Gunner's 2022 Mock Draft (v3 and FINAL - p.17!!)

[buffaloboyinATL]

It will take a lot of discipline for the Lions to pass on Hutchison if he is there, but QB makes a ton of sense. Willis’ stock is rising, but QB1 would still surprise me. 
 

I am starting to believe the Bills will take 2 DB’s in the first 3 picks, but I would not be upset it it went the way you called it. Great job as always. 

[GunnerBill]

1 minute ago, buffaloboyinATL said:

It will take a lot of discipline for the Lions to pass on Hutchison if he is there, but QB makes a ton of sense. Willis’ stock is rising, but QB1 would still surprise me. 
 

I am starting to believe the Bills will take 2 DB’s in the first 3 picks, but I would not be upset it it went the way you called it. Great job as always. 

 

I just think at QB...  if the Lions suck again you are going into year 3 of the new regime without having taken a shot at a QB. Take one at that point and you are playing a rookie in a must win year. It is just a gut feeling that when a team is this quiet they are usually up to something. They might be ready to take a shot.

[Dr. Who]

8 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Personally I'd be willing to take Kyler Gordon at #25 but a lot of people seem to think that is a reach and to be fair Olave was the highest graded player there by my board and that is what Beane says he does so I'll take him at this word. I do think in this class once you get later in round 2 the corner group thins out. If the Bills want a guy who can make a major impact this year they might have to be willing to reach slightly at #25. There is a group of 3rd round corners I think could start games in 2022 and play at a Levi Wallace kind of level.... but in terms of upgrading it is really just those guys in round 1 and early round 2. 

If they pass on Olave for cb, I would understand it but not be happy. The Jets should hire you for GM. That's a nice draft for them.

[buffaloboyinATL]

5 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

I just think at QB...  if the Lions suck again you are going into year 3 of the new regime without having taken a shot at a QB. Take one at that point and you are playing a rookie in a must win year. It is just a gut feeling that when a team is this quiet they are usually up to something. They might be ready to take a shot.

I was impressed with the heart that the Lions played with under Campbell and would love to see him build something there, so a QB would be a great idea. Willis is probably a couple of seasons off from being truly NFL ready, but he has the highest ceiling of the class in my opinion.IF he draws Willis, I hope the give him enough time to develop him before they get impatient and fire him. 

[GunnerBill]

7 minutes ago, Dr. Who said:

If they pass on Olave for cb, I would understand it but not be happy. The Jets should hire you for GM. That's a nice draft for them.

 

Meh. I'd turn 'em down.

[Coach Tuesday]

Would just be floored if Hamilton falls that far - he may be the best player in the draft.  I know safeties aren’t good investments that high but still… someone is going to pull the trigger on him in the top six or seven I have to believe.

[GunnerBill]

1 minute ago, Coach Tuesday said:

Would just be floored if Hamilton falls that far - he may be the best player in the draft.  I know safeties aren’t good investments that high but still… someone is going to pull the trigger on him in the top six or seven I have to believe.

 

So I had him #3 before but once he gets past the Texans.... it is harder finding spots. I don't disagree that he might be the best player in the draft and you are right any team could just say "screw positional value he is BPA" but trying to predict which one is a mugs game haha. 

[gonzo1105]

No thanks on Kinnard it’s a reach imo and he is literally Ford all over again Tackle with slow feet who needs to move inside, known for his mauling, still has slow feet gets killed on the interior. He was awful at the senior bowl. Doesn’t fit the high athletic profile their going for on the line either. 

[GunnerBill]

6 minutes ago, gonzo1105 said:

No thanks on Kinnard it’s a reach imo and he is literally Ford all over again Tackle with slow feet who needs to move inside, known for his mauling, still has slow feet gets killed on the interior. He was awful at the senior bowl. Doesn’t fit the high athletic profile their going for on the line either. 

 

He did struggle mightily in the senior bowl practices and I agree he isn't their kind of RAS profile. But their holes at the moment are RG and CB2. I am not sure they can get out of the first two rounds with either addressed.

[OldTimer1960]

Like the idea of Olave and your rationale, but I just think that unless addressed, the CB position will negate the additions on the DL.  If you can’t cover, it is hard to get home on the pass rush.  
 

Bills are in an uncharacteristic and uncomfortable position at corner with White’s injury.  I don’t agree that the Bills are really confident in Dane Jackson, either.  They really need someone who can start if White is out and challenge Jackson for CB2 when White is healthy.

[H2o]

56 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

We had a few matches too.

 

Obviously Neal, then Stingley to Minnesota, Lloyd to Philly, Dean to Tennessee and we both had Johnson to the Jets and Willis to Detroit though in opposite spots. 

We have a lot of the same players going in the first as well. I see you snuck Corral into the 1st Round as well. QB needy teams always pull the trigger even though better players may be on the board, so I can see it.

 

I can tell you that it would be quite disheartening if the Jets stole my man-crush, Chad Muma, in the 2nd. I think he can develop into an All Pro at the position because he has instincts you can't teach, good athleticism, and when he gets his hands on a player they go to the ground.

 

Booth I could definitely see in the 1st, but I think it would be more in the mid-20's if so, possibly to us if the board falls that way. Most of the reports I have read say he would excel in a predominantly Zone scheme, like ours.

 

Daxton Hill was hard to peg for me. He's definitely a 1st Round talent, but I had more teams drafted for needs other than Safety. 

 

Beane keeps his intentions close to the vest, outside of the year we knew the Bills were going for a QB, and trusts their draft board. Excited about it already. 

[GunnerBill]

1 minute ago, H2o said:

We have a lot of the same players going in the first as well. I see you snuck Corral into the 1st Round as well. QB needy teams always pull the trigger even though better players may be on the board, so I can see it.

 

I can tell you that it would be quite disheartening if the Jets stole my man-crush, Chad Muma, in the 2nd. I think he can develop into an All Pro at the position because he has instincts you can't teach, good athleticism, and when he gets his hands on a player they go to the ground.

 

Booth I could definitely see in the 1st, but I think it would be more in the mid-20's if so, possibly to us if the board falls that way. Most of the reports I have read say he would excel in a predominantly Zone scheme, like ours.

 

Daxton Hill was hard to peg for me. He's definitely a 1st Round talent, but I had more teams drafted for needs other than Safety. 

 

Beane keeps his intentions close to the vest, outside of the year we knew the Bills were going for a QB, and trusts their draft board. Excited about it already. 

 

I have Booth as the 4th overall player in the class. If he is there at #25 I wouldn't just sprint to the podium I'd check to make sure there wasn't a cop ready to arrest me for robbery. 

[OldTimer1960]

Do you think it likely that the Bills would consider a small trade up in round 1 to nab a CB?

[NewEra]

I’d be happy.  I also think Willis to the lions and Sauce to the Jets are inevitable 

[Sammy Watkins' Rib]

Breece Hall going at #55  two picks before the Bills pick would have half this board on the edge of their sofa. 

[HappyDays]

Chris Simms thinks Matt Corral should and will be the first QB off the board. He is one of the few QB evaluators I completely trust and he is locked into what teams are looking for. I think he could be a surprise pick at #2.

 

Edited March 25, 2022 by HappyDays

[GunnerBill]

15 minutes ago, HappyDays said:

Chris Simms thinks Matt Corral should and will be the first QB off the field. He is one of the few QB evaluators I completely trust and he is locked into what teams are looking for. I think he could be a surprise pick at #2 

 

I'd be very surprised if Corral is the first guy picked. I do think Corral could turn out to be a good pro, but I just think highest ceiling Willis, highest floor Pickett and I'd be surprised if it isn't one or t'other. 

[Alphadawg7]

No offense gunner, but I can’t see any chance the Bills don’t take a CB in first 2 rounds unless they sign a starting caliber CB before the draft who has some speed.  Personally, I think we might take 2 in the first 4 or 5 rounds.
 

Im hoping we do sign someone ahead of the draft, and I don’t mean a bench guy, someone capable of being at least a decent starter.  
 

But right now, we basically have Dane Jackson with a little starting experience, and that’s it.  Tre is still a question mark on when he will be ready, might not be back until sometime into the season.  And even then, might be a while before he finds his form again.  
 

The CB cupboard is bare, and not only is that an issue, but we now have 2 of the fastest receivers in the game in Miami with Hill and Waddle to go along with Wilson, Gisicki, Edmonds, and Mostert.  People can say what they want about Tua, but you don’t have to be a great QB to hit one of these guys in a short slant.

And the AFC now is loaded with top QBs who all have a lot of weapons.  
 

We absolutely need to add corners and speed.  It’s probable Tre will play a bit slower after returning and Dane isn’t a burner either. 

[HappyDays]

14 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

I'd be very surprised if Corral is the first guy picked. I do think Corral could turn out to be a good pro, but I just think highest ceiling Willis, highest floor Pickett and I'd be surprised if it isn't one or t'other. 

 

Simms seems to think Willis's issues with processing reads will cause him to go lower than expected. He expects Corral, Pickett, and Willis to be the 1st round guys, in that order. Then again I could see a team like Carolina who thinks they're just a QB away taking the immediate starter in Pickett instead of betting on upside.

[RobbRiddick]

5 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

So it has been a wild week and a half since free agency opened, so this mock has been a while in the making. Every time I thought I'd settled it in the last couple of days something else wacky happened and sent me back to the drawing board.... but finally here we are. Version 2.0 and two rounds to boot! Enjoy and, as ever, fire away with the thoughts and criticisms. 

 

**ROUND ONE**

 

1 - Jacksonville Jaguars – Evan Neal, Offensive Tackle, Alabama

I had the Jags going edge in version 1.0, but Doug Pederson won a Superbowl with a dominant offensive line in Philadelphia. He has already signed Brandon Scherff at guard and tagged Cam Robinson at left tackle. That allows Neal to play right tackle as a rookie before potentially sliding over to the left side.

 

2 – Detroit Lions – Malik Willis, Quarterback, Liberty

The Lions have been very, very quiet this offseason. Nobody quite seems sure what they will do, but their staff coached Malik Willis at the Senior Bowl where he had an excellent week. They have Jared Goff and wouldn’t need to rush Willis into the lineup. I am increasingly of the belief Quarterback is the pick here.

 

3 – Houston Texans – Aiden Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan

Cartwheels in Houston as a high floor, high ceiling edge player sits there for them at #3. They were 28th in sacks and pressures in 2021. Getting better up front is a priority for them and new Head Coach Lovie Smith.

 

4 – New York Jets – Ahmed Gardner, Cornerback, Cincinnati

Ahmed Gardner continues to fly up mock drafts and from what I am hearing he is the #1 corner on a lot of teams’ boards. It is not hard to imagine that one of those is the New York Jets who seem to have had a hole at corner pretty much since Revis left.

 

5 – New York Giants – Trevor Penning, Offensive Tackle, Northern Iowa

The Giants selected a tackle early two seasons ago in Andrew Thomas and while he was better in 2021 he hasn’t been the tone setter they hoped. Enter Trevor Penning who is big, nasty and is going to move people around. Penning likely starts at right tackle as a rookie with Thomas in a bit of a make or break year.

 

6 – Carolina Panthers – Ikem Ekwonu, Offensive Tackle, Northern Carolina State

The Panthers have had a different starting left tackle every year for over a decade. Time to stop the carousel from spinning. Ikem Ekwonu could be an all pro left guard but he is going to be more than adequate at left tackle too and this is a major need.

 

7 – New York Giants – Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon

The Giants had the third worst pressure rate in the NFL in 2021. They have to get after the Quarterback better. Some people have questioned Thibodeaux’s heart and his motor but it doesn’t jump out as a problem on his film. This would be a home run of a selection.

 

8 – Atlanta Falcons – Kenny Pickett, Quarterback, Pittsburgh

The Falcons traded Matt Ryan and they didn’t pursue a Jimmy Garoppolo or a Baker Mayfield, they signed Marcus Mariota. That screams bridge Quarterback. I expect Atlanta to draft a Quarterback here. I can make an argument for any of the top 3 but if they had their choice I suspect Pickett would be the guy.

 

9 – Seattle Seahawks – Travon Walker, Edge, Georgia

My views on John Schneider’s drafting are well established. He likes to take swings on physical freaks. Sometimes it works out – DK Metcalf, sometimes it doesn’t – Germain Ifedi. Walker is a monster but the tape doesn’t scream production.

 

10 – New York Jets – Jermaine Johnson, Edge, Florida State

The Jets best defensive performances last year came early on when they had John Franklin-Myers and Bryce Huff getting pressure off the edge. Neither of them are top level players though and with Carl Lawson hopefully back and Jermaine Johnson on the other side that defense would look very different.

 

11 – Washington Commanders – Andrew Booth, Cornerback, Clemson

The Commanders look like they are going to be the latest team to give Carson Wentz a chance to prove he isn’t a busted flush and so will punt on the Quarterback class this year. Their other needs are outside at wide receiver to pair with Terry McLaurin and at corner where Andrew Booth would be an obvious day 1 starter.

 

12 – Minnesota Vikings – Derek Stingley Jnr, Cornerback, LSU

The Vikings also have a need at corner after not bringing Patrick Peterson back. Stingley has slipped a bit down boards after failing to quite match the highs of his 2019 season in 2020 or 2021 due to injuries and inconsistent play, but his talent level remains off the chart and this would be a value pick.

 

13 – Houston Texans – Garrett Wilson, Wide Receiver, Ohio State

The Texans have needs everywhere but at times last year Brandin Cooks was their only offense. If they are going to properly judge Davis Mills they need to give him some weapons to throw to. Garrett Wilson’s ability in the intermediate areas makes him a good fit.

 

14 – Baltimore Ravens – Jordan Davis, Defensive Tackle, Georgia

Baltimore have big holes up front with Brandon Williams and Calais Campbell at the moment still free agents. They are the first team who spring to mind when I think of a dominant nose tackle who they don’t mind taking off the field on 3rd down. It might be the best fit for Davis in the round.

 

15 – Philadelphia Eagles – Kyle Hamilton, Safety, Notre Dame

Philadelphia would sprint to the podium if Hamilton dropped this far but because of positional value, he could. He didn’t wow with his testing numbers at the combine but Hamilton is a talented safety who can do it all, cover, tackle, blitz and take away the football.

 

16 – Philadelphia Eagles – Devin Lloyd, Linebacker, Utah

I love this scheme fit in Jonathan Gannon’s defense. Lloyd has the length to take away passing zones over the middle and the range to cover sideline to sideline.

 

17 – Los Angeles Chargers – Kenyon Green, Guard, Texas A&M

The Chargers have very few holes, but the interior of their offensive line is still a question. They can plug in Kenyon Green next to Rashawn Slater at left guard and lock down Justin Herbert’s blindside for at least the next 5 years.

 

18 – New Orleans Saints – Charles Cross, Offensive Tackle, Mississippi State

Terron Armstead walked in free agency, so the Saints have a huge hole at left tackle. If any of the top 4 tackles were to make it to this point I’d expect them to be the selection. In this mock that is Charles Cross, the best pass protecting tackle in this class.

 

19 – Philadelphia Eagles – Devante Wyatt, Defensive Tackle, Georgia

Fletcher Cox is back but only on a 1 year deal, so the Eagles need to begin looking to the future in terms of interior defensive linemen. Wyatt would be a rotational piece as a rookie but would take over that starting job in 2023.

 

20 – Pittsburgh Steelers – Tyler Linderbaum, Center, Iowa

At the start of last season Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada was trying to establish a zone running game for Najee Harris but had to abandon it because of a lack of athleticism on his offensive line. Linderbaum is a significant step towards addressing that issue.

 

21 – New England Patriots – Zion Johnson, Guard, Boston College

Everyone thinks New England will draft a receiver but it would be very on brand to draft a guard. They have lost two of the top 6 guards in football over the last two years, weakening what was arguably the best unit on the entire team – the offensive line. Zion Johnson feels very Patriot way. He would be an immediate starter.

 

22 – Green Bay Packers – Drake London, Wide Receiver, USC

Another team crying out for a receiver is Green Bay with Davonte Adams now plying his trade in Vegas. Rodgers tends to like vertical, downfield types – think Adams, Jordy Nelson etc – and Drake London very much fits that bill.

 

23 – Arizona Cardinals – Jameson Williams, Wide Receiver, Alabama

Other than two shots at Quarterbacks the Cardinals haven’t drafted offense in the first round since 2015. AJ Green is still a free agent but was clearly not the force of old anyway, DeAndre Hopkins isn’t getting any younger and Christian Kirk has departed. Williams replenishes that receiver room.

 

24 – Dallas Cowboys – Daxton Hill, Safety, Michigan

Jayron Kearse has returned but there isn’t a lot else in the cupboard at safety for Dallas. Daxton Hill is the type of speedy, “run to the football” guy that Dan Quinn’s defense loves. He has aggressive instincts and he will make plays.

 

25 – Buffalo Bills – Chris Olave, Wide Receiver, Ohio State

The Bills still need to be better on the perimeter, both on offense and defense. They would consider corner here, but the smooth route running of Chris Olave has a bit of Stefon Diggs about it. Why settle for one of those guys when you can have two for Josh Allen to play with?

 

26 – Tennessee Titans – Nakobe Dean, Linebacker, Georgia

The Titans don’t have a ton of needs. They could go wide receiver, despite the Robert Woods trade, they could go offensive line, but ultimately a more dynamic player at the second level of the defense would be a smart move and Dean could develop into a difference maker.

 

27 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Matt Corrall, Quarterback, Ole Miss

The Buccaneers spent a month looking into the abyss of no Tom Brady and no backup plan. Brady is now returning for 2022, but I suspect Jason Licht does not want the same feeling again. By drafting Matt Corrall the Buccs give themselves a potential in-house successor when the time comes.

 

28 – Green Bay Packers – Bernhard Raimann, Offensive Tackle, Central Michigan

The right side of the Packers offensive line is beginning to look a little bare. They released Billy Turner and Dennis Kelly who also started games at right tackle last year is still on the street. Raimann is raw but he looks, plays and feels like a Packer and I wouldn’t totally rule out him being the eventual successor to David Bhaktiari at left tackle.

 

29 – Kansas City Chiefs – Jahan Dotson, Wide Receiver, Penn State

The Chiefs now have back-to-back picks at the end of round 1 but have lost an awful lot of speed and dynamism from their offense with Tyreek Hill’s departure. Treylon Burks is still on the board, but when I think about what the Chiefs value on offense it is speed. Dotson seems a fit.

 

30 – Kansas City Chiefs – George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue

The Chiefs defense only got going last season when they brought in Melvin Ingram to start opposite Frank Clark and shifted Chris Jones back inside to defensive tackle. Ingram is a free agent so enter George Karlaftis who fits the physical profile of a typical Steve Spagnuolo defensive end.

 

31 – Cincinnati Bengals – Trent McDuffie, Cornerback, Washington

I think McDuffie will go later than a lot of the talking heads think. His arms measured less than 30 inches at the combine which is typically a major red flag for NFL teams. That said, the value might just be too good to pass on for the Bengals at this spot. Upgrade on Eli Apple.

 

32 – Detroit Lions – Treylon Burks, Wide Receiver, Arkansas

In 2020 the moribund Cincinnati Bengals drafted Joe Burrow with the number 1 overall pick, then at #33 took the sliding Tee Higgins at receiver. Two years later they were combining for touchdowns in the Superbowl. The Lions will be hoping for similar luck. Burks is sticking out as the best player available at this point.

 

**ROUND TWO**

 

33 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Christian Watson, Wide Receiver, North Dakota State

While the Jags added Christian Kirk as a slot receiver in free agency and have the wily Marvin Jones slated to start outside, their third starting receiver is currently the uninspiring Zay Jones. Watson is a height, weight, speed prototype. Raw but sky-high ceiling.

 

34 – Detroit Lions – Cam Thomas, Edge, San Diego State

The Lions focused on offense in round 1, but they have to address the pass rush at some stage. Cam Thomas is a really good player who is being underrated in this class. He is scheme flexible and has a high ceiling.

 

35 – New York Jets – Chad Muma, Linebacker, Wyoming

The Jets have the ageing CJ Mosely and not much else at linebacker. Muma is every inch the modern middle linebacker, length, range, and sideline to sideline ability in coverage.

 

36 – New York Giants – Roger McCreary, Cornerback, Auburn

I would have mocked Sauce Gardner to the Giants at #5 had he still been on the board, but as he was gone. McCreary is a bit of a scheme specific fit for a man coverage team. There is no scheme more man heavy than Wink Martindale’s.

 

37 – Houston Texans – Tyler Smith, Guard, Tulsa

The Texans have restructured Laremy Tunsil, but the offensive line around him still seems like an eternal work in progress. Tyler Smith could start at right tackle but better fits at guard.

 

38 – New York Jets – George Perkins, Wide Receiver, Georgia

The Jets have taken shots on wide receivers early in round 2 the past couple of drafts. Elijah Moore was a success, Denzel Mims less so. They go back to the well for a vertical threat with Pickens.

 

39 – Chicago Bears – David Ojabo, Edge, Michigan

Ojabo was a sure fire first rounder before tearing his achilles at his pro day. I think he makes sense here because to me the Bears are clearly not in “win now” mode with year 1 of a new regime and so can afford to wait for their Khalil Mack replacement to be healthy.

 

40 – Seattle Seahawks – Desmond Ridder, Quarterback, Cincinnati

When mock drafting for the Seahawks I often start with the question “what would I not do?” and the answer here is take a shot on an unimpressive list of tier two Quarterbacks in this class. So Seattle probably will. Ridder does at least bring that leadership element that they lost with Russell Wilson’s departure.

 

41 – Seattle Seahawks – Kyler Gordon, Cornerback, Washington

However, this is what I would do. Gordon is exceptional value at this spot and is a perfect fit for the Seattle defensive scheme.

 

42 – Indianapolis Colts – Skyy Moore, Wide Receiver, Western Michigan

The Colts need to keep stacking weapons for Matt Ryan. TY Hilton’s long term future is unknown but Skyy Moore in the slot would be a nice compliment to Michael Pittman out wide.

 

43 – Atlanta Falcons – Boye Mafe, Edge, Minnesota

If the Falcons don’t pick a Quarterback in round 1 they almost certainly address edge rusher, so here I have them doing just that in round 2with the explosive Boye Mafe who has shot up draft boards after an impressive Senior Bowl.

 

44 – Cleveland Browns – DeMarvin Leal, Defensive Tackle, Texas A&M

With Malik Jackson a free agent and Malik McDowell’s off-field issues the Browns need to re-stock the middle of that defensive line.

 

45 – Baltimore Ravens – Kaiir Elam, Cornerback, Florida

The Ravens know they need to keep upgrading their secondary in a division with Joe Burrow and now Deshaun Watson. They signed Marcus Williams at safety in free agency, Elam would be a nice compliment to eventually succeed Marcus Peters at corner.

 

46 – Minnesota Vikings – Drake Jackson, Edge, USC

The Vikings have plenty of needs but with all sorts of questions about Danielle Hunter’s health addressing edge is a priority. Jackson makes sense.

 

47 – Washington Commanders – David Bell, Wide Receiver, Purdue

Beyond Terry McLaurin there isn’t much to get excited about in the Commanders receiver room. David Bell isn’t fast but he is a smooth mover who will feast on intermediate zones.

 

48 – Chicago Bears – Daniel Faalele, Offensive Tackle, Minnesota

Jason Peters is set to finally retire and the Bears have not landed one of the big FAs to replace him.  They do have Tevin Jenkins taken in the 2nd round last year, but I firmly believe he is a right tackle. Taking Faalele here gives them two young tackles to work with.

 

49 – New Orleans Saints – Jalen Tolbert, Wide Receiver, South Alabama

The run on receivers just keeps coming. Michael Thomas looks like he is back for 2022 in New Orleans but there isn’t much around him and Tolbert is a very talented small school kid.

 

50 – Kansas City Chiefs – Greg Dulcich, Tight End, UCLA

Travis Kelce will be 33 during the 2022 season. Dulcich is more a big receiver than a true tight end at this point but the Chiefs need to keep stacking weapons.

 

51 – Philadelphia Eagles – John Metchie, Wide Receiver, Alabama

The Eagles focused on defense in round 1 but adding the versatile Metchie to their receiving corps would help them make a proper assessment about whether Jalen Hurts is their guy.

 

52 – Pittsburgh Steelers – Jaquan Brisker, Safety, Penn State

Tremaine Edmunds isn’t the only Edmunds brother with questions being asked about his future. His brother Terrell is currently still a free agent leaving a hole at safety that Jaquan Brisker would fill nicely.

 

53 – Green Bay Packers – Christian Harris, Linbebacker, Alabama

The Packers need to get better in the middle of the defense. Enter Christian Harris, who has the size and movement skills combination to make him effective against both run and pass.

 

54 – New England Patriots – Alec Pierce, Wide Receiver, Cincinnati

Everyone knows New England need receivers and Pierce just feel Belichickian. Tough kid, works over the middle, run blocks and plays special teams.

 

55 – Arizona Cardinals – Breece Hall, Running Back, Iowa

The Cardinals let Chase Edmunds walk in free agency and while James Conner did remain he is more of a short yardage back. So finally a running back comes off the board and it is Iowa’s Breece Hall.

 

56 – Dallas Cowboys – Trey McBride, Tight End, Colorado

Dalton Shultz is the Cowboys current starting Tight End, but he is playing on the franchise tag and there is not much depth behind him so McBride might appear a sensible value pick at this spot.

 

57 – Buffalo Bills – Darian Kinnard, Guard, Kentucky

The Bills would love to snag a corner here but there isn’t one that makes sense. Kinnard has played right tackle in college but his lack of foot speed makes him a more natural guard at the NFL level.

 

58 – Atlanta Falcons – Justyn Ross, Wide Receiver, Clemson

The Falcons are bare at receiver and the pipeline from Clemson to the Falcons has served them well in the past so Justyn Ross, who might be a small reach here, makes sense.

 

59 – Green Bay Packers – Arnold Ebiketie, Edge, Penn State

The Packers lost Z’Darius Smith as a cap casualty this spring which means another pass rusher is needed to rotate in with Preston Smith and Rashan Gary. Ebiketie is a sub package rusher as a rookie but he can still develop into more than that in a similar way to how Gary has progressed.

 

60 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Kenneth Walker, Running Back, Michigan State

Leonard Fournette is back but Ronald Jones remains a free agent as we speak and the Buccs offense works best when it has a two-headed monster in the backfield. Walker is a smaller back, but runs hard.

 

61 – San Francisco 49ers – Dylan Parham, Center, Memphis

The 49ers have lost some pieces on the interior of their offensive line. Parham would start day 1 at guard and could eventually be Alex Mack’s successor at center.

 

62 – Kansas City Chiefs – Martin Emerson, Cornerback, Mississippi State

Charvarius Ward and Mike Hughes left in free agency leaving the Chiefs thin at corner. Emerson has good length and active hands which makes him feel like a fit for the Chiefs scheme.

 

63 – Cincinnati Bengals – Nicholas Petit-Frere, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State

While the Bengals have made strides with their offensive line in free agency they should not hesitate to continue adding depth there because keeping Joe Burrow upright should be priority #1.

 

64 – Denver Broncos – Lewis Cine, Safety, Georgia

I understand there is still mutual interest in bringing back free agent Kareem Jackson. Even if he returns it is likely to be a short-term deal, so Cine makes sense as a long term answer at safety.

Love reading your mocks. I'd be shocked if they don't get a CB but would really love to see them take another weapon for the offense. 

[Ralonzo]

5 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

He did struggle mightily in the senior bowl practices and I agree he isn't their kind of RAS profile. But their holes at the moment are RG and CB2. I am not sure they can get out of the first two rounds with either addressed.

I’m not a RB in the top 3 guy, but Kenny Walker on the board at 57 was kinda sticking out for me. I can see them try to pop 3 or 4 spots to get Hall potentially.

[TheWeatherMan]

I’d be beyond pissed at Arizona if this was how it played out.  Our offense would be unstoppable with Williams and Hall.  Snag an FA CB and we’re set.  

Edited March 25, 2022 by TheWeatherMan

[GunnerBill]

To all those saying the Bills need a corner, I 100% agree. But McDuffie and McCreary with their alligator arms are reaches and questionable fits for a zone scheme. While I think Kyler Gordon is a back half of round 1 talent the consensus seems to disagree. 

 

So what do the Bills do if the top 3 corners are off the board by #25? Trade up to get one? Trade back to take one of the second tier guys where value fits better? Possibly. Brandon Beane says he is strict BPA. If that is true I very much doubt a corner ends up being that at #25 or #57. 

 

I think a corner is a major need and indeed that is the position I ultimately think the Bills end up taking in the 1st. But to do so either they reach or they move around the board. 

[Motor26]

6 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

He did struggle mightily in the senior bowl practices and I agree he isn't their kind of RAS profile. But their holes at the moment are RG and CB2. I am not sure they can get out of the first two rounds with either addressed.

Do you actually have Kinnard graded higher than Cole Strange? He fits the Bills profile with the high RAS. I would want him over Kinnard, personally.

[filthymcnasty08]

If Breece Hall got into the 50's, I would hope we would trade up and grab him.

 

I'm not feeling good about our RB room yet.

[Mango]

7 hours ago, Don Otreply said:

This seems very Beane like, what are your thoughts on filling the CB position?  It does appear to be a bit tenuous at present, 

 

What also seems Beane like is to save have a reasonable solution plugged in before the draft. 

Would not be shocked if we clear some more cap for a 1-2 year deal for Peterson/Gilmore or Bradberry release in order to give them more flexibility on draft day. 

Edited March 25, 2022 by Mango

[GunnerBill]

11 minutes ago, Motor26 said:

Do you actually have Kinnard graded higher than Cole Strange? He fits the Bills profile with the high RAS. I would want him over Kinnard, personally.

 

So I haven't got three games of Strange tape at the moment which means he doesn't have a grade on my board. In terms of suitability for the Bills it depends what we are running. I thought we were going to more of a gap scheme which we had success with later in the 2021 season but the Saffold signing makes me doubt that. Strange looks very scheme specific from the bits I have seen. If you are drafting him for a zone blocking scheme, great. If you are gonna be a gap / man team then Strange is going to struggle IMO. 

[TPS]

30 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

To all those saying the Bills need a corner, I 100% agree. But McDuffie and McCreary with their alligator arms are reaches and questionable fits for a zone scheme. While I think Kyler Gordon is a back half of round 1 talent the consensus seems to disagree. 

 

So what do the Bills do if the top 3 corners are off the board by #25? Trade up to get one? Trade back to take one of the second tier guys where value fits better? Possibly. Brandon Beane says he is strict BPA. If that is true I very much doubt a corner ends up being that at #25 or #57. 

 

I think a corner is a major need and indeed that is the position I ultimately think the Bills end up taking in the 1st. But to do so either they reach or they move around the board. 

This could be a year where Beane does a lot of wheeling and dealing to move around and match their few needs with value? 

[Logic]

2 minutes ago, TPS said:

This could be a year where Beane does a lot of wheeling and dealing to move around and match their few needs with value? 

I absolutely think that the fact that two of Beane's draft picks got poached off the practice squad last year burns him up. He loves his draft picks, and for two of them -- at the very positions at which the Bills are currently deficient -- to get taken away surely pisses him off.

With this fresh in mind, I do not expect him to draft 8 players. I expect him to move around the draft and select 5 or 6.

[LABILLBACKER]

3 hours ago, Alphadawg7 said:

No offense gunner, but I can’t see any chance the Bills don’t take a CB in first 2 rounds unless they sign a starting caliber CB before the draft who has some speed.  Personally, I think we might take 2 in the first 4 or 5 rounds.
 

Im hoping we do sign someone ahead of the draft, and I don’t mean a bench guy, someone capable of being at least a decent starter.  
 

But right now, we basically have Dane Jackson with a little starting experience, and that’s it.  Tre is still a question mark on when he will be ready, might not be back until sometime into the season.  And even then, might be a while before he finds his form again.  
 

The CB cupboard is bare, and not only is that an issue, but we now have 2 of the fastest receivers in the game in Miami with Hill and Waddle to go along with Wilson, Gisicki, Edmonds, and Mostert.  People can say what they want about Tua, but you don’t have to be a great QB to hit one of these guys in a short slant.

And the AFC now is loaded with top QBs who all have a lot of weapons.  
 

We absolutely need to add corners and speed.  It’s probable Tre will play a bit slower after returning and Dane isn’t a burner either. 

I agree 

McDuffie @ 25

McCollum @ 168

[gonzo1105]

45 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

To all those saying the Bills need a corner, I 100% agree. But McDuffie and McCreary with their alligator arms are reaches and questionable fits for a zone scheme. While I think Kyler Gordon is a back half of round 1 talent the consensus seems to disagree. 

 

So what do the Bills do if the top 3 corners are off the board by #25? Trade up to get one? Trade back to take one of the second tier guys where value fits better? Possibly. Brandon Beane says he is strict BPA. If that is true I very much doubt a corner ends up being that at #25 or #57. 

 

I think a corner is a major need and indeed that is the position I ultimately think the Bills end up taking in the 1st. But to do so either they reach or they move around the board. 

 

 

Simple in your scenario they take Martin Emerson at CB. The best of the next tier who is long with long arms and has the ability to fit in a zone and man scheme. There is your answer. I would disagree with your McDuffie assessment in regards to fit but I wont fight it in this specific exercise. The answer is Emerson instead of Kinnard. 

[GunnerBill]

11 minutes ago, gonzo1105 said:

Simple in your scenario they take Martin Emerson at CB. The best of the next tier who is long with long arms and has the ability to fit in a zone and man scheme. There is your answer. I would disagree with your McDuffie assessment in regards to fit but I wont fight it in this specific exercise. The answer is Emerson instead of Kinnard. 

 

Yea that is a possibility. I have the same sort of grade on them so Emerson could be the answer. 

15 minutes ago, LABILLBACKER said:

I agree 

McDuffie @ 25

McCollum @ 168

 

McDuffie at #25 to play in this D is a move I would not love. I wouldn't hate it, but passing on a Chris Olave for a Trent McDuffie is a reach for need in my eyes. 

[BillsFanForever19]

Trent McDuffie and Chris Olave both being on the board at #25 is an ideal situation for us. However, I think they'd go McDuffie over Olave and wait until Round 2 or 3 for WR. Also, I see no way we can afford to wait until Round 3 for CB with Tre most likely not ready Week 1 and after losing Levi Wallace (who we were looking to upgrade from).

 

And I really don't see SEVEN WR's going between our 1st and 2nd pick. Even if they did, not selecting Olave would push Metchie to us in your draft. Would much rather go McDuffie 1, Metchie 2.

 

As for OG - I wouldn't select one higher than Round 3. Even if we don't retain Bates, I think we'd bring in a veteran there on a bargain deal for RG. Even Saffold was just a 4.2 million cap hit. I'd bet we could land one later in FA for the 2.5 we tied up in the Bates tender. Certainly a lot easier to get a cheap quality OG then it is a starting CB. Then it's developmental depth in the Draft at OG, No higher than Round 3 or 4.

 

Also - I'm not in the Draft a RB in Round 1 camp. But if Kenneth Walker is still on the board in Round 2 and we've gotten our CB in Round 1... man, I gotta give that some serious thought. Especially with Singletary and Duke Johnson both on one year deals.

Edited March 25, 2022 by BillsFanForever19

[John from Riverside]

I like Olive......still think McDuffie is the play

[TPS]

39 minutes ago, Logic said:

I absolutely think that the fact that two of Beane's draft picks got poached off the practice squad last year burns him up. He loves his draft picks, and for two of them -- at the very positions at which the Bills are currently deficient -- to get taken away surely pisses him off.

With this fresh in mind, I do not expect him to draft 8 players. I expect him to move around the draft and select 5 or 6.

Yeah, Anderson seemed like a good IOL prospect.  Who was the other?

[billsfan89]

4 hours ago, HappyDays said:

Chris Simms thinks Matt Corral should and will be the first QB off the board. He is one of the few QB evaluators I completely trust and he is locked into what teams are looking for. I think he could be a surprise pick at #2.

 

 

I think the Lions would go with a trade down before reaching at pick 2 but QB's always shoot up boards. Honestly if I am the Lions I just don't "force" a QB decision this year. You have two firsts next year so you can trade up for a QB in what will likely be a better QB class.

[Fan in Chicago]

7 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Meh. I'd turn 'em down.

"There are only 32 such positions in the world"

[Bray Wyatt]

trade back and grab gordon and hall i think would be nice in this scenario

[JGMcD2]

10 minutes ago, TPS said:

Yeah, Anderson seemed like a good IOL prospect.  Who was the other?

CB Rachad Wildgoose was the other

Edited March 25, 2022 by JGMcD2

[HappyDays]

19 minutes ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

However, I think they'd go McDuffie over Olave and wait until Round 2 or 3 for WR.

 

McDuffie's arm length is a real concern. Joe Marino pointed out today there hasn't been an all-pro CB in over a decade with under 30" arms. Only 3 all-pros under 32" arms. It's something NFL teams value, the Bills under McDermott in particular.