2022 NFL Mock Draft 4.0 (WITH MOCK TRADES): Steeler Mega-Deal Shakes Up Board!

 We are under two weeks from draft night! Holy. I can't believe we are this close to the best time of the NFL off-season. I love the draft and just count down the days to it myself. Today is my 4th mock draft of the off-season with 1-2 more still to come in the final 13 days leading up to draft night. There will be mock trades, there will be madness, let's get into it!

1. Jacksonville Jaguars select: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge Rusher, Michigan

While nothing in this draft class seems set in stone, Aidan Hutchinson going no. 1 to the Jaguars is feeling more and more likely by the day. Clearly, not all no. 1 picks are created equal, as for example, the Browns getting Myles Garrett at 1 a few years ago is miles better than Hutchinson here to the Jags. Still, let's not undersell Hutch. This guy was the Heisman runner up after his amazing season at Michigan, proving he has what it takes to be a no. 1 rusher. The Jags need talent wherever they can get it and pairing him up with Josh Allen off the edge sets this team up for big improvement on defense this season!
Pick Change (from last time): No change

2. Detroit Lions select: Travon Walker, Edge Rusher, Georgia

These mock drafts are SO hard. There was at least three other players I strongly considered here before settling on Walker. This is going to surely be the craziest and most unpredictable draft in awhile, and it starts right away here. Walker has seemingly lept ahead of Kayvon Thibodeaux in draft circles and some are even saying he could go no. 1 to the Jags. I think the hype train is a little crazy for Walker, but he is insanely athletic and has all the tools to be a potentially generational talent at the next level. Sure, his production wasn't anything to write home about at Georgia, but he was still damn good in the middle and off the edge of that National Title winning team. Walker is so big, strong, fast, athletic, and versatile. The Lions need defensive help badly and Dan Campbell is going to love the potential of this kid. If he can put it all together, he will probably be the best player from this class.
Pick Change: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge

3. Houston Texans select: Evan Neal, Offensive Tackle, Alabama

Another slot where there was unlimited options. I went back and forth and back again and have settled with Evan Neal. If I got up and sat back down here in 10 minutes, it would probably be a different pick here. The Texans pick again at 13 and so I think they are willing to wait and see what defensive lineman might be there then and instead take the top tackle in the class in Evan Neal. The whole goal is to build around Davis Mills, and that starts with protecting him. Neal is a mountain of a man who is already refined in protection skills and athletic as hell. With Neal on one side and Tunsil on the other, the Texans will have an elite tackle duo for the future to make sure Davis Mills is protected.
Pick Change: Kyle Hamilton, S

4. New York Jets select: Garrett Wilson, Wide Receiver, Ohio State

I can't believe I talked myself into this, but Garrett Wilson is heading to New York at 4! I've seen this pick becoming more and more popular in mocks lately and now I'm joining in. I personally think Wilson is the 3rd best WR in the class, but this isn't off who I like, this is off what I think the Jets will do. This team wants to do anything it can to ensure that Zach Wilson is their franchise QB. They can't afford another Sam Darnold situation. Adding Wilson at 4 ensures he's not gone by their next pick and that he can be Zach Wilson's go-to-guy of the future. The Wilson to Wilson connection is here.
Pick Change: Ikem Ekwonu, OT

MOCK TRADE: New York Giants send pick #5 to Pittsburgh Steelers for pick #20, pick #52 (rd. 2), 2023 first rounder & 2023 third rounder

5. Pittsburgh Steelers (via NYG) select: Malik Willis, Quarterback, Liberty

BOOM! The Steelers do it. After all the smoke around their love for Malik Willis in pre-draft circles, the Steelers give up a king's ransom to make the move from 20 to 5 to ensure he is theirs. Mike Tomlin has made their interest in Willis very well known, and with the Giants reportedly willing to move down from pick 5, this makes all the sense in the world. The Steelers part with a ton of high draft picks over the next two years to do this, but they believe Willis can be their next franchise QB. In an AFC North (and AFC overall) loaded with insanely talented young QBs, the Steelers make sure they are too with the sky-high potential of Malik Willis. Willis has a cannon of an arm and elite mobility and elusiveness. Trubisky can play this year, but this will be Malik Willis' team in 2023 and beyond, and will have quite the supporting cast around him to ease the transition from Liberty to the NFL. 

6. Carolina Panthers select: Kenny Pickett, Quarterback, Pittsburgh

Some may think that Carolina would be depressed over the Steelers trading in front of them for Malik Willis, but they actually aren't. I think the apple of their eye has shifted from Willis to Pickett in the past few weeks, and with the Steelers making the move up, it only makes their decision easier. Both HC Matt Rhule and owner David Tepper have previous connections with Pickett and he also happens to be the most NFL ready QB in the class. Rhule knows he no longer has the time or job security to wait around developing a raw prospect like Willis. Pickett can come in day 1 and start for this team. I think the whole franchise rejoices as they finally have their (hopeful) franchise signal caller.
Pick Change: M. Willis

7. New York Giants (via CHI) select: Ikem Ekwonu, Offensive Tackle, NC State

The Giants made the big move with the Steelers to acquire more draft capital for not just this year, but next as well, and at 7, they still end up with the same guy they would have grabbed at 5. Ikem Ekwonu is NASTY! Turn on the tape and just marvel at this guy's work in the trenches. You will not find a guy who plays with a nastier edge than him. Not only is Ekwonu an elite run blocker, but he's great in pass protection as well. The Giants will likely use him as the tackle opposite of young stud Andrew Thomas, but if he shifts inside to guard, he's EVEN better. His versatility along with blocking skill make him a top talent in this class and a guy the Giants will rush the card in for as they look to sure up this line that was so bad a year ago.
Pick Change: T. Walker

MOCK TRADE: Atlanta Falcons send pick #8 & pick #82 (rd. 4) to Houston Texans for pick #13, pick #37 (rd. 2), and pick #80 (rd. 4)

8. Houston Texans (via ATL) select: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge Rusher, Oregon

When the Texans see the blue chip talent that is Kayvon Thibodeaux continuing to fall after they passed on him at 3, they know they have to come back up and secure him. For a team with so many picks in the future and so many needs, they can afford to give up just an early second rounder and swap fourths to get a guy who could potentially end up being their best defensive player for years to come. The Falcons may be the one team with more needs than Houston and are willing to move down as they have no true consensus pick and could use any extra picks they can get. Thibodeaux instantly gives the Texans a no. 1 rusher in Lovie Smith's defense. He has All-NFL potential if he can stay healthy and stay committed to the grind of football. I think he will and so this is a potential grand-slam trade up scenario for Houston. Evan Neal is arguably the best offensive player in the draft and they got him at 3, somehow they also end up with an arguable best defensive player in Thibodeaux as well here at 8. A+ start here for Houston!
Pick Change: Charles Cross, OT

MOCK TRADE: Seattle Seahawks send pick #9 to Minnesota Vikings for pick #12, pick #46, and pick #184

9. Minnesota Vikings (via SEA) select: Derek Stingley Jr., Cornerback, LSU

Suddenly the trades are coming in bunches. Seattle trading down might not shock anyone, but who the Vikings come up to take probably does. It's no secret that CB is probably the biggest need for the purple people, but with Sauce Gardner on the board, many probably think that is who they go up for. I love Sauce Gardner as much as anyone (he's my no. 1 prospect in the class), but I think the Vikings are set on Derek Stingley. They have so many LSU players on their roster including Justin Jefferson who was teammates with Stingley a few years back when they won the Natty. DB coach Daronte Jones recently joined the staff too after holding the same position AT LSU. All I'm saying with these connections are how much hype and praise there will be for the young potential star. Stingley may be the best corner in the class when healthy, but health is the major concern. I think the Vikings are alright with the risk as they are going to be in love with Stingley so much they move up to ensure he is on their team. 

10. New York Jets (via SEA) select: Sauce Gardner, Cornerback, Cincinnati

How great does this board work out for the Jets! After surprising some with a bit of a reach to bring in Garrett Wilson at 4, the Jets are then somehow able to get a guy they strongly considered there but all the way now at 10! Sauce Gardner is the top prospect in the class in my opinion. What he did at Cincinnati was unreal. He didn't allow a single TD in 3 years! Along with that crazy stat, Gardner is 6'3 with arms as long as a giraffe's neck and ran a blazing forty at the combine. He's athletic, he's got the tape, and he is set to be a shutdown, island type of cornerback at the next level for the Jets. Robert Saleh and co. are rejoicing after making Zach Wilson happy, and then still securing the top prospect in the class somehow at 10. Things are looking up in Gotham City.
Pick Change: Drake London, WR

11. Washington Commanders select: Drake London, Wide Receiver, USC

Even with all of the movement AND the Jets going wideout at 4, the Commanders still get the guy they wanted all along without having to move an INCH. Ron Rivera and his team believe they are ready to win now, and with Carson Wentz now their QB, they know their final missing piece is probably another weapon to ensure Wentz can do his best. Drake London is my top WR in the class, and for good reason. London towers above defensive backs at 6'4 but is light enough on his feet to create separation. He really reminds me a lot of an even younger Mike Evans. With Terry McLaurin is an elite WR1 on one side, adding a wideout on the other side who can go up and make any contested catch is a dream come true for Washington. Wentz loves to air it out deep and create major gains on seemingly broken plays. London is the perfect fit to go with him. This pick boosts Washington's division-winning odds massively in my opinion. Love this fit so much!

12. Seattle Seahawks (via MIN) select: Charles Cross, Offensive Tackle, Miss. State

The Seahawks have become the masters of trading down over the past decade, and they easily do it again at 9 to add even more draft picks for the later rounds. At 12, they still get a guy who they easily could have taken with their original pick. Offensive line has been their biggest recurring need for the entire Pete Carroll era, and this pick feels like their biggest swing at trying to solve it in all of that time. Cross might be the best pure pass protecting O-lineman in the class. Playing in Mike Leach's air raid system at Mississippi State, he was rarely even asked to run block, yet he's still better at it than you would expect. Cross would slot in at tackle right away for the 'Hawks and be their franchise cornerstone for their line for years to come. While they may not figure out QB until next year, they will have the foundation really in place with Cross in the fold. 

13. Atlanta Falcons (via HOU) select: Jameson Williams, Wide Receiver, Alabama

I think a lot of people expect the Falcons to just go best player available no matter where they pick, and while they probably should, I'm set on the belief that they are going to go WR in round 1. Jameson Williams is my no. 2 WR in the class and I would have had him going to them at 8 if no trade occurred. With that idea, the Falcons easily jumped at the idea of adding some more good picks and moving down a few slots to get the guy they would have taken anyway with the original selection. Williams was the most explosive WR in this class in the past season of CFB. He racked up 1,500+ yards and double digit TDs for the Crimson Tide. Williams also is 6'2 and has game breaking speed and underrated route-running ability. He would have felt like a top 10 LOCK if not for tearing his ACL in the college football playoff. Still, Williams appears to be ahead of schedule in rehab and should not miss any time in the coming NFL season. Atlanta's biggest need is wideout with Calvin Ridley suspended a year and Russell Gage now in Tampa. Even if they suck, they NEED to go WR in round 1 here. Olamide Zaccheus CANNOT be your WR1. He just cannot be. I've heard the Falcons are infatuated with Williams, and after the trade down, they run in the card to make him a player who is a major part of their future beyond this season which is set to be a tank parade. 
Pick Change: Jermaine Johnson, Edge

14. Baltimore Ravens select: Kyle Hamilton, Safety, Notre Dame

Wow oh wow does the board break well for Baltimore. Kyle Hamilton was once seen by many as the top prospect in the draft, but poor testing and further knitpicking is starting to see his stock drop. Still, I think he remains an easy top 5-10 talent in the class and it's starting to feel like a team is about to get a major steal with him just like Micah Parsons to Dallas last year. Hamilton is a unicorn. At 6'4, he is listed as a massive safety, but can do that and more. Hamilton plays in the box, off the edge, and deep in coverage, and he does it all well. He is a chess piece but even more so than guys like Parsons, Isaiah Simmons, and even like Derwin James of late. Injury history is a bit of a concern, but his talent outweighs it. He has All-NFL potential as well. The Ravens are notorious for going best player available and getting steals, and Hamilton is the latest example of that. The Ravens still need to replace Chuck Clark and the major signing of Marcus Williams alone only occupies one safety spot. Adding Kyle Hamilton to an already lethal defense is terrifying. The Ravens just got potentially the steal of the draft as they look to be a major Super Bowl contender right again this season.
Pick Change: Jordan Davis, DT

15. Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA) select: Jordan Davis, Defensive Tackle, Georgia

This pick becomes so hard for Philly. Despite having another first rounder coming up in just a few picks, some really good talent has fallen down the board which makes this such a tough call for the Eagles. I think they go back and forth on Davis and Chris Olave but ultimately take the guy who has some of the most potential of ANYONE in the class. Jordan Davis tore up the combine as he ran one of the fastest forties we've ever seen for a guy of his size (6'3, 340 pounds). Davis was an elite run stuffer at Georgia that ate up blocks like crazy, but with his athleticism, he feels like he's on the verge of becoming an elite interior rusher at the next level. With Fletcher Cox probably in his final year in Philly, the Eagles bring in Davis to learn with Cox for a year before stepping in to fully be their DT of the future once Cox is gone. This value was simply too good to pass on for the Eagles.

16. New Orleans Saints (via PHI) select: Chris Olave, Wide Receiver, Ohio State

The Saints rejoice when they see the Eagles pass on Olave with their pick which leaves him available for the plucking at 16. With Jameis Winston back in the fold as their QB1, I don't think they need to go QB this year, especially with Willis & Pickett both already gone. WR is their biggest need by far as they have literally nothing outside of Michael Thomas who hasn't played in a year. Winston wants to air it out but he can't do that and play to his strengths with no one at receiver. Enter Olave who is the cleanest route runner in the class and the definition of a deep threat. NFL circles are very high on him and the Saints would be overjoyed to get an elite WR2 to pair with Thomas on this new look Saints team.

17. Los Angeles Chargers select: Trevor Penning, Offensive Tackle, Northern Iowa

The Chargers sweat out these last couple of selections as I think Penning has been their guy all along. Tackle is their biggest need by far and if he went before them, I think this would be a quick and obvious trade down with someone like Green Bay potentially. They rush this card in. Penning has all of the physical tools and a nasty demeanor about him to be a star tackle in the NFL. LA snagged Rashawn Slater in the mid first last year who already looks like one of the best tackles in football and also added All-Pro Center Corey Linsley. Now adding Penning to the right side will nearly complete this offensive line for Justin Herbert. The Chargers are building something very special and this pick feels like it really 'completes' their team in a way...
Pick Change: No change

18. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO) select: Treylon Burks, Wide Receiver, Arkansas

This might have been the toughest choice of the mock yet. I was absolutely TORN between Burks and Washington corner Trent McDuffie but the deciding factor between the two was how the Eagles appear to be all-in on developing Jalen Hurts. Sure they got Devonta Smith last draft which was a home-run of a pick, but they need more than just that. Hurts looked lost at times when Smith was covered. Enter Burks. He is a different kind of a playmaker. At 6'3 and 230 bounds, Burks is built like a running back and plays like one in the open field. He can go deep but he can also be a little bubble screen easy 10+ yards per touch kind of player. The comp that keeps getting thrown around for him is Deebo Samuel but bigger and I agree. With Smith, Burks, and Dallas Goedert in the offense, Jalen Hurts will have an amazing chance to succeed and prove he can be the franchise QB in Philly!

19. New Orleans Saints (via PHI) select: Trent McDuffie, Cornerback, Washington

While the Saints probably have bigger needs than CB, they simply cannot pass on the talent that is McDuffie. I feel like he is so good that he should be a top 15 lock, but the board shakes out in funny ways and McDuffie is one who suffers from it. The only real knock on this guy is his size. He's 5'11 which some teams fear for an outside cornerback, but McDuffie is so good in coverage and has great speed that he is one of the few exceptions. I think he is too good to be a primarily nickel CB at the next level, but if he is played there, it feels like he would become the premier nickel CB in the NFL within a year or so. New Orleans needs more at CB outside of Bradley Robey, and with a blue chip talent falling into their laps here at 19, they can't pass it up. No tackle is worth taking here.

20. New York Giants (via PIT) select: Jermaine Johnson, Edge Rusher, Florida St.

WOW! Another team who gets freakishly lucky due to the way the board plays out. I think the Giants are going to go tackle with their first pick, but with their second first rounder, edge feels like a lock as well. I think if the G-men stayed at 5 and 7, their picks could very likely to be Ikem Ekwonu and then Jermaine Johnson. In this mock, they get a king's ransom to trade down from 5, still somehow get Ekwonu and 7, and then SOMEHOW Johnson falls to them at 20. This is the best value of the draft so far. Many have Johnson as a top 10 pick lock and somehow, some way, he falls here to 20. This is a day 1 high impact starter off the edge. Johnson was unreal during his senior season at FSU in which he racked up 12 sacks and was a constant pressure creator. He was also the best player at the Senior Bowl. The Giants desperately need another edge rusher to complement Leonard Williams as Azeez Ojulari still doesn't feel like an every down rusher to me. What a pick for the Giants here at 20 as they have put on a first round masterclass!

21. New England Patriots select: Devin Lloyd, Linebacker, Georgia

I could see the Pats moving down from here, but in this mock, I don't see a player that another team is eyeing a move up for, so New England sticks with the pick, and goes with the top LB in the draft. Lloyd didn't test well at the combine but his tape speaks for itself. He is one of those do-it-all type LBs that you only see a few of at the next level. The big draw for the Lloyd/NE pairing is his size. Lloyd is 6'3, 240 pounds but still does move well despite a slow 40 time. Bill Belichick is notorious for loving his big and physical LBs which is exactly what Devin Lloyd is. Many may think the Pats will zig and take their obvious top need which is CB, but Belichick and his team zag like usual and go with a guy who perfectly fits the scheme despite not being their largest hole.
Pick Change: Andrew Booth Jr., CB

22. Green Bay Packers (via LV) select: Arnold Ebiketie, Edge Rusher, Penn State

Wide Receiver is the clear major need for the Packers, but none are worth reaching on here at 22 after Treylon Burks went a few picks earlier, so the Packers settle for another position of need and punt the receiver decision to their later first rounder. Arnold Ebiketie is a huge riser of late. He suddenly feels like a near lock to be a first round pick. This kid brings the juice off the edge. He has a never-stopping motor and does not quit on a play. I think he's still a bit raw, but he was able to put up 9.5 sacks last year anyway, showing how good he ALREADY is. Green Bay needs edge rush help desperately, and Ebiketie can be their guy for the future. I like this pick a lot for them. 

MOCK TRADE: Arizona Cardinals trade pick #23 to Kansas City Chiefs for pick #29, pick #62 (rd. 2), and pick #243

23. Kansas City Chiefs (via AZ) select: Jahan Dotson, Wide Receiver, Penn State

Equipped with a ton of picks in this draft due to the Tyreek Hill trade, the Chiefs are easily in a position to make a move-up. I think they are set of Jahan Dotson and move up 6 picks (most importantly in front of Green Bay/Dallas) to ensure they get him. One of the most tantalizing prospects in the class, while he may be under 6 feet tall, he is electric. Dotson runs extremely quick, and can make every catch with his abnormally long arms. His catch radius is top tier. Dotson is not Tyreek Hill, but he's an excellent replacement for him and gives Mahomes and the Chiefs a nice WR trio to go along with Travis Kelce.

24. Dallas Cowboys select: Kenyon Green, Offensive Guard, Texas A&M

Dallas could go a number of different directions with this pick, and with it being such a tough choice of who to take, they go with a guy who can in some ways fill multiple needs. Kenyon Green may be the most versatile player in the class. He has experience starting at every offensive line position and he did so at a high level. Dallas has a bevy of offensive line issues, most of them due to constant injuries, so getting Green would make all the sense in the world. He can play wherever they need him to on a week to week basis and when everyone is healthy he will slot in as a great starting guard. I like this fit a lot for Dallas as Green stays in Texas.
Pick Change: Tyler Smith, OT

25. Buffalo Bills select: Breece Hall, Running Back, Iowa State

Yup, shocker! The Bills take an RB round 1 in what many have deemed as the worst RB class of the 2000s. I'm personally very against taking RBs in round 1 unless they are someone like Saquon Barkley coming out of college, and in this year's draft especially against it. Still, there is always at least one team who shocks everyone and does it, and this year it is going to be Buffalo. Their offense has been so good over the past few years, but it has been without basically any run game at all. Breece Hall can change that. Hall is a super elusive and patient runner with elite pass catching skills out of the backfield. He can be a workhorse but also a threat in the short passing game. He perfectly complements Josh Allen and this offense and the Bills pull the trigger. Someone does it every year, so don't be TOO shocked here.
Pick Change: Kaiir Elam, CB

26. Tennessee Titans select: Nakobe Dean, Linebacker, Georgia

I considered a lot of other players here for the Titans, but ultimately went best player available as they do have a lot of needs. Linebacker is one of their bigger ones, but taking Dean is a huge solution to it. Dean is an easy top 12-15 talent in this draft, but LBs do not usually go very high which leads to him falling into Mike Vrabel's lap. Dean is such an instinctive, rangy, do-it-all LB. He is a little undersized but makes up for it with everything else. The biggest addition he will bring to this defense is his elite run stuffing abilities along with his tackling. I love this pick for the Titans.
Pick Change: No change

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Zion Johnson, Offensive Guard, Boston College

The Bucs have got Brady back, they traded for Pro Bowl guard Shaq Mason and brought back Ryan Jensen. Still, with Alex Cappa leaving, their other guard spot is open, which leaves it there for Zion Johnson. Johnson has risen astronomically throughout the pre-draft process and is now a surefire first rounder. His sheer strength and pass blocking prowess has teams drooling. With Johnson in the fold, Brady will have a rebuilt OL that will have him ready to go at another Super Bowl in his age 45 season. The Bucs know that OL is the priority with an ancient Brady under center, and they leave no voids with this pick.
Pick Change: No change

28. Green Bay Packers select: Christian Watson, Wide Receiver, North Dakota State

The Pack was definitely disappointed that all of the top tier WRs in the class were gone by their earlier first rounder, but they have to make due with what they can control, and so after going with edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie at 22, they finally get their first round wideout here at 28 with Christian Watson. Watson has been another big pre-draft riser. The 6'5 freak athlete from NDSU is going to have a lot of teams drooling. At his towering height he is still freakishly fast and athletic as he ran a 4.3 forty at the combine. He reminds me of someone like former Packers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling but even more gifted. Watson was a guy who played outside, in the slot, took bubble screens, and even returned kicks in college. He has that level of athleticism and versatility. Just imagine what Matt LaFleur will be able to do with him. Aaron Rodgers is going to be happy with this new toy.
Pick Change: David Ojabo, Edge

29. Arizona Cardinals (via KC) select: Tyler Linderbaum, Center, Iowa

The Cardinals make the wise call to move down with the offer they get from Kansas City, and with the move back, they still get the guy they probably would have taken at 23. I've been saying this, but Linderbaum is the best center prospect I've seen. Sure, teams will knock him for being a tad bit undersized, but that can work out in the NFL with skill trumping build. Iowa has been producing top tier NFL blockers like a well-oiled machine, and Linderbaum stands to be the next big thing. While he works best as a Center, he is equipped to play guard as well. He is a day 1 starter and will instantly be one of the better interior lineman in football and fill a big need for the Cardinals. This is a pick that will hopefully make the soured relationship between team brass and Kyler Murray better.

30. Kansas City Chiefs select: Devonte Wyatt, Defensive Tackle, Georgia

I could see KC going with a couple of different guys here, but they pretty much just go with the best player available who also happens to fill a need for them too. While Jordan Davis gets all the hype, Devonte Wyatt might be the more NFL ready of the two stud Georgia DTs. Wyatt isn't as stout in run defense like Davis, but he's a much more polish pass rusher. Wyatt was quietly another top performer at the combine but it was overshadowed by the day that Davis had. The Chiefs need to improve their D-line in any way possible, and pairing up the massive but also freak athlete that is Wyatt next to Chris Jones is a recipe for success. Somehow the Chiefs get a guy as good as Wyatt all the way at 30.
Pick Change: George Karlaftis, Edge

31. Cincinnati Bengals select: Daxton Hill, Safety, Michigan

The Bengals thankfully did what we all hoped they would in FA which was address the offensive line. They are about to welcome at least 3 new starters to what was formerly one of the worst lines in football. With OL squared away, they can shift to their second biggest need which is CB. There are a bunch of decent options here at the back of the first round but I think the versatility and pure athleticism that Daxton Hill boasts will make him too tough for the Bengals to pass up. This is a flashy, athletic roster with guys flying around and Hill fits that perfectly, he can play CB or S for the Bengals and will fill a huge need.
Pick Change: No change

32. Detroit Lions (via LAR) select: Desmond Ridder, Quarterback, Cincinnati

To end off the first round we get our third QB off the board! The Lions pick again in two picks (in the early second round) and so they make sure to take the QB they want here as they get that extra 5th year option with him being a first round pick. Ridder has been wowing scouts during the pre-draft process which has propelled him seemingly above guys like Matt Corral or Sam Howell. Ridder is wildly athletic with so much potential and I think the Lions are going to fall in love. He won't start day 1 with Goff in the fold, but by mid-to-late season, the Lions may be able to put him in and hope he can be their franchise guy! There are murmurs of Ridder going even higher than this so we will have to see by draft day if this is even plausible for Detroit here.
Pick Change: No change