With the NFL combine in the books, it’s time for another mock draft. I’ll do another version after the first wave of free agency, but already things have changed up top.1. Jacksonville JaguarsAidan Hutchinson, edge, MichiganI don’t think the Jaguars’ decision to tag left tackle Cam Robinson takes them out of the running for an offensive lineman at No. 1. Incumbent right tackle Jawaan Taylor has been mediocre as a starter and is in the last year of his contract, and there’s no guarantee Robinson gets a long-term deal done. But it does make Hutchinson the more likely pick, so that’s where this mock draft exercise begins.[ Charles Harris was 2021 Lions free agent steal. Who may be next sleeper? ]2. Detroit LionsKayvon Thibodeaux, edge, OregonHutchinson is an easy choice if he makes it to No. 2. If he’s gone, I still think the Lions prefer to go edge. It’s such a premium position, and such a huge need. I’m not sure if Thibodeaux is the right culture fit for Dan Campbell’s Lions. That’s something the team will have to dive deep into in the coming weeks. But I’m mocking Thibodeaux to the Lions here because he is a more disruptive player on tape than Georgia’s Travon Walker and Florida State’s Jermaine Johnson, and because tape, at some point, must win out.3. Houston TexansIkem Ekwonu, offensive tackle, North Carolina StateThe Texans are paying big money to Laremy Tunsil at left tackle for two more seasons, so Ekwonu can start his NFL career on the right side or at guard.4. New York JetsKyle Hamilton, safety, Notre DameThe Jets could tempted to offensive line in the first round for the third straight year, but Hamilton is the best player at a non-premium position in the draft and would upgrade Robert Saleh’s defense.[ What franchise tag designations mean for Lions’ pursuit of top free agent WRs ]5. New York GiantsEvan Neal, offensive tackle, AlabamaNew Giants GM Joe Schoen was part of a team in Buffalo that built a very good line through free agency and Day 2 picks. Still, Neal is in the top tier of prospects and belongs in the top five.6. Carolina PanthersMalik Willis, QB, LibertyThe Panthers are desperate for a quarterback and could trade for Deshaun Watson in the coming weeks. Until that happens, I’m keeping Willis here. 7. New York GiantsAhmad Gardner, CB, CincinnatiThe Giants need cornerbacks who can hold up in man coverage in new coordinator Don Martindale’s defense. Gardner did not allow a touchdown his entire career.8. Atlanta FalconsJermaine Johnson, edge, Florida StateI was tempted to slot Johnson to the Lions at No. 2, but I think he fits better in a 3-4 base defense like the one the Falcons run. 9. Seattle SeahawksTravon Walker, edge, GeorgiaPete Carroll is 70. I’m not sure he wants to start over with a rookie quarterback so defense is the pick here.10. New York JetsDavid Ojabo, edge, MichiganFive edge rushers in the top 10 may be a bit aggressive, but that’s where the strength lies in this draft.[ Aidan Hutchinson, David Ojabo’s paths from Michigan to NFL combine spotlight ]11. Washington CommandersDerek Stingley Jr., cornerback, LSUMartin Mayhew knows good cornerbacks when he sees them. He won’t pass on Stingley, despite the injury history.12. Minnesota VikingsDevin Lloyd, linebacker, UtahLloyd has a little Anthony Barr in him. He can rush, play coverage and he would energize an old Vikings defense.[ Lions need backup QB for Jared Goff. Here’s who may attract in NFL free agency ]13. Cleveland BrownsDrake London, wide receiver, USCIf not London, one of the Ohio State receivers would make plenty of sense here.14. Baltimore RavensCharlie Cross, offensive tackle, Mississippi StateI gave the Ravens an interior lineman in my first mock, but Ronnie Stanley’s recent injury history has me thinking Cross might be the better pick.15. Philadelphia EaglesDevonte Wyatt, defensive tackle, GeorgiaFletcher Cox can’t stay dominant forever. Wyatt would be the perfect apprentice. 16. Philadelphia EaglesNakobe Dean, linebacker, GeorgiaBack-to-back Bulldogs does a defense good. More: Josh Reynolds: Lions ‘may have what we need’ at WR17. Los Angeles ChargersJordan Davis, defensive tackle, GeorgiaThe star of the NFL combine would fill a sizable need in the middle of the Chargers defensive line.18. New Orleans SaintsKenny Pickett, quarterback, PittPickett is the most pro-ready of this year’s quarterbacks, and hand size won’t be as big a deal playing half his games in a dome every year.19. Philadelphia EaglesTyler Linderbaum, center, IowaJason Kelce is back for one more season, but the Eagles will have to replace him eventually. With three first-round picks, they can use on an heir apparent.20. Pittsburgh SteelersMatt Corral, quarterback, Ole MissIf the Steelers prefer Malik Willis as their quarterback of the future, as many suspect, they may have to trade up to get him.21. New England PatriotsGarrett Wilson, wide receiver, Ohio StateMac Jones needs weapons to compete with the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East.22. Las Vegas RaidersGeorge Karlaftis, edge, PurdueA partner in crime for Maxx Crosby on the edge.23. Arizona CardinalsTrent McDuffie, cornerback, WashingtonMcDuffie is one of the highest-floor cornerbacks in the draft and his lack of elite measurables could make him a steal in the second half of Round 1.24. Dallas CowboysDax Hill, safety, MichiganHill did not have a ton of ball production (four interceptions) in his three seasons at Michigan, but his athletic profile and versatility make him a first-round pick. [ Will Michigan star Dax Hill’s production in NFL finally match the hype? ]25. Buffalo BillsJameson Williams, wide receiver, AlabamaThe Bills have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL and can afford to wait for one of the draft’s top receivers to return from a torn ACL.26. Tennessee TitansTrevor Penning, offensive tackle, Northern IowaThe Titans whiffed on Isaiah Wilson in 2020, but can’t be shy about taking another offensive lineman here.27. Tampa Bay BuccaneersAndrew Booth Jr., cornerback, ClemsonIf the Bucs keep Carlton Davis, they can use this pick to fortify the trenches. 28. Green Bay PackersChris Olave, wide receiver, Ohio StateThis one gets Aaron Rodgers’ seal of approval. 29. Miami DolphinsQuay Walker, linebacker, GeorgiaIf the Dolphins don’t address their offensive line need in free agency, they could take someone like Central Michigan’s Bernhard Raimann or Texas A&M’s Kenyon Green here.NFL EUROPE? From Austria to the NFL draft: Central Michigan OT Bernhard Raimann is living a dream30. Kansas City ChiefsTreylon Burks, wide receiver, ArkansasBurks did not run a great 40 time at the combine, but Andy Reid can certainly use his youth and versatility on an aging offense.31. Cincinnati BengalsKenyon Green, offensive lineman, Texas A&MThe Bengals must do a better job protecting Joe Burrow going forward.32. Detroit LionsJaquan Brisker, safety, Penn StateThere should a handful of starting-caliber safeties available between picks 25-50. Brisker doesn’t get as much love as Georgia’s Lewis Cine, but he’s an excellent player.Round 233. Jacksonville JaguarsJahan Dotson, WR, Penn StateThe Jaguars start Day 2 by getting a weapon for Trevor Lawrence.34. Detroit LionsDamone Clark, LB, LSUDefense, defense, defense. The Lions take care of three major needs on the defensive side of the ball in this mock. Clark was named best linebacker on the American Team at the Senior Bowl, where he played for Lions coaches.Contact Dave Birkett at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.
