Here we go. Free agency is winding down, and all attention has turned toward the 2022 NFL Draft, which means that Mock Draft 2.0 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 the defensive side of the ball will be a priority 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 – EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan

The Jaguars signed players to keep tackle and edge defender from being crying needs in the draft. But both positions are definitely still needs. In a class with a ton of questions at the top, the surety of Hutchinson at least being a good player is enticing. Jacksonville needs more cornerstones to build around defensively. Pairing Hutchinson and Josh Allen off the edges is a good place to start.

2. Detroit Lions – EDGE Travon Walker, Georgia

The fascination with Walker is funny to me. He’s huge and a great athlete, but he’s pretty linear on tape and has shown very little pass rush nuance. Walker is a project to me, with just 9.5 sacks in college. Looking back over draft history, there are not many college edge defenders with less than 10 career sacks who have been worthy of a first-round pick, let alone a Top 10 selection. But Walker will give Detroit an edge setter and a physical presence up front.

Cincinnati CB Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner – Photo by: USA Today

3. Houston Texans – CB Sauce Gardner, Cincinnati

The Texans need help literally everywhere except left tackle. But tackles are at the top of the board right now, so a trade down could make sense for Houston. But can the Texans get anyone to move up? If not, Gardner should be high on their radar. Houston has basically no starting-caliber talents in the secondary. Adding Gardner would be a good start.

4. New York Jets – OT Ikem Ekwonu, N.C. State

I’ve got some doubts that Mekhi Becton is long for New York given the trajectory of that situation. The Jets have enough at tackle to consider other positions, but Ekwonu has an immense ceiling and is a great fit. Joe Douglas has prioritized tools on the offensive line, and Ekwonu has them in droves. Adding him would give the Jets an incredible nasty pair of tackles if Becton comes around.

5. New York Giants – OT Evan Neal, Alabama

Maybe I’m wrong, and the Giants are willing to ride with Matt Peart at RT across from Andrew Thomas. But I don’t think that should be an expectation going into Year 3. If New York has the chance to bookend Thomas and Neal, they have to think about it. The top of this class is not great, and Neal is one of the safer picks in the draft at a position of importance and need.

6. Carolina Panthers – QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh

The Panthers are one of the only teams in the league with no quarterback to speak of despite being in clear-cut “win now” mode. Another miserable season for Matt Rhule might be the end of this current regime. I think this is crazy high for Pickett, but he and Rhule go back. Right now, Rhule has the power in Carolina. And I think he’s going to use his lifeline on a guy he’s always liked dating back to high school. Pickett committed to Temple when he was there and then de-committed once Rhule left for Baylor.

7. New York Giants – S Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame

The Giants are led by a GM and head coach that hail from Buffalo, so chances are that they will build this defense down the middle. That leaves two logical options to me at No. 7 – Utah LB Devin Lloyd or Hamilton. In a deep linebacker class, I think they ride with Hamilton to play next to Xavier McKinney. Both safeties have some interchangeability, which was key for Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer in Buffalo. Hamilton could be a culture-changer in New York’s secondary.

USC WR Drake London – Photo by: USA Today

8. Atlanta Falcons – WR Drake London, USC

I’m not as high on London as others, but it seems he’s going to be the top wide receiver off the board in April. The big receiver has his own Pro Day on Tuesday, but I’m sure they’ll take care of his testing numbers enough for assuage any concerns. London is a good route runner and a great contested catch receiver on tape. The Falcons need someone who can step in and play, and London should have no problem doing that.

9. Seattle Seahawks – QB Malik Willis, Liberty

Seattle doesn’t have to go quarterback here, but they are clearly rebuilding, which makes a high-upside investment in Willis quite logical. But does Pete Carroll want a wild card at quarterback like Willis? Is he looking to devalue the position and focus more on the run game? Could he fall in love with Willis’ rushing ability as a part of that attack? I honestly have no idea. Seattle might need to think about moving in a regime change direction after this season. That makes pin-pointing this pick extremely hard.

10. New York Jets – CB Derek Stingley, LSU

Jets fans will lose their mind if the team passes on Kayvon Thibodeaux twice. But that might be where we are headed. It sounds like the Jets have had a bad experience with the commitment of Becton since drafting him. I’m just not sure they want to take a risk on Thibodeaux if the red flags out there are legit. Personally, I think Thibodeaux’s tape is awesome. And Stingley is a risk too, given how often he’s been banged up. There’s special tape from early in his career, however. And the Jets desperately need a cornerback.

11. Washington Commanders – DT Jordan Davis, Georgia

Washington has been a team that has prided themselves on their defensive line depth for years now. But the loss of Tim Settle and Matt Ioannidis has left them thin up front. This might seem high for Davis, especially given his lack of impact as a rusher. But I could see Washington valuing Davis’ impact in the run game enough to take him at No. 11. I think they’ll also see it as a move that frees up Jonathan Allen, Da’Ron Payne and second-year linebacker Jamin Davis to be their best. One pick to improve four spots.

Oregon DE Kayvon Thibodeaux – Photo by: USA Today

12. Minnesota Vikings – EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon

I know, this one is a surprise to some people I’m sure. But the Vikings are in a curious spot with Danielle Hunter’s contract, and Za’Darius Smith’s contract is essentially structured like a one-year deal. Minnesota could get out of either deal next year, if either player under-performs. Short term, I think the new regime is going to recognize the value of pass rushers, and see what it’s like putting Thibodeaux out there with Smith inside and Hunter on the opposite side. An elite four-man pass rush is Minnesota’s best chance of topping the Packers. And Smith is an elite interior rusher. Thibs is just too talented to pass on at No. 12 overall.

13. Houston Texans – WR Garrett Wilson, Ohio State

Again, you can draft basically any player for the Texans, and it would make sense. They might have the worst roster I’ve ever seen. That will only get worst if Brandin Cooks is traded soon. Even if he isn’t, the Texans desperately need to put a few weapons around Davis Mills. Wilson must improve his route-running, but he makes tough catches frequently on tape, and can get open downfield. He’ll handle an early volume role for the Texans’ passing attack.

14. Baltimore Ravens – LB Devin Lloyd, Utah

The jump to the NFL has been a big one for Patrick Queen, who needs a better running mate if he’s going to avoid bust status. Lloyd is an elite leader and playmaker on a defense that desperately needs both on the second level. Yes, the Ravens need pass rush help for sure. But Lloyd will give them that too, as a terrific blitzer up the middle or off the edge. And he’s a monster in coverage. The Ravens will find a pass rusher later in a deep class.

15. Philadelphia Eagles – CB Trent McDuffie, Washington

There aren’t many fits I love more in this draft than Eagles DC Jonathan Gannon and Trent McDuffie. Gannon, a zone-heavy coach who wants his cornerbacks to play downhill on the ball and aggressive in run support. McDuffie, one of the most instinctive cover corners and top tacklers in the class. He’ll start opposite Darius Slay in a match made in heaven.

16. New Orleans Saints – OT Charles Cross, Mississippi State

The Saints made an aggressive trade with the Eagles to grab another pick in this year’s first round. Why? Who knows? One theory is that the team wants to be in position to land a falling top tackle to replace Terron Armstead. Cross might drop in their lap, if recent reports are to be believed. Yes, Cross needs development in the run game hailing from a pass-heavy college scheme. But he’s got pro-ready tools in pass protection. That’s harder to learn than the run game.

Georgia DT Devonte Wyatt – Photo by: USA Today

17. Los Angeles Chargers – DT Devonte Wyatt, Georgia

The Chargers signed Sebastian Joseph-Day and Austin Johnson in free agency, but I don’t think they are done at defensive tackle. Jerry Tillery has been a massive disappointment, and the team still needs interior pass rush help. Wyatt can give them everything as the most talented defensive tackle in the class. Last season’s success should be just the beginning for Wyatt, if he can stay focused on football.

18. Philadelphia Eagles – S Lewis Cine, Georgia

The Eagles invested a ton in building up their defensive front in free agency. They signed Haason Reddick, brought back Derek Barnett and Fletcher Cox. If Gannon is going to rely heavily on a four-man rush like he did in 2021, he needs great players in his back seven, too. Adding McDuffie to start with Slay and Avonte Maddox helps. But putting Cine in the mix next to Anthony Harris is another big-time move. He’s the most athletic and physical safety in the draft. He’ll pair perfectly with Harris, dominating at strong safety while still able to contribute in deep coverage.

19. New Orleans Saints – WR Jameson Williams, Alabama

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 fully recovers 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.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers – QB Matt Corral, Ole Miss

We’ll see how willing the Steelers are to trade the farm to jump up in a bad quarterback class for Malik Willis. They might be trying to dance this April. But for now, they stay put and take Corral. He’s a fiery competitor who fits Matt Canada’s offense well with his quick, accurate throwing motion. But should you be drafting a quarterback based on their fit within one of the worst offenses in the NFL?

FSU DE Jermaine Johnson – Photo by: USA Today

21. New England Patriots – EDGE Jermaine Johnson, Florida State

Johnson is a physically and athletically mature edge rusher who can play right away. If he can continue to add to his toolbox as a rusher, he and Matt Judon will be a quality duo for the Patriots. New England could look at guards and cornerbacks, but appear set at wide receiver for Round 1. The Patriots current cornerback room is pretty low quality by their standards. But they may wait with a bunch of the top corners off the board.

22. Green Bay Packers – WR Chris Olave, Ohio State

The Packers have solid possession receiver types in Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard. But they’re lacking a big play vertical threat on the outside. After trying and failing to re-sign Marquez Valdes-Scantling, the Packers will turn their attention to the draft. Olave is a speedy downfield target with good ball skills and route-running ability.

23. Arizona Cardinals – WR Treylon Burks, Arkansas

The Cardinals lost Christian Kirk in free agency, and A.J. Green doesn’t seem to be coming back. Was last year the beginning of a decline for DeAndre Hopkins, who turns 30 this summer? Given how reliant the Cardinals are on the wide receiver position, I’m guessing it’ll be a priority in the draft. If Burks is on the board, Arizona shouldn’t hesitate.

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, wide receiver, guard, tackle and safety options. Suddenly, the Cowboys have tons of needs. But Linderbaum is too good of a talent to pass up this late in the first round.

25. Buffalo Bills – CB Andrew Booth, Clemson

The Bills don’t have many needs, but finding a quality corner opposite Tre White is priority. Booth is physical, aggressive and scheme-diverse. His best football might be ahead of him if he buys into the Buffalo culture. It is a little concerning that Booth hasn’t run yet during the pre-draft process.

26. Tennessee Titans – OT Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa

Taylor Lewan’s time in Tennessee, and maybe in the NFL, is on its last legs. And Dillon Radunz didn’t inspire much confidence with his rookie season performance. So the Titans grab Penning, one of the meanest, nastiest linemen in the class. He’ll be a good fit in Tennessee’s run-heavy approach.

Penn State S Jaquan Brisker – Photo by: USA TODAY

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – S Jaquan Brisker, Penn State

Obviously the Bucs could go with a guard like Zion Johnson or Kenyon Green here, but I wanted to change things up. I think Tampa Bay wants to boost its secondary with a pick or two in this class. Adding Logan Ryan helps, but he’s more of a slot defender than a true safety.

Brisker’s playing style is very similar to Jordan Whitehead’s, but he’s bigger and more athletic. As a result, he’ll be more versatile in the NFL, too. But right out of the gate, Brisker can start at strong safety and be a great underneath defender in coverage. His outstanding run defense will help replace Whitehead’s loss as well.

28. Green Bay Packers – EDGE Boye Mafe, Minnesota

The Packers lost Za’Darius Smith this offseason. They kept Preston Smith to pair with Rashan Gary, but another pass rusher is key. Mafe’s stock has risen throughout the process. He crushed the Senior Bowl game and blew away pre-draft testing. The Packers like bigger edges who play hard. Mafe certainly fits the bill.

29. Kansas City Chiefs – EDGE George Karlaftis, Purdue

The Chiefs will probably jump up a few spots for a player they love in this draft. But I’m not doing trades in this mock, so they stay and take Karlaftis. He’s ready to start right away and will provide tremendous energy and good rush ability. The big question with Karlaftis is, what’s the ceiling?

30. Kansas City Chiefs – CB Kaiir Elam, Florida

The Chiefs are thin at cornerback, and Elam is a quality cover man still left on the board. I know many believe they’ll take a wide receiver, and maybe they will. But Kansas City went out and got JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez-Scantling this offseason. If they take a wideout in Round 1, he’s probably WR4 this season. The Chiefs might still do it, but with a run on wide receivers before this pick, they’ll fix up the defense for now.

Boston College G Zion Johnson – Photo by: USA Today

31. Cincinnati Bengals – OG Zion Johnson, Boston College

I know the Bengals still believe in Jackson Carman. And if the draft unfolds how many believe it will, they’ll happily ride with him at left guard this season. But with Johnson still on the board, I don’t know how Cincinnati passes on him. Putting Johnson with Ted Karras, Alex Cappa and La’El Collins would complete the Bengals offensive line overhaul this offseason.

32. Detroit Lions – LB Quay Walker, Georgia

Walker is an elite athlete who will pair nicely next to Derrick Barnes on the Lions defense. I know Detroit re-signed Alex Anzalone and signed Jarrad Davis, but neither of those players is the long-term answer. And their contracts suggest as much. Walker needs time to grow into a full-time role, but his upside is through the roof.