Post FA Frenzy 3 Round NFL Mock Draft

Wow… It has been a crazy few weeks since my last mock. This off-season has already been filled with so many twists and turns, it may just be the craziest ever or at least in my lifetime. Most teams now have a completely different set of need than they did at the start of March let alone at the end of the 2021 season. Now, I’m sure my disclaimer on what the last mock was meant to do and why there were no trades makes a lot more sense. The draft is now roughly a month away (depending on when this is finished), and we have a MUCH more clear picture of what’s going down on April 28th. 

This will be the second of a 4 part series of mocks I’ll be doing on this page, followed by: a full 7 rounder that will release around one week before the draft, and a final 1 round mock the night before the draft. This mock draft WILL have trades as we can see a much better landscape for what’s to come and who needs to/can move to get what they need. This mock is my first real stab at what will actually happen on Days 1 and 2, but I expect a decent amount of change by the time of my next one due to rumors, additional signings, potential injuries or off the field issues, and at this point probably a few more trades. Baker and Jimmy G, anyone? Let’s get rippin’:

Round 1:

1. Jacksonville Jaguars - DE/Edge Aidan Hutchinson Michigan:

I originally pounded the OT idea for Jacksonville, but I believe this new regime is essentially building around the Idea that Hutchinson will be their guy. They addressed so much in FA, I feel like they’d be better than last year and have a solid starter at every spot if the season started today. Now, the key is to get a superstar that upgrades a spot. This defense has switched to a 3-4 base with new DC Mike Caldwell, which as I’ve said is the perfect fit for Hutchinson. He’d thrive rushing from the inside as a 3-4 End, and he could rush from the Edge or Inside in Nickel situations. He’d be the final piece for this team, they’re solid!

2. Detroit Lions - Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux Oregon:

Detroit needs a big defensive upgrade and they could specifically use it in the pass rush. Edge is the pick here, I can see the allure of Travon Walker but let me tell you this: Not long ago Thibodeaux was THE guy in this draft. Dan Campbell is not the type of guy to get over-creative or get lost in potential over day 1 value. Thibodeaux will be really really good, maybe even great, Campbell won’t leave that high floor for Walker’s potential.

3. Houston Texans - OT Ikem Ekwonu NC State:

As I said last time, this is the pivot point in the draft. How much do they love a defensive player here (Walker, Hamilton, Gardner)? That’s the first question, but I believe Houston is committed to developing Mills and moving forward by putting some talent around him. Now here’s the second question, which tackle? Tackle is a big need here on the right side and this will give them two Pro Bowl caliber tackles right away. I like Neal over Ekwonu, but I think Tunsil being entrenched on the Left gives them a bit more flexibility to take a chance on Ekwonu’s big time upside.

4. New York Jets - OT Evan Neal Alabama:

Exactly, the same situation as Houston. Both teams need plenty on defense but building around your young QB is the smart move and the popular move. Neal and Becton will provide a hell of a tackle combo as well, and allow Wilson to take a leap in year two. Both teams can tackle defense later with their additional first round picks, go best available and help your QBs.

5. New York Giants - Edge Travon Walker Georgia:

Who’s the new DC in New York? Former Ravens legend Wink Martindale, that’s who. And what does he love? Big oversized edge rushers who have no business playing outside in a 3-4. Think Suggs, Pernell McPhee, Courtney Upshaw. That’s the role Walker will fill in New York. Match made in heaven, but In this scenario I'm sure Sauce Gardner’s name is being thrown around internally too.

6. Carolina Panthers - QB Kenny Pickett Pitt:

There haven’t been any trades yet, but I’d look to Atlanta to consider trying to hop Carolina (Maybe with Hou at 3?) if they like Pickett better than Willis. If the two are close on Atlanta’s board but Pickett has the edge, it still makes sense to steal him from division rival Carolina. That being said I think Willis will be Atlanta’s guy and Pickett is Carolina’s. I believe Rhule and company love Pickett and that’s what has prompted their lack of aggression for FA and Trade QBs. Let's be clear, Carolina or division rivals Atlanta and NOLA could’ve had Watson over Cleveland. They all just had good enough Plan B’s to avoid giving up what The Browns did, hell The Browns would’ve never paid so much either if they didn’t piss off Baker.

7. New York Giants - CB Ahmad Gardner Cincinnati:

I thought hard about Gardner at the 5th pick but the Walker fit is just too good. I believe the Giants will also love to grab Gardner and really bolster this defensive, he’s the best corner in this draft and should go higher. Plenty of QB needy teams will be calling looking to hop Atlanta for Willis but I think the value of Gardner is too difficult to pass on. Seattle could make a tempting offer here since it’s only a few spots, but I think the only team within a few picks who would seriously look to make the jump is Washington and I doubt New York allows them to get their QB.

8. Atlanta Falcons - QB Malik Willis Liberty:

Mariota is not the long term plan, let’s be real. The Falcons know they’re in striking distance for a top QB and I believe Willis is their guy. That’s why they traded away Ryan, they’re ready for the future and that can’t really be Mariota. He’s the bridge. Side note: Look for Atlanta to trade up, possibly even one spot if it looks like the Giants are about to make a deal that sends Willis elsewhere.

9. Seattle Seahawks - OT Charles Cross Mississippi State:

This pick hasn’t changed for me, they could trade up if they love Willis but I think The Hawks know they aren’t in a position to develop a player like him. I really believe Seattle takes this as a development year and sees what Lock can offer. That said, O-Line has continued to be a huge issue for Seattle and they basically have no tackles on the roster. The 12th man should be thrilled if they get one of the big 3 tackles without having to move up.

10. New York Jets - S Kyle Hamilton Notre Dame:

I think Hamilton is without a doubt the best talent in this draft not named Aidan Hutchinson. The Jets have a lot of needs including Edge and Receiver but I don’t see Saleh being able to pass on Hamilton twice. He’ll be the leader of this defense for years to come, Gardner would be a great fit if he’s still around as well.

Pick 11 TRADE Washington Commanders to Baltimore Ravens 

Ravens get #11 - Washington gets #14, 3rd Rounder (#76), 6th Rounder (#195)

11. Baltimore Ravens - DT Jordan Davis Georgia:

Yes, I know they signed Michael Pierce but they still need to acquire another DL starter somewhere and I believe the Ravens would love Davis’s toolbox. It takes a small jump to get there, but if they don’t do it I feel confident the Vikings snag Davis at 12 especially with the move to a 3-4. The Ravens also have 2 3rds and 5 4ths as it sits right now, that means they have the capital to ensure they get their guy on draft day. Davis will also have positional flexibility in this system playing either 3-4 end spot or nose.

12. Minnesota Vikings - CB Trent McDuffie Washington:

Missing out on Davis hurts, but almost every position would be a luxury pick for Minnesota at this point as they have a lot of spots they could upgrade but really only one dire “need”. They absolutely need corner help, and McDuffie is the clear runner-up to Gardner in my opinion. I love Stingley of course, but I think McDuffie is too much safer to pass on. His ceiling is still really high.

13. Houston Texans - Edge George Karlaftis Purdue: 

There’s so many directions Houston could go at each pick. After grabbing some help for Mills at 3 with Ekwonu, I think Lovie will get himself a toy at 13. I could see Stingley or Jermaine Johnson here, but Karlaftis could be a great fit in Lovie’s system. He needs to go to a team that can use him right and I think Lovie would fall in love with his skills.

14. Washington Commanders - QB Matt Corral Ole Miss:

It’s naive to think that The Commanders trade for Wentz and suddenly they’re happy at QB. That’s not the case, Wentz can keep them in the playoff race right now but they need to find a really solid starter for the future. I believe 14 is a reach for Corral and no one else will really be considering him until the 20s. In this scenario, Rivera and company prefer Willis and Pickett and make several attempts to get up there and grab one to no avail. If the top few picks fall as they did in this draft, I think it would be really difficult to jump Atlanta and even more difficult to get above Carolina. Therefore, Rivera gladly excepts a few extra picks from the Ravens, moves back a bit, and still has a nearly guaranteed shot at his 3rd QB. Corral’s a good fit in Washington too!

15. Philadelphia Eagles - CB Derek Stingley Jr. LSU:

16. Philadelphia Eagles - WR Treylon Burks Arkansas:

Bringing back Cox and Barnett as well as the addition of Haason Reddick cools the need for front 7 a bit but I expect that to be where they go next. Getting a corner across from Slay is a must and Stingley has steal of the draft potential at 15. Burks fills a huge need on the other side of the ball. I believe Philly goes with a bigger, more physical receiver rather than Garrett Wilson and I think Burks has the edge over London. The new Burks and Smith combo would allow Reagor and Watkins to have more refined roles and do what fits them best: stretch the field.

Pick 17 TRADE Los Angeles Chargers to New England Patriots 

Patriots get #17 - Chargers get #21, 3rd Rounder (#85), 2023 3rd Rounder

17. New England Patriots - WR Garrett Wilson Ohio State:

Wilson sitting there at 17 is ridiculous, and the brass in New England would surely be willing to dump some picks later on to give Mac a top tier WR1. I think the Pats, as well as other WR needy teams, would feel some urgency to move up and get Wilson with New Orleans picking next at 18. Wilson would give Mac Jones a true WR1 with superstar potential and above average route running and separation on Day 1.

18. New Orleans Saints - OT Trevor Penning Northern Iowa:

Linebacker could be in play here too but it’s a lot easier to find capable Linebackers in the Mid-Rounds or even after the draft. Losing Armstead is a big deal for New Orleans and Penning gives them a capable tackle on day one. His physical style is a great fit for New Orleans and fills the biggest need for this playoff caliber team. I think this is early for Penning based on value but OT is a premier position and not super deep in this draft.

19. Philadelphia Eagles - LB Devin Lloyd Utah:

Now Philly adds to the front 7. They could stand to upgrade the whole way across this group but MLB has to be the biggest need. Lloyd is a playmaker with a very versatile skill set, he’d be a very interesting piece to pair with new additions Hasson Reddick and Kyzir White. Eagles DC Jonathan Gannon prefers versatility from his backers and Lloyd certainly has that.

Pick 20 TRADE Pittsburgh Steelers to Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals get #20 and 2023 6th Rounder - Steelers get #23, 7th Rounder (#257), 2023 3rd Rounder

20. Arizona Cardinals - Edge Jermaine Johnson Florida State:

I believe the Cardinals have been trying to trade up very hard in this scenario starting around pick 14, and the anxiety of losing Johnson grows with each passing pick. Too many teams are set on who they’re taking with the way the picks have been falling. That causes Arizona to give up a little more than what you’d expect here to end the biggest slide of this draft. Arizona would be getting what looks to be a top 10 talent in Johnson and he would help fill the massive void left with Chandler Jones’ departure. I feel like either Johnson or Karlaftis experiences a slide on draft day, they’re both high end talents, it all just really comes down to need and scheme fit.

21. Los Angeles Chargers - OG Kenyon Green Texas A&M:

In this mock, The Chargers move back and acquire some much needed picks while still getting their guy at 21. I think 17 would’ve been a bit early for LA’s top options (Green & Penning), in moving back I think they feel confident they still get one. I believe Green would be the preferred pick of the two regardless. Worst Case Scenario: Both go and you add Jameson Williams to your receiving corps.

22. Green Bay Packers - WR Drake London USC:

While Olave’s speed is tempting as will be the potential of Williams after missing most of next season, I have the Pack opting to go with another big target in London. Rodgers would be the perfect QB to highlight his strengths and I believe London starts outside on day 1.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers - WR Chris Olave Ohio State:

The Steelers weren’t obsessed with anything at pick 20, and while it’s a bit uncharacteristic of this team to trade back the do so while acquiring some picks from Arizona. A lot of people think we’ll see a QB here and while I think The Steelers would be tempted by Howell or Ridder I think we forget what Kevin Colbert loves most: Speed. Think about a similar Ohio State receiver in Super Bowl hero Santonio Holmes, Olave would be an eerily similar fit.

24. Dallas Cowboys - WR Jameson Williams Alabama:

Man, this is a Jerry Jones move now isn’t it? Many would consider this a fairly decent slide for Williams but I wager this: with the first receiver coming off the board less than 10 picks ago and Williams’ current injury situation this is exactly where he should go. The other receivers that find themselves jumping him in this class have done exactly what they need to becoming big risers in the process. They’ve impressed and they’re available week 1, not as much can be said for the former 2022 Draft WR1. The injury won’t be a concern for Jerry.

25. Buffalo Bills - DT Devonte Wyatt Georgia:

I think a few teams may make some aggressive offers to move up here and snag OT Bernhard Raimann, but Buffalo knows how close they are and this pick is about continuing to stack an already loaded roster. We’re all pounding the table for a HB but that can be taken care of on day 2, Buffalo loves DLine depth and they’ve lost a lot at DT. I believe this is the number one need on their board in house and Wyatt would make a super disruptive fit next to another ultra-athletic Tackle in Ed Oliver.

26. Tennessee Titans - QB Sam Howell North Carolina:

Don’t let Vrabel fool you like he almost did some Tackle needy teams in this draft, Radunz will be starting at RT in year 2. Tannehill is the weak link, they can improve in a few other spots but this is a great situation to draft your future QB. Howell doesn’t need to step on the field until at least 2023, he has time here and he’ll learn a lot.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - C Tyler Linderbaum Iowa:

This is a pure luxury pick, Tampa has a lot of spots with room for improvement and Aaron Stinnie at LG is one of those spots. Linderbaum would thrive at Center but he’ll still be really good at guard, and Arians has had some pretty awesome success with these Iowa Lineman.

28. Green Bay Packers - OT Bernhard Raimann Central Michigan:

This is really the only other position where Green Bay needs a clear day 1 upgrade. I think they’ll be worried Raimann won’t last to 29 but they’re rewarded for sitting tight. They’d also feel really good about Tyler Smith at this spot which allows them to feel confident at 29, I think other teams would be looking to jump them.

29. Kansas City Chiefs - LB Nakobe Dean Georgia:

30. Kansas City Chiefs - WR Jahan Dotson Penn State:

First off, K.C. lucks out in this situation because I’m confident Cincy is attempting to jump them at 28 or 29 to snag Dean. The Chiefs simply can’t pass on Nakobe Dean here despite bigger needs at CB and Edge, he’s a huge steal at this pick and bolsters a really nice big 3 at Linebacker. Linebacker was a big need for a long time in K.C. but this eliminates it. Next, Dotson is a perfect fit for this offense and is another solid piece to help fill that huge hole left by Tyreek Hill. I believe he’d quickly become Mahomes new favorite Wideout.

31. Cincinnati Bengals - CB Andrew Booth Clemson:

As I mentioned, Cincy will badly want to jump up a few spots and get Nakobe Dean but if it’s not possible they have plenty of options for where to upgrade. OLine has been addressed, while they could still upgrade on the interior there’s no need for that here. Outside CB is as good as it was last year with Apple and Awuzie returning but that spot was exploited pretty well on the game’s biggest stage. Booth is the best available and a great playmaker, this is a situation where he could take less snaps and focus on developing for the first half of the season.I thinks that’s the exact situation he needs.

32. Detroit Lions - QB Desmond Ridder Cincinnati:

I believe Ridder’s really helped himself and is probably higher rated for most teams than Howell, but Howell is just the right guy for that Tennessee offense. While I also think that Detroit is content with Goff, Dan Campbell will love what Ridder has shown and needs a long term plan for a teams that’s quietly coming together. This could make Detroit very scary in the near future.

Round 2:

33. Jacksonville Jaguars - S Jaquan Brisker Penn State

34. Detroit Lions - DE DeMarvin Leal Texas A&M

35. New York Jets - Edge Boye Mafe Minnesota 

36. New York Giants - DT Travis Jones UConn

37. Houston Texans - HB Breece Hall Iowa State

38. New York Jets - WR Jalen Tolbert South Alabama

39. Chicago Bears - Edge David Ojabo Michigan 

40. Seattle Seahawks - LB Quay Walker Georgia 

41. Seattle Seahawks - OT Tyler Smith Tulsa

42. Indianapolis Colts - CB Kyler Gordon Washington 

43. Atlanta Falcons - WR David Bell Purdue

44. Cleveland Browns - DT Phidarian Mathis Alabama 

45. Baltimore Ravens - LB Damone Clark LSU

46. Minnesota Vikings - S Daxton Hill Michigan

47. Washington Commanders - CB Kaiir Elam Florida

48. Chicago Bears - S Jalen Pitre Baylor

49. New Orleans Saints - WR George Pickens Georgia 

50. Kansas City Chiefs - Edge Sam Williams Ole Miss

51. Philadelphia Eagles - TE Trey McBride Colorado State

52. Pittsburgh Steelers - S Lewis Cine Georgia 

53. Green Bay Packers - Edge Arnold Ebiketie Penn State

54. New England Patriots - OG Zion Johnson Boston College

55. Arizona Cardinals - HB Kenneth Walker Michigan State

56. Dallas Cowboys - OT Daniel Faalele Minnesota 

57. Buffalo Bills - LB Channing Tindall Georgia

58. Atlanta Falcons - Edge Nik Bonitto Oklahoma 

59. Green Bay Packers - WR Wan’Dale Robinson Kentucky 

60. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - DE Joshua Paschal Kentucky 

61. San Francisco 49ers - S Bryan Cook Cincinnati 

62. Kansas City Chiefs - CB Alontae Taylor Tennessee 

63. Cincinnati Bengals - TE Isaiah Likely Coastal Carolina

64. Denver Broncos - TE Greg Dulcich UCLA

3rd Round:

65. Jacksonville Jaguars - LB Christian Harris Alabama

66. Detroit Lions - CB Roger McCreary Auburn

67. New York Giants - TE Cade Otton Washington

68. Houston Texans - S Nick Cross Maryland 

69. New York Jets - LB Leo Chenal Wisconsin 

70. Jacksonville Jaguars - C Luke Fortner Kentucky

71. Chicago Bears - WR John Metchie III Alabama 

72. Seattle Seahawks - DE/Edge Kingsley Enagbare South Carolina 

73. Indianapolis Colts - OG Cole Strange Chattanooga

74. Atlanta Falcons - WR Skyy Moore Western Michigan 

75. Denver Broncos - DL Eyioma Uwazurike Iowa State

76. Washington Commanders - WR Christian Watson North Dakota State

77. Minnesota Vikings - WR Khalil Shakir Boise State

78. Cleveland Browns - Edge Drake Jackson USC

79. Los Angeles Chargers - DT Neil Farrell LSU

80. Houston Texans - TE Jeremy Ruckert Ohio State

81. New York Giants - QB Carson Strong Nevada

82. Atlanta Falcons - LB Chad Muma Wyoming

83. Philadelphia Eagles - S JT Woods Baylor

84. Pittsburgh Steelers - DE Logan Hall Houston

85. Los Angeles Chargers - OT Max Mitchell UL Lafayette 

86. Las Vegas Raiders - OG Dylan Parham Memphis 

87. Arizona Cardinals - CB Coby Bryant Cincinnati 

88. Dallas Cowboys - LB Aaron Hansford Texas A&M

89. Buffalo Bills - HB Isaiah Spiller Texas A&M 

90. Tennessee Titans - OG/OT Darian Kinnard Kentucky 

91. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - HB Kennedy Brooks Oklahoma 

92. Green Bay Packers - CB Marcus Jones Houston

93. San Francisco 49ers - CB Zyon McCollum Sam Houston

94. Kansas City Chiefs - Edge Cameron Thomas San Diego State

95. Cincinnati Bengals - DT Perrion Winfrey Oklahoma 

96. Denver Broncos - S Verone McKinley III Oregon 

97. Detroit Lions - WR Alec Pierce Cincinnati 

98. New Orleans Saints - DT Matthew Butler Tennessee 

99. Cleveland Browns - WR Justyn Ross Clemson

100. Baltimore Ravens - CB Joshua Williams Fayetteville State

101. New Orleans Saints - LB JoJo Domann Nebraska 

102. Miami Dolphins - Edge Dominique Robinson Miami of Ohio

103. Kansas City Chiefs - OT Nick Petit-Frere Ohio State

104. Los Angeles Rams - OT Thayer Munford Ohio State

105. San Francisco 49ers - LB Brian Asamoah Oklahoma