Welcome to NFL DRAFT SEASON. It's here. Full speed ahead. The Bengals have to pick an offensive lineman in Round 1, right? Essentially, yes. And this draft season is more fascinating than others in the recent past because we don't have even close to a consensus as to who will be the No. 1 overall pick, and the quarterback class is one giant enigma.
In this mock draft, I've executed a mock trade: The Falcons send Calvin Ridley to the Giants -- where he can reunite with his former Alabama offensive coordinator Brian Daboll -- in exchange for a 2022 second-round pick, a 2023 fourth-round pick and wideout Darius Slayton.
To jot down on your Draft Season calendar: The NFL combine is two weeks away, kicking off on Feb. 28.
Keep reading to see all 32 picks.
NFL Mock Draft
Round 1
Round 1 - Pick 1
I have a feeling Neal is going to test outstandingly at a massive size at the combine, which will be the catalyst for him going No. 1 overall.
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Round 1 - Pick 2
Hutchinson represents high floor and high upside. He's going to be the No. 1 rusher in Detroit immediately.
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Round 1 - Pick 3
Hamilton is the prototype for the modern day safety because of his size, athleticism, and versatility. The Texans secondary needs an overhaul in the worst way.
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Round 1 - Pick 4
The Jets pounce on the opportunity to pick Stingley, who showcased top-10 talent as an 18-year-old corner in 2019 at LSU.
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Round 1 - Pick 5
Ekwonu is a masher with elite balance. If they're sticking with Daniel Jones, the Giants have to be nastier up front.
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Round 1 - Pick 6
Pickett lands with Matt Rhule in the former college coach's latest attempt to get the quarterback spot right in Carolina.
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From
Chicago Bears
Round 1 - Pick 7
During his time in Buffalo, Joe Schoen was integral in the Bills drafting somewhat raw but freaky athletes. That's the philosophy he'd follow here with Thibodeaux.
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Round 1 - Pick 8
The Falcons could literally draft any position and it'd be sensible; that's how barren the roster is right now. But with a bunch of receivers set to hit free agency and Calvin Ridley on the move in this mock, Atlanta grabs another first-round pass catcher for Matt Ryan.
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Round 1 - Pick 9
On film, Ojabo looks like he could be a huge combine winner. If that's the case, he could go inside the top 10.
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From
Seattle Seahawks
Round 1 - Pick 10
The Jets get their offensive tackle to protect Zach Wilson. Cross is a smooth operator on the outside.
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Round 1 - Pick 11
Willis can battle with Taylor Heinicke in camp and take over at some point in 2022 if the veteran doesn't build on a solid 2021. The Liberty product has All-Pro upside.
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Round 1 - Pick 12
Gardner's film is squeaky clean, and he's a high-caliber athlete over six feet tall. That typically gets a cornerback drafted early.
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Round 1 - Pick 13
The Browns have to get Baker Mayfield another top-tier talent at receiver for the final year of his rookie deal. Burks has some A.J. Brown to him.
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Round 1 - Pick 14
If any team is going to be enamored with Walker, it's the Ravens. They love their defensive linemen almost "oversized" for their position, and Walker will tip the scales close to 275 or 280 pounds at the combine. He demonstrated impressive change-of-direction skill at that size in college.
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From
Miami Dolphins
Round 1 - Pick 15
Easiest prospect-team pairing in the entire draft. Linderbaum steps in for Jason Kelce. Perfect.
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From
Indianapolis Colts
Round 1 - Pick 16
Johnson's going in Round 1. He's a long-limbed, high-motor rusher with big-time production in 2021.
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Round 1 - Pick 17
The Chargers could lose Mike Williams in free agency. If that happens, receiver becomes a major need for Year 3 of Justin Herbert. Enter London, a tall, athletic, ball-skills specialist.
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Round 1 - Pick 18
The Saints are in rebuild mode. Or at least they should be. With this selection, Corral could be the Week 1 starter, or New Orleans could take the long-term approach with him as the roster is reconstructed.
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Round 1 - Pick 19
Gordon is a springy cornerback who'd thrive in Philadelphia's zone-based scheme.
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Round 1 - Pick 20
Johnson is a rock-solid prospect who can be an instant starter at center or guard in Pittsburgh.
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Round 1 - Pick 21
Karlaftis is NFL strong with a nice arsenal of pass-rush moves. The Patriots got great returns on the Matthew Judon signing but need more juice around the corner.
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Round 1 - Pick 22
Booth is a big, bouncy cornerback with insane ball skills. Las Vegas has to prioritize its secondary in this draft.
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Round 1 - Pick 23
Olave is a high floor receiver who can be a 60-plus catch guy instantly in the Cardinals offense.
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Round 1 - Pick 24
Hall is a long, athletic hand-work master who'd give the Cowboys more push on the interior of their defensive line.
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Round 1 - Pick 25
McCreary feels a lot like Tre'Davious White when he entered the league in 2017 -- long, illustrious SEC career without the freaky measurables or workout.
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Round 1 - Pick 26
Penning's a Round 1 tackle. He's already the size of a larger NFL edge protector and comes with high-caliber athletic traits.
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Round 1 - Pick 27
The Buccaneers go best player available and side with Lloyd over Nakobe Dean because of the Utah linebacker's length.
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Round 1 - Pick 28
The Packers aren't afraid to make a surprise selection in the draft, and Moore would count as one. His film is awesome though. Sudden and noticeably fast.
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From
San Francisco 49ers
Round 1 - Pick 29
How about something other than an offensive lineman for the Dolphins in the first round? They can address the trenches on Day 2. Dean is too talented of a prospect to pass on here.
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Round 1 - Pick 30
Pitre is everywhere on film thanks to quality quicks and instincts. The Chiefs have to get better at safety, especially if Tyrann Mathieu leaves in free agency.
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Round 1 - Pick 31
Green is a road-grading guard who'll help the Bengals in the trenches, which is clearly a huge need.
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From
Los Angeles Rams
Round 1 - Pick 32
Bell has experience and a long history of productivity on the outside. The Lions have to add a ton of talent at receiver this offseason.
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