With Week 1 of the college season in the books, there have definitely been some shake-ups with risers and fallers throughout this draft. As always, the draft is more about slotting players and possibilities than addressing team needs (the NFL season hasn’t even started yet! We don’t know team needs). Take a look at this mock draft and feel free to post your feedback on the Draft Countdown Forum.
See Rounds 4-7
Round 1-3
| Pick | Team | Player | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Houston Texans | Spencer Rattler QB/Oklahoma | Rattler had some struggles Week 1 against Tulane, but he still sits atop the mock draft for now. He will need to improve his consistency and decision making ultimately, but in a weak QB class, it is difficult to find someone with his upside. Assuming Deshaun Watson is off the Texans and they have the #1 overall, Rattler is the pick. Taking Davis Mills in the 3rd round this past year won't stop that. |
| 2 | Detroit Lions | Sam Howell QB/North Carolina | Howell also struggled against Virginia Tech while constantly under pressure. Without his top 4 weapons, he will need to create more offensive opportunities than he did Week 1 if he wants to be a 1st round pick let along a Top 2 pick, but he stays here for now. But, if no other QB emerges as a first round option, he should be propped up enough to be highly considered by QB needy teams like the Lions. |
| 3 | Cincinnati Bengals | Kayvon Thibodeaux EDGE/Oregon | Thibodeaux is the best player in the 2022 class and it may not even be close. An elite pass rusher from the time he stepped onto a college field, Thibodeaux is a Myles Garrett type of gamechanger who has to be accounted or on every play. An Edge rusher isn't the Bengals biggest need, but it is tough to pass on a player of Thibodeaux's caliber no matter the team. Similar to Washington taking Chase Young a few years ago, this is a best player available pick. |
| 4 | New York Jets | Derek Stingley Jr. CB/LSU | Stingley is the next in a long line of LSU defensive backs who will make an NFL impact. His freshman year was phenominal, helping the Tigers win a National Title. While last season had some ups and downs, the size, speed, and overall physical talents are there for a lockdown NFL corner. When his motor is hot, there aren't many better in college football at covering a WR. |
| 5 | Jacksonville Jaguars | Evan Neal OT/Alabama | Neal is an absolute monster who can dominate in the run and pass game. At his size and athleticism, there has been very little defenders could do to get around or through him. Though some may question Neal playing on such a good offensive line, he seems to be the cog that keeps it running. He would protect Trevor Lawrence's blindside for years to come. |
| 6 | Philadelphia Eagles | Kyle Hamilton S/Notre Dame | Hamilton's blend of size and speed allows him to do it all. Cover receivers, tight ends and RB? Check. Make tackles behind the line of scrimmage? Check. Make big interceptions and turn into a runner on the return? Check. He would help remake the Eagles defense into a much better unit. |
| 7 | Atlanta Falcons | Demarvin Leal DL/Texas A&M | Leal is a line wrecker who will blow up blocking schemes himself to ruin offensive gameplans. Getting a big body who can move like Leal is rare, and the fact that he adjusts his game to his opponents is truly scary. He can not only add to stopping the run but bringing pass rush to the team that drafts him. The Falcons can definitely use more of a push up the middle or the edge, and Leal could be a unique playmaker for them. |
| 8 | Las Vegas Raiders | George Karlaftis DL/Purdue | Karlaftis was dominant in Week 1 of the college season and truly has been for his whol career. He can play the Edge, kick inside as a 3-tech, or play the 5-tech in a 3-4. Violent hands and low pad level makes him almost impossible to block cleanly leading to adjusted angle every play. The Raiders could use a versatile piece to improve their run defense, and Karlaftis brings that old Raider mentality. |
| 9 | New York Giants | Nicholas Petit-Frere OT/Ohio State | The #2 OT after Evan Neal is up in the air, but Petit-Frere already faced a draftable prospect and had his way with him. The LT for the Buckeyes, Petit-Frere has soft feet and excellent make-up speed when he makes a mistake. He has been pretty consistent the last few years in protecting the edge both for the run and pass. The Giants need an O-line overhaul and NPF could play inside or outside to help them. |
| 10 | Carolina Panthers | Charles Cross OT/Mississippi State | Cross is the ultimate zone blocker with sharp feet and a lighting quick hand strikes to punch defenders back. Though he isn't a mauling run blocker, he would fit in with Joe Brady's offense in Carolina giving way to outside zone runs and short dump off passes. Protecting Sam Darnold or whoever is at QB should be the highest priority. |
| 11 | New York Giants (f/ CHI) | Aidan Hutchinson EDGE/Michigan | Hutchinson is a physical specimen who moves like he is 30 pounds less than he is. Explosive first step with the abiltiy to slip in and out of small gaps gives him a huge pass rush advantage while still having the size to stand up to the run. The Giants rebuilding starting at the line of scrimmage would be incredible. |
| 12 | Arizona Cardinals | Andrew Booth Jr. CB/Clemson | Booth is a lockdown corner for Clemson with high end athletic ability. His speed and smooth transition from backpedal to turning and running would fit right in with Arizona. He seemed to have improved at reading the QB and breaking on the ball to make plays. If he keeps improving, he could go this high. |
| 13 | Washington Football Team | Myron Cunningham OT/Arkansas | Cunningham has been impressive in Arkansas' system with a running QB. He is a mover who can get to the second level in the run game and rarely lets clean pressure on his QB. Low pad level helps him best SEC opponents and show impressive range as an OT. Washington could get a bookend for their future QB in the first round and pick up the QB pieces next round. |
| 14 | Minnesota Vikings | Drake Jackson EDGE/Southern Cal | Jackson had a great freshman season but disappointed in 2020. He has already started 2021 with a bang in a big first game wiht the Trojans. A pass rusher first who shows power and intimdation off the edge, Jackson has a knack for getting to the QB. He also has shown the ability to drop into coverage and play some zone at times. The versatility would give some real options for the Vikings defense. |
| 15 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Kaiir Elam CB/Florida | Kaiir Elam has a nose for the football and making incredible plays on contested catches. A top tier athlete, he profiles as a number one corner in the NFL with such a big need at the position. He is hard to fake out in routes and always seems to be in the right place at the right time. The Steelers are still searching for a future #1 CB to replace Joe Haden and Elam would fit the bill. |
| 16 | Denver Broncos | Sean Rhyan OT/UCLA | As UCLA shows life in college football, their LT Sean Rhyan is a big reason for that offensive success. A dominating run blocker who knows how to create big zone holes off-tackle, Rhyan has been a big factor to Zach Charbonnet's success. Add in solid pass protection skills and athleticism, and Rhyan could fin himself in the first round. The Broncos have sewn together an offensive line, but if it falls apart, it could be an early position to target. |
| 17 | Los Angeles Chargers | Jalen Wydermyer TE/Texas A&M | Though Kyle Pitts got a ton of hype last season, Wydermyer has some similar traits that could see him be a frist round pick. A consistent pass catching presence, Wydermyer is athletic enough to outrun LBs and big enough to punish safeties. He is excellent against zone coverage and is surehanded. If he and Haynes King can build a rapport, the top 20 is possible. The Chargers could use more weapons for Justin Herbert and replacing an old Jared Cook with Wydermyer would be a great start. |
| 18 | New England Patriots | Treylon Burks WR/Arkansas | Treylon Burks has a rare blend of size and athletic ability that profiles as an alpha in the NFL. Long arms to go up and get contested catches make him a threat even without separation. The Patriots have swung and missed with WRs in the past, but they haven't had someone like Burks in a long long time. |
| 19 | New Orleans Saints | Garrett Wilson WR/Ohio State | Wilson may be the most athletic WR in the class and could easily compliment Michael Thomas (or even replace him). He has such a good feel for getting open and then becoming a runner in the open field. Even if Wilson doesn't have the production this year, he should be a workout star and go in the top 20. |
| 20 | Philadelphia Eagles (f/ MIA) | Henry To'o To'o LB/Alabama | To'o To'o moving from Tennessee to Alabama should do wonders for his draft stock. A leader on defense who can cover, blitz and play the run, he has a skillset to be a true cornerstone of an NFL defense. If the Eagles get him and Kyle Hamilton, it would turn a weak defense into a major strength. |
| 21 | Dallas Cowboys | Ahmad Gardner CB/Cincinnati | Gardner is a physical CB who can jam at the line of scrimmage and push almost any WR off their timing routes. He has tons of experience and has been a bit reason for Cincinnati's success. He may not quite be on that first round radar yet but his play Week 1 was on level for a top pick. The Cowboys still need CB depth to get their secondary right, and he would help. |
| 22 | New York Jets (f/ SEA) | Kingsley Enagbare EDGE/South Carolina | Enagbare was an unstoppable force early last season with his huge size and arms making it difficult to stop. A pass rusher with a variety of moves and ways to win, he also brings a motor that can wear down opposing linemen. With 4 sacks and 2 forced fumbles in the first five games last season, Enagbare showcased dominating potential. He was a shining spot in the defense for Week 1 and should continue rolling this season. The Jets could use a pure pass rusher to pair with Carl Lawson for the future. |
| 23 | Tennessee Titans | Zach Harrison EDGE/Ohio State | Harrison showcased some great skills Week 1 against Minnesota against both the run and the pass. There is a reason he was a top recruit and he is finally getting his chance to shine. Long arms, athletic first step and stout exterior, he could work his way into the first round. The Titans defense will continue to need talent at everu position, so this seems fitting. |
| 24 | Indianapolis Colts | Abraham Lucas OT/Washington State | Lucas is an ideal zone blocker who is super athletic and quick on his feet. He was springing Max Borghi for big runs in Week 1. He has blindside OT skills and could lineup at LT or RT for the Colts. |
| 25 | Cleveland Browns | David Bell WR/Purdue | David Bell is an athletic WR with size who is dangrous in the middle of the field. Even with Rondale Moore gone, Bell should dominate in Big Ten play. If Odell Beckham doesn't step up this year, a true starting WR might be needed in Cleveland. |
| 26 | Green Bay Packers | Chris Olave WR/Ohio State | Olave is highly decorated and experienced, and he showed that smooth movement ability in the Buckeyes opener. The Packers still need a true #2, especially if Jordan Love is starting, and Olave could provide that. |
| 27 | Miami Dolphins (f/ SF) | Kenyon Green G/Texas A&M | Green is the big puller who makes holes for RB Isaiah Spiller. Green plays low and gets under opposing OL pads to move them any way he wants to. He also is solid in pass protection and should upgrade Miami's line. |
| 28 | Baltimore Ravens | Tyler Lindebaum C/Iowa | Lindebaum is an athletic marvel at Center who can also play Guard. He turns into a lead blocker often and has been a big part of Tyler Goodson's success. The Ravens could shift their offensive line around a bit and give someone to keep that run game moving. |
| 29 | Buffalo Bills | Christian Harris LB/Alabama | Harris has now had multiple years of production in a top tier defense. He closes quickly and has been improving in pass coverage. He could go plenty higher than this with excellent workout, but the Bills would keep that defensive cog going with a stud LB. |
| 30 | Detroit Lions (f/ LAR) | Brenton Cox Jr. EDGE/Florida | Cox is dealing with injuries this year, but he has shown the requisite skills to be a high end pass rusher in the NFL. If there is a discount due to his injuries, a team late in the first round could definitely benefit. Cox has a variety of pass rush moves that have shown success in the SEC. The Lions now can start to build out their defense and get some pressure on the QB. |
| 31 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Jordan Davis DL/Georgia | Davis showed his upside in the game against Clemson shutting down the middle for the run and often collapsing the pocket on the interior. If he is paired with Vita Vea in the middle of the Buccaneers defense, it would be such a treacherous front 7. |
| 32 | Kansas City Chiefs | Drake London WR/Southern Cal | London is huge and athletic. Now with Kedon Slovis back to form, London will be productive too. The rare size and athletic ability makes him an attractive target in the NFL. Though the Chiefs usually opt for the smaller WR, London, Tyreek, and Kelce together would be bonkers for the offense. |
| Pick | Team | Player | Explanation |
| Pick | Team | Player | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | Houston Texans | John Metchie III WR/Alabama | Metchie and Nico Collins could be a starting duo for the Texans for a long time. |
| 34 | Detroit Lions | Justyn Ross WR/Clemson | Ross is healthy but still shaking off the rust. The Lions get a true #1 though. |
| 35 | Cincinnati Bengals | Trevor Penning OT/Northern Iowa | An imposing specimen,Penning dominated Iowa State and proved himself in the Round 2 discussion. |
| 36 | New York Jets | Isaiah Spiller RB/Texas A&M | Spiler would give the Jets a true #1 to take pressure off of Zach Wilson |
| 37 | Jacksonville Jaguars | Ed Ingram G/LSU | Ingram is tough as nails, and adding him with Evan Neal would remake this Jaguars O-line immediately. |
| 38 | Philadelphia Eagles | Thayer Munford OT/Ohio State | Munford is playing Guard this year, and the versatility can help the Eagles. |
| 39 | Atlanta Falcons | Breece Hall RB/Iowa State | Breeze Hall gives a new lead back that fits the Falcons system |
| 40 | Las Vegas Raiders | Zion Nelson OT/Miami (FL) | Nelson has great athleticism but needs to hone his raw talent |
| 41 | New York Giants | Malik Willis QB/Liberty | If Daniel Jones falters, Willis gives a new dynamic QB for the Giants to build around |
| 42 | New York Jets (f/ CAR) | Avery Young CB/Rutgers | The Jets double dip at CB to strengthen that secondary with a potential first round grade in Avery Young. |
| 43 | Chicago Bears | Nick Broeker OT/Mississippi | Broeker is such a good pass protector and gives the Bears a versatile O-line piece. |
| 44 | Arizona Cardinals | Christopher Hinton DL/Michigan | Hinton could bump up the run defense for Arizona easily. |
| 45 | Washington Football Team | Matt Corral QB/Mississippi | Corral would be a new starter for Washington with big upside. |
| 46 | Minnesota Vikings | Jordan Battle S/Alabama | Battle could play FS for the Vikings system and pair well with Harrison Smith. |
| 47 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Zion Johnson G/Boston College | An experienced, smart player who could slide into RG for the Steelers |
| 48 | Denver Broncos | Kedon Slovis QB/Southern Cal | Slovis' accuracy and ball placement would excel with guys like Jeudy and Fant. |
| 49 | Los Angeles Chargers | Daxton Hill S/Michigan | Hill plays all over the field and would give another rangy option for the Chargers. |
| 50 | New England Patriots | Owen Pappoe LB/Auburn | Pappoe isn't super dynamic, but he is the type of player Belichick likes. |
| 51 | New Orleans Saints | Josh Jobe CB/Alabama | Jobe could be a CB1 with a little bit of development for the Saints |
| 52 | Miami Dolphins | Zacch Pickens DL/South Carolina | Pickens hasn't hit his upside yet, but the Dolphins can make a luxury big upside pick. |
| 53 | Dallas Cowboys | Adam Anderson EDGE/Georgia | Anderson showed his pass rush ability in Week 1 which would really help Dallas. |
| 54 | Seattle Seahawks | Alec Lindstrom C/Boston College | Lindstrom could plug into Center or Guard and help command the O-line. |
| 55 | Atlanta Falcons (f/ TEN) | Zion Tupuola-Fetui EDGE/Washington | Injuries could push ZTF down, but he is a dynamic pass rusher to keep building that Falcons defense. |
| 56 | Philadelphia Eagles (f/ IND) | Allie Green IV CB/Missouri | Green is big and athletic. He will have big tests in the SEC now. |
| 57 | Cleveland Browns | Amare Barno EDGE/Virginia Tech | Barno was a terror for Sam Howell and could be a rotating option for the Browns. |
| 58 | Green Bay Packers | Devonte Wyatt DL/Georgia | Wyatt paired with Jordan Davis for a beefy run stuffer which the Packers could use. |
| 59 | San Francisco 49ers | Doug Nester G/West Virginia | Nester is a T/G tweener who has had a ton of success as a zone blocker. |
| 60 | Baltimore Ravens | Braxton Jones OT/Southern Utah | Jones has showcased his ability against draftable talent for two weeks in a row and deserves a Round 2 slot. |
| 61 | Buffalo Bills | Brandon Smith LB/Penn State | Smith is athletic, can rush the passer, and was doing a ton for the Nittany Lions against Wisconsin |
| 62 | Los Angeles Rams | Dohnovan West C/Arizona State | West would fit right in with the Rams line to try and keep Stafford upright. |
| 63 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Trent McDuffie CB/Washington | McDuffie is an excellent athlete and could be a nice reserve for the Bucs. |
| 64 | Kansas City Chiefs | Nik Bonitto EDGE/Oklahoma | Bonitto had some struggles in Week 1, but the upside is pretty crazy for the Chiefs to develop. |
| Pick | Team | Player | Explanation |
| Pick | Team | Player | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | Houston Texans | Myjai Sanders EDGE/Cincinnati | Sanders high motor makes him a Top 100 prospect who has showcased NFL ability. |
| 66 | Detroit Lions | Devin Lloyd LB/Utah | Lloyd would be a solid tackler for the middle of the Lions defense. |
| 67 | Cincinnati Bengals | Trey McBride TE/Colorado State | McBride had a huge Week 1 and placed himself into the Top 100 as a future starting TE |
| 68 | New York Jets | Ventrell Miller LB/Florida | Miller is a rangy LB who can help in coverage for the Jets. |
| 69 | Jacksonville Jaguars | Austin Stogner TE/Oklahoma | Stogner is an H-Back who could finally give the Jaguars the TE they need. |
| 70 | Philadelphia Eagles | Romeo Doubs WR/Nevada | Doubs has been a deep threat with good size, giving the Eagles a unique WR option. |
| 71 | Atlanta Falcons | Carson Strong QB/Nevada | Strong has a big arm and is very accurate, but he is a statue in the pocket. He would fit the new Falcons offense. |
| 72 | Las Vegas Raiders | Jahan Dotson WR/Penn State | Dotson is on the small side but adds another weapon for the Raiders. |
| 73 | New York Giants (f/ Miami) | Jalen Tolbert WR/South Alabama | Tolbert has had a ton of success and could take the Sterling Shepard role eventually. |
| 74 | Carolina Panthers | Tyreke Smith EDGE/Ohio State | Smith won't wow you, but he is rarely a problem on the defense. |
| 75 | Chicago Bears | George Pickens WR/Georgia | Pickens injury and lack of effort knock him down a bit, but pairing him with ARob would be crazy. |
| 76 | Arizona Cardinals | Cade Mays OT/Tennessee | Mays sometimes tries to do too much, but he is a big athletic mauler. |
| 77 | Washington Football Team | Joseph Ngata WR/Clemson | Ngata showed some high end ability in Week 1 and adds another weapon for Washington. |
| 78 | Minnesota Vikings | Charlie Kolar TE/Iowa State | Kolar can block and catch to add to the 12 personnel for the Vikings. |
| 79 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Nakobe Dean LB/Georgia | Dean would play ILB and give some depth for the Steelers, and even add some pass rush. |
| 80 | Denver Broncos | Xavier Thomas EDGE/Clemson | Thomas ws in the backfield often against Georgia and could be a future pass rusher for Denver. |
| 81 | Los Angeles Chargers | Kyler Gordon CB/Washington | Gordon is an atheltic deep cover CB who continues adding to the secondary depth. |
| 82 | New England Patriots | Jaxson Kirkland OT/Washington | Kirkland is a good fit for the Patriots as a big mover at OT. |
| 83 | New Orleans Saints | Desmond Ridder QB/Cincinnati | Ridder lit up Week 1 and his limitations might not matter as much to Sean Payton. |
| 84 | New York Giants (f/ Miami) | Thomas Booker DL/Stanford | Booker can play inside or outside and would be a versatile piece for the Giants. |
| 85 | Dallas Cowboys | Darian Kinnard OT/Kentucky | Kinnard is part of two nice Kentucky bookends. Can play guard or tackle for Dallas and give some depth. |
| 86 | Seattle Seahawks | Justin Eboigbe DL/Alabama | Eboigbe isn't dynamic but feels like that Seahawks type player who is a piece of a big cog. |
| 87 | Tennessee Titans | Merlin Robertson LB/Arizona State | Robertson is a LB who can rush the passer and play the run to add to a Titans Front 7 that needs help. |
| 88 | Indianapolis Colts | Nolan Smith EDGE/Georgia | Smith was a 5* prospect who hasn't put it together, but looked like he was starting to get there. |
| 89 | Cleveland Browns | Mase Funa LB/Oregon | Funa is a smart LB who also can cover TEs for the Browns. |
| 90 | Green Bay Packers | Darrian Dalcourt C/Alabama | Dalcourt is that big Alabama interior lineman who can also play guard. |
| 91 | Miami Dolphins (f/ SF) | Eric Gray RB/Oklahoma | Gray didn't shine Week 1, but has good skills to compete for carries in Miami. |
| 92 | Baltimore Ravens | Bubba Bolden S/Miami (FL) | Bolden got ejected in Week 1 but he has range and could bring The U back to Baltimore. |
| 93 | Buffalo Bills | Kyren Williams RB/Notre Dame | Williams is Devin Singletary esque but is better in short spaces. A nice receiving weapon. |
| 94 | Los Angeles Rams | Trajan Jeffcoat EDGE/Missouri | Jeffcoat is a big bodied pass rusher who can play inside or outside. |
| 95 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Zamir White RB/Georgia | Zeus should have a great season and could sneak into the Top 100. |
| 96 | Kansas City Chiefs | Tyler Davis DL/Clemson | Davis is a solid upfront body who can penetrate a bit from the interior. |
| 97 | *Detroit Lions | Sevyn Banks CB/Ohio State | Banks runs hot and cold, but would give the Lions a pair of Buckeye CBs. |
| 98 | *Pittsburgh Steelers | Zay Flowers WR/Boston College | Flowers is a dynamic deep threat to replace Juju and McCloud. |
| 99 | *San Francisco 49ers | Michael Barrett LB/Michigan | Barrett can learn behind Fred Warner and give an option down the line. |
| 100 | *Los Angeles Rams | Zach Charbonnet RB/UCLA | Charbonnet has vaulted up the boards would give the Rams some Akers insurance. |
| 101 | *Baltimore Ravens | Kearis Jackson WR/Georgia | Jackson has always been solid and would be another shot in the dark for the Ravens. |
| 102 | *New Orleans Saints | Emil Ekiyor Jr. G/NC State | Ekiyor is a mauling run blocker who would add a different dynamic for the Saints. |
| Pick | Team | Player | Explanation |
Go to Round 4-7
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