While our CBSSports.com draft analyst Ryan Wilson has spent the past year doing 452 mock drafts -- OK, that's a slight exaggeration -- this is my first attempt at the frustrating process that is mock draft mania.
Hell, we still have no idea who the top pick is right now -- even if it appears Jacksonville's free agency moves make it look like Michigan edge Aidan Hutchinson will be the pick. This is a draft devoid of top-tier quarterback talent, which changes the way fans, analysts and scouts see it.
If there was a clear-cut elite passer, you can bet Jacksonville would trade out of the top spot to land more picks. There isn't, so the pick here is Hutchinson.
I do have three quarterbacks going in this first round, but it's not a position I truly love in this draft. In most years, one of these guys would go in the first round. But we know that there are so many quarterback-needy teams -- and it's wise to swing and take your shots to fill the position -- that as many as four could go in the first round.
Without a quality starter at quarterback, your ills are exposed. With one, they get hidden a lot more. That's why quarterbacks get driven up the draft board.
So dive in, look around, and complain. It's just my first mock. Don't hold me to it. Don't grade me on it if you are one of those mock draft graders, either. And, no, this isn't how I would draft the first round, It's what I think teams will do.
There are more mocks to come from me.
Bet you can't wait.
For a more extensive draft discussion beyond the mock drafts, check out our weekly show on YouTube!
NFL Mock Draft
Round 1
Round 1 - Pick 1
They landed a bunch of players in free agency, including bringing back Cam Robinson and signing Brandon Scherff to the offensive line. That means they go edge and take Hutchinson.
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Round 1 - Pick 2
The Lions are in a tough spot without a real need for an offensive tackle. They could trade down, but if they stay here I have them taking an edge rusher in Walker, who NFL people love.
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Round 1 - Pick 3
They restructured the contract of Laremy Tunsil to keep him at left tackle, so I have them taking Neal and playing him on the right side. He is a power player who would give them a good tackle tandem.
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Round 1 - Pick 4
They need to improve their pass rush, which is why Thibodeaux would make sense here. He has the tools, even if some scouts have cooled on him, and would fit perfectly in their scheme.
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Round 1 - Pick 5
Andrew Thomas is set at left tackle, but they need help on the other side. They could move Thomas to the right side or play Ekwonu there. Either way, it's a win-win.
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Round 1 - Pick 6
They have to solve their quarterback situation and Pickett is the best of a bad class. Even so, they have to take the swing.
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From
Chicago Bears
Round 1 - Pick 7
Safety isn't a value position, which is why this might be high. But the Giants need a playmaker on the back end, a guy who can bring a lot of big plays.
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Round 1 - Pick 8
He is raw, and can spend a year learning behind a veteran. But he has the tools that teams love now with his ability to move. They have to take a shot on a young passer.
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From
Denver Broncos
Round 1 - Pick 9
Left tackle Duane Brown is a free agent who remains unsigned. But they need to get a long-term solution at the position anyway.
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From
Seattle Seahawks
Round 1 - Pick 10
They have some corners they like, but you can never have enough with Buffalo in the same division. Gardner is a long corner who would fit the system.
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Round 1 - Pick 11
They traded to get Carson Wentz, so why not get him another young weapon? London is a big receiver who will help liven up the passing game.
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Round 1 - Pick 12
They need to get help on the corner, especially since they don't know if Patrick Peterson is coming back. Even if he does, Stingley has too much talent to pass up.
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From
Cleveland Browns
Round 1 - Pick 13
Landing a run-and-chase linebacker who can also rush the passer would be a good move for this young team. Texans need players at a lot of spots, so take one of the best in this draft.
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Round 1 - Pick 14
They upgraded the secondary in free agency, so it's time to add an edge to go with Odafe Oweh, last year's top pick. Johnson would give them a nice combination off the edge.
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From
Miami Dolphins
Round 1 - Pick 15
They brought Fletcher Cox back on a one-year deal, but they need help for the future. This kid is a big, power player who will be great early against the run.
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From
Indianapolis Colts
Round 1 - Pick 16
It looks like Jalen Reagor is a miss. So it's time to get another receiver with this second of their picks in the first round. Olave could end up as the best in this class.
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Round 1 - Pick 17
They have major issues at right tackle. Getting a young player to play that side will solidify the line in front of Justin Herbert.
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Round 1 - Pick 18
They have to get more help outside in the passing game. Wilson would add some much-needed speed for a downfield threat for Jameis Winston, who is back on a two-year deal.
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Round 1 - Pick 19
They have to get better at corner, which is why this makes sense with one of their three first-round picks.
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Round 1 - Pick 20
Mitch Trubisky is only holding the position for the next guy. That would give Corral a year to learn before he takes over the next season in this scenario.
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Round 1 - Pick 21
They traded away Shaq Mason, so it's time to get his replacement. Green can also play right tackle if need be.
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From
Las Vegas Raiders
Round 1 - Pick 22
He has the speed that this offense needs with the ability to turn short passes into big plays. They have to address receiver in this first round.
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Round 1 - Pick 23
They lost Chandler Jones to the Raiders, so they have to get help for their pass rush. Karlaftis was a productive edge player who would give them some juice up front.
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Round 1 - Pick 24
Their center play hasn't been great the past two seasons, so they can land the best inside player in this draft. He would be an immediate starter.
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Round 1 - Pick 25
They could be tempted to go corner here, but with Ryan Bates getting visits as a restricted free agent, I would give them a guard to protect themselves. The Bills have to run it better and protect Josh Allen better.
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Round 1 - Pick 26
They need to upgrade their tackle spots. Smith played left tackle, but he could move to the right side and ultimately take over for Taylor Lewan down the road on the left side.
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Round 1 - Pick 27
Ndamukong Suh is a free agent, so they need a younger inside player to go with Vita Vea. There are some scouts who think Wyatt will be better than teammate Jordan Davis on the next level.
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Round 1 - Pick 28
They can take a risk on the best receiver in this draft after taking Dotson earlier in the draft. He is coming off a torn ACL, and probably won't be ready until midseason, but the Packers will be getting a star when he is ready. Lo and behold, they can draft receivers in the first round.
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From
San Francisco 49ers
Round 1 - Pick 29
This is based on them signing a tackle in free agency. So with that the case -- it could be Terron Armstead -- I will give them a linebacker who can run and cover. He has the speed they will love.
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Round 1 - Pick 30
This is a player on the rise, a speed rusher, which is something the Chiefs need. He is raw, but the talent is there.
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Round 1 - Pick 31
After signing three free agents to upgrade the O-line, they can wait for Ojabo, who tore an Achilles last week at his pro day workout.
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From
Los Angeles Rams
Round 1 - Pick 32
He is a big, strong receiver who will give their passing game a boost. His 40 times have been disappointing, but he is still capable of being a productive receiver for a team in need.
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