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 Jaguars
Aidan Hutchinson, edge, Michigan
I 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.
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2. Detroit Lions
Kayvon Thibodeaux, edge, Oregon
Hutchinson 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 Texans
Ikem Ekwonu, offensive tackle, North Carolina State
The 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 Jets
Kyle Hamilton, safety, Notre Dame
The 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.
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5. New York Giants
Evan Neal, offensive tackle, Alabama
New 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 Panthers
Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
The 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 Giants
Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
The 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 Falcons
Jermaine Johnson, edge, Florida State
I 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 Seahawks
Travon Walker, edge, Georgia
Pete 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 Jets
David Ojabo, edge, Michigan
Five edge rushers in the top 10 may be a bit aggressive, but that’s where the strength lies in this draft.
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11. Washington Commanders
Derek Stingley Jr., cornerback, LSU
Martin Mayhew knows good cornerbacks when he sees them. He won’t pass on Stingley, despite the injury history.
12. Minnesota Vikings
Devin Lloyd, linebacker, Utah
Lloyd has a little Anthony Barr in him. He can rush, play coverage and he would energize an old Vikings defense.
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13. Cleveland Browns
Drake London, wide receiver, USC
If not London, one of the Ohio State receivers would make plenty of sense here.
14. Baltimore Ravens
Charlie Cross, offensive tackle, Mississippi State
I 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 Eagles
Devonte Wyatt, defensive tackle, Georgia
Fletcher Cox can’t stay dominant forever. Wyatt would be the perfect apprentice.
16. Philadelphia Eagles
Nakobe Dean, linebacker, Georgia
Back-to-back Bulldogs does a defense good.
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17. Los Angeles Chargers
Jordan Davis, defensive tackle, Georgia
The star of the NFL combine would fill a sizable need in the middle of the Chargers defensive line.
18. New Orleans Saints
Kenny Pickett, quarterback, Pitt
Pickett 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 Eagles
Tyler Linderbaum, center, Iowa
Jason 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 Steelers
Matt Corral, quarterback, Ole Miss
If 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 Patriots
Garrett Wilson, wide receiver, Ohio State
Mac Jones needs weapons to compete with the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East.
22. Las Vegas Raiders
George Karlaftis, edge, Purdue
A partner in crime for Maxx Crosby on the edge.
23. Arizona Cardinals
Trent McDuffie, cornerback, Washington
McDuffie 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 Cowboys
Dax Hill, safety, Michigan
Hill 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.
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25. Buffalo Bills
Jameson Williams, wide receiver, Alabama
The 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 Titans
Trevor Penning, offensive tackle, Northern Iowa
The Titans whiffed on Isaiah Wilson in 2020, but can’t be shy about taking another offensive lineman here.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Andrew Booth Jr., cornerback, Clemson
If the Bucs keep Carlton Davis, they can use this pick to fortify the trenches.
28. Green Bay Packers
Chris Olave, wide receiver, Ohio State
This one gets Aaron Rodgers’ seal of approval.
29. Miami Dolphins
Quay Walker, linebacker, Georgia
If 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.
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30. Kansas City Chiefs
Treylon Burks, wide receiver, Arkansas
Burks 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 Bengals
Kenyon Green, offensive lineman, Texas A&M
The Bengals must do a better job protecting Joe Burrow going forward.
32. Detroit Lions
Jaquan Brisker, safety, Penn State
There 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 2
33. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
The Jaguars start Day 2 by getting a weapon for Trevor Lawrence.
34. Detroit Lions
Damone Clark, LB, LSU
Defense, 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 dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.