Week 6 has wrapped up and the draft order is starting to form. The good and bad teams are separating in records and team needs are becoming evident. Let’s take a look at some potential selections for each team with a first-round pick this year.
1) Detroit Lions – Kayvon Thibodeaux – EDGE, Oregon
Although Kayvon Thibedoux has battled injuries this season, when he has played he has dominated. He could be a game-changing defensive end at the next level and help a rebuilding Lions team. Thibodeaux brings a tremendous mix of power and athleticism to the table for teams needing an edge rusher.
2) Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA) – Kaiir Elam – CB, Florida
Kaiir Elam is one of the premier cornerbacks in this year’s draft and could go high because of how weak other positions are in this class. He is an athletic cornerback with good size that could help the Eagles’ secondary if he is taken by them.
3) Jacksonville Jaguars – Evan Neal – OT, Alabama
If he keeps it up Evan Neal is looking like he could be the first offensive tackle taken in the upcoming draft. He can play multiple positions on the line and fill a need for the Jaguars. Neal checks all the boxes for an elite tackle; he is a big player. but has freakish athleticism.
4) Houston Texans – DeMarvin Leal – DL, Texas A&M
The Texans could go a variety of places with this pick, including quarterback, but reaching this high for one could be a mistake. DeMarvin Leal can play anywhere on the defensive line as he used to be a defensive end and has great upside. The Texans can bolster up their defensive line with this pick.
5) New York Giants – Derek Stingley Jr. – CB, LSU
Multiple cornerbacks could be taken in the top ten this year and Derek Stingley, Jr. is one of them. Although teams may not see too much more of him this year, Stingley has proven enough for teams to consider him highly. He is a tall and fluid cornerback who is great in press coverage. The Giants secondary has had its fair share of struggles and adding Stingley could turn things around.
6) New York Jets – Aidan Hutchinson – EDGE, Michigan
Unfortunately, the Jets are unable to land Neal in this mock draft, so they will likely want to look other places and not reach for a tackle.Aidan Hutchinson has proven that he can impact games with 4.5 sacks this year. Adding him to a defense that has been overperforming could create lots of success next year for the Jets.
7) New England Patriots – Kyle Hamilton – SAF, Notre Dame
Kyle Hamilton has climbed up boards and made himself a hard option to pass up for teams this high even though taking safeties in the top ten is uncommon. He is a versatile safety with good athleticism that could fit in almost any defense. Hamilton’s blend of talent is what could get him drafted so high and make a difference in New England.
8) Philadelphia Eagles – Chris Olave – WR, Ohio State
The Eagles could have three top ten picks this year and it would not hurt spending one on a receiver. DeVonta Smith has been good so far, but after him, their options are not great. Chris Olave is a fantastic route runner who could be elite in the NFL. Their other picks and he could help bring the Eagles back to playoff form.
9) Philadelphia Eagles (vs IND) – George Karlaftis – EDGE, Purdue
George Karlaftis is another player that has been rising up draft boards. Karlaftis has a good length that can be used in many situations. He has a high-ceiling that can be developed in Philadelphia if the Eagles draft him.
10) New York Jets (via SEA) – Andrew Booth Jr. – CB, Clemson
The Jets are another team that could find themselves picking multiple times in the top-ten picks. Two of the top cornerbacks are off the board at this point, but with Andrew Booth, Jr. still available, they could find themselves picking him. Booth has quick feet and plays with an abundance of confidence. He could make a big impact on Robert Saleh’s defense if taken by the Jets.
11) Washington Football Team – Matt Corral – QB, Ole Miss
The first quarterback off the board could be multiple players, but Matt Corral is a possible pick. Ryan Fitzpatrick is 38 years old and Washington’s offense has not been moving well this year. it is time for them to look for their quarterback of the future and Corral could be that guy. He possesses tremendous upside with his strong arm and mobility. Inconsistency was an issue in 2020, but he has put those concerns to rest so far this season only throwing one interception in the first six games. If Corral is developed well he could be the quarterback in Washington for a long time.
12) Atlanta Falcons – Malik Willis – QB, Liberty
The Falcons are another team that will need a quarterback soon. Matt Ryan is 36 years old and has regressed. Malik Willis is a player that some consider as the best quarterback in this draft and could be Ryan’s replacement in a couple of years. He is
13) Miami Dolphins (via SF) – Tyler Linderbaum – OL, Iowa
The Dolphins desperately need to improve their offensive line and Tyler Linderbaum is a candidate to do so. He is one of the top offensive line prospects this year because of his athleticism. Linderbaum is quick to move off the line of scrimmage and can block on the second level with no issues.
14) Denver Broncos – Sam Howell – QB, North Carolina
Sam Howell is a quarterback that came into the year with top five aspirations but after a few poor performances, his draft stock fell. However, his upside is still there and he could be the solution at quarterback for the Broncos. Howell has tremendous accuracy and has drawn comparisons to Drew Brees because of it. Will he be as good as Brees? Probably not, but there is tons of upside with this pick for Denver.
15) Carolina Panthers – Kenyon Green – OL, Texas A&M
The Panthers have formed a pretty balanced roster and look like they have found the answer at quarterback with Sam Darnold. Kenyon Green is a great pass blocker who relies on his good balance while blocking. Adding him to the Panthers line could improve their roster and keep the pocket clean for Darnold.
16) New York Giants (via CHI) – Drake Jackson – EDGE, USC
The edge rusher is an important position and Drake Jackson provides a high floor there. With other options off the board at this point, he is the safest option. Jackson is a versatile edge rusher, but without any elite traits, his ceiling is lower than others. However, with the Giants taking a somewhat risky pick at number five with Stingley in this mock, going with the safe one at 16 would not be a bad move.
17) Cleveland Browns – Drake London – WR, USC
Drake London has impressed college football fans this year and may have played himself into the first round. He is a rare receiver that possesses all the traits to become elite. London is big with long arms and great hands that he uses to jump up and grab balls over smaller defenders. He is surprisingly agile for a player of his size which makes him so special. The Browns have a great offense outside of the receiver position and adding him could complete it.
18) Kansas City Chiefs – Sean Rhyan – OT, UCLA
Kansas City’s offensive line has had its up’s and down’s, but Sean Rhyan could help solidify it. Rhyan uses excellent hand counters and has great timing which is what makes him stand out. He is currently leading a good UCLA offensive line that creates nice holes for its running backs. Adding Rhyan to the Chiefs could help provide security and help them rebound if this season continues poorly.
19) Minnesota Vikings – Ahmad Gardner – CB, Cincinnati
Ahmad Gardner is another name being discussed near the top in a good cornerback class. He has great athleticism to recover on plays if his physicality fails him. Garner is a good tackler and can make plays in open space. The Vikings’ secondary has been average and if he can come in and make a difference, it would be helpful towards keeping the Vikings in playoff contention for years to come.
20) Pittsburgh Steelers – Carson Strong – QB, Nevada
Much like the Football Team and the Broncos, the Steelers need to find a long-term option at quarterback soon. Carson Strong could be that guy. He has good accuracy and ball placement with a quick release. If Strong can improve and live up to the hype he has received from some, he could be very valuable in the long run for the Steelers.
21) New Orleans Saints – George Pickens – WR, Georgia
The Saints have a few positions they could take a look at in the draft, but the wide receiver could be the most important. With Michael Thomas out for the beginning portion of this season, the Saints have not been great at moving the ball through the air. However, if the Saints can pair up George Pickens and Thomas, they could completely flip the script next year and form one of the best wide receiver duos.
22) Buffalo Bills – Isaiah Spiller – RB, Texas A&M
Isaiah Spiller may be a reach with the 22nd pick, but it may be necessary for the Bills. Neither Zack Moss nor Devin Singletary has shown the capability to be a high-level running back. Spiller has great vision and can find holes with ease. If he can succeed, Spiller would add to one of the most potent offenses in the NFL.
23) Tennessee Titans – Noah Daniels – CB, TCU
The Titans have one of the worst secondaries in the NFL and improving it should be priority number one. Noah Daniels is an aggressive tackler and has good instincts. Not many cornerbacks are elite in their rookie seasons, but Daniels could help support the Titans at cornerback.
24) Dallas Cowboys – Bubba Bolden – SAF, Miami
A major question mark for the Dallas Cowboys heading into the year was their defense, but they have mostly shut down those concerns. However, there is still room for improvement. Bubba Bolden has a lot of upside with his physicality and sideline-to-sideline athletism. He has mostly good traits all across the board and could be an impact player at the next level.
25) Las Vegas Raiders – Trent McDuffie – CB, Washington
The Raiders have been excellent up to this point in the season and with the options left on the board, Trent McDuffie may be their best option. He is a versatile corner who can cover well and also blitz the quarterback. The Raiders taking him would give him time to develop since their secondary is already solid with the upside of high-level talent later on.
26) Los Angeles Chargers – Myjai Sanders – EDGE, Cincinnati
The Chargers are another team overperforming expectations. However, due to their abundance of youth, they have had ups and downs so adding depth should be a priority in the draft. Myjai Sanders has good length that can be used off the edge across from Joey Bosa.
27) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Mykael Wright – CB, Oregon
Mykael Wright may be a surprising pick this high for the Buccaneers, but with other top corners off the board, he may be the best option. He has good size and explosiveness but could get beat by stronger receivers. However, next year Wright would not have to start early on but could provide depth if injuries are to plague Tampa Bay and start later on in his career as he nears his ceiling.
28) Detroit Lions (via LAR) – Garrett Wilson – WR, Ohio State
The Lions have a need at wide receiver and with Garrett Wilson still on the board at 28, he could be a good pickup. Wilson is a good route runner with great athleticism and explosiveness. Amon-Ra St. Brown and he could create a good receiving duo in Detroit.
29) Cincinnati Bengals – Ikem Ekwonu – OT, NC State
The Bengals have overperformed to this point, but they still have a weakness at the offensive line position. Ikem Ekwonu has good quickness and can get to the second level quickly. With most of the elite offensive line prospects off the board taking a shot with him is their best bet here to help protect Burrow.
30) Green Bay Packers – Treylon Burks – WR, Arkansas
Green Bay has solid options at receiver but with questions marks about if many of them will stay, taking a receiver should be a priority in the draft. Treylon Burks could help form the Packers receiving core of the future or if the others choose to stay, help improve the weapons Jordan Love or Aaron Rodgers will have next year.
31) Baltimore Ravens – Justyn Ross – WR, Clemson
The Ravens should continue looking for weapons because of how inconsistent Marquise Brown has been. Justyn Ross is a physical specimen that uses his size well to make plays. His upside is incredible and if he can live up to it, he improve an already elite Ravens team.
32) Arizona Cardinals – Darian Kinnard – OL, Clemson
Darian Kinnard is a huge offensive lineman at 6’5” and 345 pounds. He is a force of nature and somehow has good mobility. Adding his upside to an already great Cardinals team could only help them down the line if he succeeds.
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