Penn State

Mock Draft V3 Pick: Joey Porter Jr. (CB, Penn State)
Mock Draft V2 Pick: Broderick Jones (OT, Georgia)
Mock Draft V1 Pick: Will McDonald IV (EDGE, Iowa State)

I commonly mock the Steelers passing on a CB for BPA because traditionally, I have Witherspoon, Gonzalez and Porter Jr. all off the board. In this mock, Porter Jr. falls to Pittsburgh. The Steelers have a huge need at cornerback, so Joey Porter Jr. feels like a terrific pick - it would also be a heartwarming one, as his father played for the Steelers for the majority of his career.

Porter is instinctive and does a stellar job at avoiding separation from wide receivers, also possessing freakish length. Holding him back from the top-2 CB’s of Gonzalez and Witherspoon is lesser athleticism, but Porter is not a sub-par athlete by any means; just not an elite one. Either way, Porter seems destined to be a top-20 pick come April.

Other Options:

Devon Witherspoon (CB, Illinois), Christian Gonzalez (CB, Oregon), Deonte Banks (CB, Maryland) - I’d be surprised if Witherspoon or Gonzalez was available here, but far crazier things have happened. Deonte Banks is a very talented cornerback and would be a respectable backup option, even if this is probably his ceiling. Picking again at Pick. 32, they aren’t forced to take a corner here if the board doesn’t line up the way they want it to.

Will McDonald IV (EDGE, Iowa State), Myles Murphy (EDGE, Clemson) - I mocked McDonald to the Steelers last time around. They need more pass rush. Beyond Watt and Highsmith, they have nothing.

Darnell Wright (OT, Tennessee), Broderick Jones (OT, Georgia) - The Steelers have poured a lot of resources into their interior blocking, but their offensive tackle pairing is pretty weak. They’ll likely draft a tackle early.

Pittsburgh

Mock Draft V3 Pick: Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas)
Mock Draft V2 Pick: Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas)
Mock Draft V1 Pick: Calijah Kancey (DT, Pittsburgh)

This pick could easily be a cornerback such as Joey Porter Jr. or Deonte Banks. If they don’t take Bijan Robinson at No. 6, they could try to trade up with this pick, or take another Round 1 back in Jahmyr GIbbs. AS it stands, though, I currently have reverted back to Bijan Robinson at No. 6, and this draft has stellar CB depth for that final boundary piece they are missing. In the meantime, they could do with a better 3-tech option at DT. Levi Onwuzurike has been one of the only misses of this regime so far - due to injury more than ability - but could look to draft a interior pass rushing threat to go alongside quality nose tackle Alim McNeill.

If Kancey was heavier and 6-3, he’d be a lock for the top-10. As it stands, Kancey is undersized, but has amongst the best pass rushing profiles of any player in this class and for his size is adequate against the run. I think he'd be much better in a 4-3 with a traditional nose due to his limitations; he’d be dwarfed as a 3-4 end, which could also cause a slide. In the right defense, Kancey could be a truly dominant interior pass rusher.

Other Options:

Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas), Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, Alabama) - Robinson could slide to No. 18 because of the current attitude towards RB’s early. Jahmyr Gibbs would be a quality consolation prize. He’s basically a superior version of D’Andre Swift, so that fit would be nice.

Deonte Banks (CB, Maryland), Joey Porter Jr. (CB, Penn State) - If the Lions forgo a cornerback in the top-10, they could take one of the Tier 2 guys here. I like both prospects a lot, but Kancey’s IPR ability is more valuable.

Nolan Smith (EDGE, Georgia), Myles Murphy (EDGE, Clemson), Calijah Kancey (DT, Pittsburgh) - The Lions have a quality defensive line, but they could do with one more alpha. Lots of their depth is getting phased out over time under this regime, so I could see them adding one more premium pick at the position to give Hutchinson and Houston some breathing space. I also think Kancey would be an amazing fit here; had Robinson not been here, Kancey would have been my go to next option.

Georgia

Mock Draft V3 Pick: Broderick Jones (OT, Georgia)
Mock Draft V2 Pick: Will Levis (QB, Kentucky)
Mock Draft V1 Pick: Will Levis (QB, Kentucky)

Georgia

Mock Draft V3 Pick: Nolan Smith (EDGE, Georgia)
Mock Draft V2 Pick: Jordan Addison (WR, USC)
Mock Draft V1 Pick: Jordan Addison (WR, USC)

The Seahawks are in a nice spot with their 2nd selection, as they could take several players on defense, or a receiver with this pick. For now, I think that taking Jalen Carter at No. 5 would add fuel to them taking a stand up edge rusher here, as it’s a clear need. They have a couple of decent edge rushers, but no true alpha.

Smith was the star of the combine with his ridiculous athletic testing, and is rising as a prospect. On tape, Nolan Smith is a Day 2 prospect. He had solid moments, but overall disappointed last year. Some mocks have him going top-12, which feels a bit rich to me, but I think Smith would be a high upside option in the 20-32 range, so this would be decent value. Although not that productive, Smith is undeniably an athletic freak. He is insanely fast, and I think he’s versatile as a base 4-3 end or a 3-4 standup OLB. Some even speculate he could have a Micah Parsons-esque roll and play edge rusher in obvious passing downs, and move to off-ball in run scenarios. The Seahawks are a candidate to have use for such a player, as their linebacking corps isn’t what it used to be, and Bobby Wagner is past his prime.

Other Options:

Myles Murphy (EDGE, Clemson), Will McDonald IV (EDGE, Iowa State) - Some alternatives.

Jordan Addison (WR, USC), Quentin Johnston (WR, TCU), Zay Flowers (WR, Boston College) - Receiver is a serious consideration here, in my opinion.

Deonte Banks (CB, Maryland) - I nearly mocked the Seahawks Banks. They could do with a boundary corner to pair with star in the making Tariq Woolen.

TCU

Mock Draft V2 Pick: Brian Branch (S/CB, Alabama)
Mock Draft V2 Pick: Brian Branch (S/CB, Alabama)
Mock Draft V1 Pick: Brian Branch (S/CB, Alabama)

I’ve exclusively mocked the Chargers Brian Branch at this point, and that would still be a quality pick. However, the Chargers’ receiving group isn’t built to last. Keenan Allen’s days appear numbered due to salary, age and injuries, and Mike Williams is a frustrating player who has been extremely good in patches but overall hasn’t quite lived up to his potential (also injury prone). The Chargers’ reportedly want to add to their offensive weaponry, and Johnston is my best player available.

In my opinion, Johnston would be the best option at No. 12 to the Texans and at No. 14 to the Patriots, so this would be outstanding value. Like the cornerbacks earlier, the receivers could find themselves in for a slide if they are not taken in either/or spot - short of a trade-up - because the WR needy teams are largely picking in the 20’s. Quentin Johnston, who different outlets seem to either love, is my WR1 still. Johnston has by far the best physical traits for a future WR1 in this draft in my opinion. Scouts reportedly are raving about Johnson’s physical and mental ability. He needs to be more consistent, but if he plays to his skill-set, Johnston can be an elite NFL receiver.

Other Options:

Brian Branch (S/CB, Alabama) - As frequently projected, I love this fit. Quentin Johnston wins out due to positional value and being slightly higher on my big board, though.

Will McDonald IV (EDGE, Iowa State), Nolan Smith (EDGE, Georgia) - Some pass rush options. I think pass rush is a sneaky need for Los Angeles, and would have probably mocked Will McDonald IV here if available. Joey Bosa is very injury prone, and Mack has a huge contract the Chargers likely won’t be able to roster for too long. Their depth beyond them is very mediocre.

Dalton Kincaid (TE, Utah), Michael Mayer (TE, Notre Dame), Sam LaPorta (TE, Iowa), Darnell Washington (TE, Georgia) - These are the 4 tight ends I see as possible 1st rounders. All of them are within 8 spots on my big board, and all have different strengths and weaknesses. The Chargers could do with a better pass catching threat at tight end.

Boston College

Mock Draft V1 Pick: Quentin Johnston (WR, TCU)
Mock Draft V1 Pick: Zay Flowers (WR, Boston College)
Mock Draft V1 Pick: Zay Flowers (WR, Boston College)

Outside of perhaps the New York Giants, the Ravens have the worst receiving corps in the NFL and outside of the oft-injured Rashod Bateman (who I think is also more of a No. 2 receiver) desperately need to make an upgrade with the best receiver available. Odell Beckham helps, but he’s a complete gamble at this point in his career.

Zay Flowers to the Ravens is one of the cleanest Round 1 matches in the draft, and it makes a world of sense. Flowers is amongst my biggest draft crushes in this draft, with game-breaking speed and excellent tape amidst weak quarterbacking at Boston College from ‘21-’22. He’s a terrific prospect who would allow Lamar Jackson to finally use his underrated skill-set as a passer and stretch the field more post-Greg Roman.

Other Options:

Quentin Johnston, (WR, TCU), Jordan Addison (WR, USC), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, Ohio State) - - Alternatives. I think it's unrealistic to expect Johnston or JSN to slide here, but stranger things have happened. This WR class has no consensus, and they could go in any order.

Deonte Banks (CB, Maryland) - It would not shock me at all if the Ravens forewent WR in the opening round. They need another boundary corner now that Marcus Peters is no longer on the roster.

Trade Up for a Quarterback - I think Lamar Jackson and the Ravens will work things out, but this is the least confident I’ve ever been about that.

Maryland

Mock Draft V3 Pick: Deonte Banks (CB, Maryland)
Mock Draft V2 Pick: Deonte Banks (CB, Maryland)
Mock Draft V1 Pick: Deonte Banks (CB, Maryland)

Sorry for being boring on this one, but if he’s not gone, this feels like another great fit. The Vikings invested heavily in their secondary in the draft, but neither Lewis Cine nor Andrew Booth Jr. made meaningful contributions due to injury and depth chart placement. Even if both ball out in ‘23, they need more secondary help. Their rostered CB’s are more backup caliber players, Harrison Smith is a potential cap casualty at safety, and Patrick Peterson - their only viable starting CB last year - left in free agency.

Deonte Banks - my 4th rated corner behind the consensus top-3 - could go a long way in solving this woe. Banks wasn’t a huge name even at the conclusion of the ‘22 season, but has been dramatically climbing up draft boards after reviewing his excellent season. Banks is arguably the most “rounded” CB outside of Christian Gonzalez in this draft; a natural cover corner with good size, speed and is a very fluid athlete with little stiffness. It wouldn’t surprise me if he consolidated himself as a top-20 choice, and would be very surprised if he fell to Day 2. Tony Pauline says of the teams he's surveyed, Banks is getting consensus Round 1 grades.

Other Options:

Tyrique Stevenson (CB, Miami), Cam Smith (CB, South Carolina). Some alternatives. I think this is a bit early for any of them, though.

Quentin Johnston, (WR, TCU), Zay Flowers (WR, Boston College), Jordan Addison (WR, USC), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, Ohio State) - This WR class has no consensus, and they could go in any order. They have a gaping hole at WR2 after releasing Adam Thielen.

Jack Campbell (LB, Iowa) - The Vikings need a lot of help at linebacker. This is probably a Day 2 priority. I like Campbell as a late 1st rounder, I just think there are limited team fits. The Chargers, Vikings and Bills would be the better landing spots.

Clemson

Mock Draft V3 Pick: Myles Murphy (EDGE, Clemson)
Mock Draft V2 Pick: Myles Murphy (EDGE, Clemson)
Mock Draft V1 Pick: Nolan Smith (EDGE, Georgia)

The Jaguars’ clearest draft need is at cornerback, but I think Rodarius Williams played well on the outside, and could target someone like Clark Phillips on Day 2 instead. Brian Branch would also be tempted here. However, Trent Baalke has gone on record recently to say their pass rush must improve, and despite repeated 1st round investment, the Jaguars pass rush still isn’t quite there. Travon Walker has a lot of promise, but is still developing as a pass rusher. Josh Allen is good, but in relative terms a mild disappointment as a top-10 pick after plateauing a bit in recent years (he’s also entering a contract year). K’Lavon Chaisson is a complete bust. They also have little in their front-3 but run stuffers. This prospect gives them a more impactful 3-4 DE that makes their defense far more balanced.

Myles Murphy fits the athletic and size profile that Trent Baalke covers, and is a ridiculous athlete with scheme/line versatility, which is why I’ve mocked this so many times. There is no doubt he has a top-10 skill-set. However, Murphy is a love/hate prospect amongst NFL personnel due to his use (or lack thereof) of his power, and the recent trend of Clemson edge rushers failing at the next level. It’ll be interesting to see where he ends up, but I like his fit as an athletic 3-4 end and Jacksonville feels like a team that could be into his upside.

Other Options:

Nolan Smith (EDGE, Georgia), Will McDonald IV (EDGE, Iowa State) - Some alternatives.

Deonte Banks (CB, Maryland), Tyrique Stevenson (CB, Miami), Cam Smith (CB, South Carolina), Kelee Ringo (CB, Georgia). I don’t think the Jaguars are forced to take a CB in the 1st. I do think their main need is a nickel, more than outside. THis is a bit early for any corner not named Deonte Banks, in my opinion.

O’Cyrus Torrence (G, Florida) - The Jaguars could do with more IOL help, as Tyler Shatley is more of a No. 6 lineman, and Ben Bartch is up-gradable. Torrence could be a plug and play starter. I’m not convinced he fits the athletic profile that Baalke typically covers.

USC

Mock Draft V3 Pick: Jordan Addison (WR, USC)
Mock Draft V2 Pick: Emmanuel Forbes (CB, Mississippi State)
Mock Draft V1 Pick: O’Cyrus Torrence (G, Florida)

The Giants still need receiving help, despite having 11(!) receivers currently rostered, none of them are close toWR1 talents. However, it's appearing more and more likely that New York could miss out on the consensus 1st round receivers (Johnston, Addison, Flowers, Smith-Njigba) at their current slot. In this mock they get lucky and have Jordan Addison fall into their laps.

Addison hasn’t had the best pre-draft workout process, and top-16 feels rich for him, but I like him as a high-end No. 2 receiver for the NFL. He is a quality receiver who was productive in college and a deep threat for the NFL, and should still be safe for the 1st round despite some question marks around him.

Other Options:

Jordan Addison (WR, USC), Zay Flowers (WR, Boston College), Quentin Johnston - Some alternatives at receiver. This is surely Johnston’s floor.

Deonte Banks (CB, Maryland), Emmanuel Forbes (CB, Mississippi State), Brian Branch (S/CB, Alabama) Cornerback is the likely choice here if the top-4 WR are all gone. Banks would be great value; Forbes here is about the right range. Branch could be a quality nickel for them, and was nearly my pick.

O’Cyrus Torrence (G, Florida) - My pick from last time. Torrence is sliding a bit, but he’d be a quality pick here.

Utah

Mock Draft V3 Pick: Dalton Kincaid (TE, Utah)
Mock Draft V2 Pick: Dalton Kincaid (TE, Utah)
Mock Draft V1 Pick: Dalton Kincaid (TE, Utah)

The Cowboys' primary needs (WR still, LB, DT, S) don't cleanly line up with this range unless they make a reach. Instead, I think the Cowboys could take the best remaining talent off the board. The Cowboys lost Dalton Schultz to the Texans, and have rotational players left to fill the gap. Perhaps one could step up, but the Cowboys seem like a team who will just take a swing on the best offensive player available this year, be it a receiver, tight end or even running back.

I don’t view Kincaid as a top-20 prospect like Daniel Jeremiah does, but he’s my TE1 for his high-end potential as a receiving tight end and playmaking ability. He’s an adept blocker, too, and would allow the Cowboys to continue utilizing tight sets effectively for Dak Prescott. I’d be pretty surprised if Kincaid fell out of the 1st round at this juncture.

Other Options:

Michael Mayer (TE, Notre Dame), Sam LaPorta (TE, Iowa), Darnell Washington (TE, Georgia) - Tight End alternatives.

Brian Branch (S/CB, Alabama) - Arguably the best player available, Branch could make an impact at either nickel or free safety.

Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas), Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, Alabama) - I would bet my bottom dollar that Jerry Jones wants Robinson. I don’t think it’s possible to get him this late without a dramatic trade-up, which for a running back would be panned in the modern NFL. Gibbs is available, but maybe not the best compliment to Tony Pollard, who was terrific in ‘22.Branch is a great prospect who provides excellent value here, as he can either play as a deep safety or as a slot cornerback. He played the “STAR” position for Alabama, and has a similar positional profile to Minkah Fitzpatrick as a hybrid cornerback/safety for the NFL. He’s the consensus No. 1 safety in this class, with great ‘22 tape, good college production and is a stellar athlete. Great safeties (James, Hamilton, Hooker) typically fall into the 12-20 range of the draft, and although Cowboys fans may be screaming for a skill player, I think Branch is the amongst best players available to secure their secondary which needs to improve in coverage.

Iowa

Mock Draft V3 Pick: Jack Campbell (LB, Iowa)
Mock Draft V2 Pick: Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, Alabama)
Mock Draft V1 Pick: Darnell Wright (OT, Tennessee)

The Bills have a great roster and an active Super Bowl window, but their roster isn’t complete. Their offensive line is rapidly declining, with RT being a particular issue, and I think they ideally want a more dynamic running back. DT is even in play here (a solid recommendation from reader Mr. Bitter). After the loss of Trumaine Edmunds in free agency, the Bills need another quality linebacker to pair with Matt Milano. This is slightly early to do so in my opinion, but I was struggling to find a good match, and think Campbell felt the most likely out of the available options.

Jack Campbell is a high floor linebacker with a limited ceiling, but he’s still a competent athlete in his own right. Campbell appears to be a safe prospect and although probably more of an early 2nd rounder would be more than justifiable as a late-1st round pick who could contribute immediately (Charlie reported this a month or so ago in the Hot Press). He is my LB1 due to his quality tape, and although a sure-thing is never a guarantee in the draft, I think the Bills would be a great landing spot for him to have a great career.

Other Options:

Darnell Wright (OT, Tennessee), Broderick Jones (OT, Georgia) - Either/or pick should be the pick if available. Neither are in this mock.

Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas), Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, Alabama) - Robinson is the dream. In my opinion, though, a pipe-dream, despite other media mocks having Robinson consistently fall out of the top-20. I don’t even feel comfortable sliding as far as I have him, let alone here. Gibbs is my 16th ranked player, and I don’t like that I have him presently sliding outside the 1st round, but the NFL devalues the RB position more than ever, so Gibbs could go in the Javonte Williams/Breece Hall very early 2nd range instead of the 1st round.

Jordan Addison (WR, USC) - Addison appears the most likely WR to slide, and he’d be a high-end WR2 prospect for the NFL to pair with Stefon Diggs

Alabama

Mock Draft V3 Pick: Emmanuel Forbes (CB, Mississippi State)
Mock Draft V2 Pick: Sam LaPorta (TE, Iowa)
Mock Draft V1 Pick: Sam LaPorta (TE, Iowa)

The Bengals have an incredible roster, and have the luxury of choice at this pick. No-one would criticize them for taking one of the many tight ends here, nor a cornerback like Deonte Banks or Emmanuel Forbes. However, I have them taking perhaps a surprise pick here with the clear-cut best prospect left on the board.

On paper this pick may appears nuts, but I could easily see this scenario. The Bengals signed Orlando Brown Jr. to a big deal despite having the impending 5th year option on Jonah Williams already agreed to. They are currently showing they will do what it takes to maximize this championship window. At running back, Joe Mixon stayed out of trouble in the first few years as a Bengal, but has had a plethora of off-field issues presently. He’s regressed a bit since signing his big contract, and was arguably out-performed by Samaje Perine in ‘22, who joined the Broncos as a free agent. A divorce seems inevitable, and I absolutely love the fit of Jahmyr Gibbs in that offense. Position aside, he’d be a steal here (player wise), as some teams think he’s one of the best players in this class irrespective of position. They could look to release Joe Mixon and take the cap hit post draft. He'd accrue a $5.5M in dead cap hit, but the Bengals could survive that. The Bengals don’t shy away from redshirting rookies, and I could easily see them working Gibbs into the lineup in ‘23 before committing to him for ‘24 and beyond.

Other Options:

Michael Mayer (TE, Notre Dame), Dalton Kincaid (TE, Utah), Darnell Washington (TE, Georgia), Sam LaPorta - Tight End is the most popular pick, and probably the most likely come draft day. I just couldn’t resist the fit of Gibbs in this mock.

Emmanuel Forbes (CB, Mississippi State), Deonte Banks (CB, Maryland) - The Bengals need another boundary cornerback, and here are two range-worthy options.

Nolan Smith (EDGE, Georgia), Will McDonald IV (EDGE, Iowa State, Myles Murphy (EDGE, Clemson) - The Bengals have a good defensive line, but it isn’t the deepest group beyond Hendrickson and Hubbard. This may be more of a Day 2 priority, but their pass rush must remain loaded to compete for a championship.

Northwestern

Mock Draft V3: Calijah Kancey (DT, Pittsburgh)
Mock Draft V2 Pick: Calijah Kancey (DT, Pittsburgh)
Mock Draft V1 Pick: Michael Mayer (TE, Notre Dame)

The Saints’ defensive front-seven needs a complete overhaul, but candidly, so does most of their roster. There are a ton of options at tight end, guard and corner on Day 2 (they have another pick at No. 40) so I think they’ll take their defensive lineman here.

Adetomiwa Adebawore is a bit raw and there are some concerns whether he has a clean projection for the NFL. He’s more of a Day 2 pick, but the Saints feel like a really decent landing spot for him, where he could play as a base end or a 3-tech in their 4-3 scheme. Adebawore has had one of the hottest pre-draft processes of any prospect, and although early on Day 2 feels more likely, I could easily see one of these late 1st round teams taking a shot on him earlier than expected.

Other Options:

Mazi Smith (DT, Michigan), Calijah Kancey (DT, Pittsburgh) - Alternatives to Adebawore. Kancey would be an interior pass rushing 3-tech; Smith a heavy based nose tackle. I think Smith, Kancey and Adebawore are all right in the 1st round bubble, and probably wouldn’t make it to pick-40.

Myles Murphy (EDGE, Clemson), Will McDonald IV (EDGE, Iowa State), Nolan Smith (EDGE, Georgia) - This pick is most likely EDGE or DT. Here are some edge options.

Dalton Kincaid (TE, Utah), Michael Mayer (TE, Notre Dame), Sam LaPorta (TE, Iowa), Darnell Washington (TE, Georgia) - These are the 4 tight ends I see as possible 1st rounders. All of them are within 8 spots on my big board, and all have different strengths and weaknesses. The Saints - as such - could probably wait to pick 40 (or trade down from this pick) to take one. They need a better pass catching threat at the position.

Alabama

Mock Draft V3 Pick: Adetomiwa Adebawore (EDGE/DT, Northwestern)
Mock Draft V2 Pick: Nolan Smith (EDGE, Georgia)
Mock Draft V1 Pick: Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, Alabama)

If there is not a premium position fit available, this feels like a trade down spot. The Eagles only have so many spots to fill, and many of them are at "non-premium" positions (e.g. RB, LB, S). If the Eagles don’t trade down, there is one player who feels like the obvious choice here based purely off my personal big board.

Brian Branch is a great prospect who would provide terrific value at No. 30. Branchplayed the “STAR” position for Alabama, and has a similar positional profile to Minkah Fitzpatrick as a hybrid cornerback/safety for the NFL. He’s the consensus No. 1 safety in this class, with great ‘22 tape, good college production and is a stellar athlete. Although the Eagles haven’t drafted a CB/S early in recent memory, this fit is too good to pass up and it’s highly unlikely he actually falls this far, it’s just the way this mock has gone.

Other Options:

Calijah Kancey (DT, Pittsburgh), Bryan Bresee (DT, Clemson), Adetomiwa Adebawore (EDGE/DT, Northwestern) - Kancey at No. 30 would be an A+ for me, and the Eagles would be the perfect landing spot for him. Pauline believes Roseman is high on Adetomiwa Adebawore, but I have him going the pick before. I’m much lower on Bresee - I have him as a late 2nd/early 3rd round prospect - but he looked good at the combine. I’d prefer Bresee if they traded down at least into the 2nd round.

Will McDonald IV (EDGE, Iowa State), Myles Murphy (EDGE, Clemson) - Some edge rushers who could be available if they go o-line at No. 10.

O’Cyrus Torrence (G, Florida) - As stated at pick No. 10, people are presuming Cam Jurgens will start at guard post-Seumalo. He is more of a center-only for the NFL, and I think they may prefer to once again redshirt him rather than force him to start at a bad position for him. If they take Van Ness or Carter at No. 10, then they could take their guard here instead.

Oklahoma

Mock Draft V3 Pick: Anton Harrison (OT, Oklahoma)
Mock Draft V2 Pick: Anton Harrison (OT, Oklahoma)
Mock Draft V1 Pick: Broderick Jones (OT, Georgia)

The Chiefs don’t have many needs, but they could do with more help on both sides of the trenches. Perhaps most alarmingly, they lost both starting Super Bowl tackles Andrew Wylie (who was already up-gradable) and Orlando Brown Jr. in free agency. They signed Jawaan Taylor to address one spot, and their IOL is the league's best, but definitely need another high-end tackle to man the right side.

Anton Harrison is more of a mid-2nd round pick in my opinion, as he showed soft tape at times, and there are reported concerns that he’s a bit of a finesse blocker. However, I remember similar criticisms of Christian Darrisaw, who was a beast in Year 2. I don’t think Harrison is as good a prospect as Darrisaw, but athletic blockers with good size and NFL translatable traits get drafted early. The Chiefs seem to always do an incredible job with developing the offensive line, and Harrison has a lot of talent. Charlie recently reported that he has an outside chance to go Round 1, and shouldn’t last long in the 2nd round if he makes it there.

Other Options:

Darnell Wright (OT, Tennessee), Broderick Jones (OT, Georgia) - OL alternatives. I consider Jones very overrated, but given his athletic potential and versatility, I’d be surprised if he didn’t go top-20, as that’s where consensus has him. Wright is rising, and I doubt he falls out the top-20 or so.

Nolan Smith (EDGE, Georgia), Will McDonald IV (EDGE, Iowa State, Myles Murphy (EDGE, Clemson) - Karlaftis kicked it into another gear in the back half of his rookie season, and Charles Omenihu is a high upside signing, but the Chiefs lack a true alpha edge rusher. Frank Clark is now off the team, and he wasn’t that great to begin with. Nolan Smith would be a beautiful fit here.

Mazi Smith (NT, Michigan) - Smith could easily end up a first rounder due to his athleticism and quality tape through both ‘21 and ‘22. He would be a solid nose tackle to anchor the line and pair with IPR demon Chris Jones.