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With the NFL Draft about a month away, it's time to post my second mock draft this offseason. There was a lot of movement on my big board and, in turn, a similar level of movement in the draft. Let's dive into it and see who rose and fell in this mock draft!
Photo: AP Photo/Gary McCullough
#1 Jacksonville Jaguars - Aidan Hutchison, Edge, Michigan (#1 JBB)
For so much change, this guy sticks at #1 for me. Easiest decision the Jags could make in this years draft.
Pro Comparison - Maxx Crosby
#2 Detroit Lions - Malik Willis, Quarterback, Liberty (#14 JBB)
And there is it: the most surprising pick of the draft. Malik Willis shoots way up my board and after a outstanding pro day, the Lions take a shot at the top QB in the draft. After a lackluster season by Jared Goff, who had the lowest average yards per attempt on 3rd and 4th down situations, the Lions go after a QB who immediately gives them a more versatile offense.
Pro Comparison - Deshaun Watson
#3 Houston Texans - Kyle Hamilton, Safety, Notre Dame (#2 JBB)
The more I watch Kyle Hamilton, the more I fall in love with his play style. He knows exactly when to play aggressive and conservative, while being one of the best tackling DBs in the draft to go with it. He's the perfect safety for the direction NFL defenses are moving in, and the Texans lock in their playmaker of the future.
Pro Comparison - A Bigger Tyrann Mathieu
#4 New York Jets - Ahmad Gardner, Cornerback, Cincinnati (#4 JBB)
After having my doubts, I watched more film on Sauce my second go around than any other player in the draft. With that being said, I now believe Sauce is the best corner in the draft. After not allowing a touchdown his entire college career, and putting on a show at the Combine, he locked himself in as a top 5 pick, and the Jets beef up a mediocre secondary.
Pro Comparison - Trevon Diggs
#5 New York Giants - Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon (#5 JBB)
Rejoice Giants fans, you get your prime defensive playmaker. With the Panthers needing pass rushing help after losing Haasan Reddick, they don't take a chance on losing out on one of the best defensive players in the draft.
Pro Comparison - Khalil Mack
#6 Carolina Panthers - Ikem Ekwonu, Offensive Tackle, NC State (#11 JBB)
With holes at left tackle and a pass rusher opposite Brian Burns, the Panthers choose to build the offense and give their quarterback - whoever it's gonna be - more protection from the blindside. Ikem is the most violent player in the draft, and he'll do wonders creating huge lanes for CMC to run through.
Pro Comparison - Tyron Smith
Photo: AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker
#7 New York Giants - Evan Neal, Offensive Tackle, Alabama (#3 JBB)
This is the perfect draft for the Giants. They get a star on defense, and now on offense. In a make or break year for Daniel Jones, Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen have committed to rocking with Danny Dimes as their QB this year, and they give him all the help he can get.
Pro Comparison - Trent Williams
#8 Atlanta Falcons - Travon Walker, Edge, Georgia (#13 JBB)
After not making the first round at all the first time around, Travon has shot up into the top 10. Travon has sneaky speed and explosiveness to go along with immense strength. He lined up all over the Georgia defensive front, and did his best damage either outside or inside of the offensive tackle. With his long arms, and 6'5 270 pound frame, he would be an immediate impact player for the Falcons who desperately need help.
Pro Comparison - Myles Garrett
#9 Seattle Seahawks - Derek Stingley, Cornerback, LSU (#6 JBB)
After taking a closer look at Derek's last season, he didn't do anything to amaze me. With that being said, he is still a very solid corner and, when healthy, can end up being the best corner out of this draft. I believe he'll return to form and be a steal for the Seahawks at #9.
Pro Comparison - Jalen Ramsey
#10 New York Jets - Devin Lloyd, Linebacker, Utah (#12 JBB)
Devin Lloyd falls due to other teams having more dire needs at other positions. I believe he can make a case for DROY, even with a loaded defensive class. The Jets continue to beef up the defense, and get closer to having a strong starting lineup.
Pro Comparison - Micah Parsons
#11 Washington Commanders - Charles Cross, Offensive Tackle, Mississippi State (#18 JBB)
With the Commanders taking a shot on Carson Wentz, they solidify the offensive line with Charles Cross. He has been working hard this offseason at right tackle, and he gets his opportunity to put the work on tape in Washington.
Pro Comparison - Terron Armstead
#12 Minnesota Vikings - Roger McCreary, Cornerback, Auburn (#17 JBB)
With the addition of Za'Darius Smith, the Vikings really only need a cornerback to get their defense back up to par to where they were four seasons ago. They reach a bit for McCreary here, but I believe it's more than worth it for the sound play he'll bring to the position.
Pro Comparison - Jaire Alexander
Photo: USA TODAY Sports/John Reed
#13 Houston Texans - George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue (#9 JBB)
With Travon Walker climbing up the draft, Karlaftis falls out of the top 10 and lands with Houston. With needs all over the defense, the Texans get their stud edge rusher to make plays in the backfield and open up holes for Hamilton to run through.
Pro Comparison - Trey Hendrickson
#14 Baltimore Ravens - Tyler Linderbaum, Center, Iowa (#7 JBB)
With Bradley Bozeman leaving for the Panthers, Tyler Linderbaum falls right into the Ravens lap. I still think Tyler is one of the best players in the draft, even though he does slide a bit. Whether the Ravens use him at center or left guard, he will be a day 1 starter in Baltimore.
Pro Comparison - Jason Kelce
#15 Philadelphia Eagles - Drake London, Wide Receiver, USC (#19 JBB)
After not being overly impressed at first, I have started to hop on the Drake London train. I don't believe he is a top 10 pick, but he's definitely ready to be a starter in the NFL. He caught more contested balls than any other player in college, and that's saying something considering he only played in 8 games. He's got great sudden change for his size, and is the perfect compliment to DeVonta Smith.
Pro Comparison - Tee Higgins
#16 Philadelphia Eagles - Nakobe Dean, Linebacker, Georgia (#23 JBB)
With most of the top corners off the board, the Eagles use their second consecutive pick to snag their future MLB in Nakobe Dean. He should fit in well with the Eagles front seven, and with Reddick creating pressures and blowing up runs on a snap by snap basis, Nakobe should have a good amount of opportunities to make plays in the pass and in the run.
Pro Comparison - Deion Jones
#17 Los Angeles Chargers - Garrett Wilson, Wide Receiver, Ohio State (#15 JBB)
After an impressive combine, where Garrett showed off his blazing speed and precise route running, Wilson lands with the Chargers, giving them a great third option at wide receiver. With Keenan Allen nearing 30, he'll be the perfect replacement for the high level Chargers offense.
Pro Comparison - Stefon Diggs
#18 New Orleans Saints - Trevor Penning, Offensive Tackle, Northern Iowa (#28 JBB)
Trevor will be a project, but after losing Terron Armstead, the Saints have no choice but to take his replacement here. Trevor doesn't have the best technique, but he isn't afraid to finish out pass rushes and be a gritty player. If the Saints can improve his footwork and pad level in pass protection, Trevor could end up being a great addition to the Saints offensive line.
Pro Comparison - Garrett Bolles
#19 Kansas City Chiefs (via Eagles) - Chris Olave, Wide Receiver, Ohio State (#24 JBB)
Trade alert!! The Chiefs swap picks and give away a few more picks to move up and take speedy receiver Chris Olave. After trading away Tyreek Hill, the Chiefs need a game breaking talent. They make the easy choice of taking Chris Olave, who flashed with a 4.39 40 yard dash. With the addition of Juju in free agency and Olave in the draft, the Chiefs offense looks to stay on top of the NFL.
Pro Comparison - Calvin Ridley
Photo: Getty Images/Emilee Chinn
#20 Pittsburgh Steelers - Kenny Pickett, Quarterback, Pittsburgh (#34 JBB)
With Malik Willis off the board, the Steelers take Pickett to compete with Mitch Trubisky. Both will improve each others play, as Mitch will feel the heat from Pickett, and Pickett will learn from a veteran starter. He may not play in his first season, but he couldn't be in a better spot than the Steelers.
Pro Comparison - Derek Carr
#21 New England Patriots - Jameson Williams, Wide Receiver, Alabama (#26 JBB)
After not chasing much receiver talent in free agency, the Pats get their new WR1 in Jameson. With Bill calling the shots on offense, he'll need a playmaker to go to on a consistent basis. Jameson gives the Patriots that explosiveness and prowess that they've been missing since Brandin Cooks.
Pro Comparison - Robby Anderson
#22 Green Bay Packers - George Pickens, Wide Receiver, Georgia (#10 JBB)
With the best receiver in the NFL getting traded to the Raiders, the Packers need immediate help at receiver. They get the prototype NFL receiver in George Pickens, who will be a big time play maker the Packers need in the final years of Aaron Rodgers career.
Pro Comparison - Julio Jones
#23 Arizona Cardinals - Jordan Davis, Defensive Tackle, Georgia (#16 JBB)
Even after a stupid good performance at the combine, I still believe Davis falls out of the top 20. Defensive tackles don't provide immediate impact often, but he could be a perfect fit for the Cardinals, which will see JJ Watt playing more snaps on the edge rather than inside. Davis's size and speed will be hard for offensive linemen to stop, and will hopefully help the Cardinals crack the top 10 in overall defense.
Pro Comparison - Vita Vea
#24 Dallas Cowboys - Devonte Wyatt, Defensive Tackle, Georgia (#21 JBB)
If not for Jordan Davis, I believe Wyatt would be regarded as the best defensive tackle in the draft. He brings explosiveness and hand fighting violence inside to make big time plays. He also has a high motor that helps him chase down plays that have gotten past him, and helps him run through double teams and pass protectors in front of him. He's a great interior defender, and the Cowboys find another defensive stud in consecutive drafts.
Pro Comparison - Ndamukong Suh
#25 Buffalo Bills - Trent McDuffie, Cornerback, Washington (#26 JBB)
Same spot, same pick for the Bills the second time around. Trent should be a good scheme fit in Buffalo, especially with no real solution at CB2 with the departure of Levi Wallace.
Pro Comparison - Denzel Ward
Photo: Getty Images/Steph Chambers
#26 Tennessee Titans - Kenyon Green, Guard, Texas A&M (#25 JBB)
The Titans need to fill the hole left by Rodger Saffold on the offensive line, and they find their guy in Kenyon Green. He will pair up nicely with Taylor Lewan on the left side, and will help give Tannehill more time in the pocket, while also widening gaps for Derrick Henry to burst through.
Pro Comparison - Joel Bitonio
#27 Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Zion Johnson, Guard, Boston College (#29 JBB)
With Kenyon off the board, the Bucs take the next best available guard in Zion Johnson. After losing Ali Marpet to retirement and Alex Cappa in free agency, the Bucs need a quick answer to either guard spot; and Zion just happens to fit either or.
Pro Comparison - Laken Tomlinson
#28 Cleveland Browns - Treylon Burks, Wide Receiver, Arkansas (#8 JBB)
Trade alert!! The Browns trade back into the first round to get much needed receiver help to play opposite Amari Cooper. With a "decent" combine performance, Treylon falls due to his relatively weak 40 time compared to what he put on tape. Even though I believe Donovan Peoples-Jones is a great WR2, Treylon gives them a big, explosive and fast target that they have greatly lacked over the recent years; even with OBJ on their roster. It'll be fun to see how Kevin Stefanski will use an athletic freak like Burks.
Pro Comparison - DK Metcalf
#29 Kansas City Chiefs - David Ojabo, Edge, Michigan (#20 JBB)
With a nasty achilles injury during his pro day, David falls in the draft, but lands with the Chiefs, who are set with edge rushers for the next year. When Ojabo gets healthy, he'll be the edge rusher the Chiefs have been missing since the Tamba Hali and Justin Houston days.
Pro Comparsion - Chandler Jones
#30 Philadelphia Eagles - Tariq Woolen, Cornerback, UTSA (#37 JBB)
Although his tape doesn't say first round pick, the Eagles take a chance on uber-athletic and lanky cornerback, Tariq Woolen. He blazed and showed off impressive ball skills at the combine, which will make him intriguing enough for the Eagles to take a shot at him.
Pro Comparison - Greedy Williams
#31 Cincinnati Bengals - Dax Hill, Defensive Back, Michigan (#31 JBB)
With some doubts in the secondary after the Super Bowl, the Bengals get safety/nickel cornerback in Daxton Hill. Daxton brings great speed and athleticism, as well as aggressive play when playing against the pass. He isn't afraid to use his hands on a receiver, and also is good enough to not fall for double moves. He should fit in perfectly to the Bengals defense, and may find himself as the perfect compliment to Jessie Bates.
Pro Comparison - Micah Hyde
#32 Detroit Lions - Jermaine Johnson, Edge, Florida State (#22 JBB)
After passing up on a defender the first time around, the Lions land Jermaine Johnson at the end of the first round. His tape speaks for itself, and he should be a day 1 starter on a weak Lions defense.
Pro Comparison - Frank Clark
Photo: Getty Images/Don Juan Moore
Final Notes:
Some names to drop out of the first round are Matt Corral, Sam Howell, Desmond Ridder, and Bernhard Raimann. With most teams solving their QB issues, and the Bengals finding solutions for their offensive line, these four fall in the draft, but are still great options for teams looking to build young, high potential talents.
Some other names to keep an eye out for are Lewis Cine, Jalen Pitre, Skyy Moore, and Nik Bonitto. Those four could be first round potential talents, and may fall due to some bigger names highlighting their positions. Come back next month as I share my final mock draft and big board!