It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and we aren’t talking about Christmas! It’s mock draft season baby! We at Birds Blitz would love to spread the holiday cheer by throwing our hats in the ring and pumping out this delicious one-round mock draft. Writers Josh Sokolsky, Dylan Patrowicz, and Noah Berger present our round table mock where we all alternated picks. Without further adieu, let’s get this started.
1: Jags (Jish): Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
All the Jags moves this offseason indicate that this is where their heads are at. They tagged Cam Robinson and spent big money on their offense. Hutchinson isn’t the most flashy top prospect in the draft, but he has proven worthy of this honor. His measurables are astounding. At 6’4” 275 lbs he has the versatility to play as a 3-4 OLB or hand in the dirt defensive end. He attacks lineman with a pass rush plan on every down, and at the combine he silenced any questions about his athleticism and bend. Pairing him up with Josh Allen makes this Jaguars pass rush scary as hell, and gives the Jags a reason to stop giving K’Lavon Chaisson any more snaps. Hutchinson will spearhead this Duval defense, and bring them back to their glorious #Sacksonville days.
2: Lions (Dylan): Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
There are reports that Thibodeaux could fall into the tens, but when you have the second overall pick in the drafts, you can hardly afford to play around and hedge your bets on a gamble (unless it’s a QB). Truthfully, there are no guarantees in the NFL, but there is such a thing as risk mitigation, and Thibodeaux is one of the safest bets in the draft, especially for a team whose pass rush was ranked 29th by Yardbarker in 2021.
3: Texans (Noah): Ahmad “SAUCE” Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
With the top two edge rushers off of the board, the Texans look elsewhere to begin building a defense for the future. At only 21 years old, Gardner provides an athletic, high floor CB1 who can be a building block for years to come.
Write Up: Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner is a 6’3 corner who’s size and athleticism would make him a “unicorn” in any draft class. Being a super lengthy corner, Sauce’s long striding and frame allow him to match with any wideout downfield. Gardner is a monster in press coverage, and his physicality, athleticism, and discipline make him a true “shutdown” corner in one on one situations. When it comes to matching wideouts later in reps, sauce can do it all – he takes great angles on the ball when running with wideouts on shorter routes, and rarely if ever gives up the ball in contested catch situations. His weaknesses are few and far between, but as with all big corners, while good for his size, his change of direction isn’t elite, which can lead to Sauce needing to recover more than wanted against super shifty receivers. Aside from some minor issues with grabiness, Sauce is a super-well rounded prospect with great athletic gifts who, if allowed to play in man and press, should be a day 1 difference maker with elite corner potential.
4: Jets (Noah): Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
If the Jets truly want to develop their young QB in Zach Wilson, they first need to surround him with true pass-catching talent. Luckily for them, Garret Wilson fell right into their laps. The 6’0 Ohio State product provides the prototypical skillset for your modern day number one wideout, with elite route running, high end athleticism, and ball skills. A great piece for any offense, Wilson should be an immediate impact for this young New York Offense.
5: Giants (Dylan): Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Buffalo fans are not going to like this one. While the Bills need help stopping the run, New York needs help everywhere. This pick may turn into Jaquan Brisker if Bradberry ends up getting traded, but for now, New York goes with an athletic freak whose upside is too good to pass on, even if he’s only on the field for two plays at a time.
6: Panthers (Jish): Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
STEAL ALERT! Somehow, my other two drafting colleagues let all the tackles slip out of the top 5. Neal has been the top tackle in this draft for some time now coming out of Alabama, and the Panthers are thanking their lucky stars that Dylan and Noah didn’t see his value to the top 5 squads. Neal is an enigma, nobody that big can be that steady and athletic. He can start day one opposite of Taylor Moton, and give Darnold one last year to prove he can get it done. Matt Rhule’s job depends on this pick, so if he can snag their tackle for the next 10 years, he may just stick around.
7: Giants (Jish): Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
This board worked out too well for the Giants. At 5, they probably loved both Ekwanu and Neal, but felt they couldn’t let Davis fall any further. No worries at all. Just let the Panthers get who they want, and the Giants will happily take the other guy. Ickey’s run blocking is out of this world, and this season he significantly improved as a pass blocker. If they want to give Daniel Jones a proper evaluation, plugging in Ekwonu at RT right away will help that mission tremendously. Now, Jones has no excuses, and the Giants get significantly better, much to our chagrin.
8: Falcons (Dylan): Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
The Falcons are taking a QB. There’s not a question in my mind. Whether it’s here or with their other first rounder, they can’t go into the season with a QB room of Feleipe Franks and Marcus Mariota. For some reason, I think that even though he might not be the best QB available, the best fit is the firecracker from Liberty.
9: Seahawks (Noah): Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
Point Blank, a healthy Derek Stingley is the best player in the class. It was just two years ago when Stingley was considered the best corner in college football as a FRESHMAN, and many even projected him as a potential number one overall pick. Now, Stingley has had some troubles his past two years, and his lisfranc combined with a lack of elite level production has pushed him down the board. Even in spite of this, I have full faith in Stingley to return to his full, elite self – barring serious long term medical issues.
10: Jets (Noah): Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
With the Jets going wideout with their first pick, it only seems sensical that they would go about fixing the defense with the second. Losing Marcus Maye is a huge blow to any secondary, but here, the Jets replace him with someone even better. Kyle Hamilton is arguably a top 5 Talent in this entire draft class, and while concerns have been raised about his lackluster testing numbers, I’d wager that his elite on field play will hold a bit more weight to NFL teams than underwear running. Hamilton is a unicorn, and the Jets are getting a potential steal picking him this low.
11: Commanders (Dylan): Drake London, WR, USC
Washington isn’t the worst off in terms of wide receivers (they still have Scary Terry), that room could definitely use some help, especially in a division with Trevon Diggs and Darius Slay (who is better than Diggs by the way). Either one is capable of keeping Mclaurin in check, and when that breaks down, Wentz is going to need someone else— someWHERE else— to throw to. Logan Thomas is another good option, but it helps to have someone to stretch the field.
12: Vikings (Jish): Trent McDuffie, DB, Washington
There were a few directions the Vikes could have gone here. I thought about Devonte Wyatt here with the departure of Michael Pierce, but there is one glaringly obvious hole. Even with the resigning of Patrick Peterson, that CB room is bone dry. McDuffie is a lockdown corner coming out of what many call DBU in Washington. Some are iffy on his size, but due to the Vikings personnel he can start in the slot before taking on outside duties. He is a much better option than Harrison Hand. As he develops further, I believe he can be a shutdown corner in this league, plus he fills a huge need up there in Minneapolis. A solid pick at the end of the day.
13: Texans (Jish): Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Cross is a top 10 talent, let’s not get it twisted. Talent falls on draft night, but I think this is his floor. The Texans clearly want to roll with Davis Mills in 2022, and have a gaping hole at RT. The best way to build a team is in the trenches and GM Nick Caserio knows that. Cross is a plug and play nasty blocker who will start opposite of Laremy Tunsil. This also allows Houston to keep Tytus Howard playing guard, where it seems he is more comfortable playing. Not flashy, but a great pick up for Houston who trudges on through their rebuild.
14: Ravens (Dylan): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
The Ravens desperately need help at the wide receiver position. This is not a well-kept secret, if one at all. Aside from Mark Andrews (who’s a TE), their best pass catcher is Marquise Brown, who earned the ire of Ravens fans with his unreliable hands last year. Brown still managed to surpass 1000 yards even with Jackson having a down year and missing 5 games, but even if “Hollywood” was perfect, the crew around him would still be less than stellar.
15: Eagles (Noah): Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
With the first Eagles pick, I decided to make a bit of a splash. Eagles fans unanimously agree that the team needs help in the secondary, and with my top 3 corners off of the board, it seemed pertinent to go the safety route. While Hill played a lot of slot corner at michigan, I believe that he has the makings of a potential elite free safety – and with some members of the draft community even placing him above the likes of Kyle Hamiton (which while I can’t yet say I agree with) it should tell you something about this guy. He’s athletic, versatile, and smart – a possibly elite move to bolster the Birds’ secondary.
16: Saints (Noah): Chris Olave, WR, Ohio St.
The Saints move in trading for another first rounder this year make it clear that they believe competing now is the best course of action. If this is the case, it’s blatantly obvious the saints need to upgrade at the wide receiver position. At this spot, the 21 year old standout Chris Olave seems like a slam dunk pick to (hopefully) compliment Michael Thomas and actually give Jameis – or whoever is taking the helm in the future – a reliable separator who can run any route he’s assigned.
17: Chargers (Dylan): Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn St.
The offensive line is a need on the right side, but RT isn’t a premium position that justifies a first round pick. So, what do you get for the team that has everything (on offense)? A new defense. The Chargers FO has taken steps to amend the deficiencies on the defensive side of the ball, but would benefit from building in the draft, as well. The additions of Khalil Mack and J.C. Jackson make that solution much easier and zeroes in on two positions: linebacker and LDE. Specifically, Jerry Tillery and Kenneth Murray, two of the more disappointing young players, who were named specifically by BoltsBeat (Fansided’s Chargers sector). Between these two, the lack of depth at safety and Derwin James’ injury history makes Murray’s leash longer. Of course, LA needs a coverage linebacker, and neither Devin Lloyd nor Nakobe Dean specialize in this regard enough to merit a first round pick (for the Chargers, at least). Hence, between a loaded offense, improved pass rush (except Tillery), neither LB being BPA, and the uncertainty of the Safety position, I’m taking Brisker. And if I’m wrong and the Chargers go DE, blame my colleague Jish for talking me out of taking Jermaine Johnson
18: Eagles (Jish): Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
The Eagles would probably have to trade up to get a talent like Jameson, but here we are folks! Players fall, and boy did an excellent one fall to us. Williams has expressed interest in playing in Philly and the interest should be mutual. He is a burner to end all burners with silky smooth route running, and would be the perfect deep threat to pair with Devonta Smith. Hurts will have no excuses when Williams is added. Roll Tide Roll!
19: Saints (Jish): Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College
The Saints lost the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes, so it was intriguing to maybe go with a QB, but I believe this team wants to run it back with famous Jameis slinging the rock. All the signs point to them trying to win now, and Zion Johnson helps to fill a now pretty depleted o-line in NOLA. Terron Armstead leaving hurts, but the lack of progress from 2020 first round pick Cesar Ruiz has got to hurt more. Johnson can play anywhere along the offensive line, is scheme independent, and can help keep Jameis Winston clean as the Saints look to run it back one more time.
20: Steelers (Dylan): Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
In an admittedly weak QB class, Pickett seems to be one of the few names that keep bubbling towards the top. Similar to Atlanta, the Pittsburgh QB room does not inspire fear in the hearts of men. I’m sorry, that was disrespectful to the NVP and future first-ballot Hall of Famer Mitch Trubisky. Jokes aside, Pickett would be a perfect fit. He fills a void at QB and plays in the state that raised him.
21: Patriots (Noah): Patriots (Noah): Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
With the departure of JC Jackson, the Patriots now have a need at corner to fill if they want to maintain their stout defense. Kaiir Elam projects as a strong fit in Bellicheck’s scheme, with the fluidity, athleticism, and ball skills to start day 1 as a primarily man coverage corner. The true upside the patriots love is here in full force with Elam, and while it’s not possible to completely shrug off a loss like JC, Elam has the potential to make it sting a bit less.
22: Packers (Noah): George Pickens, WR, Georgia
Packers fans everywhere can rejoice! It honestly doesn’t matter what wideout is picked here, but it’s painfully obvious that the Packers NEED to fill the gaping hole at receiver in the first round. With Pickens, I believe the Packers are getting a very underrated prospect with the size and grit to step in day 1 as a difference maker, especially with Aaron Rodgers throwing him the ball. I understand Gutenkunst is allergic to drafting offensive help in the first round – but I don’t think even he could live with Sammy Watkins and Alan Lazard as the top two targets for Arod.
23: Cardinals (Dylan): Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
Arizona has not had a good history of drafting linebackers. Zaven Collins in 2021, Isaiah Simmons in 2020. If Dean falls this far, AZ needs to do everything in their power to make sure they’re not taking a fourth LB in four years (fast forwarding to 2023).
24: Cowboys (Jish): Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
I make this pick with tears in my eyes. Devin Lloyd is the most complete linebacker in this draft with no discernable flaws to his game. I can’t believe he fell like this. If this happens I know Dan Quinn is flipping desks, screaming in faces and ripping phone books in the green room to get Lloyd on his defense. This pick allows their freak of nature Micah Parsons line up as an edge rusher to replace Randy Gregory while Lloyd takes on off ball duties. Lloyd will boost this defense right away, and keep the Cowboys as NFC East contenders.
25: Bills (Jish): Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson
The Bills have had quite the offseason, filling many needs on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. The signings of Roger Saffold, Jameson Crowder and Von Miller almost put them over the edge as is, but picking Andrew Booth might bring them to the super bowl. Booth is an excellent zone corner with great size, instincts and willingness to help set the edge in the run game. With Tre White coming off of a torn ACL, and no clear plan at CB2, Andrew Booth provides stability with a chance to start day 1. I guarantee Patrick Mahomes would not be able to drive the length of the field in 13 seconds if Andrew Booth was on that field. The rich get richer.
26: Titans (Dylan): Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
I’ve been watching football to know that PFF is a little bit weird in its rankings, so I don’t always pay them mind. One of their strengths, however, is their assessment of offensive linemen. According to PFF, the weakness of the Titans is their offensive line, specifically their guard positions. Fortunately, guard isn’t necessarily a premium position, and Quessenberry being traded may be a blessing in disguise, the catalyst of an upgrade at a very important part of the team. In a way, Green is a perfect fit, as he can play any position on a team that has holes on four of the five positions on their line.
27: Bucs (Noah): George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue
SLAM. DUNK. George Karlaftis is my EDGE 3, only behind Hutchinson and Thibs, and this late in the first round, I think the Bucs are getting a steal on the front 7. Karlaftis will be a day 1 difference maker as a third down pass rusher, and I believe he has the potential to even be a number 1 type of guy later in his career. This is a dream scenario for both the Bucs and Karlaftis, and yet another example of extreme talent falling right into Tampa’s lap.
28: Packers (Noah): Jermaine Johnson II, DE, Florida St.
Many project Jermaine Johnson as a potential top 10, or even top 5 pick, but I think that right around the end of the first is where he should go. Either way, this is a very good selection for the packers, who now fill the void left by Za’darius Smith. Johnson is an athletic and refined pass rusher who should be an impact as soon as he steps on the field.
29: Chiefs (Dylan): Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
Two of the biggest losses for the Chiefs this season were Tyrann Mathieu (FA) and Tyreek Hill (blockbuster trade). At this spot, the Chiefs can (attempt to) replace one or the other. Going by the concept of BPA, most of the best receivers will have been taken by this point. As for safeties, my colleagues and I have only two of the top safeties being taken before this point (Hamilton and Brisker). Mahomes can likely make up for deficiencies on offense (assuming he isn’t a fraud), but Mathieu was visibly displeased with the defense at times last season, normally yelling at Sorenson who, despite being the Chiefs’ second best DB, is also gone. So, it’s essentially open season in the backfield next year without someone to keep the lid on the defense. It’s a tough job, but someone will have to do it. In an offense that was painful to watch WITH Sorenson as its second best cover guy, I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like to stand in that backfield alone. Hopefully Cine isn’t the last move the Chiefs make to clean up that secondary.
30: Chiefs (Jish): Travon Walker, DL, Georgia
Full disclosure, we started making this mock before this insane Walker hype came from Trent Baalke’s loosey goosey mouth. In this mock, he does not go number one, nor top 5, nor top 20. Walker is a project through and through without a pass rush move to put to memory. However if he is here at 30, how do the Chiefs not pick him? Walker may not exactly fit in right away with a contending team, but the upside is too powerful to pass up. Steve Spagnuolo will find a way to get him involved.
31: Bengals (Jish): Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
Give credit where it is due, the Bengals have gone all in on their o-line this offseason, but there is still one position that is a question mark. Tyler Linderbaum is a tremendous center only prospect that probably will fall due to his lack of versatility. But taking him here is not only tremendous value, but a great fit and best player available. New signing Ted Karras can kick out to guard. The Bengals fluked their way to a super bowl behind a makeshift offensive line, but solidifying it with Linderbaum may make the Bengals perennial contenders.
32: Lions (Dylan): John Metchie III, WR, Alabama
Last season for Goff was the definition of a shoulder shrug. 19 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. Hurts put up similar passing stats and people still don’t consider him a franchise QB despite (not saying he is, I’m just making a comparison). With that in mind, why not take a QB in the first round? Well, he’s only 27 years old and he actually showed improvement towards the end of the year. After Anthony Lynn was relieved of playcalling duties, Goff played in five games where he went 3-2 with 11 touchdowns and three interceptions. Instead of throwing the baby out with the bathwater, give Goff a full year to prove himself with just him and Campbell, plus some more help.
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Jish Sokolsky is a featured writer at The Birds Blitz. For more from Jish, check out his archive and read through our Eagles articles for the latest news about the Birds.
