DB, WR, RB, LB, DT
Thoughts: The biggest surprise from last year is that Davis Mills looked like he belonged in the first round. So the Texans can start to build the team around him now. With that, they really could go in any direction which tells me, best player available.
Should Pick: Travon Walker, DL, Georgia – Walker is the most Lovie Smith of Lovie Smith type players in this draft. While the Texans have some solid pieces on the Defensive Line, Walker can be that prototype Up Tackle. He can move around and really play any position on the line.
Will Pick: Same – I think this pick is perfect for Smith, there is nobody in the draft with these specific traits that fit the system so well.
4. Jets – WR, LB, DB, OL, Edge
Thoughts: Something that is quite interesting to me is that the Jets would not put a first round pick on the table for Tyreek Hill. That tells me that there are at least two players that they are in love with. But who? Based on their needs it could be almost any position.
Should Pick: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State – This was a tough call for me as I like a few different players and positions for the Jets here. With the top 4 OT there are frustrating moments in their tape and hints of great play. Cross seems to suffer from waiting for the DL so he needs to be slightly more aggressive but the rest of the tools are there and there are less holes in his game. I wish I had tape of all of the top OT against Georgia for comparison.
Will Pick: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge Rusher, Oregon – While there are greater needs elsewhere, Thibodeaux is going to be just too talented to pass up at this point. He can add another dimension to the defense to take pressure off of Zach Wilson on offense. Besides, they have another shot at 10 to focus on true needs.
5. Giants – OL, Edge, LB, DB
Thoughts: The Giants have some work to do on the offensive line but have good enough tackles that they can forgo using a high pick on one. The top two edge rushers are special so beyond them there is not a worthwile player so they really are down to one or two players.
Should Pick: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State – Ekownu’s tape is full of violent mean plays and iffy plays. He reminds me a bit of Mekhi Becton when he came out of college, though he clearly does not have that same ceiling. But there is clear talent there. I think he starts at G and then pushes one of the other two tackles inside in a year or two after he gets some coaching and corrects some overaggressive plays. Daniel Jones needs to get some protection right away and Ekwonu solves that immediately.
Will Pick: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame – Hamilton is not a game changer and is not really worthy of this spot per se. However, he reads the field well and will take a leadership role on the defense. This is an AJ Hawk type of situation (who was also picked in this spot) in the sense that when Hamilton ends his career some will question if he was worth it because he was not flashy but in the end he should start and be solid for a number of years. The Giants need somebody like that on their defense right now.
6. Panthers – Needs: QB and LB
Thoughts: Looking down this roster it is hard to figure out how this team has not been more successful. They have a ton of very good players and a few stars, yet, they stunk. That typically is a coaching issue. So loading up on potential talent now is key.
Should Pick: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh – If you focus on hand size and practice, there are better QBs in this draft. If you watch when the lights come on and it is live action then Pickett is the best QB in this draft without question. Last I checked, that was actually the most important trait in a QB. I see a guy with the right temperament and decision making skills in Pickett. He is not worthy of this spot but he is worthy of a 1stround pick. Panthers need an answer and he looks to be the only one in this draft.
Will Pick: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty – There are a lot of QBs I want to like in this draft but I see all of them as having one part that is exceptional and the rest of the parts do not add up. Maybe I put too much value in the Senior Bowl but to me it is a levelling ground for guys like Willis to show that caliber of competition is not what makes them successful. Watch that game and you will look at Willis as a 4th rounder not a 1st. On the other hand, he may not have pressure to start right away so maybe he can work on his skills for a few years?
7. Giants – OL, Edge, LB, DB
Thoughts: Swinging back around, the Giants can address another major need here and get a player that could have been picked with their last pick.
Should Pick: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati – Cornerback may not be the biggest need here but it is a need. Gardner has the skills of a lot of the high end cornerback ins past drafts but maybe not the elite ones. However, watch him in the Cotton Bowl and you see something very rare for a Cornerback: he fights through blocks to make hits and he takes on bigger guys. That is a rare trait for a CB and something that will be appreciated in New York.
Will Pick: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State – In this scenario they win out by getting the same player I felt they should pick with their first pick. This will be a great pick here whether he plays guard or tackle.
8. Falcons – WR, OL, DL, DB
Thoughts: The Falcons are a mess and I am not sure that they are expecting to win much this year (I know that no team wants to project a rebuild year). Calvin Ridley really let them down and there is not much behind him so WR has to be a priority here even with Pitts essentially playing a WR role, but there are holes elsewhere as well.
Should Pick: Kyle Hamilton, S, Noter Dame – While the Falcons need to fill vacancies at WR, they can spend multiple picks later. Hamilton offers consistency and you know what you have in him at a position of some need.
Will Pick: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State – The great debate when you have two top WRs from the same school is if they are both good or just a product of each other. In this case, I like both and I think teams will have Wilson rated higher. I am not buying into teams liking Drake London. If this was closer to the middle of the first, I think they would also consider Jameson Williams too (rebuilding mode). Wilson offers the most immediate return and I think they will pull the trigger.
9. Seahawks – QB, ED, OL, CB
Thoughts: I think Pete Carroll thinks he can win with Drew Lock and maybe he can, though I doubt it. Some will depend on if they decide to keep Metcalf and Lockett which they really should. If he fails, you can nab a better QB next year and if he turns out okay then they can go with him past this year. The Seahawks have been very bad with their first round picks so they need to just go with the best player instead of trying to outsmart other teams. Two of their greatest needs have been their greatest needs almost every year for the last half dozen years or so: Edge and OL.
Should Pick: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama – Go with me on this and if you are a Seattle fan, I am truly sorry. But, Seahawks know they will not get DK Metcalf back after this season so they ride it out. Franchise tag him next year and trade him away to somebody that is willing to pay him for a first round pick. Next year they go in with three first round picks then and a healthy Williams and grab their QB, Edge, and OT all in one fell swoop.
Will Pick: Derek Stingley Jr, CB, LSU – It would definitely be hard to argue that talent wise, Stingley is the best cover corner in this draft. However, his health is a major concern. Still, almost every top WR that has faced him has said he is the best CB they have faced and that says a lot. The Seahawks gamble on greatness sometimes and this may be the best one they could gamble on. I have a feeling that his injuries are just fluke and this turns out to be a steal.
10. Jets – WR, LB, DB, OL, Edge
Thoughts: In both scenarios Zach Wilson did not receive a weapon that he deserves with the first pick so that has got to be a major consideration here.
Should Pick: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State – I was making a strong case for Treylon Burks in this spot but there is a voice in my head wondering about a few of his games against tough opponents where he did not show up. Wilson offers a safer pick here and you know what you will have with him and his attention to details on routes.
Will Pick: Drake London, WR, USC – Receivers from USC always feel like a hard sell to me. London does catch the ball with his hands very well and runs his routes and such but he looks too stiff and slow to me. The good part here is that he can be a possession receiver with other speedy options on the team. Still, this seems like there may be better WRs in this draft.
11. Commanders – Needs: OT,LB, S, CB
Thoughts: The Commanders made their opinion quite clear on the QBs in this draft by trading for Carson Wentz. The next step is to make sure he is protected so he can get the ball out to all of his playmakers. This need is compounded by the loss of Scherff. The back 7 of the defense could also use some reinforcements so there is definitely some thoughts there as well.
Should Pick: Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan – Raimann is still a bit raw but when I watch him play, I see a true LT and he has learning to do due to his inexperience. A coach can work with that over bad habits that have been engrained. While this is slightly high for him, it will pay off down the road. There is a part of me that thinks he may turn into the best LT in this class but there will be some bumps in the road.
Will Pick: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati – The Commanders secondary is getting a little long in the tooth and lacks a top playmaker so taking Sauce here makes a lot of sense. He also has no right to still be available here. There should be some consideration to sliding one of their other CBs over to Safety and get the best group on the field at once. Still, you have to wonder how that offensive line is going to hold up.
12. Vikings – Needs: OL, Edge, DT, CB
Thoughts: The Vikings continue to be all in with Kirk Cousins and I am not going to argue either way. This is an interesting coaching staff so it is going to be hard to project exactly what they feel is important. Vikings could use some juice at most positions so this allows for being open to whatever falls their way.
Should Pick: Derek Stingley Jr, CB LSU – If not for some unfortunate injuries, Stingley would be a top five pick. But who knows what you have with him now. At his best, he was shutting down some of the best college WRs so him being available here offers a boom or bust shot. I would take the shot without hesitation here.
Will Pick: Jordan Davis DT, Georgia, - Davis is going to be an interesting player to watch. He likely will need to drop just a little bit of weight to maximize his potential but having a massive space eater who also can rush the passer could bode very well for a lot of the players on the defense. Similar to the Should Pick scenario, you go with the best player even if there is a slight gamble with it.
13. Texans – Needs: DB, WR, RB, LB, Edge,
Thoughts: After taking a versatile DL with their first pick, they can start to turn their attention elsewhere at this point.
Should Pick: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah – Lloyd is a versatile LB that can move into any spot but it probably best suited for a roaming MLB. If the Texans go this route their defense will be infused with two very intriguing talents. While Lloyd is not flashy he is so well rounded that he should ease some of the pressure off the young QB and they can get some help for him later in the draft.
Will Pick: Same – Just as their first pick, this would be tough one to argue as the combination could set their defense up for success for years to come.
14. Ravens – DE, Edge, RB
Thoughts: Again this is too talented of a team to be picking quite this low territory. There are a lot of things to like with this roster but a few holes that can be filled. A little more juice in the pass-rush department could be useful.
Should Pick: Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia – There may be Haloti Ngata’s dancing in my head here but Davis looks like a perfect fit for the Ravens defense with his massive size and athleticism. They could use somebody to take the pressure off their MLBs and Edge rushers.
Will Pick: George Karlaftis Edge Rusher, Purdue – Over the years, the Ravens have been so good at picking guys like Karlaftis and maximizing their talent. While on the surface he looks to be more of a 4-3 type, the Ravens will use him as their brute OLB. I am not as high on Karlaftis as many as he looks too undisciplined in the way he plays and seems to rely on his athleticism a little too much. Still, among teams in the NFL there seems like no better fit than the Ravens.
15. Eagles – Needs: DT, LB, CB
Thoughts: One thing is for sure, if the Eagles keep all three picks it is going to be fun for sure but I think it is likely one pick gets traded. Bringing back Fletcher Cox for one last ride into the sunset has me thinking that they intend to bring in an understudy to pair with him but we shall see. They also could use both a LB and a CB.
Should Pick: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia – Wyatt’s physical skill set lends itself well to the Eagles and probably to most teams. While he is not elite just yet, he has elite traits, and Fletcher Cox gets to show him the ropes. First year he is rotational but by the second year he will be a top well-rounded DT.
Will Pick: Same – Wyatt is too good to fall any further and the fit is excellent.
16. Eagles – LB, CB
Thoughts: No change obviously since these picks are back to back.
Should Pick: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia – The two biggest needs on the Eagles will keep two teammates together because they happen to be the best players in their respective positions at this point. Dean could theoretically play inside or outside in this scheme so the coaches will figure that part out (as I wrote this Kyzir White was signed so they will figure who goes where). Regardless of which spot he lands in, he will be active and help this team a lot.
Will Pick: Same – Dean is a great fit here
17. Chargers – OT, DL
Thoughts: The Chargers have stacked themselves with the back 8 on defense but could use help in front but the Eagles have snagged the last DT that is worth a first round pick so the focus falls to the other side of the ball.
Should Pick: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa – Penning is not without plenty of flaws but they are correctible ones. They Chargers can use a RT and Penning figures to be a solid one long term. Still, some of his tape shows some whiffs that are pretty concerning so you have to really coach him up.
Will Pick: Charles Cross, T, Mississippi – This is a bit of a tumble for Cross because he has some flaws but they are not all that bad and he can play RT or LT in the NFL. He will settle in nice on the right side with Slater firmly entrenched on the left.
18. Saints – WR, QB, DT
Thoughts: The Saints have been living on borrowed time at QB since last year. Winston will never be elite but could hold down the fort. They also are very light on WRs so there should be some serious thought there as well.
Should Pick: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State – Without the right QB being here, the Saints play the waiting game at QB. Olave is one that tears me a little as the first game tape I saw he was looking at little lazy in some of his play but then other tape he looked just fine. The debate on if he looked good due to playing opposite another great WR would be moot if the Saints nab him here. Additionally, what a perfect compliment to Michael Thomas.
Will Pick: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pitt – Back in 2001, most of the NFL misjudged just how good Drew Brees was in college and how he projects to the NFL and he fell to the second round. They made the same mistake with him again in 2006 but the Saints knew better. Now I am not saying Pickett is Drew Brees by any stretch of the imagination. However, watch the guy play and you know he is a winner, just like Brees was coming out of college. The Saints are going to be laughing all the way home after snagging Pickett here. They can worry about supplementing WR later.
19. Eagles – Needs: CB, WR
Thoughts: This feels like a prime position to trade down or out for a pick next year. However, the Eagles could just keep going and grabbing difference makers.
Should Pick: George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue – The Eagles could use an infusion of young talent at DE and Karlaftis is one that needs some time to refine his technique without the pressure of producing right away. If they pull off all three defensive players in this scenario then they will have an amazing set of young talented players oozing with talent for years to come.
Will Pick: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama – Knowing that they improved their team right away with their first two picks allows for the luxury of taking somebody they need to be patient with as he recovers from an injury. These days, the odds are with Williams that he will be just fine after healing up. The Eagles come in next year with a slightly more refined rookie as he learns the mental aspects of the game and their system. Williams will be a dynamic teammate with Smith moving forward.
20. Steelers – Needs: OT, CB, WR
Thoughts: The Steelers secured their back-up plan with signing Trubiski and there are worse plans out there in recent years. Losing out on Pickett is a blow but one they can sustain and focus elsewhere.
Should Pick: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas – I keep trying to convince myself otherwise, but I think Burks turns out to be the best WR in this draft. I have concern not with his combine, but rather with some inconsistent production. However, watching him play leads me to believe that he is the real deal. Steelers have other needs but those would all be reaches at this point if you ask me.
Will Pick: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama – Neal looks like he can handle himself but my god, I have no idea how he does with that technique. There are a lot of instances of waist bending and reaching on his tape. If that bad habit gets corrected then he is going to be very good and this turns out to be a great pick. If not, smart edge rushers will eat him alive.
21. Patriots – WR, Edge, LB, CB
Thoughts: The Patriots need to consider what is going to help their young QB the most in this instance. There are also some holes on the defense that could be patched up but they seem to find those guys later in the draft.
Should Pick: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa – While there are a lot of directions they could go here and they do not inherently need a Center, you know that Linderbaum will be well disciplined and should be able to play Guard for his first few seasons before taking over as the starting Center. Nothing helps a young QB like having time to throw so building the OL should help and a WR can come later.
Will Pick: Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan – A mild surprise rise for Moore surfaces here. Moore is the everything the Patriots want in a quick slot WR and he will make it easy for Jones to get some quick catches and run after the catch yards.
22. Packers – WR, ILB, TE, OL
Thoughts: The Packers need a few WR and this is a draft full of very good ones so they can take their pick of a few. They could also use a TE and a young linebacker. They seem comfortable enough with their Offensive Line but could use a T in there too.
Should Pick: Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan – With the well drying up a bit in this scenario, Moore becomes the next in line of WRs I really love coming out of this draft. His quickness and smarts should be reminiscent of another W. Michigan WR that played for the Packers minus the head scratching attitude.
Will Pick: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas – Packers lick their chops at Burks falling to this spot. The comparison to Davante Adams is probably unfair to a point. With that said, he is one of those types of players that his testing and his tape tell two different stories. This is a major win if the Packers can get him here.
23. Cardinals – Edge, OL, CB, DL, WR
Thoughts: The Cardinals need to replace Chandler Jones and the backups are not great. They have an okay Offensive Line but they could get stronger. There are a lot of those areas throughout the roster so the Cardinals do not need to reach for anybody.
Should Pick: Jermaine Johnson II, Edge Rusher, Florida State – Johnson has a boatload of talent but his moves are not particularly diverse. Watch his tape and most of the time it is a punch or a bullrush and using his athleticism over technique. That needs to be upgraded big time but if it does, this turns into a pick that is a steal.
Will Pick: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa – Foregoing the need at skill positions on offense and defense the Cardinals take the best interior lineman in the draft and one that will lead the line for the next decade. Not a sexy pick at all but it is the right pick here.
24. Cowboys – Needs: OL, Edge Rusher, CB
Thoughts: The Cowboys lost two pretty big pieces to free agency in Randy Gregory (good riddance because his hang up was that he would lose money if he got in trouble) and La’ell Collins. Both positions need to be addressed so this is going to boil down to what type of gamble they are willing to make.
Should Pick: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama – This feels about right with where he should go. As I said earlier, that bending at the waist and reaching is concerning but fixable so it is going to take a strong coaching staff. The good news is that for right now the Cowboys need a RT so Neal can adjust. Still a gamble but probably a worthwhile one.
Will Pick: Jermaine Johnson II, Edge Rusher, Florida State – Again, this is a guy with some flaws that could be corrected but this area feels about right for him and he is a better gamble than Ojabo at this point in the draft.
25. Bills – Needs: CB, DT, WR
Thoughts: The Bills have a pretty solid team but need complimentary players at both Cornerback and WR and need to find somebody to play DT.
Should Pick: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington – McDuffie is a good CB but not an elite one exactly. I am not even sure if he will end up being the top CB from Washington this year but he will go first. This is a need decision more than anything else and should help them solidify their secondary.
Will Pick: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State – Foregoing their two greatest needs they go for the best player available that can help them. A really good pick at this point.
26. Titans – Needs: OL, Edge, S
Thoughts: The Titans need to bring in strong offensive lineman to fill some gaps along with some help in the front 7 with pass rushers. This boils down to playing it safe or taking chances on a few risky players.
Should Pick: Zion Johnson, G, Boston College – The Titans begin to rebuild their offensive line with a nasty Guard in Zion Johnson. They could take a chance on Ojabo but they really need to go with the smarter move here.
Will Pick: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa – Penning is another nasty offensive lineman but he is a likely tackle in the NFL. Again, he has some whiffs but those are correctible and his ceiling is immense.
27. Buccaneers – Needs: G, Edge, DL
Thoughts: The retirement of Ali Marpet leaves a major hole on the Offensive Line that will need to be addressed early. They could also turn their attention to a few other areas where they need some younger guys in the wing and depth pieces.
Should Pick: David Ojabo, Edge, Michigan – Ojabo is an interesting situation as he is injured and needs some seasoning but his talent is clear. The Buccaneers can be patient with him and teach him some of his fundamentals while he heals up and come back strong next year. It’s a gamble on greatness but the Buccaneers do not seem to shy away from that.
Will Pick: Same – This pick makes a lot of sense for a team that is stacked and can be patient.
28. Packers - WR, ILB, TE, OL
Thoughts: Even with taking a WR already, that should not stop the Packers from dipping into that bin again if the right player is there. This boils down to the best player at an area of immediate or long term need.
Should Pick: Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State – Sure, there are other guys available here but with getting Skyy Moore earlier, they should focus on a tall deep threat for Aaron and beyond. Watson is one of my favorite players in this draft and Gutekunst has never hesitated to go after his guy so why not here. TE, ILB, and OL come later.
Will Pick: Same – Though if Skyy Moore was still available, it would be a very tough call.
29. Chiefs – Needs: WR, S ,CB , DL/Edge
Thoughts: The Chiefs were smart enough not to paint themselves into a corner and signed Ju-Ju and Maqueze Valdes-Scantling to soften the blow of losing Tyreek Hill. So no need to reach for a WR here unless the one they like is there.
Should Pick: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia – Cine is going to fit in well with the attitude of the Chiefs defense. They need a playmaker who is rugged and Cine fits that bill for sure.
Will Pick: Same – No need to change something that makes perfect sense here.
30. Chiefs – WR, CB , DL/Edge
Thoughts: After taking a safety with their last pick they can exhale for just a second and then nab the next guy on their board.
Should Pick: Boye Mafe Edge, Minnesota – Frank Clark always feels like a ticking time bomb so grabbing a pass-rusher who has perhaps not scratched the surface of his talent is a good move.
Will Pick: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington – Letting McDuffie fall into their lap and forgoing WR is a good plan here. I am still not totally sold on McDuffie but he should at the very least be a reliable player that will give it his all.
31. Bengals – CB, OL, LB
Thoughts: The Bengals were impressive last year but we need to call it like it is, they overachieved just a little bit and were exposed in the Superbowl. Still, there is so much to like on this young team so no need to reach for somebody but they do have some areas to fix.
Should Pick: Jalen Pitre, CB, Baylor – There are some pretty concerning holes in some of the CBs available here. It might be too early for a few of the Gs and LBs so go with somebody that plays hard and you know you can rely on with Pitre here.
Will Pick: Zion Johnson, G, Boston College – Johnson being here is an absolute gift for the Bengals who need a gritty and gruff G to solidify their line. Excellent pick here if it falls this way.
32. Lions – QB/Edge depending on the scenario, DB, and really virtually everything
Should Pick: Matt Corral QB, Mississippi – Having taken the Edge Rusher at the top they should turn their focus on QB here. While Corral is not my favorite QB, he is probably the one to take a chance on and secure that fifth year option. Corral plays spastic to me and needs to slow himself down significantly. The Lions have Goff to keep the reins right now while they work with Corral and mold him into the QB he should be. The talent and accuracy are there so its worth taking a chance.
Will Pick: Boye Mafe, Edge, Minnesota – After the reach at QB in the first round the Lions need to nail this pick. There should be strong consideration for Jalen Pitre here but the Lions are going to give Okudah one last shot and try to help out with a pure pass-rusher.
Quick thoughts on teams that do not have a 1st round pick:
Colts (42) – The Colts are hedging that a change of scenery and more support will help revive Matt Ryan and I am with them. There is no need to go after a QB early as they can get one in the next few drafts. Targeting the best OT available would be prudent.
Browns (44) – The Browns are all in on Deshaun Watson and Amari Cooper. If Watson does in fact stay out of trouble he has the ability for greatness but that is an incredibly hefty price to pay. While they got Cooper cheap, when did he ever make his team a better team? Browns should focus on a deep WR class to help Watson out.
49ers (61) – The 49ers are in the best shape of the teams in this group. One area to address for sure is getting versatile Running Backs as they have lost a few good ones these last few years. Strengthening the middle of their OL would help a bit too.
Raiders (86) – The problem with the Raiders is not going to be the talent on their team but the fact that their coach is really not good. I have no idea how anybody would bother with him and his attitude (eg “I am only going to interview with you if you are going to hire me”) when he was so terrible with the Broncos. Hey, why was there a sudden drop in the teams performance mid-season again? That said, their focus really needs to be on CB and LB when they get to their first pick. There should be some interesting ones that can help at that point.
Dolphins (102) – The Tyreek Hill trade and contract is going to seriously haunt them for a long time. The Dolphins have far too many holes to go all in on one player that is not a QB. When the Dolphins are on the clock, they need to focus on offensive line, getting in a little more pass-rush, CB.
Rams (104) – The Rams are probably the most volatile team in the NFL. They have been pushing off their future and constantly trading picks for players. Things may blow up sooner rather than later. There is a big hole on that offensive line so finding somebody to fill that gap is top priority. Depth across the board in general as well.
That is wrap for this round. No promises but I will try to do another one.
Future Features as always: Packers Picks and Bears Picks. The Original André and Chris Live Mock draft.
