2022 Draft

[membengal]

25 minutes ago, claptonrocks said:

He's too small..

 

He may be a FA signing for soneone to test the waters on him..

 

160lbs is light for a tennis player now..😎

 

He weighed in at 170. For depth and kickoff returner, he would be excellent. 

[Jungletiger]

23 minutes ago, Jungletiger said:

 

 

Big thought, Trent has been found to have short arms, thought is this might cause him to drop to us.  The thought is that the short arms will isolate him into being a center only player.

[BBR]

4 minutes ago, Jungletiger said:

 

Big thought, Trent has been found to have short arms, thought is this might cause him to drop to us.  The thought is that the short arms will isolate him into being a center only player.

 

I think you mean Tyler Linderbaum instead of "Trent".  The only person participating in this years combine with the name of "Trent" is Trent McDuffie, DB, Washington.

 

I'm probably alone in this, but I'm hoping they manage to get Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State somehow (trade down from 1st or trade up from 2nd).  Fix the O-Line with vets this time around and use the young guys we've drafted recently as their backups while they continue to hopefully grow and get better.

[Jungletiger]

Yes, Trent

[Jungletiger]

 

[claptonrocks]

On 3/4/2022 at 4:10 PM, Jungletiger said:

 

Big thought, Trent has been found to have short arms, thought is this might cause him to drop to us.  The thought is that the short arms will isolate him into being a center only player.

Very short arms indeed ..

He should drop some due to it.

If he's there at 31 I'd still take him..

 

His overall ability outweighs the length issue.

Hes a rocket off the snap and a second level blocker...

 

 

 

 

 

[Jungletiger]

31. Tyler Smith

The guy doing the mock, his name is bengal...

 

 

 

[snarkster]

On 3/1/2022 at 5:03 PM, Jungletiger said:

31. Zion Johson

 

 

Would love him.  The guy who looks most likely to step in as a day one starter, IMO,  Unfortunately, had a good day at the combine (may have jumped Green & Linderbaum as top IOC) and will probably be long gone by 31.  Penning is now flirting with a Top 15 (if not Top 10) slot as well.

[snarkster]

12 hours ago, Jungletiger said:

31. Tyler Smith

The guy doing the mock, his name is bengal...

 

Could well be he is the top remaining OLine prospect left at 31.  I've seen mocks that had eight or nine OL's (including him) going before we pick.

 

 

[Jungletiger]

 

[spicoli]

 

[membengal]

Improved on his second pass to 4.47. He's going top 10. 

[spicoli]

2 minutes ago, membengal said:

Improved on his second pass to 4.47. He's going top 10. 

 

100%

[|BlackJesus|]

The 8 OL that the Bengals met with at the Combine 

 

Bengals meetings with offensive linemen at scouting combine tracker

Chris Roling and Bill Riccette 

 

March 5, 2022 10:03 am ET

 

The Cincinnati Bengals, as expected, put in big work with offensive linemen during this year’s scouting combine in Indianapolis.

 

While many meetings with prospects are just due diligence, record of a meeting is a pretty good indication the team is at least working on the area and will be prepared for any scenario during the draft itself.

 

So far, the list of known meetings between players and the Bengals ranges across the spectrum for prospects, including guys projected to go as high as the top 10 and as low as the middle rounds.

 

As of this writing, these are the offensive line prospects the Bengals have met with at the combine.

Daniel Faalele, T, Minnesota

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Stats: 6’8″, 384 pounds

Projected: 1-2 Round

Cade Mays, G, Tennessee

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Stats: 6’5″, 311 pounds

Projected: Late

Vederian Lowe, T, Illinois

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Stats: 6’5″, 314 pounds

Projected: Late

 

Zion Johnson, G, Boston College

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Stats: 6’3″, 312 pounds

Projected: Round 1

Bernhard Raimann, T, Central Michigan

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Stats: 6’6″, 303 pounds

Projected: Round 1-2

Jamaree Salyer, G, Georgia

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Stats: 6’3″, 321 pounds

Projected: Mid-rounds

Sean Rhyan, G, UCLA

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Stats: 6’5″, 321 pounds

Projected: Mid-rounds

Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Stats: 6’2″, 296 pounds

Projected: Top 20

 

https://bengalswire.usatoday.com/lists/bengals-meetings-offensive-linemen-scouting-combine-tracker/

[membengal]

 

[Jungletiger]

 

[I_C_Deadpeople]

21 hours ago, membengal said:

 

On Siruis NFL radio today, Pat Kirwan said "yeah, lots of guys run fast at the Combine but lots of them are also bad football players" . LOL

[membengal]

I don't think the latter applies to Woolen. He can play. 

[|High School Harry|]

1 hour ago, I_C_Deadpeople said:

On Siruis NFL radio today, Pat Kirwan said "yeah, lots of guys run fast at the Combine but lots of them are also bad football players" . LOL

John Ross approves this post.

[|High School Harry|]

FWIW... Another mock, another thought...

The Sports Drop (who?)

https://thesportsdrop.com/nfl-mock-draft-2022/?utm_source=yahoo&utm_campaign=HW_EDSFY_NFL_Mock_Draft_2022_4.0_R3_1&utm_medium=HOMEPAGE_US|c&tsd=gallery-tude

 

Pick 4 Jets OT Evan Neal Alabama

Pick 5 Giants OT Ikem Ekwonu NC State

Pick 6 Panthers OT Charles Cross Mississippi State

Pick 7 C Giants Tyler Linderbaum Iowa

Pick 19 Eagles OT Kenyon Green Texas A&M

Pick 26 Titans OT Daniel Faalene Minnesota

Pick 29 Dolphins OT Bernhard Raimann Central Michigan

Pick 30 Chiefs OG Zion Johnson Boston College

 

Pick 31 Bengals OT Nicholas Petit-Frere Ohio State

 

Dunno.  Just throwing it ut there for gits and shiggles.

A run of 8 OL before out pick.

I'm thinking not likely but I don't think I've seen Petit-Frere's name linked

to the Bengals.  If those eight guy go before the Bengals pick, I would trade down.

 

 

[membengal]

0.0% chance they take Petit-Frere in round one. That’s a bad mock.

[|High School Harry|]

18 minutes ago, membengal said:

0.0% chance they take Petit-Frere in round one. That’s a bad mock.

True Dat 👆🏼

 

Two players not to overlook when considering the 2022 Bengals are

Joseph Ossai (Edge) and D'Andre Smith (OT) both coming off IR

who could make a big impact besides/not counting free agents and the draft.

[snarkster]

2 hours ago, High School Harry said:

FWIW... Another mock, another thought...

The Sports Drop (who?)

https://thesportsdrop.com/nfl-mock-draft-2022/?utm_source=yahoo&utm_campaign=HW_EDSFY_NFL_Mock_Draft_2022_4.0_R3_1&utm_medium=HOMEPAGE_US|c&tsd=gallery-tude

 

Pick 4 Jets OT Evan Neal Alabama

Pick 5 Giants OT Ikem Ekwonu NC State

Pick 6 Panthers OT Charles Cross Mississippi State

Pick 7 C Giants Tyler Linderbaum Iowa

Pick 19 Eagles OT Kenyon Green Texas A&M

Pick 26 Titans OT Daniel Faalene Minnesota

Pick 29 Dolphins OT Bernhard Raimann Central Michigan

Pick 30 Chiefs OG Zion Johnson Boston College

 

Pick 31 Bengals OT Nicholas Petit-Frere Ohio State

 

Dunno.  Just throwing it ut there for gits and shiggles.

A run of 8 OL before out pick.

I'm thinking not likely but I don't think I've seen Petit-Frere's name linked

to the Bengals.  If those eight guy go before the Bengals pick, I would trade down.

 

 

In that scenario, I'd seriously consider looking at trading the pick for a vet OT.  I'd try to have the outline of a deal ready before the Draft, just in case.  If it falls like that and they have to have an OL, Tyler Smith (Tulsa) might be there next bet (possibly after trading down a few slots).  After that?  Sean Rhyan (UCLA)?

[I_C_Deadpeople]

 

Dane Brugler NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Post-NFL Combine buzz puts Travon Walker, Ahmad Gardner and Trevor Penning in top six

Dane Brugler 2h ago 56 

The NFL Scouting Combine is one of the best weeks of the year, not just because of what happens on the field, but more importantly the information gathered through conversations away from Lucas Oil Stadium.

Who are teams meeting with? Which players have teams already eliminated from their draft board? What do teams expect other teams to do in the draft?

We might not get all the answers, but there is no shortage of buzz from informed sources about the possibilities. The dot-connecting will continue as free agency plays out over the next few weeks, but if the draft happened today, this is how I could see the first two rounds shaking out.

First Round

1. Jacksonville Jaguars — Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
No change at the top in this update. I received plenty of pushback when I put Ekwonu at No. 1 in my mock draft in January. But based on conversations at the combine, the NC State left tackle is absolutely in the mix for the Jaguars, with some around the league believing he is the favorite.

2. Detroit Lions — Aidan Hutchinson, edge, Michigan
Hutchinson didn’t do anything at the combine to hurt his draft standing as one of the best players in the class. While his 40-yard dash time was average, he led all front-seven defenders with a 6.73 three-cone and 4.15 short shuttle, which are both extraordinary numbers. To put those times in perspective, Von Miller posted a 6.70 three-cone, and Khalil Mack had a 4.18 short shuttle.

3. Houston Texans — Travon Walker, edge, Georgia
My No. 6 overall player entering the combine, Walker made a believer out of the doubters with his remarkable workout on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Texans are mid-rebuild, and the chance to add a high-upside pass rusher with length and athleticism fits what both Nick Caserio and Lovie Smith covet in a keystone draft pick.

4. New York Jets — Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
The Jets have drafted an offensive lineman in the first round each of the last two seasons, and they could make it three in a row if Neal or Ekwonu are on the board here. A starter at tackle and guard in college, Neal can be the plug-and-play right guard for New York as a rookie before eventually kicking outside as the long-term right tackle.

5. New York Giants — Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
In Joe Schoen’s first season as the assistant general manager in Buffalo, the Bills drafted cornerback Tre’Davious White in the first round. Now the general manager with the Giants, Schoen could follow a similar path with Gardner, who ran a 4.41 40-yard dash with his impressive size (6-3, 190 pounds, 33 1/2-arms).

6. Carolina Panthers — Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
It is no secret that the Panthers are looking to upgrade the offensive line, but the better question is do they see a lineman worthy of this pick? Although still raw in areas, Penning is an above-average athlete at 6-7 and 325 pounds with the competitive on-field temperament that fits what head coach Matt Rhule covets at the position.

7. New York Giants (from Chicago) — Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
With a pair of top-seven draft picks in his first year running the front office, Schoen will be looking to draft players that help establish the new culture. Cross lacks brute power, but his athletic movement patterns and outstanding hand exchange skills are why he is one of the best pass-blockers in the draft.

8. Atlanta Falcons — Kyle Hamilton, FS, Notre Dame
Last year in his first draft as the Falcons’ general manager, Terry Fontenot stuck to the best-player-available strategy and drafted Kyle Pitts, which was an immediate home run for the Falcons’ offense. If Fontenot follows the same philosophy this year, Hamilton’s athleticism, intelligence and versatility could be too enticing to pass up. A wide receiver like Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson also makes a lot of sense here, especially with the recent Calvin Ridley news.

9. Denver Broncos — Kayvon Thibodeaux, edge, Oregon
Does Thibodeaux fit the culture that George Paton is looking to build in Denver? I don’t know, but you can bet the Broncos will be doing their due diligence to find out. On the field, his disruptive traits are worthy of this high pick and would give Denver a pass rusher capable of filling the void left by Von Miller.

10. New York Jets (from Seattle) — Jermaine Johnson, edge, Florida State
We could see the first wide receiver off the board here as the Jets continue to build around their young quarterback. But general manager Joe Douglas always has his eyes on the trenches, and Johnson is an NFL-ready edge rusher who can torment quarterbacks and shut down the run.

11. Washington Commanders — Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
Washington will continue to explore quarterback trade options around the league, but if it strikes out and doesn’t address the position in free agency, this pick is where we might see the first quarterback off the board. Pickett would help the Commanders win games right away.

12. Minnesota Vikings — Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
With a new head coach and general manager in Minnesota, the Vikings could go in any number of directions here. Stingley remains a wild card in this draft class, but Minnesota would be an ideal landing spot, especially if fellow LSU alum Patrick Peterson stays put for another season to mentor him.

13. Cleveland Browns — Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
The Browns would be elated if no wide receiver is drafted in the top 12 picks, giving them the chance to pick their top-ranked player at arguably their largest position of need. Wilson, who clocked a 4.3 40-yard dash in Indianapolis, has only average size, but his ability to create space before and after the catch is what separates him in this class.

14. Baltimore Ravens — Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Some of the endurance and snap count questions are still there, but Davis’ performance at the combine basically locked him into the draft’s top 20 picks. The Ravens will have some defensive line turnover this offseason, and Davis gives them a young building block in the middle of their front.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (from Miami) — Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
The sub-30 inch arms are far from ideal and could break a tie if teams have him closely ranked with Sauce Gardner or Derek Stingley on their cornerback board. Nonetheless, he is a top-tier athlete with inside-outside versatility and the football intelligence that makes him an immediate NFL starter.

16. Philadelphia Eagles (from Indianapolis) — George Karlaftis, edge, Purdue
With three selections in the top 20 and pass rusher being the strength of this draft class, it would be a shock if the Eagles don’t draft an edge defender in the first round. Karlaftis plays with outstanding lower body explosion, motor and hand skills that will translate well to the pro game.

17. Los Angeles Chargers — David Ojabo, edge, Michigan
Even if the Chargers franchise tag Mike Williams, wide receiver will be in play here. But the organization also wants to get better on the defensive line, and it is always smart to bet on high-upside pass rushers like Ojabo who show natural pass rush instincts even with their relative inexperience.

18. New Orleans Saints — Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Obviously with a new head coach and an unsettled quarterback situation, the Saints are very much a wild-card team when it comes to the quarterback carousel this offseason. Teams seem split on the timeline of when Willis will be ready for steady NFL playing time, but the high-ceiling tools are enticing.

19. Philadelphia Eagles — Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
The Nick Sirianni-led offense prioritizes technically proficient receivers who are where they need to be at the exact moment they need to be there. That description fits Olave like a glove. He is as smooth as they come with his routes and timing while also offering the 4.3 speed to keep the coverage honest.

20. Pittsburgh Stealers — Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College
If the Stealers bypass quarterback in the first round, offensive line seems like the next most likely position the team will address. Along with his above-average tape and résumé, Johnson has crushed every step of the draft process with a standout Senior Bowl and combine. He would be an immediate plug-and-play starter.

21. New England Patriots — Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
Fans will be clamoring for a wide receiver here, but the Patriots have several holes to fill at linebacker, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Bill Belichick prefers the defender in this scenario. Although his combine performance was closer to average than above average, Lloyd’s tape and production are both well above average.

22. Las Vegas Raiders — Drake London, WR, USC
Stylistically, London is very similar to Bryan Edwards, who is already on the Raiders’ roster. But above all, Las Vegas will be looking for playmakers who can help move the chains, and that is what London offers, even if he doesn’t light up the stopwatch at his pro day next month.

23. Arizona Cardinals — Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
With their needs, defensive line is a position the Cardinals could address in free agency and early in the draft. Although Jordan Davis’ workout led the headlines, Wyatt also had a standout combine performance, leading all interior defensive linemen with a 4.77 40-yard dash at 304 pounds.

24. Dallas Cowboys — Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
The Cowboys’ No. 1 goal this offseason: Make the offense more explosive. Amari Cooper will not be with the team much longer, and Burks might be too talented to pass on here. The fact that he is from Jerry Jones’ and Stephen Jones’ alma mater is just a bonus.

25. Buffalo Bills — Bernhard Raimann, OT/G, Central Michigan
Adding offensive line depth is never a bad plan, and Raimann has skill set that should fit interchangeably at tackle and guard. He is older than ideal (will be a 25-year-old rookie), but the former tight end has terrific athleticism and awareness that will immediately strengthen the Bills’ offense.

26. Tennessee Titans — Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Even with his recent ACL injury, Williams has no business falling this far in the first round, although Tennessee won’t be upset to see it. He has the elite-level speed that changes how opponents defend you and would help take attention away from AJ Brown and the Titans’ run game.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M
The surprise retirement of Ali Marpet created another hole for the Buccaneers to fill this offseason. Although he offers multi-position versatility, Green is best at guard where he can step in and be a starter from day one.

28. Green Bay Packers — Travis Jones, DT, Connecticut
It would be easy to overlook Jones playing for a program like UConn, but he has made it impossible for anyone to miss him throughout the draft process. He was nearly unblockable at the Senior Bowl and continued that momentum at the combine, crushing the position drills and posting outstanding numbers (4.92 40-yard dash, 7.33 three-cone drill) at 325 pounds.

29. Miami Dolphins (from San Francisco) — Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
The Dolphins need upgrades on the offensive line but also on defense, where they ranked in the bottom five in the league last season in explosive runs allowed. At 5-11 with sub-32 inch arms, Dean won’t be for everyone, especially in the first round. But his athleticism, toughness and football IQ would be welcomed in Miami.

30. Kansas City Chiefs — Lewis Cine, FS, Georgia
With Tyrann Mathieu expected to hit the open market, the Chiefs will be looking to bolster their secondary this offseason. Cine has average ball skills, but he is an enforcer vs. the run with the athleticism in coverage to make plays. He reminds me of Xavier McKinney as a prospect.

31. Cincinnati Bengals — Tyler Linderbaum, OC, Iowa
No player has a wider variance of where he could be drafted than Linderbaum. Arguably one of the 15 best players in this draft, the former defensive lineman is a center only with below-average length and scheme versatility, which will limit his landing spots in round one. But he would be an absolute steal at this point in the draft for the Bengals.

32. Detroit Lions (from Los Angeles) — Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
A quarterback at No. 2 overall would be a surprise, but not as much if the Lions take a passer here. The Lions have been doing their homework on several quarterbacks in this class, including a formal meeting with Ridder at the combine. With Jared Goff the starter in 2022, the Lions would be able to develop Ridder at his own pace instead of forcing him into immediate action.

Second Round

33. Jacksonville Jaguars — Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
34. Detroit Lions — Daxton Hill, CB/S, Michigan
35. New York Jets — Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
36. New York Giants — Boye Mafe, edge, Minnesota
37. Houston Texans — Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
38. New York Jets (from Carolina) — Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson
39. Chicago Bears — George Pickens, WR, Georgia
40. Denver Broncos — Darian Kinnard, RT, Kentucky
41. Seattle Seahawks — Tyler Smith, OT/G, Tulsa
42. Washington Commanders — Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
43. Atlanta Falcons — Arnold Ebiketie, edge, Penn State
44. Cleveland Browns — Logan Hall, DL, Houston
45. Baltimore Ravens — Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota
46. Minnesota Vikings — Drake Jackson, edge, USC
47. Indianapolis Colts — Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
48. Los Angeles Chargers — Perrion Winfrey, DL, Oklahoma
49. New Orleans Saints — Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan
50. Miami Dolphins — Kenneth Walker, RB, Michigan State
51. Philadelphia Eagles — Christian Harris, LB, Alabama
52. Pittsburgh Stealers — Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
53. Las Vegas Raiders — DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M
54. New England Patriots — John Metchie, WR, Alabama
55. Arizona Cardinals — Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
56. Dallas Cowboys — Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming
57. Buffalo Bills — Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA
58. Atlanta Falcons (from Tennessee) — Jalen Tolbert, South Alabama
59. Green Bay Packers — Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State
60. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
61. San Francisco 49ers — Jaquan Brisker, SS, Penn State
62. Kansas City Chiefs — Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
63. Cincinnati Bengals — Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State
64. Denver Broncos (from Los Angeles) — Jalen Pitre, FS/NB, Baylor

[snarkster]

16 hours ago, I_C_Deadpeople said:

 

Dane Brugler NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Post-NFL Combine buzz puts Travon Walker, Ahmad Gardner and Trevor Penning in top six

Dane Brugler 2h ago 56 

The NFL Scouting Combine is one of the best weeks of the year, not just because of what happens on the field, but more importantly the information gathered through conversations away from Lucas Oil Stadium.

Who are teams meeting with? Which players have teams already eliminated from their draft board? What do teams expect other teams to do in the draft?

We might not get all the answers, but there is no shortage of buzz from informed sources about the possibilities. The dot-connecting will continue as free agency plays out over the next few weeks, but if the draft happened today, this is how I could see the first two rounds shaking out.

First Round

1. Jacksonville Jaguars — Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
No change at the top in this update. I received plenty of pushback when I put Ekwonu at No. 1 in my mock draft in January. But based on conversations at the combine, the NC State left tackle is absolutely in the mix for the Jaguars, with some around the league believing he is the favorite.

2. Detroit Lions — Aidan Hutchinson, edge, Michigan
Hutchinson didn’t do anything at the combine to hurt his draft standing as one of the best players in the class. While his 40-yard dash time was average, he led all front-seven defenders with a 6.73 three-cone and 4.15 short shuttle, which are both extraordinary numbers. To put those times in perspective, Von Miller posted a 6.70 three-cone, and Khalil Mack had a 4.18 short shuttle.

3. Houston Texans — Travon Walker, edge, Georgia
My No. 6 overall player entering the combine, Walker made a believer out of the doubters with his remarkable workout on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Texans are mid-rebuild, and the chance to add a high-upside pass rusher with length and athleticism fits what both Nick Caserio and Lovie Smith covet in a keystone draft pick.

4. New York Jets — Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
The Jets have drafted an offensive lineman in the first round each of the last two seasons, and they could make it three in a row if Neal or Ekwonu are on the board here. A starter at tackle and guard in college, Neal can be the plug-and-play right guard for New York as a rookie before eventually kicking outside as the long-term right tackle.

5. New York Giants — Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
In Joe Schoen’s first season as the assistant general manager in Buffalo, the Bills drafted cornerback Tre’Davious White in the first round. Now the general manager with the Giants, Schoen could follow a similar path with Gardner, who ran a 4.41 40-yard dash with his impressive size (6-3, 190 pounds, 33 1/2-arms).

6. Carolina Panthers — Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
It is no secret that the Panthers are looking to upgrade the offensive line, but the better question is do they see a lineman worthy of this pick? Although still raw in areas, Penning is an above-average athlete at 6-7 and 325 pounds with the competitive on-field temperament that fits what head coach Matt Rhule covets at the position.

7. New York Giants (from Chicago) — Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
With a pair of top-seven draft picks in his first year running the front office, Schoen will be looking to draft players that help establish the new culture. Cross lacks brute power, but his athletic movement patterns and outstanding hand exchange skills are why he is one of the best pass-blockers in the draft.

8. Atlanta Falcons — Kyle Hamilton, FS, Notre Dame
Last year in his first draft as the Falcons’ general manager, Terry Fontenot stuck to the best-player-available strategy and drafted Kyle Pitts, which was an immediate home run for the Falcons’ offense. If Fontenot follows the same philosophy this year, Hamilton’s athleticism, intelligence and versatility could be too enticing to pass up. A wide receiver like Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson also makes a lot of sense here, especially with the recent Calvin Ridley news.

9. Denver Broncos — Kayvon Thibodeaux, edge, Oregon
Does Thibodeaux fit the culture that George Paton is looking to build in Denver? I don’t know, but you can bet the Broncos will be doing their due diligence to find out. On the field, his disruptive traits are worthy of this high pick and would give Denver a pass rusher capable of filling the void left by Von Miller.

10. New York Jets (from Seattle) — Jermaine Johnson, edge, Florida State
We could see the first wide receiver off the board here as the Jets continue to build around their young quarterback. But general manager Joe Douglas always has his eyes on the trenches, and Johnson is an NFL-ready edge rusher who can torment quarterbacks and shut down the run.

11. Washington Commanders — Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
Washington will continue to explore quarterback trade options around the league, but if it strikes out and doesn’t address the position in free agency, this pick is where we might see the first quarterback off the board. Pickett would help the Commanders win games right away.

12. Minnesota Vikings — Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
With a new head coach and general manager in Minnesota, the Vikings could go in any number of directions here. Stingley remains a wild card in this draft class, but Minnesota would be an ideal landing spot, especially if fellow LSU alum Patrick Peterson stays put for another season to mentor him.

13. Cleveland Browns — Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
The Browns would be elated if no wide receiver is drafted in the top 12 picks, giving them the chance to pick their top-ranked player at arguably their largest position of need. Wilson, who clocked a 4.3 40-yard dash in Indianapolis, has only average size, but his ability to create space before and after the catch is what separates him in this class.

14. Baltimore Ravens — Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Some of the endurance and snap count questions are still there, but Davis’ performance at the combine basically locked him into the draft’s top 20 picks. The Ravens will have some defensive line turnover this offseason, and Davis gives them a young building block in the middle of their front.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (from Miami) — Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
The sub-30 inch arms are far from ideal and could break a tie if teams have him closely ranked with Sauce Gardner or Derek Stingley on their cornerback board. Nonetheless, he is a top-tier athlete with inside-outside versatility and the football intelligence that makes him an immediate NFL starter.

16. Philadelphia Eagles (from Indianapolis) — George Karlaftis, edge, Purdue
With three selections in the top 20 and pass rusher being the strength of this draft class, it would be a shock if the Eagles don’t draft an edge defender in the first round. Karlaftis plays with outstanding lower body explosion, motor and hand skills that will translate well to the pro game.

17. Los Angeles Chargers — David Ojabo, edge, Michigan
Even if the Chargers franchise tag Mike Williams, wide receiver will be in play here. But the organization also wants to get better on the defensive line, and it is always smart to bet on high-upside pass rushers like Ojabo who show natural pass rush instincts even with their relative inexperience.

18. New Orleans Saints — Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Obviously with a new head coach and an unsettled quarterback situation, the Saints are very much a wild-card team when it comes to the quarterback carousel this offseason. Teams seem split on the timeline of when Willis will be ready for steady NFL playing time, but the high-ceiling tools are enticing.

19. Philadelphia Eagles — Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
The Nick Sirianni-led offense prioritizes technically proficient receivers who are where they need to be at the exact moment they need to be there. That description fits Olave like a glove. He is as smooth as they come with his routes and timing while also offering the 4.3 speed to keep the coverage honest.

20. Pittsburgh Stealers — Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College
If the Stealers bypass quarterback in the first round, offensive line seems like the next most likely position the team will address. Along with his above-average tape and résumé, Johnson has crushed every step of the draft process with a standout Senior Bowl and combine. He would be an immediate plug-and-play starter.

21. New England Patriots — Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
Fans will be clamoring for a wide receiver here, but the Patriots have several holes to fill at linebacker, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Bill Belichick prefers the defender in this scenario. Although his combine performance was closer to average than above average, Lloyd’s tape and production are both well above average.

22. Las Vegas Raiders — Drake London, WR, USC
Stylistically, London is very similar to Bryan Edwards, who is already on the Raiders’ roster. But above all, Las Vegas will be looking for playmakers who can help move the chains, and that is what London offers, even if he doesn’t light up the stopwatch at his pro day next month.

23. Arizona Cardinals — Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
With their needs, defensive line is a position the Cardinals could address in free agency and early in the draft. Although Jordan Davis’ workout led the headlines, Wyatt also had a standout combine performance, leading all interior defensive linemen with a 4.77 40-yard dash at 304 pounds.

24. Dallas Cowboys — Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
The Cowboys’ No. 1 goal this offseason: Make the offense more explosive. Amari Cooper will not be with the team much longer, and Burks might be too talented to pass on here. The fact that he is from Jerry Jones’ and Stephen Jones’ alma mater is just a bonus.

25. Buffalo Bills — Bernhard Raimann, OT/G, Central Michigan
Adding offensive line depth is never a bad plan, and Raimann has skill set that should fit interchangeably at tackle and guard. He is older than ideal (will be a 25-year-old rookie), but the former tight end has terrific athleticism and awareness that will immediately strengthen the Bills’ offense.

26. Tennessee Titans — Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Even with his recent ACL injury, Williams has no business falling this far in the first round, although Tennessee won’t be upset to see it. He has the elite-level speed that changes how opponents defend you and would help take attention away from AJ Brown and the Titans’ run game.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M
The surprise retirement of Ali Marpet created another hole for the Buccaneers to fill this offseason. Although he offers multi-position versatility, Green is best at guard where he can step in and be a starter from day one.

28. Green Bay Packers — Travis Jones, DT, Connecticut
It would be easy to overlook Jones playing for a program like UConn, but he has made it impossible for anyone to miss him throughout the draft process. He was nearly unblockable at the Senior Bowl and continued that momentum at the combine, crushing the position drills and posting outstanding numbers (4.92 40-yard dash, 7.33 three-cone drill) at 325 pounds.

29. Miami Dolphins (from San Francisco) — Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
The Dolphins need upgrades on the offensive line but also on defense, where they ranked in the bottom five in the league last season in explosive runs allowed. At 5-11 with sub-32 inch arms, Dean won’t be for everyone, especially in the first round. But his athleticism, toughness and football IQ would be welcomed in Miami.

30. Kansas City Chiefs — Lewis Cine, FS, Georgia
With Tyrann Mathieu expected to hit the open market, the Chiefs will be looking to bolster their secondary this offseason. Cine has average ball skills, but he is an enforcer vs. the run with the athleticism in coverage to make plays. He reminds me of Xavier McKinney as a prospect.

31. Cincinnati Bengals — Tyler Linderbaum, OC, Iowa
No player has a wider variance of where he could be drafted than Linderbaum. Arguably one of the 15 best players in this draft, the former defensive lineman is a center only with below-average length and scheme versatility, which will limit his landing spots in round one. But he would be an absolute steal at this point in the draft for the Bengals.

32. Detroit Lions (from Los Angeles) — Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
A quarterback at No. 2 overall would be a surprise, but not as much if the Lions take a passer here. The Lions have been doing their homework on several quarterbacks in this class, including a formal meeting with Ridder at the combine. With Jared Goff the starter in 2022, the Lions would be able to develop Ridder at his own pace instead of forcing him into immediate action.

Second Round

33. Jacksonville Jaguars — Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
34. Detroit Lions — Daxton Hill, CB/S, Michigan
35. New York Jets — Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
36. New York Giants — Boye Mafe, edge, Minnesota
37. Houston Texans — Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
38. New York Jets (from Carolina) — Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson
39. Chicago Bears — George Pickens, WR, Georgia
40. Denver Broncos — Darian Kinnard, RT, Kentucky
41. Seattle Seahawks — Tyler Smith, OT/G, Tulsa
42. Washington Commanders — Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
43. Atlanta Falcons — Arnold Ebiketie, edge, Penn State
44. Cleveland Browns — Logan Hall, DL, Houston
45. Baltimore Ravens — Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota
46. Minnesota Vikings — Drake Jackson, edge, USC
47. Indianapolis Colts — Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
48. Los Angeles Chargers — Perrion Winfrey, DL, Oklahoma
49. New Orleans Saints — Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan
50. Miami Dolphins — Kenneth Walker, RB, Michigan State
51. Philadelphia Eagles — Christian Harris, LB, Alabama
52. Pittsburgh Stealers — Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
53. Las Vegas Raiders — DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M
54. New England Patriots — John Metchie, WR, Alabama
55. Arizona Cardinals — Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
56. Dallas Cowboys — Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming
57. Buffalo Bills — Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA
58. Atlanta Falcons (from Tennessee) — Jalen Tolbert, South Alabama
59. Green Bay Packers — Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State
60. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn
61. San Francisco 49ers — Jaquan Brisker, SS, Penn State
62. Kansas City Chiefs — Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
63. Cincinnati Bengals — Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State
64. Denver Broncos (from Los Angeles) — Jalen Pitre, FS/NB, Baylor

I certainly won't cry over Linderbaum at 31, but we're likely (probably) gonna add a guard & center in the Free Agency.  Tackle would be out biggest need (and good ones are the hardest OLines to fine).  I'd probably go with Tyler Smith here (G/T versatility, mean streak).  I'm liking Lucas in the 2nd.  I'd be more than fine though with Linderbaum and two vet OG Fa's flanking him (Tomlinson & Norwood/Cappa?).

 

Also, would be building some interesting young OLine depth with TSmith, DSmith, Carman, Lucas, Adeniji, Hill...  Make the young'uns force their way into a starting spot.