Here we go. Free agency is coming soon, and all attention has turned toward the 2022 NFL Combine, which means that Mock Draft 1.0 is here for your viewing pleasure. The Bucs will pick 27th overall. Their needs are up-in-the-air right now, but you can guess that wide receiver, defensive line and offensive line will be the three most heavily-targeted positions for Tampa Bay.

Remember, this is a mock of what I think could/will happen and fits that make sense based on teams scheme and draft history – not necessarily what I would do if I were the GM of each team. Just know that before you hate everything I’ve written here. Thank you.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars – OT Evan Neal, Alabama

Doug Pederson’s success in Philadelphia occurred largely due to his outstanding offensive line. Don’t think that fact is lost on him as he begins his Jaguars’ tenure. Jacksonville’s offensive line has a number of free agents and several underachievers too. Adding Neal to be Trevor Lawrence’s blindside protector is the type of move I think Pederson and GM Trent Baalke will see eye-to-eye on.

2. Detroit Lions – EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan

I’m not sure Hutchinson is the best player in the draft, but he’s probably one of the safest. Jacksonville could use a bookend opposite Josh Allen, as K’Lavon Chaisson hasn’t worked out. Of course, the Jaguars also need offensive tackle help in the worst way, which is why I gave them Neal. If it plays out like that, Detroit will be ecstatic. They’re all set at tackle, but need pass rush help in the worst way. The Lions get the hometown kid and a high-floor prospect to be a cornerstone of their new-look franchise.

3. Houston Texans – S Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame

The Texans need help at every position, but the most important thing is getting sure-fire talent and leadership in the building. Hamilton provides both, and he’s the type of player you can build a secondary around. His range and ball skills from a single-high alignment are rare. Add in Hamilton’s 6-foot-4, 200-pound frame and you have a cornerstone of Houston’s rebuild.

4. New York Jets – EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon

Oregon DE Kayvon Thibodeaux – Photo by: USA Today

This could definitely be the spot where the next tackle comes off the board. But George Fant was pretty solid last year, and Mekhi Becton is still in the mix for now. On the flip side, the Jets desperately need a running mate for Quinnen Williams. It has been ages since their franchise had a difference-making outside pass rusher. Thibodeaux can be that guy. Few know the impact of a game-changing edge rusher more than Robert Saleh. I think he’ll push hard for four-man pass rush assistance.

5. New York Giants – OT Ikem Ekwonu, N.C. State

It’s really hard to figure out what the Giants are going to do in the first round. And they’ve got two picks in the top seven! Andrew Thomas’ strong second season should have left tackle locked up, but what about right tackle? Nate Solder was awful last season and is now a free agent. Matt Peart hasn’t looked ready. Okwonu played left tackle and left guard at N.C. State, so worst case scenario is he ends up inside next to Thomas. But he’ll likely give the Giants two stud tackles to build their offensive line around.

6. Carolina Panthers – OT Charles Cross, Mississippi State

After signing Cam Erving early in free agency last year, the Panthers found out the hard way he wasn’t the answer. Cross is one of the more polished pass protectors in the draft. But can he be a killer in the run game too,? I’m a big fan of Cross’ tape. If he can learn to get out of his stance a beat quicker, he’ll have the full arsenal as a pass protector. The Panthers could use more of that in front of Sam Darnold.

7. New York Giants – LB Devin Lloyd, Utah

I honestly have no idea what the Giants are going to do with this pick. They need pass rushers, but is it too early for the next edge rusher? New York has needed a difference-making linebacker for years now. Lloyd is an all-around stud who can start right away. New Giants GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll hail from Buffalo. They know the importance of loading the middle of the field with talent after rostering Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano.

8. Atlanta Falcons – WR Treylon Burks, Arkansas

Arkansas WR Treylon Burks – Photo by: USA Today

The Falcons offensive line isn’t great, but it’s not for lack of effort. They’ve invested a ton of draft picks in the group. Now they need to let them figure it out. Atlanta could go defense with this pick, but they are on rocky ground at wide receiver. Calvin Ridley’s status is unknown and Russell Gage and Cordarrelle Patterson are free agents. Burks might be the most talented wideout in the draft. He could remind head coach Arthur Smith of A.J. Brown’s dominance in Tennessee in Smith’s offense.

9. Denver Broncos – EDGE Travon Walker, Georgia

The Broncos were a pitiful pass rushing team last year, especially after Von Miller was traded. This is a deep edge class, so Denver could wait or trade back. But Walker seems to be moving up boards do to his high ceiling and relentless style of play. All the traits seem to be there for Walker, who needs ample development to reach his potential.

10. New York Jets – CB Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, Cincinnati

The Jets cornerback situation is nearly as bleak as their edge rusher group. Perhaps Bryce Hall can be a strong No. 2 cornerback on one side as he develops. But the search is on for a bookend cornerback to complement him. Gardner’s physical, aggressive style of press man defense will be a wonderful fit with Robert Saleh.

11. Washington Commanders – QB Sam Howell, UNC

I have no idea which quarterback comes off the board first in April. But I know I don’t believe in any of them as franchise signal callers. Howell has good all-around talent, but his decision-making and pocket presence need a lot of work. Washington has to find their quarterback of the future, even if Howell still needs some development before he can play.

12. Minnesota Vikings – CB Trent McDuffie, Washington

The Vikings need to improve the cornerback position under new head coach Kevin O’Connell. Given Ed Donatell’s background in Vic Fangio’s defense, expect cerebral cornerbacks to be the target. McDuffie may not have elite physical tools, but in this defense that’s okay. He does everything well and is exceptional at anticipating and processing in zone coverage. He should start right away in Minnesota.

13. Cleveland Browns – WR Garrett Wilson, Ohio State

Ohio State WR Garrett Wilson – Photo by: USA Today

The Browns have to improve their wide receiver room across the board this offseason. Wilson is a good step in the right direction. He may never be a dominant No. 1 receiver, but he can run routes, separate and make plays after the catch. How does he fit with the current Browns receiver room? That’s a good question we’ll be able to better answer in a month or two.

14. Baltimore Ravens – CB Derek Stingley, LSU

Some will be shocked to see Stingley much farther down the board than most mock drafts have him. And they may be right. The LSU product is certainly among the more talented players in the class. But Stingley hasn’t played more than 430 snaps in a season since 2019. He’s been average at best the past two seasons, while playing limited reps and struggling with injuries. Yes, Stingley looked like a Top 5 pick in 2019. And the Ravens will gladly swing on his talent at No. 14. But his profile tends to be one that will concern teams.

15. Philadelphia Eagles – EDGE George Karlaftis, Purdue

There’s no question Karlaftis is a good college football player who wowed on a few game tapes. The question will be if his snap-jumping ways can translate to the NFL as easily. He’s supposed to impress at the NFL Scouting Combine, and I don’t think he’s comparable to other overrated big ends who have gone before him. Think Zach Allen, A.J. Epenesa or Carlos Basham. But Karlaftis’ lack of athleticism was exposed on tape consistently against better opponents like Ohio State and Penn State. That could be a problem in the NFL, even if Karlaftis is an impactful pass rusher.

16. Philadelphia Eagle – LB Nakobe Dean, Georgia

I know, I know. The Eagles don’t care about linebackers. But at some point, they’ve got to say enough is enough. Their linebackers got constantly exposed again last year. For Jonathan Gannon’s defense to work, that can’t continue to be the case, especially in coverage. Dean took a huge leap this past season, and his best football could still be ahead of him.

17. Los Angeles Chargers – CB Andrew Booth, Clemson

Booth’s tackling and technique can use some work, but the Chargers need to get better in the secondary. Perhaps that happens in free agency, but if it doesn’t Booth’s upside could be a good fit across from Asante Samuel. The Chargers could also move back in the draft, targeting defensive line help.

18. New Orleans Saints – WR Jameson Williams, Alabama

Alabama WR Jameson Williams – Photo by: USA Today

Few teams in the NFL need wide receiver talent like the Saints. Williams will be a return to the speedy offense that once made New Orleans great. If he’s fully recovered from his torn ACL, Williams might have the best upside of any wideout in the class. He’s got rare acceleration and splash play ability, but his all-around game still needs work.

19. Philadelphia Eagles – WR Drake London, USC

Is London J.J. Arcega-Whiteside all over again? There’s only one way to find out. To me, London has better stop-start ability despite having significant speed questions. That will open the door for him to be a better separator than J-JAW. Still, I think London’s stock is in for a tumble. Will he work out before the draft to show teams his ankle is healthy? If nothing else, London could be a good big slot receiver in Philadelphia, with Devonta Smith on the outside.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers – QB Malik Willis, Liberty

Willis probably has the best upside of any quarterback in the class. But massive decision-making concerns and general inconsistencies are all over his tape. He can get himself out of some jams due to his athleticism and arm strength. With no hurry on their mini-rebuild, the Steelers can afford to be patient while Willis develops.

21. New England Patriots – OG Kenyon Green, Texas A&M

The Patriots inexplicably benched Michael Onwenu last year, leading to questions about what their long term plan is with the once-standout rookie. Green could plug in at left guard, while also giving New England the offensive line flexibility they covet.

22. Las Vegas Raiders – DT Devonte Wyatt, Georgia

The Raiders have carried a massive need at defensive tackle for too many years now. Wyatt can step in and give them strong run defense and pass rush upside right away. He plays hard and is a good athlete, too. Perhaps Wyatt will never be a star, but in this draft it would be wise for the Raiders to take a higher floor prospect.

23. Arizona Cardinals – EDGE Jermaine Johnson, Florida State

FSU DE Jermaine Johnson – Photo by: USA Today

Johnson is a one-year wonder who is surprisingly well-developed for an inexperienced player. That’s good, since he’ll enter the NFL following his redshirt senior year. Johnson is a hammer of a run defender and plays with a non-stop motor. He looked like the most athletic player on the field in Mobile? Does he have the flexibility to turn the corner as an outside rusher?

24. Dallas Cowboys – C Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa

Tyler Biadasz got whooped up last year, and the Cowboys should be on the lookout for an upgrade. If Linderbaum falls in their lap at No. 24, they might not be able to resist. Of course, Dallas also will look at edge rusher, defensive tackle and safety options. But Linderbaum is too good a talent to pass up this late in the first round.

25. Buffalo Bills – CB Kaiir Elam, Florida

The Bills lost Tre White to injury last season, and everything on defense looked a little bleaker afterward. Granted, this is still an excellent unit even without a stud opposite White. But Elam’s size and physicality in Buffalo’s scheme just makes sense. He’d give Buffalo more upside at the CB2 spot than they’ve had under Sean McDermott.

26. Tennessee Titans – EDGE David Ojabo, Michigan

The Titans have found a dominant pair of rushers in Jeffery Simmons and Denico Autry. But they’re probably going to lose Harold Landry in free agency. Bud Dupree was hurt a lot after signing in Tennessee as a free agent. Ojabo can help replace some of the athleticism Landry brought to the table, with better physicality as a rusher.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – OG Zion Johnson, Boston College

The Bucs are likely to lose center Ryan Jensen in free agency this offseason. The team is hoping that second-year player Robert Hainsey can step into the lineup for Jensen, but they’ll likely bring in a cheaper veteran to compete too. At guard, it might be trickier. Tampa Bay could turn to the draft for help in April.

Boston College G Zion Johnson – Photo by: USA Today

The Bucs could lose Alex Cappa to a budding interior offensive line market. If they do, Aaron Stinnie and Nick Leverett would be in-house candidates to replace him. If that’s the best the Bucs can do, I think they’ll be fine with it. But if the board falls this way, Tampa Bay almost has to consider drafting Johnson. He could be the best guard in a class with very few sure things. Free agency will determine the Bucs needs, but Johnson next to Tristan Wirfs for the next decade seems fun.

28. Green Bay Packers – EDGE Boye Mafe, Minnesota

The Packers are likely going to lose Za’Darius Smith this offseason. And we’ll see what happens with Preston Smith. Rashan Gary needs a running mate, and Mafe’s stock is rising fast. He crushed the Senior Bowl game and is reportedly going to blow away pre-draft testing. The Packers like bigger edges who play hard. Mafe certainly fits the bill.

29. Miami Dolphins – WR Chris Olave, Ohio State

I’m not convinced Olave is a Dolphins fit just yet, but they need a field stretcher on the outside if they are going to feature Jaylen Waddle like Deebo Samuel. Olave is a clean route runner and very capable of being a splash play contributor down the field. He’s also pro-ready, as long as he can hold up physically against more aggressive corners.

30. Kansas City Chiefs – CB Jalen Pitre, Baylor

The Chiefs might lose Tyrann Mathieu in free agency this offseason. Even if they don’t, Kansas City may want to move him to the post more often with how much their safeties struggled last season. Pitre is an ideal slot defender who plays with elite toughness and instincts around the line of scrimmage. We have a lot to learn about Kansas City this offseason. Right now, they could go a number of directions at No. 30 in the 2022 draft.

31. Cincinnati Bengals – OT Bernhard Raimann, Central Michigan

Raimann is progressing nicely, vaulting onto the scene as a prospect with a strong 2021 season. The Bengals need to pour free agent resources into the offensive line this offseason. But getting a developing player like Raimann in the draft would be a positive too. The biggest concern is Raimann is going to be 25 years old in September.

32. Detroit Lions – QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh

The Lions would love to grab a receiver at No. 32, but the run on pass catchers has left the cupboard bare. Detroit might try to trade up from No. 32 for a falling receiver, but not in this mock draft. Instead, the Lions will grab a quarterback at No. 32, getting the fifth-year option for Pickett. There isn’t a high ceiling here, but Pickett could be a stabilizing force for Detroit post-Goff.