The All-SEC performer can line up just about anywhere, including the slot, and is an effective defender in coverage and coming up to shut down the run. His 6-3 frame would come in handy in a division with TEs like Baltimore's Mark Andrews and Pittsburgh's Pat Freiermuth. A good chunk of Cincy's secondary is unsigned, including starting safeties Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell.
There was some thought that Harrison might return to Oklahoma for an NIL deal that was too good to pass up, but he's instead opted for the NFL. He's one of the top tackles in the class and now the question is whether he finds his way into Round 1 or goes early on Day 2.
It's safe to say that the Bengals have a team that will be AFC contenders for the next decade. But there is clearly another level that they have to reach to consistently knock off the Chiefs. I believe the Bengals make the decision to add more offensive firepower and draft Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs. Drafting Gibbs does not mean moving on from Joe Mixon because Gibbs has such a versatile skill set that he can play on the field with Mixon and be used as a receiver out of the backfield.
There were no first-round tight ends taken last year, but Washington is the third off the board here. (In fact, Oregon State's Luke Musgrave is in the first-round mix, as well.) That said, Washington is unique in that he plays almost like a third offensive tackle given his massive frame (6'7" and 270 pounds) and play strength. Washington is at his best as a run blocker, but he would provide Joe Burrow with a massive target in the red zone and down the seam.
Cincinnati has done well to bolster its defensive front through free agency, but with big pay days on the horizon for the likes of Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase, among others, the Bengals won't have that same luxury in the coming years. I'm tempted to take Oregon State tight end Luke Musgrave, but Burrow proved his team can take a one-year flyer on someone like Hayden Hurst and make it shine. And with the current slate of QBs in the AFC, you can never have enough pass rushers.
I wouldn't count out an offensive lineman here, but think about how a standout tight end could elevate this offense to another level. Joe Burrow threw only 92 passes to tight ends in 2022, sixth fewest in the league, and now Hayden Hurst is off to free agency. Cincinnati could really use a top-tier pass-catcher there to open things up more on the outside for the Bengals' trio of wideouts, provide a security blanket for Burrow over the middle and stretch the seam for chunk plays. With a big 6-foot-4, 240-pound frame, Kincaid is coming off two straight seasons with 500-plus yards and eight TDs.
The Bengals need to learn from the Super Bowl champion Chiefs and put every possible resource into shoring up the offensive line in order to support their elite quarterback. Wright's a four-year starter who has improved every season in Knoxville. Wright only allowed one pressure when he faced off against Alabama's Anderson in a 52-49 Volunteers' victory and was consistently dominant throughout Senior Bowl practices.
Mauch showed during Senior Bowl week that he could play anywhere along the offensive line. That sort of versatility would have come in handy for the Bengals during the playoffs after they lost both starting tackles (including Jonah Williams, a free agent after the 2023 season) to injury. Putting Mauch and his former Bison teammate, Cordell Volson, on the same NFL O-line does NDSU proud.
Buffalo could use some upgrades in front of Josh Allen. The Bills must continue to protect their most valuable asset by steadily investing in the O-line. Torrence will also help this offense in the ground game.
This has to be the year Buffalo pulls the trigger on an every-down back to reduce the rushing load on QB Josh Allen, right? Especially with Devin Singletary's contract expiring? Quite the workhorse, Robinson had more than 3,300 yards from scrimmage over the past two seasons and averaged 6.7 yards per touch.
Robinson is special, and while he is probably one of the best players in this class, he could still be around late in Round 1 because he's a running back. And yes, we know, the Bills used a second-round pick on James Cook a year ago. But Cook isn't an every-down back, and more than that, Nyheim Hines is the only other RB currently on the roster ahead of free agency. Adding a Saquon Barkley-type talent to this offense? There are worse things.
The Bills have some potential key departures on the defensive side of the ball this year and one of them is more than likely to be safety. The safety position for the Bills' defense is such an important position so it's important that replace talent with talent. That's why I believe they draft SAF Brian Branch.
Based on talent, Robinson should be off the board long before this point. If he slides this far, however, the Bills may find it too difficult to pass on his do-everything skill set. Robinson is a tackle-breaking machine with outstanding size, speed, vision and contact balance. He's also dynamic as a receiver.
Robinson was absolutely going to be the pick here, but Branch helps resolve another need. Pro Bowl safety Jordan Poyer is a free agent this offseason. Whether or not he returns, it makes sense to find his successor. Branch is a really intriguing chess piece with his ability to confidently play several roles in the secondary at a high level. Getting Branch this late in the first round feels like a steal.
The Bills might have vacancies on the defensive side of the ball, depending on how free agency plays out for linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and safety Jordan Poyer. But with Devin Singletary also on an expiring deal, Buffalo might look to jumpstart its run game with Gibbs, who rushed 151 times for 926 yards and caught 44 passes for another 444 last season. Bills running backs totaled 1,418 yards on the ground last season, 24th best in the NFL, and only four teams had fewer rushing TDs from that position group (seven).
Gibbs' vision and shiftiness are outstanding, as he can string together multiple cuts to find daylight. The Bills could team him up with James Cook and Nyheim Hines to form a solid backfield and complement what quarterback Josh Allen does when he tucks and runs.
Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde are aging gracefully, but aging nonetheless. Poyer is a free agent after this season with Hyde's contract expiring after the 2023 season. Johnson is a rangy, versatile impact tackler whose size (6-3,195) and athleticism will allow defensive coordinators to get creative.
Josh Allen needs a legitimate deep threat to stretch out defenses, which would also help the team's running game. With Addison still on the board, Bills GM Brandon Beane climbs seven spots, giving up three 2023 picks (a first-, third- and fourth-rounder) to grab the former Biletnikoff Award winner.
Jordan Poyer will be 32 by the start of next season, so if the Bills wanted to let him walk in free agency, Brian Branch would be a viable replacement. Not the most heralded on the Alabama defense, Branch did a little bit of everything for the Crimson Tide.
Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde are aging gracefully, but aging nonetheless. Poyer is a free agent after this season with Hyde's contract expiring after the 2023 season. Johnson is a rangy, versatile impact tackler whose size (6-3,195) and athleticism will allow defensive coordinators to get creative.
Having led the nation in yards from scrimmage (1,894), NFL scouts are impressed with Robinson's entire repertoire as a complete running back. Aside from his instinctive running style and next level burst past flailing defenders, evaluators rave about Robinson's pass protection skill set and willingness to block. Yes, Robinson is an adept pass catcher and accomplished runner, but it'll be his pass blocking that could make him a day one starter.
Another year, another running back being mocked to the Bills. However, Robinson is probably one of the 10 most talented players in the entire draft. The only reason he falls here is due to positional value.
The Bills could stand to add another weapon for Josh Allen so that the red zone issues are resolved.
Jordan Addison has game-breaking speed, and he had an incredible 2021 campaign with 17 touchdowns. He's a major reason why Kenny Pickett was drafted in the first round.
This strays from the "type" the Bills have liked at receiver of late, but Washington would provide Buffalo with serious YAC capabilities because of his strength and unshaken equilibrium through contact.
Shaky play on the interior has been one of the Bills' few glaring issues, and the team is past due for a meaningful investment at guard. Torrence is a bulldozer in the run game, though he might be a liability early on in pass protection.
The Buffalo Bills already feature one of the NFL's most talented and deepest rosters. Texas' Bijan Robinson, meanwhile, is a top-five talent among the incoming class, when positional value is taken out of the mix.
A possible plummet on draft day shouldn't be totally unexpected, since organizations simply don't value running backs the way they once did. Devin Singletary may be an upcoming free agent, but the Bills already traded for Nyheim Hines prior to this season's deadline. Even so, Robinson is simply too good to pass up late in the first round.
"Robinson changes the dynamic of the Bills offense," Klassen declared. "The reigning Doak Walker Award winner is an explosive and complete back.
"As a runner, Robinson brings better balance, acceleration and long-speed than anyone the Bills have right now. Robinson is also exceptional at softening blows and navigating tight spaces, with the type of skill set that consistently moves a 2nd-and-8 to a more manageable 2nd-and-6.
"More importantly, Robinson solves Buffalo's unending search for a great third-down back. Robinson is a tough, smart pass protector and he's about as nimble as a 220-pound running back can be in the passing game."
A set of triplets in Robinson, quarterback Josh Allen and wide receiver Stefon Diggs just might morph the Bills into the game's best offense, since they've already been setting on the precipice over the last few years.
Buffalo will have some questions at safety this off-season, and Branch is a player with the versatility, athleticism and toughness to play anywhere in the secondary.
With Tremaine Edmunds set to become a free agent this offseason, the Bills may opt for new blood at linebacker. Simpson has elite range that would pair nicely next to Matt Milano. He allowed only 353 yards in the past two seasons combined.
We're going to keep force-feeding the Packers Round 1 wide receivers until it actually happens. Addison, a Pitt transfer, is a special talent who would flourish with Aaron Rodgers. The big question, of course, is if Rodgers will retire after the 2022 season.
The Packers dip into the Georgia Bulldogs pool again because hey, why not? The wide receiver class is once again loaded and once again the run in the first-round misses Green Bay, so adding on a hybrid linebacker type to add into the mix alongside Preston Smith and Rashan Gary gives the Packers some added flexibility on the edge.
The Packers, much like the Ravens and Bills, are fine at tackle for now with David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins, but given Bakhtiari's wear as he will become 30 soon, they need to develop someone who can start soon. At the worst, Nelson can stand out enough to have Green Bay think about sliding Jenkins inside.
Wilson is a versatile defender who had his best season in 2021 with seven sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss, leading the Red Raiders in both stats. New defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter will use Wilson as an outside linebacker and defensive end in his scheme, and Wilson (6'6", 275 pounds) has the length, power and athleticism that could push him into the first round if he takes another step in production and development as a pass rusher.
In 2020, Branch started three games at safety as a true freshman — for Nick Saban — on a national-title winner. Take a minute to think about all the depth 'Bama has in its secondary every year, remember Saban is as close to a living oracle as it gets with that position and understand why Branch's accomplishment is so impressive. Branch is a smart, savvy football player who's almost always on time. He probably could play either safety spot. An ascending talent.
Green Bay is going all in on creating a stonewall defense to help take the burden from Aaron Rodgers as he enters the twilight of his career. They addressed the first and second levels of their defense this past year and now look to add some young talent to their secondary.
Antonio Johnson is a versatile defender who has proven to be able to excel deep in coverage but also be a playmaker as a run defender in the box.
The younger brother of the New York Giants' Azeez Ojulari and a grandson of a Nigerian prince, BJ Ojulari has quite the lineage. He's a long and light pass rusher that wins with his speed. Ojulari's first step jolts opponents, and his sudden change-of-direction ability allows him to virtually disappear at a moment's notice. Just watch his ghost move as evidence.
Bell is a bit of a wild card, and he would have to put it all together this season to sneak into Round 1. I saw his standout performance in last season's finale against North Carolina live (five catches, 159 receiving yards and two touchdowns) and loved his game. A coach with South Carolina told me he has been used as an F tight end and even a bit at running back so far in camp, and "he blocks his tail off when in line." Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers targets his tight ends often, and Bell could be a playmaker for him.
Sure, this might be a tad high for Gilbert, but he has the chance to be special. And if Carson Wentz does indeed prove to be the guy in Washington, he'll need as many weapons as possible.
Logan Thomas has been a productive player when he's been on the field and Washington is carrying three other tight ends: John Bates and rookies Cole Turner, and Armani Rodgers. But hear me out: Washington could transition away from Thomas for just $3.5M in dead cap this offseason and get an upgrade at the position.
Michael Mayer is a proven volume target—Thomas has caught more than 18 passes just once in his career. If Carson Wentz is going to stick, he'll need a player at tight end to lean on. Mayer can be it.
The Commanders have gotten good return from their defensive front seven when healthy but have failed to address the secondary well by going the free-agent route. Ricks is the necessary alpha cover corner to support Chase Young from the back end.
Neither Kendall Fuller nor William Jackson III are under contract past 2023, and Jackson turns 30 in October. Ringo is a former five-star recruit with an elite combination of size (6'2", 205 pounds) and speed (4.35 40-yard dash). In addition to his elite speed and closing burst, he plays physically at the line of scrimmage and in run support.
Washington needs an anchor outside defensively and Gonzalez — all 6-2, 200 of him — could be just that. A member of Bruce Feldman's Freaks List, Gonzalez is all gas and explosion around the ball and in coverage. Offensive line could also be in the cards for Washington here, but this felt like too promising a fit to pass up.
The Commanders' cornerback depth chart is just above average and can certainly use some added reinforcements. Cam Smith is my favorite corner at this stage of the process and would be a home run pick for Washington. He is a big, long, and physical corner who also has the instincts and ball skills that teams covet.
Don't call Antonio Johnson a safety or a cornerback. Simply call him a "defensive back" because pigeonholing him into one role is irresponsible. Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher said it best:
"There's not much [Johnson] can't do. He'll play nickel, safety, dime. We can move him around and match him up because he's such a tremendous football player."
6'3" and 200 pounds should not move the way Johnson does. His rapid downhill trigger eliminates big plays before they can happen, and he has the speed to click and close and recover downfield.
Cornerback sits atop the Commanders' positional needs, and Ringo is big, physical and speedy. As a 19-year-old redshirt freshman in 2021, his ability to make splash plays stood out, including a game-sealing pick-six in the national title game against Alabama. He is still developing and has to play faster this season, but Ringo has a chance to be the first cornerback off the board. Washington allowed 7.6 yards per pass attempt last season, sixth worst in the NFL.
Yes, Jalen Reagor didn't work out, and perhaps the team should be more deliberate when it comes to taking WRs in the first round. But Devonta Smith is special, and more importantly, there are needs at the position beyond Smith and A.J. Brown.
After adding a WR with the No. 13 pick, the Eagles circle back here to take a running back. Is this too high to fill that position? Maybe. But this is a team with very few holes, and an offense that features a mobile QB who would certainly benefit from someone like Robinson behind him in the backfield.
Philadelphia added a big-time player in Nakobe Dean in the 2022 NFL Draft at the linebacker position. He has been great thus far this preseason, but the other spot is currently manned by LB Kyzir White—who is in Philadelphia on a one-year contract.
Trenton Simpson can offer a lot of coverage and pressure value to a defense that wants to be able to play in space and congest throwing windows. As far as I'm concerned, this is a perfect fit for Jonathan Gannon's defense. Simpson can step into White's spot and give the team a long-term answer and LB duo.
The Eagles drafting a linebacker and a running back in the first round of an NFL draft may not feel like a very "Howie Roseman" thing to do, but let's consider the status of the Philadelphia roster. They've got a highly competitive roster with a lot of viable long-term pieces to tie themselves to. We may not have the clarity we need on Jalen Hurts, but if the Eagles are picking here, odds are Hurts took some degree of a step forward. So why not get elite players to complement what already exists on the roster?
There's no such thing as a guaranteed elite pick—especially in the 20s—but positional value meets an upgrade opportunity with Bijan Robinson, who is a blue-chip player.
The Eagles need to clean up the middle of their defense with reliable all-around playmaker with T.J. Edwards being a stopgap. Simpson is a ferocious upfield player who also does plenty in coverage.
The Eagles are souring on Miles Sanders and although they do love young Kenneth Gainwell, this situation could develop much like the Jets with drafting Breece Hall after Michael Carter. Robinson can be the workhorse playing well off Jalen Hurts and also can help as an outlet receiver.
While the Eagles drafted Jordan Davis in the first round in April, Javon Hargrave and Fletcher Cox will be 30 and 32 years old, respectively, and Howie Roseman loves to build through the trenches. Bresee was the top overall recruit in the 2020 cycle and could very well be the best player available on Philadelphia's board if he's still available here. While Bresee's '21 season was cut short due to a torn ACL, he's at his best as a disruptive 3-technique due to his explosive first step, power and nonstop motor.
Johnson's positional versatility stands out, as he has mostly played nickel cornerback and some strong safety, and coach Jimbo Fisher has said that Johnson will "do a little bit of everything" in 2022. The 6'3" defensive back uses his size, length and physicality to make plenty of plays near the line of scrimmage.
Note: This pick was sent in just before the Eagles traded for Chauncey Gardner-Johnson on Tuesday. But I'm leaving it anyway because of Antonio Johnson's versatility and long-range potential. Johnson is one of those prospects in this class that you have to squint at right now to see the full picture, but if/when it all comes together, it could be fantastic. He's a safety with corner skills who could also be a big nickel.
The Eagles are also in a great spot here to go corner. Or they could package these picks (Nos. 17 and 19) and go get a QB to replace Jalen Hurts, if need be.
The Eagles, yet again, will have a very good opportunity to stack quality defenders in this draft. It's also time for Philadelphia to get younger on the edge, with the type of athletes that can check off more than one box at a time. Foskey is that type of prospect, at 6-5, 260. He's fast enough (to a degree) to run with running backs and tight ends, if you want him to. He's explosive off the corner as a pass rusher with great length and buckets of potential.
As of right now, this is the steal of the draft. I have Myles Murphy as my No. 4 overall player as a guy I believe will have an instant impact as a pass rusher. He is long, explosive, and very powerful. There is still some work to be done with his hands and pass-rush plan, but his athletic upside is off the charts.
Ok, THIS is the steal of this NFL mock draft. I have Bijan Robinson as my second-best player in the class behind only Will Anderson Jr. Robinson is the best running back prospect since Saquon Barkley and projects as an instant playmaker who can help a team on the ground and through the air. He falls because teams are afraid of drafting running backs high but his talent alone belongs in the top five of the draft.
Have you ever been hit by a brick on the face? Me neither, but I'm sure that's what it feels like to be tackled by Noah Sewell.
The 6'3" and 250-pound linebacker is a heat-seeking missile from the second level. He crushes opponents coming downhill, dispatches blockers with ease, and is even a stellar blitzer. His coverage ability and open-field tackling are a bit of a work in progress. But if Sewell improves in those facets, I'd give a ... Penei ... for NFL offensive coordinators' thoughts.
I was a huge fan of former UCLA Bruin and current Tennessee Titan WR Kyle Philips. His film is littered with teach tape, beating corners in every conceivable way. But one CB gave him the most trouble last season: Clark Phillips III. At 5'10" and 185 pounds, Phillips is a tad undersized, but his feet, twitchy lower half, and patient temperament allow him to match nearly every route.
The Eagles' draft outlook rests on the shoulders of quarterback Jalen Hurts. GM Howie Roseman gave the team a lot of flexibility by picking up an additional first-rounder, and if Hurts doesn't take the next step, Philadelphia might use one of the picks on a QB -- or package them to move up for one. But with Javon Hargrave and Fletcher Cox both potentially nearing free agency, the Eagles might also opt to address the interior of the defensive line for a second consecutive year. Bresee is a quick-footed and powerful 3-technique who flashes on tape but needs to stay healthy as he returns from a torn ACL that limited him to only four games in 2021.
More help in the trenches? Roseman understands what has made him successful during his time as Philadelphia's GM: having depth along the defensive front. Murphy is an intriguing edge rusher who is still piecing together his overall game. But he has the length, strength and quick first step out of the starting blocks, so it wouldn't come as a surprise should he turn himself into a top-15 pick. The Eagles had just 29 sacks last season, 31st in the NFL.
The Bills have very few needs. Perhaps depth along the offensive line, but instead we go with Johnson, a versatile safety for the Aggies. Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde are both 31 years old, and Poyer's contract expires after this season.
The big question of whether or not the Bills retain LB Tremaine Edmunds is the motivating factor for this selection to end the first round of this NFL mock draft. Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard are locked in, but is Bernard a long-term answer as a top-two linebacker for the Bills or is he the third linebacker for certain gameplan weeks? Henry To'o To'o is highly instinctual and well-rounded as a linebacker and would be a complement to Milano.
The Bills also should think about a developmental tackle behind Dion Dawkins and new right tackle David Quessenberry was signed to only a one-year deal. Johnson is a natural pass protector who can blossom into a nasty run blocker, too.
Safeties Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents after the 2022 and '23 seasons, respectively, and both safeties are on the wrong side of 30. Adding Branch here would make sense for a team with Super Bowl expectations and few holes on the roster. The Bills appreciate versatility in their safeties, and Branch has a versatile skill set that has allowed Nick Saban to use him in a variety of roles on the back end.
Our current projection has the Bills winning it all this year (or finishing with the top record, at least). So, congrats, Bills fans!
The offensive line is still a bit of concern in Buffalo — 34-year-old Rodger Saffold is starting at left guard this year. GM Brandon Beane could decide to address it in the 2023 draft with Robinson. It's never sexy to draft a guard in the first round, but QB Josh Allen is special enough to make whatever weapons are around him several tiers better, and the Bills already have Stefon Diggs and an emerging Gabe Davis in their receiver room.
The Bills' defense is a strong unit, too, but another option could be to start looking for a safety (or safeties) of the future next offseason.
Buffalo is a team that seemingly has no holes. They are loaded at just about every position and it's tough to envision a rookie making an impact on this roster. Because of that, I am forced to look toward the future and where a need may arise for this NFL mock draft. Jordan Poyer is on an expiring contract. Should he leave, safety will become a need.
Jordan Battle is an experienced player who is excellent in both pass coverage and against the run. Battle's instincts, toughness, and versatility are enough to get Sean McDermott excited.
JL Skinner is a rocked-up 6'4" and 218 pounds, and it shows in his playstyle. He is an enforcer over the middle of the field and can daze running backs when he meets them in the hole.
Downhill thumpers are becoming a rare breed, but the Boise State safety is a throwback to the likes of Kam Chancellor. Although he isn't elite athletically or in coverage, Skinner will make a positive impact in the secondary.
Johnson is a do-it-all safety who can play at multiple spots, including nickel cornerback. Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde are stars, but both will need new contracts within the next two years, so the Bills could look to find an heir apparent for one of them. This roster is already loaded, and Johnson would give Buffalo another versatile playmaker in the secondary.
The Dolphins' coverage is a vital piece of how they choose to conduct business defensively and having a safety like Antonio Johnson who can cover would offer continued personnel flexibility. Do not sleep on Byron Jones as an aging contract (he'll start the year on PUP after offseason surgery) and Miami also has Nik Needham (their starting slot) and Eric Rowe (their third safety) as expiring contracts this coming season. Johnson could fill both roster spots in one.
The Dolphins are great at one safety with young star Jevon Holland but need help at the other spot to be more impactful upfield against run and pass. Catalon and Holland can be a dynamic duo for years.
It wouldn't surprise me if Robinson was off the board much earlier than this. As much as I like Chase Edmonds as part of a committee, Robinson has a complete featured-back skill set. With his elite burst, vision and ability to break tackles, he's always a threat to make a big play.
Dane noted in his preseason rankings that no running back has cracked the top 23 picks over the past four drafts. We did not put Robinson here on purpose — he is going to be a tempting pick for many ahead of this number. A lot of that is going to depend on how he follows up a terrific sophomore campaign. He's Mr. Electricity in space.
The Dolphins have about 10 running backs it seems but none of them are as dynamic as Jahmyr Gibbs. The Georgia Tech transfer is electric with the ball in his hands and can truly score any time he touches the football. Adding a weapon like Gibbs to an offense that already has Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle almost seems unfair.
Should NFL franchises select running backs in the first round? I don't believe so, but I'm just a 23-year-old writer, not Bill Belichick. Although, he has only selected one RB in the first round once since 2006 (Sony Michel, 2018). How did that work out?
And yet, I believe Bijan Robinson is a first-round talent. He's an elite runner in all facets and is even a dependable receiver. There isn't a single blemish on Robinson's draft profile, well, outside of being folded in half once.
Simpson, one of my favorite prospects to study this summer, is as versatile as they come, and there isn't much he hasn't already shown on the tape. He makes impact plays as a blitzer. He flips his hips and runs in coverage. And he sets the edge as the end man on the line of scrimmage. The Dolphins need a defensive playmaker at the second level, and Simpson racked up 64 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks last season.
