Texas A&M

Somehow, the Bengals lost both defensive lineman in a short sequence last week. I think it becomes obvious what they need to draft with their first round pick. Shemar Stewart was a combine darling and will climb up mocks until the draft.

I also think that the Bengals front office is putting a bad message out there by wanting to extend Tee Higgins. This means that other players will not get paid. It is a luxury to have a premium WR2, and certainly not a need.

Alabama

This is a team with lukewarm talent, though the team is young. They haven't been in a position to grab a QB in the draft in recent years. Tyler Booker falls to the Seahawks here, who get good value here with their first round pick.

The Seahawks o-line was a bottom 5 unit last year and must improve, even if the team has no quarterback at the moment. If Darnold goes to Seattle, they will certainly need a better offensive line to reduce the number of ghosts that he sees.

Missouri

*TRADE* Cardinals trade pick #16 to Buccaneers for pick #19 and more.

Arizona grabs the next WR off the board to match with former Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. This will take some pressure off MHJ, who was always covered because of his gravity as a player and lack of receiving options on the Cardinals. Luther Burden is a speedster who could break open games with big gains. The Cardinals are not going anywhere with Kyler Murray, so whatever they do does not matter.

Miami

This tight end has a comp to Jimmy Graham, a good tight end who played for Sean Payton in New Orleans. The Broncos have one of the best and youngest defenses in the league; they could draft there, but it’s probably better to supplement Bo Nix’s success.

Having Russell Wilson's contract on the books has likely made Denver's front office and new ownership afraid to invest when so much of their spending money has already been wasted. This would not allow them to fill out an entire team and compete at the highest level.

Ohio State

The Steelers need some clarity on what their direction is going forward, particularly on offense. Najee Harris, Russell Wilson, and Justin Fields will be free agents. All three are pretty mediocre. They have an elite defense led by TJ Watt that will not last forever. Pittsburgh seems afraid to fail. Egbuka adds another target to move the ball and acts as a backup plan to fill a need in case George Pickens causes problems.

Missouri

*TRADE* Chiefs trade pick #31 and more to Chargers for pick #22.

The Chargers could not see a need to draft so high at pick 22 and trade out. The Chiefs need more offensive linemen to sustain the success they’d had. Joe Thuney was traded to the Bears and recent offensive tackle picks have not fully panned out. If Membou is still on the board in the 20s, I could definitely see someone trading up for him. He was seemingly the most athletic offensive lineman at the combine this year.

Florida State

The Packers have a lot of young talent on their defense. This pick bolsters that talent for a team that has a franchise QB-level contract. They'll need players on rookie contracts to contrast the inflated QB spending that the NFL has to offer. Jaire Alexander is likely gone from the Packers come next season. Thomas has great size for a corner and is only 20 years old.

Tennessee

James Pearce will fall from his relative skill ranking in the draft, but I doubt he’s still on the board in Day 2. A freak athlete that would fill a need for Minnesota’s defense. Minnesota's future is bright with a QB on a rookie deal, a good offensive line, a good defense, Justin Jefferson at receiver, and Kevin O'Connell at the helm.

Ohio State

The Texans need some help on the offensive line and they cut Shaq Mason this week. CJ Stroud needs to be protected for the team to succeed. Here, they pick for need and not for best player available. Luckily, Nick Caserio and the front office have had great success in recent offseasons.

Ohio State

The Rams build onto their young and talented defense with the best defensive tackle left on the board. Obviously, this position has been in need since Aaron Donald’s retirement. As Cooper Kupp will be gone before the draft via trade, there will be a need for a receiver to pair with Puka Nacua. The Rams need a long-term answer for QB, as Matt Stafford is nearing the end of his career. Maybe they'll draft one or maybe land one via free agency in the next couple years. The location of LA is going to be a draw to free agents.

North Dakota State

Grey Zabel projects as a player who can play multiple positions on the offensive line. Like the Chiefs, the Ravens will need to invest further in protecting their QB. The Ravens also need to open holes for Derrick Henry. Enabling the success of both players on offense is what gives the Ravens an advantage over their opponents.

Another pick for the Ravens here could be a defensive lineman. The Ravens defense was decent this past season, but did not fully live up to the potential they had. Part of this may be a lack of pressure from the defensive line. Kyle Van Noy somehow led the team in sacks this year (with 12.5, not bad KVN).

Notre Dame

As is Lions' law, they select the best player at a position of need. I love the Lions' recent drafts. They seem to get quality starters with each pick, and generally at good value. This pick could help to cement the Lions' secondary as the best in the league.

Ohio State

The Commies strike while the iron's hot to get a playmaker alongside their star QB Jayden Daniels. Brian Robinson is likely not an elite RB1, but a great RB2. With Austin Ekeler’s contract ending, the Commanders will need another RB to move the ball and score.

Georgia

Malaki Starks slips to the Bills and fills an immediate need for Buffalo. Though Starks did not have the measurements of Nick Emmanwori at the draft, he was said to have been the best and fastest player in secondary ball skills drills.

Really, Buffalo should look at their head coach situation. McDermott has not been able to get over the hump. I agree with Belichick's point that coaches should interview after the playoffs. The best teams cannot interview the best head coaching candidates if they're in the AFC Championship every year.

Texas

*TRADE* Chargers trade pick #22 to Chiefs for pick #31 and more.

The Chargers defense has been weak for a while. They have not had many stud cornerbacks in recent years. If the team wants to be successful, they'll need a balanced defensive attack to match the team's offensive output with Justin Herbert. This pick gets them a potential #1 corner for their team. They will also need to fill the gap at defensive end after Joey Bosa was released this week.

Marshall

The Eagles have few holes but will need to backfill Brandon Graham and maybe some linebackers in free agency. Mike Green comes from a somewhat small school, but projects to be a productive professional player. In 2-3 years, the Philadelphia defense may be one of the best of all time. All these dudes on rookie contracts. Book it. Not many trades in this mock, but free agency will likely clear up roster needs further.