With the NFL draft finally arriving, I will be doing my final mock draft of the year. Despite doing two already, there have been tons of draft stock shifts in the final weeks heading into Thursday night.
21. New England Patriots: WR Drake London, USC
As New England continues to attempt to build around the young Mac Jones, providing him a legitimate star wideout will go a long way in his development. London is considered to be the best wide receiver to plenty of draft analysts, and is a steal here at 21.
22. Green Bay Packers: WR Treylon Burks
Another team desperate for a WR1, Green Bay lucks out with Treylon Burks still on the board. Burks is a physical specimen and has quick feet for his size. Burks draws many comparisons to the Titans’ A.J. Brown, and will be a personal favorite of Aaron Rodgers if he develops into just that.
23. Arizona Cardinals: EDGE Nik Bonitto, Oklahoma
A possible surprise pick to many, Bonitto has a quiet cult following from many NFL scouts past and present, and is overlooked because of the defense he was on. Arizona is looking for a Chandler Jones replacement, as the sack artist left the team for the Las Vegas Raiders.
24. Dallas Cowboys: IOL Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa
Few interior linemen have won more awards during their college career, and he may be the safest pick in the entire draft. Linderbaum has the potential to provide the same impact to Dallas’ offensive line as Travis Fredrick.
25. Buffalo Bills: RB Breece Hall, Iowa State
Most analysts are skeptical at the idea of a running back being drafted in round one this year, but it is by far the biggest need on Buffalo’s roster. Hall is the best fit in the offense due to his elite receiving game and electrifying elusiveness.
26. Tennessee Titans: OT Bernhard Raimann, Central Michigan
The Titans have not found a serviceable right tackle since Jack Conklin left the team back in 2020. Despite playing in the MAC, Raimann is excelling in the post-draft process, and will be the first Central Michigan tackle to be drafted since Eric Fischer went first overall.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: IOL Kenyon Green, Texas A&M
After losing Alex Cappa and Ali Marpet this offseason, Tampa must address the interior offensive line in the draft. Kenyon Green dominated SEC play on a regular basis despite being lined up against a plethora of future NFL defensive linemen.
28. Green Bay Packers: Edge Boye Mafe, Minnesota
The final pass rusher of round one, Boye Mafe has recently shot up draft boards late in the process. After losing Za’Darius Smith in free agency, Green Bay can plug in the Minnesota product in the 3-4 scheme effortlessly.
29. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Christian Watson, NDSU
I struggled deciding which receiver the Chiefs should select here, but I ended up going with the FBS standout Christian Watson. He is a great combination of size and strength and has the mental tools to figure the offense of Andy Reid.
30. Kansas City Chiefs: S Dax Hill, Michigan
Despite the signing of Justin Reid, Kansas City still needs to make major upgrades in their secondary to make up for the loss of Tyran Matheiu. Hill is a proven cover corner who will surely get burnt less than Sorensen a year ago.
31. Cincinnati Bengals: CB Andrew Booth, Clemson
The Bengals need an outside cornerback better than Eli Apple, no way around it. Adding the Clemson standout can be beneficial for the team’s young secondary, despite injury concerns.
32. Detroit Lions: QB Matt Corral, Mississippi
With the final pick of the round, I have the Lions taking their next potential franchise quarterback in Matt Corral. Corral put up some of the best stats in all of college football despite playing in the toughest conference, and I am excited to see his giant arm on the NFL stage.
