Three quarterbacks selected in the first round: Mock Draft 5.0
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With less than three weeks until the draft, we have our first multiple-round mock draft. As mentioned in our previous mock draft, trades will not be incorporated until two weeks out from the draft.
Now let’s get started.
Round 1
1) Jacksonville Jaguars: EDGE Aidan Hutchinson - Michigan
With Cam Robinson receiving the franchise tag, Jacksonville can wait to add to their offensive line. By selecting Hutchinson, the Jaguars will add an explosive athlete whose effort matches his talent and would form a scary pass-rushing duo with Josh Allen.
2) Detroit Lions: QB Malik Willis - Liberty
Willis is an electric athlete with a cannon of an arm that will rank among the league's best. Concerns regarding inconsistent play and the complexity of his offense at Liberty might make some teams hesitant, but Willis’s physical potential warrants his selection as a first-round pick.
With Jared Goff under contract, Detroit can be patient with Willis’s development until he’s ready to become the full-time starter.
3) Houston Texans: OT Evan Neal - Alabama
Davis Mills showed promise as a rookie last season. However, to properly evaluate his skillset, the Texans need to improve the offensive line.
With multiple holes across their offensive line, Neal’s versatility will give Houston the flexibility to put their best five linemen on the field.
4) New York Jets: EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux - Oregon
A productive free agency period saw the Jets fill multiple holes on their roster, giving them the flexibility to take the best player available approach with their early picks. Thibodeaux has an impressive mix of speed and power that make him a nightmare to block one on one.
Adding Thibodeaux would give the Jets two explosive pass rushers for Robert Saleh’s defensive scheme with Carl Lawson returning from injury.
5) New York Giants: OT Ikem Ekwonu - North Carolina State
After a strong performance at the combine, Ekwonu can expect to hear his name called early. Ekwonu’s athleticism pops up on his tape, and he has the positional versatility to play multiple positions on the line.
With Andrew Thomas coming off of an improved second campaign, the selection of Ekwonu would give the Giants one of the better young bookend duos in the NFL.
6) Carolina Panthers: QB Kenny Pickett - Pittsburgh
The Panthers have shown zero intention of entering the new season with their current quarterback room. Incumbent quarterback Sam Darnold will play the season on his fifth-year option, but the Panthers are not tied to him past this season.
Pickett is viewed as the safest quarterback prospect in the draft. He doesn’t offer any elite physical traits, but he can make every throw and has some sneaky athleticism to help him elude defenders.
A perceived lack of upside has clouded his stock, but there have been worse quarterback prospects that teams have taken in the past than Pickett.
7) New York Giants (from CHI): Derek Stingley Jr. - Louisiana State
Although James Bradberry and Adoree Jackson are under contract, new general manager Joe Schoen could look to address the position as both could be on their way out by next season. Injuries and inconsistent play have clouded his draft outlook, but Stingley Jr. has the makeup of a shutdown corner when engaged.
A strong performance at his pro day reminded teams of the enticing traits that he brings to the table. As a result, the Giants could be getting a discount on possibly the best player in the draft.
8) Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Travon Walker - Georgia
The Falcons' defense will continue to struggle if they do not improve their pass rush. With the post-Matt Ryan era underway, Atlanta is in a position to take the best player available,
While he didn’t receive many opportunities to showcase his talent, Walker’s athletic traits at his size give him the potential to be one of the best players in this draft class. Of course, he will need time to fine-tune his game to get past NFL offensive linemen, but the tools are there to become a versatile chess piece for Atlanta’s defense.
9) Seattle Seahawks (from DEN): CB Ahmad Gardner - Cincinnati
Seattle has lost Shaquill Griffin and D.J. Reed to free agency in the past two seasons, making cornerback a need for the team.
With fluid hips and the straight-line speed (4.41-second forty-yard dash) to keep up with the twitchiest receivers in the NFL, Gardner has the make-up to be a shutdown corner at the next level.
10) New York Jets (from SEA): WR Garrett Wilson - Ohio State
The Jets’ attempt to trade for Tyreek Hill indicates that the team wants to invest a premium asset in the wide receiver position. Wilson has the elite body control and athleticism to be a dangerous weapon in the NFL from day one.
With last year’s second overall pick Zach Wilson entering a critical second season, the Jets need to surround him with more playmakers.
11) Washington Commanders: S Kyle Hamilton - Notre Dame
The Carson Went trade likely eliminates Washington from the list of potential quarterback landing spots. So instead, Ron Rivera adds another chess piece to his defense with Hamilton.
Concerns about his burst and top-end speed have dampened the hype around Hamilton to an extent. But while he may not be a top-10 selection, the Commanders would get fantastic value from Hamilton here at 11.
With excellent size (6-foot-4) for the safety position, Hamilton has the range and instincts to roam the field and be a playmaker at all levels. Adding Hamilton to an already talented defense should help Washington push for a playoff spot.
12) Minnesota Vikings: CB Trent McDuffie - Washington
Plagued with poor play in the secondary over the last few years, Minnesota will be ecstatic to see a player of McDuffie’s caliber available at 12. Though he does not possess the ideal size for an outside cornerback, McDuffie has the skill set to be excellent on the boundary.
The addition of McDuffie should improve a secondary that has been the Achilles heel of Minnesota in recent years.
13) Houston Texans (from CLE): EDGE Jermaine Johnson - Florida State
After addressing the offensive line earlier with Neal, the Texans could look to stick to the trenches with their pick here. A former JUCO standout, Johnson transferred to Georgia in 2019 before arriving at Florida State before this past season.
Johnson’s combination of size (6-foot-5 254 pounds) and athleticism (4.58-second forty-yard dash) would boost a Texans pass rush that has lacked punch since J.J. Watt’s departure.
14) Baltimore Ravens: IDL Jordan Davis - Georgia
After perhaps the most impressive combine performance ever, Davis secured his position as a top-20 selection. Davis would come in to replace Calais Campbell at the nose tackle position, giving Baltimore yet another massive body to control the center of their front.
15) Philadelphia Eagles (from MIA): EDGE George Karlaftis - Purdue
Despite signing Haason Reddick in free agency, Philadelphia should still look to add youth to their aging defensive front.
A First-team Freshman All-American in 2019, Karlaftis looks like a standout edge defender. Although not the twitchiest athlete, Karlaftis has a deep arsenal of pass-rushing moves and counters to maneuver past or through opposing linemen.
16) New Orleans Saints (from PHI): OT Charles Cross - Mississippi State
Standout left tackle Terron Armstead’s departure has created a significant hole on the offensive line. Also, in possession of the 19th overall selection, the Saints can address multiple positions in the round. Here, they select the best remaining tackle on the board.
The best pass-protecting tackle in the draft, Cross’s experience in an Air Raid offense should help lessen the learning curve of the transition to the NFL.
17) Los Angeles Chargers: IDL Devonte Wyatt - Georgia
In an AFC West division that houses arguably four top-15 quarterbacks, the Chargers must address their defense to take pressure off Justin Herbert and the offense. Yet another member of the Georgia defensive line in the first round, Wyatt to Los Angeles, is a match made in heaven.
With elite lateral quickness and an initial punch that has some pop, Wyatt has cemented his status as a first-rounder and will helo improve the Chargers’ run defense.
18) Philadelphia Eagles (from NO): LB Nakobe Dean - Georgia
The Eagles’ loss to the Buccaneers exposed the lack of functional athleticism and natural talent in their linebacker room.
A standout on a loaded Georgia defense, Dean flashed the athleticism, coverage ability, and sideline-to-sideline tackling ability of a long-term pro in the NFL. With a pass rusher already in tow, the Eagles would walk out with two impact starters for their defense.
19) New Orleans Saints (from PHI): WR Jameson Williams - Alabama
Mike Thomas’s extended absence has exposed New Orleans’ lack of depth at the receiver position. Here, the Saints get the most explosive receiver in the draft.
A former standout high school track performer, Williams has the top-end speed and acceleration to get behind defenses and create opportunities for the other receivers. With Jameis Winston back on a two-year deal, the Saints might have a solution to their recent lack of explosive plays.
20) Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Desmond Ridder - Cincinnati
Mitchell Trubisky was a solid pickup for Pittsburgh this season after longtime starter Ben Roethlisberger retired following their loss to the Chiefs in the Wild Card round. But something tells me that the team will look to add a rookie to their quarterback room.
The Steelers have met with Ridder multiple times and there looks to be some interest in the Cincinnati product. A four-year starter at Cincinnati, Ridder has the experience and physical traits to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.
21) New England Patriots: LB Devin Lloyd - Utah
With longtime linebacker Dont’a Hightower showing signs of slowing down, Belichick and co. could use an injection of young talent at the position.
Lloyd is an athletic, physical linebacker who would immediately be a tone-setter for the Eagles’ defense. While he still needs to improve his processing, Lloyd has the necessary tools to be an impactful three-down linebacker.
22) Green Bay Packers (from LV): WR Chris Olave - Ohio State
Davante Adams’ departure to Las Vegas has suddenly left a massive void at the receiver position for Green Bay. Their commitment to Aaron Rodgers suggests that they will stay in championship mode, making the need for another receiver even more paramount.
Olave is the best route runner in the class with verified deep speed (4.39-second forty-yard) and the instinctual ability to read the ball's trajectory to make tough catches. The Ohio State product will be a productive wide receiver from day one with the upside of a high-end WR2 with further development.
23) Arizona Cardinals: EDGE Boye Mafe - Minnesota
After fading down the stretch in two consecutive seasons, Arizona needs to infuse more depth and talent into their roster. With Chandler Jones set to hit free agency, Mafe would slide in as an instant impact performer at the edge position with the potential to develop into a plus starter at the position in time.
Undoubtedly one of the biggest winners of the pre-draft process, Mafe has soared up draft boards due to his rare explosiveness and athleticism at the position. While he could stand to polish his skillset, Mafe has all of the tools to develop into a productive pass rusher in the NFL.
24) Dallas Cowboys: WR Treylon Burks - Arkansas
The Cowboys’ interest in Devante Parker is a sign that they are looking to add to the room following the departure of Amari Cooper. Instead, they dip into the SEC to grab one of the more dynamic playmakers in the class.
Burks can shake off would-be-tacklers and create after the catch with a unique build (6-foot-2 225 pounds) for a receiver. Not yet a distinguished route runner, Burks will benefit from the presence of Dallas’s other stars while he develops that part of his game.
25) Buffalo Bills: CB Kaiir Elam - Florida
Tre’Davious White’s injury and Levi Wallace’s departure to Pittsburgh have left Buffalo thin at cornerback.
Elam is a talented corner with intriguing traits and a good track record in the SEC. You would’ve liked to see him challenged more and more commitment as a run defender, but Elam’s talent is worth taking a chance on in his range.
26) Tennessee Titans: IOL Zion Johnson - Boston College
With unproven players at multiple positions on the offensive line, the Titans could use an infusion of young talent.
Johnson improved every year at school and has become reliable in running and passing games. With his ability to play both guard and center, Johnson is a plug-and-play prospect and will be an impact player for the Titans early on in his career.
27) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: S Daxton Hill - Michigan
Despite signing Keanu Neal to a deal, the Buccaneers should still look to add to its secondary.
Hill is a versatile player who has experience at safety and in the slot. With his elite physical traits, Hill has the chance to be a valuable piece in Todd Bowles’ defense.
28) Green Bay Packers: EDGE David Ojabo - Michigan
The extra first-round pick gives Green Bay the ability to swing for the fences here.
Before an Achilles tear at his pro day clouded his draft outlook, Ojabo was a likely top-15 pick. When healthy, Ojabo has the elite athleticism and raw ability that rivals the elite pass rushers in the NFL.
His relative inexperience and injury will make the transition to the NFL much more difficult, but if he develops, he may end up as the steal of the draft here at 28.
29) Kansas City Chiefs (from SF): WR Drake London - Southern California
Tyreek Hill’s departure to Miami has created a vacancy in the Chiefs’ receiver room.
At 6-foot-4, London is an elite 50/50 ball catcher whose basketball background is evident in his playstyle. Surprisingly agile for his size, London is a good route runner and makes catches well outside his frame.
Patrick Mahomes will appreciate another playmaker on the outside to complement Travis Kelce.
30) Kansas City Chiefs: CB Andrew Booth
After the departure of Charvarius Ward, Kansas City must add more talent to their cornerback room. Booth is a physical corner who has the size and length to be a plus starter at the corner position.
31) Cincinnati Bengals: DT Perrion Winfrey - Oklahoma
Cincinnati’s overhaul of their defensive front has produced impressive results, but they could still stand to add more depth there. While inconsistent, Winfrey is an explosive athlete who packs a punch and has shown flashes that he could develop into an above-average starter in time.
32) Detroit Lions (from LAR): S Lewis Cine - Georgia
After grabbing their quarterback earlier in the round, Detroit should look to improve their porous secondary. Cine plays with an aggressive demeanor and is a willing tackler in the run game, two traits that Dan Campbell and co. will appreciate in the Motor City.
Round 2
33) Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Jahan Dotson - Penn State
34) Detroit Lions: EDGE Arnold Ebiketie - Penn State
35) New York Jets: S Jaquan Brisker - Penn State
36) New York Giants: IOL Tyler Linderbaum - Iowa
37) Houston Texans: WR George Pickens - Georgia
38) New York Jets (from CAR): OT Trevor Penning - Northern Iowa
39) Chicago Bears: WR Christian Watson - North Dakota State
40) Seattle Seahawks (from DEN): OT Tyler Smith - Tulsa
41) Seattle Seahawks: LB Christian Harris - Alabama
42) Indianapolis Colts (WAS): WR Sky Moore - Western Michigan
43) Atlanta Falcons: QB Matt Corral - Mississippi
44) Cleveland Browns: EDGE Sam Williams - Mississippi
45) Baltimore Ravens: OG Kenyon Green - Texas A&M
46) Minnesota Vikings: S Jalen Pitre - Baylor
47) Washington Commanders (IND): OT Bernhard Raimann - Central Michigan
48) Chicago Bears (from LAC): CB Roger McCreary - Auburn
49) New Orleans Saints: QB Sam Howell - North Carolina
50) Kansas City Chiefs (from MIA): EDGE Kingsley Enagbare - South Carolina
51) Philadelphia Eagles: RB Kenneth Walker III - Michigan State
52) Pittsburgh Steelers: OT Abraham Lucas - Washington State
53) Green Bay Packers (from LV): EDGE Cameron Thomas - San Diego State
54) New England Patriots: CB Kyler Gordon - Washington
55) Arizona Cardinals: TE Trey McBride - Colorado State
56) Dallas Cowboys: DT DeMarvin Leal - Texas A&M
57) Buffalo Bills: DT Travis Jones - Connecticut
58) Atlanta Falcons (from TEN): LB Chad Muma - Wyoming
59) Green Bay Packers: LB Quay Walker - Georgia
60) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Tariq Woolen - UTSA
61) San Francisco 49ers: OG Sean Rhyan - UCLA
62) Kansas City Chiefs: DT Phidarian Mathis - Alabama
63) Cincinnati Bengals: EDGE Myjai Sanders - Cincinnati
64) Denver Broncos (from LAR): LB Leo Chenal - Wisconsin
