It has been an interesting week across the NFL. The assumption may have been that trades created needs at certain positions for teams but there was little activity. Rather, it was unforeseen circumstances in northeast Ohio and Sin City that rocked the landscape. In today's thought exercise, the Browns and Raiders explore life beyond key contributors.
The draft order was determined by the current standings and strength of schedule through Week 9 ahead of the 'Monday Night Football' game between the Bears and Steelers.
Let's kick this thing off!
NFL Mock Draft
Round 1
Round 1 - Pick 1
None of these quarterbacks represent a big upgrade over Jared Goff so Detroit sticks to the board and takes an Oregon player in the first round for the second consecutive season.
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Round 1 - Pick 2
Houston was a seller at the trade deadline, but it can alter its fortunes for good with the draft capital it is likely to have next offseason. They start the rebuild with Derek Stingley Jr.
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From
Miami Dolphins
Round 1 - Pick 3
Aidan Hutchinson has been highly productive this season with a new defensive coordinator. Philadelphia replaces some of the aging talent on its roster and is able to bridge a gap into the future. Will this draft capital have to be spent on a quarterback, however?
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Round 1 - Pick 4
Kyle Hamilton is the best player on the board. It is not ideal using a top-five pick on a safety, but Hamilton has the versatility to somewhat justify the choice.
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Round 1 - Pick 5
Jacksonville can either improve its five best offensive linemen or replace Cam Robinson at left tackle.
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Round 1 - Pick 6
Consider me skeptical that Taylor Heinicke is the answer for the future. Washington brings Matt Corral in to be a leader and quick decision-maker of the offense.
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Round 1 - Pick 7
Philadelphia likes to play a lot of zone coverage and that is Clemson's specialty as well. Andrew Booth Jr. comes in where he has comfort in the scheme and is solely asked to make plays on the ball.
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From
Chicago Bears
Round 1 - Pick 8
New York's strength in recent years has been the defensive line but applying pressure has still been a challenge. George Karlaftis is not a flashy edge rusher, but he should help that unit.
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From
San Francisco 49ers
Round 1 - Pick 9
After adding Jaelan Phillips in the first round a year ago, Miami adds more pop and sizzle down the middle. DeMarvin Leal is a scheme flexible player who can occupy multiple roles.
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Round 1 - Pick 10
General manager Joe Douglas has a vested interest in creating a great offensive line. Tyler Linderbaum is athletic and already has some experience in wide zone concepts. It is a perfect fit in New York.
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Round 1 - Pick 11
New York bolsters its interior offensive line with the choice of Kenyon Green. I think his future is as an interior offensive lineman and a very good one at that.
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Round 1 - Pick 12
Edge rusher help is imperative. Everson Griffen has more football behind him than he does ahead and Danielle Hunter has battled injuries.
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Round 1 - Pick 13
Carolina has clearly determined that it is once again in the quarterback market, but I do not see any options that warrant parting with Sam Darnold. I think the Panthers would be more inclined to once again peruse the trade market.
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From
Indianapolis Colts
Round 1 - Pick 14
I know some are convinced that Ikem Ekwonu is capable of playing tackle in the NFL, but I still believe the interior offensive line is his best option. Philadelphia has some older, accomplished players on the line and injuries have been an issue. The Eagles are a team in transition and it is time to make some changes.
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Round 1 - Pick 15
Denver has officially moved on from Von Miller and it feels as though more changes are in the offing. The addition of Jordan Davis would give that team a lynchpin for the future.
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Round 1 - Pick 16
Cincinnati's defense has played better than expected, but it would be foolish to rely on continued solid play at cornerback with the group it has. Zac Taylor can go help "Sauce" Gardner move out of his dorm room and into a cushy apartment on The Banks.
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Round 1 - Pick 17
Garrett Wilson becomes the first wide receiver off the board midway through the first round. Cleveland is in need of pass catchers after parting ways with Odell Beckham Jr.
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Round 1 - Pick 18
Kansas City grabbed a few lottery tickets at cornerback and hoped for the best but it has not played out that way. I still consider cornerback to be a need for the Chiefs and Kaiir Elam helps fill the void.
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Round 1 - Pick 19
Atlanta adds a quarterback who could potentially be its future. Malik Willis has long speed and a good arm. Matt Ryan is certainly not the problem but Willis gives them a developmental option for several years.
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Round 1 - Pick 20
Treylon Burks is a big receiver who does not lack speed or jump ball capability. He is a fantastic option for Mac Jones and that style of play.
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Round 1 - Pick 21
The offensive line has been the downfall of Pittsburgh and it is holding back Najee Harris. The addition of a quality offensive tackle should elevate that unit.
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Round 1 - Pick 22
Despite New Orleans doubling down on some high-value players on its roster, it is clear the Saints are biding time to regain salary cap health and find a future at quarterback. Kenny Pickett is likely not going to get a first-round grade from me, but need drives the position up the board.
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Round 1 - Pick 23
In wake of the recent Henry Ruggs news, Las Vegas is in need of help at wide receiver. The Raiders love Ohio State players and Olave is the best available.
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Round 1 - Pick 24
Randy Gregory has been a revelation for Dallas but depth is crucial. Kingsley Enagbare would either jump into the rotation with DeMarcus Lawrence and Gregory or eventually replace one of them.
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Round 1 - Pick 25
The selection of Derion Kendrick is a bit of a gamble, but he has flashed first-round talent with Clemson and Georgia. If the pick pans out, the Bills defense could soar.
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Round 1 - Pick 26
Despite an injury, I do not think Drake London's pro prospects were compromised all that much. Los Angeles will likely lose Mike Williams to a big pay day after the season, so London steps right in opposite Keenan Allen.
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Round 1 - Pick 27
I've been the conductor of the Devin Lloyd hype train. I think you see some Fred Warner in his game with his ability to get off blocks and improve in coverage.
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From
Los Angeles Rams
Round 1 - Pick 28
Jahan Dotson can win at all three levels of the defense. I'm not sure if a safety and smaller wide receiver is what Detroit hoped to accomplish with two first-round picks, but that is how the board fell.
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Round 1 - Pick 29
Baltimore needs reinforcement at offensive tackle. Bernhard Raimann is a very athletic player who just needs to get stronger and more consistent in his technique.
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Round 1 - Pick 30
There are way more first-round picks than players with first-round grades for me, so this stage of the first round is essentially identifying players who have the ability to be in the conversation. Isaiah Thomas is a physical player who has shown a bit more pass rush diversity this season.
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Round 1 - Pick 31
Cornerback continues to be a thorn in Tennessee's side. With any luck, Caleb Farley will progress and return healthy, but it needs to make arrangements for help either way. The Titans took Elijah Molden from Washington last year and return to the well in 2022.
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Round 1 - Pick 32
Arizona could look at cornerback, but a road paving offensive guard like Darian Kinnard would certainly prolong Kyler Murray's career.
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