Surprise! McBride is an athletic, pass-catching monster at the tight end position who'd be a welcomed addition in Green Bay, regardless of who the team's quarterback is next year.
Is Aaron Rodgers staying in Green Bay or not? That's the ominous cloud that will hang over the team's offseason. Either way, I don't see it letting superstar wideout Davante Adams leave in free agency, so let's move to the other top need on offense. Robert Tonyan snagged 11 touchdowns in 2020, but he tore his ACL in October and is a free agent in the offseason. The Packers could bring him back on a short-term deal, or they could find a long-term solution with McBride, the draft's best tight end. He caught 90 passes for 1,121 yards in 2021, and he's also a good blocker.
The Packers love toolsy front-seven defenders, and Leal is exactly that. He isn't yet the sum of his parts, which is why he could still be available at this point in the first round. But at 6-4 and 290 pounds, Leal can line up anywhere on the defensive line and has the traits to develop into a productive starter.
Green Bay is the current betting favorite to win the Super Bowl, and that's only because Aaron Rodgers decided to look past his relationship with the front office and chase a ring with Davante Adams & Co. General manager Brian Gutekunst should double down on keeping Rodgers happy and attack the wide receiver position at the back end of Round 1.
Penn State's Jahan Dotson can win on the outside and from the slot. He earned 75.0-plus PFF grades in 2020 and 2021 and currently ranks 30th on PFF's draft board.
Depending on what happens with Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams, there aren't a ton of holes on the Packers' roster. The 6-3, 256-pound Ebiketie, who recorded eight sacks and 52 pressures this season after transferring from Temple, would provide solid depth if Za'Darius Smith and Preston Smith don't stick around in Green Bay.
Assuming he's still around, Aaron Rodgers finally gets some first-round draft help in the form of the playmaking Bell. His ability to make incredible catches and haul in difficult throws make him a nice insurance policy as much as a potential complement to Davante Adams should the latter return in 2022.
It's very likely Davante Adams doesn't stick around if Aaron Rodgers is elsewhere. Bell has gotten lost in the shuffle with the top available wide receivers, but his route-running is advanced and his YAC ability should make him an impact player early in his career. He definitely deserves first-round consideration.
If Green Bay is able to complete its reconciliation with Aaron Rodgers, what better way to celebrate the repaired relationship than by granting him his long-awaited first-round receiver? With his go-up-and-get-it play style and strong hands, Burks could endear himself quickly to Rodgers as a jump-ball target and complement to Davante Adams, who also has to address his future in Green Bay amid his expiring contract.
The depth of the Packers' offensive line has been stressed across the last few seasons and the team has had to say goodbye to a few long-term fixtures. The need to replenish the group remains, regardless of who is under center in 2022 and beyond.
Daniel Faalele is a massive man with rare mobility for his size. He could immediately stabilize the right tackle position and strengthen the nucleus of young blockers in the mix for the Packers to improve the starting unit--and while doing so, make the group deeper.
The Everson Griffen situation is heartbreaking but it only magnified Minnesota's immediate need at edge rusher. Drake Jackson is the best prospect at the position on the board.
McDuffie is a patient cornerback who avoids panicking in coverage, displaying unflappable confidence and an elite awareness on the gridiron. He is adept in man or zone schemes and supports the run better than most cornerbacks. A versatile athlete, he consistently demonstrates adequate NFL range when dropping into coverage downfield. Minnesota experiences some lapses in coverage and if they acquire a talent like McDuffie, those miscues should lessen and increase accountability within the defensive secondary.
Everything you read about Leal talks about his versatility. You can put him anywhere along the D-line and he can help you. Already with 7.5 sacks and 11.5 TFL this season, the 6-4, 290-pound Leal can get what he wants, when he wants it.
Jordan Davis is a dominant interior defensive lineman that plays with brute strength. In college, he has shown the ability to bull rush offensive linemen and collapse the pocket. He will immediately help a Minnesota Vikings defense that has failed to slow down opposing offenses' rushing attacks.
Elam dominated so much as an underclassman -- 89.8 and 81.0 coverage grades as a true freshman and sophomore in 2019 and 2020 -- that opposing offenses have largely avoided him in 2021. This year, Elam has been targeted 27 times in seven games, 18 of which came in just two games (Alabama and Samford). In addition, he has allowed only one explosive reception over 15-plus yards while making six plays on the ball. Elam is fantastic at the line of scrimmage in press-man coverage, but he can thrive in multiple schemes.
With Patrick Peterson and Bashaud Breeland on expiring contracts and 2020 third-rounder Cameron Dantzler still developing, Minnesota's long-term outlook at cornerback looks bleak. In past early-round selections at the position, the Vikings' front office has valued versatile cornerbacks who are also consistent run-defenders. Booth is one of the best in this class at both of those, and so he'd check the boxes that the regime has coveted.
There are going to be teams in the market for Aaron Rodgers and, presumably, Deshaun Watson. Denver is expected to be one of those teams. Kenny Pickett is a big, strong-armed quarterback with enough mobility to survive in the NFL.
Denver will have some interesting choices to make this upcoming off-season, and the decision on whether to retain some of its unrestricted free agent defensive backs may top the list. The Broncos' roster is ready to win now, so drafting an inexperienced quarterback may be something the front office shies away from altogether. Drafting a talented corner like Booth, lets Denver maneuver funds toward attracting top tier quarterbacks, like disgruntled signal callers Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers for example.
Denver has five picks in the first three rounds thanks to the Von Miller trade, so they can address a number of needs. No need is bigger than quarterback. The four-year starter has thrown 36 TD passes compared with just six picks through 11 games this season.
The Denver Broncos traded away their future Hall of Fame outside linebacker Von Miller. With this pick, they take USC edge rusher Drake Jackson. Jackson can be an instant impact edge rusher in the NFL.
From a tools perspective, Willis is in a class of his own. He is the most dangerous quarterback in college football from an athleticism perspective and possesses outstanding arm strength. He has recorded a 10.1% big-time throw rate and 93.9 rushing grade this season -- both of which lead all FBS quarterbacks by a substantial margin.
At the same time, though, Willis is still fairly raw and going to be a bit of a project at the NFL level, which is why he's QB3. The Liberty QB has been shredding lackluster competition for most of the season in 2021.
The Broncos are in dire need of a signal-caller, as neither Teddy Bridgewater nor Drew Lock has shown enough to be the quarterback of the future. The term "boom or bust" will be attached to Willis' name frequently throughout the draft process, but the Broncos must address the one position that is holding its roster back from being a consistent AFC contender. Built like a tank in a 6-foot-1 frame, Willis has plenty of arm strength. He oozes athletic traits that evaluators love to see at the position. While the Auburn transfer has the ability to become an NFL starter, his consistency this season has been a roller-coaster experience, as he has thrown three picks in three different games. If placed within the right infrastructure -- and given patience -- he could become worthy of this draft slot.
I am lacking creativity at this point because I tend to always give the Eagles Kyle Hamilton and Booth. Both thrive in heavy zone concepts and that could be exciting to watch them develop with Darius Slay.
After using two picks on defense, Philadelphia starts adding some offensive foundational pieces in the event that they move forward with Jalen Hurts, which it appears they will.
Philadelphia has four defensive ends that are unrestricted free agents, with two of them being 33 years in age. One of the 33 year-olds (Brandon Graham) will be returning from a season ending ruptured Achilles tendon, and the other defensive ends aren't producing enough game changing plays. The need for player like Drake Jackson is evident considering his ability to explode past offensive lineman and disrupt offensive schemes. His athleticism and versatility should diversify Philly's pedestrian pass rush and make him a viable draft option.
11. Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner is an intractable defender that offensive coaches and quarterbacks struggle to defeat. Gardner is a lean 6'2", 188 pound cover corner, whose long limbs make every potential reception a contested challenge. A strong inside coverage playmaker, Gardner will lay off and bait quarterbacks into throwing potential interceptions. The Eagles are possibly one corner back away from having a top ten secondary, that could limit offenses and elevate the entire defense to a playoff level.
16. Jalen Catalon, S, Arkansas
Catalon plays like a cross between NFL safeties Budda Baker (Cardinals) and Tyrann "Honeybadger" Mathieu (Chiefs). An aggressive downhill tackler with closing speed, Catalon hits ball carriers with a compacted force that belies his size (5-10, 195 lbs). Extremely versatile, Catalon is effective playing close to the line of scrimmage, within the slot or as a single high free safety. The Eagles would definitely increase their ability to confuse offenses by lining up Catalon in various defensive schemes.
With Derek Barnett all but gone after 2021 and the future of Brandon Graham up in the air, Karlaftis fits an immediate area of need for a team with a sporadic pass rush. The Boilermaker big man has an elite combination of raw strength and athleticism that the Eagles can tap into out of the gate. A heck of a second prize with Hutchinson off the board.
The Eagles stay defense for the most complete corner in the draft in Booth. The 6-foot, 200-pound Booth anchors a secondary that ranks among the top 10 in FBS in fewest TD passes allowed (9) and fewest yards per pass attempt (6.04). Plugging him in opposite Darius Slay will allow Jonathan Gannon to go deeper into his defensive playbook.
16. Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
It hasn't happened since 1979, but the Eagles get a steal at this spot with the selection of the playmaking Utah linebacker. A force against the run and the pass, Lloyd gives the Eagles a three-down stalwart they have lacked for years.
The Jalen Hurts project looks like it is working in Philadelphia. In order to continue to help his progression, they draft the most complete WR in this year's draft in Chris Olave. In college, we've seen the best versions of Hurts when he was surrounded by elite WR talents and the Eagles need to replicate that to get the most out of their young QB.
The Eagles need team speed on both sides of the ball. With this pick, they go with Andrew Booth, a quick-twitch explosive athlete that plays with a passion for the game that jumps out to you on film. Booth combined with veteran Darius Slay will give the Eagles one of the most athletic CB tandems in the league.
With this pick, the Eagles select Darian Kinnard, a multi-year starter that has played against some of the best edge rushers college football has to offer. Kinnard has great feet and plays with physicality to help continue the Eagles' dominance in the run game.
Wilson is a route-running savant. He's sudden, fluid and getting open at an extraordinary rate at the collegiate level when going up against single coverage. Wilson has generated a step or more of separation on 78% of his targets against single coverage this season -- the highest in the Power Five among receivers with at least 30 such targets. He has sustained last year's success when working primarily from the slot this year while working on the outside (3.00-plus yards per route run each year).
McDuffie is one of the most underrated players in college football. He is on pace to earn an 80.0-plus grade as a true freshman, sophomore and junior. This year, McDuffie is playing at historic levels, allowing just 92 yards in 260 coverage snaps this season.
McDuffie is a fantastic zone cover corner. His awareness, athleticism, physicality and tackling ability make him an issue for any underneath passing offense.
16. Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
Lloyd -- a fifth-year senior -- has three years of starting experience and has steadily improved in each one. The Utah off-ball linebacker has graded above 79.0 against the run, as a tackler, as a pass-rusher and when in coverage en route to an 88.0 overall mark. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound linebacker has the size, length and athleticism teams covet in the first round.
The last time the Eagles drafted a defensive back in Round 1? It was 2002, when they took cornerback Lito Sheppard at No. 26. They've also never drafted a safety in the first round. They could break that streak with the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Hamilton, a do-it-all player who had three interceptions before suffering a knee injury last month. Hamilton would be a huge boost to a Philadelphia secondary that is allowing quarterbacks to complete 74% of their passes this season, which ranks last in the league.
After taking safety Kyle Hamilton with their first Round 1 pick, the Eagles could continue to remake their secondary here. Thanks to extra picks from the Dolphins and 49ers, they have a chance to take the top safety and corner in this class. Elam, who has six career interceptions, would give Philadelphia an option to pair alongside Darius Slay in 2022.
15. Tyler Linderbaum, IOL, Iowa
With one more first-round pick in this draft -- this selection is based on Carson Wentz playing 75% of the Colts' offensive snaps, and he's at 99.3% -- the Eagles could fortify the offensive line. Linderbaum could be the heir apparent to oft-injured guard Brandon Brooks or veteran center Jason Kelce. They used a second-round pick in April on Landon Dickerson, who also has experience at center, but they still need a young influx of depth in the interior offensive line.
Before his announcement to return to school, Olave was often listed in 2021 first-round mock drafts. By returning to school, Olave has a chance to become the first receiver off the board in 2022. Olave isn't the biggest receiver (6-1, 188), but he is one of the best route-runners in college football and has outstanding hands and speed.
Looking ahead to the 2022 NFL draft the Tennessee Titans could address a few different positions. One of them might be on the offensive side of the football, as the Titans might look to add at either wide receiver or tight end given the departures of Corey Davis and Jonnu Smith.
But they could also look to bolster the pass rush off the edge, leading them to USC's Drake Jackson. He started at defensive end as a true freshman in 2019, and then transitioned into an outside linebacker role for the 2020 season, notching 20 tackles and a pair of sacks in just six games. For his efforts he was named to the All-Pac-12 second team. He could be a perfect addition to the Tennessee defensive front.
The rising junior is going to head into the season as WR1 on the PFF draft board. He's so smooth as a route-runner and already displays high-level nuance. He racked up 723 yards and six scores in eight games last season.
Wait, another Alabama receiver? Metchie would be the fifth to go in the first round over three years. He had a great year with the Crimson Tide, catching 55 passes for 916 yards and six touchdowns, and he played a big role in the national title game with eight catches for 81 yards. Metchie was born in Taiwan before moving to Ghana, Canada, Maryland and New Jersey. After one more season in Tuscaloosa, let's send him to Tennessee to help repair a decimated receiving corps and give Ryan Tannehill a dynamic target.
The first wide receiver off the board in this scenario, Wilson has a knack for getting open and winning at the catch point. With a new quarterback and so many mouths to feed in the Buckeyes' offense, his stat line this season might not look dominant, but his tape and traits will be a different story.
It has to be a WR. Does not matter who. As of now, the Titans' only good WR is AJ Brown. After that, the depth chart is a smorgasbord of role players, at best. They need to get a legit wide receiver who can get open alongside Brown, and Burks can be that. Burks is more of a "power slot" at 6-foot-3 and 225-pounds, but the H/W/S dynamic in addition to his natural YAC ability makes him a menacing pairing with Brown.
Elam followed up a strong true freshman season as a reserve with two interceptions and 11 passes defended in his first season as a starter in 2020. With continued development, Elam (6-2, 193) has the potential to hear his name called on Day 1 in 2022 like his uncle Matt was several years ago.
With the addition of Kyle Pitts in this past draft class, the Atlanta Falcons added a dynamic weapon to their passing game. But with recent news that the organization could be looking to move Julio Jones, the receiver spot could be a need next spring.
That could open the door for a player like Justyn Ross from Clemson. Ross missed the past season due to a congenial fusion in his spine which required surgery, but it is believed that he will be cleared to play this fall. He racked up over 1,000 yards as a freshman in 2018 and led the Tigers with 66 receptions in 2019, and provided he is healthy his play-making ability puts him in position to be the first receiver selected next spring.
Hamilton is a long and rangy safety, but he is also one of the most versatile safeties in the country. At 6-foot-4, 219 pounds, Hamilton is like an Isaiah Simmons clone who can stay on the back end in the NFL.
Olave explodes off the line and shows soft hands. And he is incredible at creating separation vertically, thanks to solid speed and always having a plan as a route runner. I had him among the top receivers in the 2021 class before he decided to go back to Ohio State for another season. If the Falcons are indeed considering moving Julio Jones to save cap space, Olave could step into a starting role to keep the passing game strong alongside Calvin Ridley and Kyle Pitts.
While watching the 2020 Florida tape, I was trying to study Bobby Brown. But Leal kept drawing my eye with his agility, especially for a 290-pounder. The second Aggie in this mock draft, he has true inside-outside versatility and the dominant traits to make plays in the backfield.
Jackson had a standout freshman campaign, flashed in the shortened Pac-12 season in '20, and is looking for a breakout campaign in '21. At 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, he looks the part.
Atlanta needs a pass-rusher. Again. The Falcons could also use, well, every other defensive position aside from IDL, but pass-rushers tend to come first in the pecking order when ranking premium positions. Jackson sports a thick 6-foot-4, 255-pound build, and plays with the violence and explosion desired of a defensive end. Jackson is a bit raw in his approach as a rusher, but the tools are there and he could rise once the PAC-12 gets to play a normal schedule again.
The Eagles didn't add any competition via the draft for Jalen Hurts, but they will have three first-rounders in 2022 assuming that Carson Wentz plays a minimum of 75% of offensive snaps for the Colts in 2021. If they are picking this high based on their own performance (i.e., their original pick), the Eagles brass will likely add competition next year. A transfer from Auburn, Willis is arguably the most physically-gifted quarterback in this year's draft class with a chance to put himself in the mix for the top pick come next April.
Per The Athletic's Bruce Feldman, Coastal Carolina's DC Chad Staggs said the following about Willis: "We were undefeated, we had beat BYU, I thought we were pretty good on defense. And I felt like [Willis] single-handedly beat us. We couldn't tackle him. He's got a cannon. From a true physical ability thing, he was special."
Not only is Brandon Graham 33 years old, but Derek Barnett is scheduled to play the 2021 season on the fifth-year option. If the former five-star recruit is able to take a major step forward in his third season, he has the tools and athleticism to follow in the footsteps of recent Buckeye edge defenders to become a high draft pick.
The conditional 2022 second-round pick sent to the Eagles becomes a first-rounder as long as Carson Wentz plays at least 75% of the offensive snaps in 2021. Barring an injury, it's a near lock that the Eagles will own Indy's pick in 2022.
Both Jaycee Horn and Patrick Surtain II were off the board before the Eagles were on the clock in 2021 and the team drafted Zech McPhearson in the fourth round, but I could see the team using one of their first-rounders on the position in 2022. A five-star recruit, Booth has outstanding ball skills (see below) and if he plays with more consistency, he should hear his name called on Day 1.
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Andrew Booth with an unbelievable one-handed interception!
Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler stepped into the starting lineup after Jalen Hurts moved on to the NFL. Could a similar situation play out in Philadelphia? The Eagles made moves to build around Hurts in this past draft, trading up for wide receiver DeVonta Smith. But if the Eagles are picking this early, it might mean that the organization will be in the QB market next spring. Rattler needs to calm his feet in the pocket and not play so frenetically, but with a step forward this season he might challenge for that QB1 spot in the draft.
16. Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad Gardner burst onto the national stage as a true freshman in 2019, securing a Pick-Six in Cincinnati's upset win over UCF, and it was Gardner's touchdown that was the different. He added a second Pick-Six later that year against ECU. He earned a starting job by the end of the season, and held down that role for the Bearcats in 2020. Last season he ranked second in the ACC with nine pass breakups, and tied teammate Coby Bryant for fourth in the conference with three interceptions. He might be a dark-horse candidate for the first round at this point, but he is certainly someone that could play himself into the mix with a solid junior season.
This one is obviously a massive projection, as he's only taken 95 career dropbacks. Jones is one of the best dual threats in the country, though, and he earned an 86.1 rushing grade on 35 carries last season.
Jackson is still only scratching the surface of what he could be for the Trojans after recording a 66.6 pass-rushing grade last season. His high-end flashes are as impressive as anyone's in this class.
20. Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
Gardner broke onto the scene with a massive true freshman campaign that saw him earn a 90.2 coverage grade and allow only 39.7% of his targets to be completed. He followed it up by allowing only 17 catches on 40 targets for 221 yards as a sophomore in 2020. He's a touch skinny but has first-round ability if he can fill out his frame.
This is another spot where the pick could go a lot of different directions based on this season. If Jalen Hurts proves he's the guy, then don't expect the Eagles to look QB. If he provides doubt, then Howell would be an excellent pick. Howell followed up his 38-TD 2019 season -- an FBS record for true freshmen -- with 30 more in 2020, and he improved his completion percentage and yards per attempt along the way.
Cornerback continues to be an issue for the Eagles, as they lack depth behind Darius Slay, especially with Avonte Maddox on an expiring contract this season. Philadelphia used a Day 3 pick on Zech McPhearson but has not invested a first-round pick in the position since drafting Lito Sheppard in 2002. Taylor-Stuart has 6-foot-2 size and speed, and I think he will have a big year in 2021. He has a lot of talent.
This pick isn't Philadelphia's just yet, but since we are projecting the Colts to make the playoffs, we'll say Carson Wentz plays 70% of the snaps this season and the Colts' second-rounder involved in the offseason trade becomes this first-round pick. After getting a cornerback a few spots earlier, the Eagles can add a big, experienced safety here. Both starters -- Anthony Harris and Rodney McLeod -- could come off the books next spring. Bolden transferred to Miami from USC two years ago, and he had a big 2020 season, making 74 tackles and tying for second in the nation with four forced fumbles.
*This conditional second-round pick -- part of the Wentz trade -- becomes a first-rounder for 2022 for the Eagles if Wentz plays 75% of the Colts' offensive snaps in 2021 or if Wentz plays 70% of the offensive snaps and the Colts make the playoffs.
Elam took a step back after an impressive freshman campaign in 2019. He'll be hard to pass on as a 6-foot-2 corner with elite ball skills if he can fine-tune his technique and become a more reliable tackler.
Jalen Hurts has a "prove it" season coming up, and if he doesn't take command of QB1, then the Eagles will likely be in position to draft a different quarterback in the top 10. If the draft were tomorrow, Willis probably isn't a first-round pick. But if he makes key improvements, scouts believe he could climb this high. Check out Bruce Feldman's recent article on his exciting talent.
19. George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
Although he was injured during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Karlaftis was dominant as a freshman in 2019, leading the team with 17 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. His heavy-handed attack and GPS for the football should translate well to the next level.
Unless there are glaring needs at, say, quarterback heading into the season it's hard to predict what those needs will be by next January. But the Eagles have had injuries along the O-line torpedo their chances in recent years so it's never a bad idea to upgrade the unit. Neal played guard early in his Alabama career, kicked out to right tackle last season and he'll move to left tackle in 2021.
Harrison looks the part, without question, but he'll need his production and consistency to match that to work his way into the first-round conversation.
Philly's LB situation is embarrassing. They did sign Eric Wilson this offseason, but he is really more of a coverage specialist than a legit three-down player. Harris is a former four-star recruit who earned a starting job as a freshman at Alabama. At 6-foot-2 and 232-pounds, Harris could use a couple more cheeseburgers to fill out the frame, but the speed, processing, and understanding of how to take on blockers is fantastic.
There is still a chance Andre Dillard turns things around in 2021. However, his play to this point has been poor and it's fair to think the Eagles could be thinking about replacing him. Nelson, a former three-star recruit, will have three years of starting experience in as many seasons at Miami by the time he comes out. Nelson is not the strongest or most violent OT, but the movement skills are just wonderful.
A former five-star recruit, Leal (6-4, 290) has elite athleticism for his size and inside/outside versatility. Stout against the run and disruptive as a pass-rusher, Leal had a team-high eight pressures, seven TFLs, 2.5 sacks, an interception, forced fumble and fumble recovery in 2020.
After drafting Alex Leatherwood in the first round, there were rumblings of tension in the Las Vegas Raiders' front office. Who knows what the future has in store for the organization, but as we peek ahead to 2022 defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal from Texas A&M might be someone for Raiders fans to keep an eye on. Leal can both rush off the end in even fronts and even kick inside or align as a defensive tackle in odd fronts, and last season he led Aggies defensive lineman with 37 tackles, and also notched eight quarterback pressures, most on Texas A&M. His ability to play inside and outside might push him even higher come next spring.
Elam earned a coverage grade of 89.8 in a part-time role as a freshman in 2019 and then improved that grade to 81.0 this past season. For his career, he's allowed only 33 catches from 77 targets for 434 yards. At 6-foot-2, 193 pounds, the Florida product is built to play in the league.
Elam is a 6-foot-2 speedy ball hawk -- he played wide receiver and ran track in high school -- who has picked off five passes over two seasons with the Gators. His 13 passes defended in 2020 tied for the fourth most in the country. The Raiders took corners inside the first three rounds in 2019 (Trayvon Mullen, Round 2) and 2020 (Damon Arnette, Round 1), but Elam would help shore up a unit that has struggled. Las Vegas tied for the fifth-fewest interceptions in 2020 with just 10.
Elam's uncle, Matt Elam, played safety at Florida and was a first-round pick of the Ravens in 2013.
Leal is already one of the most physically imposing players in the SEC and he's still growing. He features inside-outside versatility and is an asset against the run or pass.
When I was studying USC's tape during the 2019 season, I thought I found a sleeper prospect when No. 99 kept popping on film. Turns out Jackson was only a true freshman, and he quickly announced himself to the world as a future top pick.
The Raiders need a lot of things -- and maybe the '21 draft class will solve some of those issues -- but it's only a matter of time before Jon Gruden succumbs to the allure of a new QB.
Yes, this is in part because this Raiders' regime seemingly only picks players from top-10 programs. The Raiders do need a wide receiver who can win from the outside, though. Henry Ruggs, Bryan Edwards, and Hunter Renfrow are all decent players, but none of them quite offer true No.1 WR qualities. The major issue with Ross is his neck injury that kept him out of 2020, but he was one of the best WRs in the nation before then and should return to that status in 2021.
Based on contract values from Spotrac, Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. have the second and third biggest cap hit on the team after Baker Mayfield for the 2022 NFL season. Burks (6-3, 225) is a big-bodied wide receiver and led Arkansas in receiving with 51 catches for 820 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore last season.
Don't look now but the Cleveland Browns are legitimate Super Bowl contenders. After making a run into the playoffs last year, the additions Cleveland has made this off-season have put them firmly in the mix for the playoffs next season.
Looking ahead to the next draft cycle, wide receiver could be a quiet need for the team a year from now. They did add Auburn wideout Anthony Schwartz in the third round of the 2021 draft, but if Garrett Wilson is available next year, he could be a solid addition. Wilson caught 43 passes for 723 yards and six touchdowns in just eight games last year, and a big junior season could see him as one of the top receiver options in the next draft cycle.
Olave is one heck of a route-runner and is consistently productive down the field. It was quite the surprise to see him return for his senior season with the Buckeyes, as he would have been a second-rounder this year at worst.
The Browns still need a pass-rushing boost opposite Myles Garrett, especially since Jadeveon Clowney is on a one-year deal. Jackson already has eight career sacks and 17 tackles for loss, and he is versatile off the edge.
With his initial first step, Sanders is quick to introduce himself on tape. He was a potential top-50 pick if he declared for this year's draft, but he returned to Cincinnati to continue to get stronger and become a better finisher in hope of becoming a first-round pick.
We were glad Hutchinson returned to school because we thought he needs to continue to improve his game before declaring for the draft. He has the size and bulk for the part; now he just needs to play with more consistency.
I'm not sold that Cleveland figured out their LB position this offseason. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah will probably struggle in the box, while their other potential starting linebackers (Mack Wilson, Jacob Phillips, Sione Takitaki, Anthony Walker) all leave something to be desired in terms of firepower. Miller is a fast, physical linebacker who has shown he can be a menace in the box and take on blocks, even if his tackling technique can be ... unconventional, at times.
The Giants got a nice value with Azeez Ojulari falling to the middle of Round 2 in the 2021 NFL Draft and add to their pass rush here with Jackson. While not as productive in a shortened 2020 campaign, Jackson led USC in sacks (5.5) and TFLs (11.5) as a true freshman in 2019 and has the traits to become a top-five pick.
The Giants have made a number of upgrades to their pass rush (including Drake Jackson earlier in this 2022 NFL mock draft) and to their secondary, but they could use a difference maker in the middle of the their defense. Harris enters his junior season as a three-year starter and had 79 tackles, seven TFLs, 4.5 sacks and an interception in 2020.
After all, we are entering the "year of no excuses" with New York Giants signal-caller Daniel Jones. The team added wide receiver Kenny Golladay in free agency as well as the shifty Kadarius Toney in the draft, and with Jones entering year three, he has to take a step forward.
Assuming he does, linebacker is the kind of position that Dave Gettleman could look to address early in the draft. Christian Harris is a former defensive back, and his athleticism makes him perhaps the ideal modern linebaker.
Thanks to the draft-night trade between the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants, the deal that allowed the Bears to move up for Justin Fields, the Giants are now back on the clock. Again, quarterback could be in play here if Daniel Jones fails to take the kind of step forward Giants fans are hoping to see in 2021. Or, Dave Gettleman could package this pick and the other first-round selection to move up to the top of the board and add a new face at QB.
Assuming that the organization wishes to move forward with Jones, offensive tackle could be in play for the Giants. Andrew Thomas looked better down the stretch in the 2020 season, Matt Peart performed well for a third-round selection, and the organization also returns Nate Solder for the 2021 campaign after he opted-out in 2020. Still, if the unit does not perform as well as hoped, tackle could be in the mix next season. Nelson started all 13 games at left tackle for the Miami Hurricanes as a true freshman in 2019, and followed that up with another seven starts in 2020.
Bonitto led the entire country with a 93.6 pass-rushing grade in 2020. He's an undersized yet explosive rusher off the edge capable of bending the corner with ease. If he can continue to add muscle, he'll justify his decision to return to school.
11. Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Willis is the single most physically gifted quarterback in the country. He's got an absolute hose of an arm and moves like a running back at 6-foot-1, 215 pounds. The former Auburn quarterback is still just a little sloppy game to game heading into his redshirt senior year. He posted a 75.5 passing grade in 2020.
The Giants get back-to-back picks here, and we'll start them off with a pass-rusher. I loved the value of getting edge rusher Azeez Ojulari in the second round last week, but I'd like to see more on that defensive front. Enter Hutchinson, who was creeping up my 2021 board before suffering a fractured leg in November and returning to school for another season. He's 6-foot-6 and 269 pounds, and he had 4.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in 2019.
In order to move up to draft Justin Fields in Round 1 last week, the Bears sent New York their first-rounder -- and it could end up being a good one. After going defense at No. 8, the Giants can look to the offensive line at No. 9. Neal is versatile, with 13 starts at right tackle and 13 at left guard, and he's 6-foot-7 and 360 pounds. There are plenty of spots up for grabs along that line, which should be the next area of focus on offense for the Giants.
Jackson can play in space or rush the passer off the edge. In 2019, he was the first true freshman to start a season opener for the Trojans on the defensive line since Everson Griffen in 2007 (and just the second since Tim Ryan in 1986).
A long, explosive safety, Hamilton is a unique athlete for his size with the competitive mentality to match. Though he has the physical skill set to be a top pick, his mental development has also been apparent during his first two seasons in South Bend.
Alabama's top returning tackler, Harris is entering his third season as the starter and is one of the more experienced players in the SEC. He has outstanding run-stopping and blitzing skills, but his development in coverage will ultimately determine whether he is drafted this high.
Kendrick was in the conversation as a first-round pick in the 2021 draft before returning to Clemson and then entering the transfer portal. Wherever he lands for '21, he'll be among the cornerbacks NFL teams will be monitoring closely.
12. George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
Injuries and the pandemic saw him play limited snaps in '20 but Karlaftis was dominant at times in '19 when he recorded 17 TFLs and had 7.5 sacks.
Injuries and a positive COVID test stripped Karlaftis of most of his 2020 season. However, he still earned two sacks in just two games in 2020, while earning 7.5 as a true freshman back in 2019. Karlaftis has tremendous size at 6-foot-4 and 270-pounds, as well as some good strength and violent hands, making him a good fit opposite 2021 second-round pick Azeez Ojulari.
The Giants probably have three starting CBs in James Bradberry, Adoree' Jackson, and 2021 third-round pick Aaron Robinson. However, assuming both the Jackson signing and Robinson pick work out as planned is probably optimistic, and you can never have too many good cornerbacks anyway. Elam has the height, athletic tools, and head-on-fire mentality to be a good starting cornerback in the league.
