The Saints' trade with the Eagles was a calculated move by New Orleans to position itself ahead of the receiver- and offensive tackle-needy Chargers right? That's what it feels like.
In this mock, the Saints go with a left tackle to replace Terron Armstead after he signed with the Miami Dolphins, which in essence forces the Chargers to pick another position.
Keep reading to see how the first 32 picks play out.
NFL Mock Draft
Round 1
Round 1 - Pick 1
The Jaguars are going Hutchinson at No. 1 after franchising Cam Robinson. The Michigan star is an instant-impact type who can thrive on three downs.
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Round 1 - Pick 2
The Lions don't let a Thibodeaux fall occur. He reunites with former Oregon teammate Penei Sewell in the Motor City.
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Round 1 - Pick 3
Walker is an all-upside selection for the rebuilding Texans.
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Round 1 - Pick 4
The Jets get their alpha cornerback, something the defense desperately needs.
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Round 1 - Pick 5
Neal is a mammoth human who carries 337 pounds as well as any human on this planet. He has All-Pro upside.
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Round 1 - Pick 6
Matt Rhule almost has to pick a quarterback here, so he goes with one he knows in Pickett.
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Round 1 - Pick 7
The Giants would be thrilled to land Neal and Hamilton if they can't move down from one of their two first-round picks.
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Round 1 - Pick 8
The Falcons pick Willis with the long view in mind. The Georgia native comes home to usher in a new era at quarterback for the Falcons.
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From
Denver Broncos
Round 1 - Pick 9
Ekwonu's run-blocking prowess will appeal to Pete Carroll and Co. in Seattle.
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From
Seattle Seahawks
Round 1 - Pick 10
The Jets get a blue-chip tackle to protect Zach Wilson. Perfect.
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Round 1 - Pick 11
Wilson would give Terry McLaurin a legitimate running mate at receiver and the two can bond over their time at Ohio State.
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Round 1 - Pick 12
The Vikings draft Stingley and allow Patrick Peterson to mentor him in 2022. Ideal.
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From
Cleveland Browns
Round 1 - Pick 13
Who knows what the Texans will do. They have needs galore. They go with the best "classic" three-technique pass rusher in his class.
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Round 1 - Pick 14
Davis would be an exquisite fit in Baltimore. They love oversized, powerful defensive linemen.
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From
Miami Dolphins
Round 1 - Pick 15
The Eagles can be competitive in 2022 but have their sights set on the 2023 season. Because of that, Williams would be very sensible here.
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From
Philadelphia Eagles
Round 1 - Pick 16
The Saints made their move to make sure they'd be ahead of the Chargers, another team with a clear offensive tackle need. Penning will be New Orleans' Week 1 starter at left tackle.
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Round 1 - Pick 17
Instead of picking someone like Bernhard Raimann here, the Chargers add another big-bodied weapon for Justin Herbert in London.
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From
New Orleans Saints
Round 1 - Pick 18
Johnson's fall stops with the Eagles here. Howie Roseman loves building the trenches with early picks.
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From
Philadelphia Eagles
Round 1 - Pick 19
Olave can become a high-caliber No. 2 wideout in New Orleans opposite Michael Thomas.
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Round 1 - Pick 20
The Steelers don't want to leave the first round without a quarterback and Ridder's experience and athleticism make him enticing for this franchise.
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Round 1 - Pick 21
The Patriots replace J.C. Jackson with a man-coverage specialist in Elam.
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From
Las Vegas Raiders
Round 1 - Pick 22
Dotson is the twitched-up speedster the Packers need on their offense.
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Round 1 - Pick 23
The Cardinals have a gigantic void to fill given Chandler Jones' departure. Karlaftis can help.
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Round 1 - Pick 24
Johnson is an immediate starter at guard and has positional versatility given his length and experience at left tackle.
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Round 1 - Pick 25
McDuffie played in a zone-heavy system at Washington, which would make his transition to Buffalo a seamless one.
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Round 1 - Pick 26
Dean gives the Titans legitimate coverage capabilities at the linebacker position. Vital today.
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Round 1 - Pick 27
Green is a plug-and-play guard for the Buccaneers after losing Ali Marpet this offseason.
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Round 1 - Pick 28
Hall is a tremendous pass-rushing asset, and he can play multiple positions given his unique frame.
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From
San Francisco 49ers
Round 1 - Pick 29
Burks is the big-bodied receiver the Chiefs may be shifting toward philosophically on offense.
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Round 1 - Pick 30
Thomas is this year's "surprise" late first-round pick. He won from the inside and outside at San Diego State, and the Chiefs have to get Chris Jones a running mate up front.
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Round 1 - Pick 31
The Bengals rejoice when Linderbaum is available at their pick. He has to get stronger but is capable of freaky athletic feats at the center position.
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From
Los Angeles Rams
Round 1 - Pick 32
Lloyd slips, but the Lions jump at the opportunity for him to be the quarterback of their defense.
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