*Note that all these picks are what I would do in the draft and not a prediction of what I believe will happen.

  1. Carolina Panthers – QB Bryce Young

Despite the height concerns I believe that Bryce Young is the best quarterback in this draft, and Carolina should not overthink this pick.

  1. Houston Texans – QB CJ Stroud

This won’t happen in the real draft because of CJ Stroud’s ties to Deshaun Watson but I think Stroud would be the right pick for the Texans. He’s a pro ready player who will eventually become the franchise player Houston desperately needs.

Raiders trade Picks 7, 38, and a 2024 2nd to the Cardinals for Pick 3

  1. Las Vegas Raiders – QB Anthony Richardson

The Raiders need to improve the ceiling of their roster in such a loaded AFC and they can do this by trading up for Richardson. There may be growing pains but given time to sit behind Garoppolo Richardson should eventually become their star quarterback.

  1. Indianapolis Colts – IDL Jalen Carter

With the top three QBs off the board the Colts turn to the defensive side of the ball. Deforest Buckner no longer fits the contending window of the current Colts team and Carter can anchor the Colts new look defensive line.

  1. Seattle Seahawks – EDGE Will Anderson Jr

The Seahawks get the best pass rusher in the draft at 5 with Will Anderson. He may not have the ceiling of some other players but he will provide Seattle with a consistent pass rushing threat.

  1. Detroit Lions – CB Devon Witherspoon

After trading Okudah the Lions replace him with Devon Witherspoon. They add yet another playmaker to a developing secondary.

Cardinals trade Pick 3 to the Raiders for Picks 7, 38, and a 2024 2nd

  1. Arizona Cardinals – EDGE Tyree Wilson

The Cardinals have no reason to stay at 3 given the amount of needs they have. Here they can trade back and still take Wilson who has the traits to be the best defender in the class.

Titans trade Picks 11, 41, and 72  to the Falcons for Picks 8 and 44

  1. Tennessee Titans – OT Broderick Jones

The Titans have needs at both of their tackle spots and picking behind the Bears and Eagles they might have to trade up to get their guy. Broderick Jones is the top tackle on my board and will shore up the left tackle position for years to come.

  1. Chicago Bears – OT Paris Johnson Jr

After the Titans trade up right in front of them, the Bears take Paris Johnson Jr who’s right behind Jones on my board. He will be a Day 1 starter who immediately improves the Bears offensive line.

  1. Philadelphia Eagles – IOL Peter Skoronski

The Eagles can kick Skoronski into guard, and allow Cam Jurgens to develop behind Kelce at his natural position of center. Skoronski solidifies the future of their offensive line.

Falcons trade Picks 8 and 44 to the Titans for Picks 11, 41, and 72

  1. Atlanta Falcons – WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba

After trading Calvin Ridley to the Jaguars the Falcons wide receiver room looks barren. By trading back from 8 they can acquire more picks and still get the perfect complement to London and Pitts with JSN.

  1. Houston Texans – CB Christian Gonzalez

With Pick 2 the Texas secured their QB of the future and here with Pick 12 they add to their secondary. They were poor against the pass last year and taking Gonzalez allows them to pair another legit CB1 with Derek Stingley.

  1. Green Bay Packers – WR Jordan Addison

The Packers failed to get Aaron Rodgers the help he needed but they can learn from their mistakes to help Jordan Love develop. With Addison’s natural separation ability they create an incredibly dynamic receiver room.

Buccaneers trade Picks 19 and 50 to the Patriots for Picks 14 and 76

  1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – QB Will Levis

The Buccaneers signed Baker Mayfield but Will Levis provides a more long term solution at QB. He has room to grow as a player but soon enough he will be their starting QB.

  1. New York Jets – OT Anton Harrison

It may be too soon to give up on Mekhi Becton but the Jets could use tackle help on both sides. Anton Harrison is a great pass blocker with the quickness to execute their zone run scheme.

  1. Washington Commanders – CB Joey Porter Jr

The Commanders CB room could certainly benefit from having a true CB1 and Joey Porter Jr gives them that. He has the length and instincts to excel in Washington’s primarily zone coverage system.

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers – IDL Mazi Smith

With no Round 1 corners left on the board the Steelers take Mazi Smith to shore up the interior defensive line.  He provides value as both a run stuffer and a pass rusher.

  1. Detroit Lions – Quentin Johnston

Quentin Johnston has the size and speed to become the Lions true x-receiver. He’ll create opportunities for Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.

Patriots trade Picks 14 and 76 to the Buccaneers for Picks 19 and 50

  1. New England Patriots – Darnell Wright

The Patriots are able to trade down and still grab a tackle who can play both sides of the line. He may not be the highest ranked tackle left on my board but his strength and explosiveness fit what the Patriots offensive line needs.

  1. Seattle Seahawks – Zay Flowers

Seattle currently has DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett but lack a solid WR3. Zay Flowers will come in and instantly be effective as their slot wide receiver before eventually filling the Tyler Lockett role.

  1. Los Angeles Chargers – Bryan Bresee

The Chargers have had problems defending the run primarily stemming from the interior of the line. Bryan Breseee may not be the biggest guy but he is very strong and pass rushing upside.

  1. Baltimore Ravens – Calijah Kancey

With Michael Pierce and Travis Jones there to hold down the interior the Ravens are the perfect spot for Calijah Kancey. He’ll be able to do what he does best which is penetrate the backfield.

  1. Minnesota Vikings – BJ Ojulari

With Danielle Hunter in the last year of his deal and Za’Darius Smith requesting a trade Minnesota could be in the market for pass rush help. Ojulari will be an immediate contributor with room to get even better.

  1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jartavius Martin

This is a common mock draft spot for Brian Branch but the best safety in my opinion is Jartavius Martin. He flies all over the field and will be another playmaker in Jacksonville’s secondary.

Eagles trade Picks 30 and 94 to the Giants for Pick 25

  1. Philadelphia Eagles – Bijan Robinson

Trading up for a running back in Round 1 is a risky proposition but the Eagles are one of the teams that can afford to pull it off. With the quality of their offensive line combined with Jalen Hurts’ rushing ability this is the perfect spot for Bijan to excel.

  1. Dallas Cowboys – Michael Mayer

Dalton Schultz was a solid contributor the last few years but Michael Mayer brings similar traits and more. He’s a refined receiver with great blocking ability as well.

Steelers trade Picks 27 and 49 to the Bills for Picks 32 and 59

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers – Dawand Jones

The Steelers don’t have their future set at either of the tackle spots and Dawand Jones can ensure at least one of them. His size allows him to move defenders in the run game and makes it tough for pass rushers to get around him.

  1. Cincinnati Bengals – Dalton Kincaid

Cincinnati can add yet another weapon to their offense by taking tight end Dalton Kincaid. He’s probably the best receiver in the draft and creates yet one more player that opposing defenses have to worry about.

  1. New Orleans Saints – Nolan Smith

The Saints typically prefer bigger defensive ends but Smith has the tenacity to perform all his duties in the run game while still having potential as a quick and bendy pass rusher.

Giants trade Pick 25 to the Giants for Picks 30 and 94

  1. New York Giants – Cam Smith

The Giants are willing to trade with a division rival if it means screwing over Dallas and after trading back they shore up the back end of their defense. Cam Smith will excel in Wink Martindale’s aggressive man scheme.

  1. Kansas City Chiefs – Jonathan Mingo

Mingo might not be the highest receiver left on my board but he brings a new element to their offense. His size, speed, and route running skills will give Patrick Mahomes another dangerous weapon.