NFL first-round mock draft: Three QBs in Round 1

After addressing their offensive line already via free agency, the Jags can now beef up the pass rush and add another elite pass rusher opposite Josh Allen. Hutchinson appears to be the most likely top pick if the Jags don’t make a trade. He had a breakout 2021 season with 14 sacks for the Wolverines.

The Lions have a long list of needs, and nearly every position is in play at No. 2 if the team doesn’t trade back. Thibodeaux is an elite talent worthy of such a high selection, recording 19 sacks in three seasons at Oregon.

Despite the presence of Laremy Tunsil, the Texans still have to build up their offensive line. Neal has been a dominant tackle at Alabama and should be able to help immediately.

The Jets need help across the defense and especially in the secondary. Gardner really helped his draft stock with a great 2021 season, recording three picks, three sacks, and 40 tackles for the breakout Bearcats.

The Giants’ offensive line continues to be inconsistent, and it’s an area the Giants want to improve in order to give Daniel Jones his best chance to succeed. Ekwonu could be a staple at left tackle no matter the quarterback for the Giants.

The Panthers are in desperation mode at quarterback, especially if they don’t add another veteran like Baker Mayfield. Willis is slightly undersized but proved his playmaking ability over the last two seasons at Liberty. 

The Giants have been trying to address their pass rush over the last several seasons, and have a great opportunity with multiple top 10 picks. Walker finished last season with six sacks and has made noise in the offseason.

Wide receiver was already a major need in Atlanta before Calvin Ridley’s season-long suspension. The speedy Wilson is coming off a monstrous season with 70 catches for 1,058 yards and 13 touchdowns in only 11 games.

Seattle has consistently done a good job producing pass rushers, but they currently have a major need on the defensive line. Johnson is climbing up draft boards after recording 12 sacks last season.

The Jets whiffed on their attempt to acquire a big-time wideout during the offseason, but they can find a consolation prize in the draft. London is a problem for opposing defenses at 6-foot-5 with deep speed, and he had 88 catches for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns last season in only eight games.

Washington desperately needs help at safety after losing Landon Collins.  Hamilton was a playmaking machine at Notre Dame with eight picks in three seasons.

Stingley has been considered a likely early first-round pick this year since his dominant 2019 season, recording six picks as a lockdown corner for LSU’s National Championship team. His value has dropped slightly due to injury, but he would immediately address a giant hole that has been in Minnesota at cornerback over the last two seasons.

One of the biggest defensive linemen in football, Davis has the potential to singlehandedly stop the run and blew away scouts at the combine. He finished last season with 32 tackles and two sacks while routinely taking on double teams for the Bulldogs. He could be the best player on the board when Houston’s pick rolls around.

Baltimore has used multiple first-rounders on wide receivers recently, but they still need more help at the position. Williams suffered a knee injury in the National Championship but has the elite speed to still be a worthy first-round pick. He averaged nearly 20 yards per catch last season, finishing with 1,572 yards receiving and 15 touchdowns.

Philadelphia has adjusted their offense to complement the mobile Jalen Hurts, but it remains to be seen if he’s really the answer. Pickett’s improved accuracy, completing over 67% of his passes with 42 touchdowns, could allow him to transform the Eagles’ offense.

Left tackle is an obvious need for New Orleans after losing Terron Armstead, and their recent trade-up in the draft gives them a chance to replace him in the first round. Cross could shore up the spot immediately after a strong college career.

The Chargers need immediate help on the right side of the offensive line after addressing the left side in last year’s draft. Penning has the ability to help immediately, in the same way Rashawn Slater did last year.

Linebacker seems like a yearly need for Philly, and Lloyd has a chance to fill that need for the long term. The speedy Lloyd was everywhere last season, recording 111 tackles, seven sacks, and four interceptions for the Utes.

The Saints expect Michael Thomas to return, but still need more help at receiver for the offense to carry its weight this season. Olave recorded 65 catches for 936 yards and 13 touchdowns in 11 games last season.

Pittsburgh added Mitchell Trubisky as a placeholder at quarterback, but it’s questionable whether they think he’s the long-term answer. Ridder was a winner in college, showing solid accuracy and throwing for over 3,300 yards and 30 touchdowns last season.

After allowing J.C. Jackson to walk, New England needs more depth at corner. McDuffie might fit best as a slot corner at 5-foot-11 but has shown impressive ability at Washington.

With the losses of Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, the Packers are in desperate need of wideout help. Burks has some Deebo Samuel upside with incredible ability when the ball is in his hands. He finished last season with 66 catches for 1,104 yards and 12 touchdowns for Arkansas.

Cornerback depth was a big problem for the Cardinals last season, and they could still use another developmental player. Booth is a lockdown corner who recorded five picks over the last two seasons.

The Cowboys’ offensive line is getting older, and it’s an area they need to address again soon. Linderbaum is the clear head of the 2022 class at center and an immediate plug-and-play.

The Bills prioritized the offensive line in the offseason, but still have a hole at guard. Green could fill the team’s need at guard immediately.

While Tennessee added Robert Woods, his availability is in question after ACL surgery. Dotson showed dynamic ability as a receiver and punt returner for the Nittany Lions, finishing last season with 91 receptions for 1,182 yards and 13 touchdowns.

The potential losses of Jason Pierre-Paul and Ndamukong Suh create a major need on the edge for Purdue. Karlaftis was a problem for offensive linemen in his three college seasons, recording 14 sacks.

Dean has elite athleticism and proved a dynamic playmaker in 2021. He finished his final college season with 72 tackles, six sacks, and two picks, showing the upside to help Green Bay in 2022.

KC is in the market for wide receiver help after losing Tyreek Hill and Byron Pringle. There are plenty of good options, but the speedy Watson could have the most upside at 6-foot-4 with breakaway speed.

The Chiefs were able to bring back Frank Clark, but they still need much more help in their pass rush. Mafe had ample size and is coming off a breakout season in 2021 with seven sacks.

Wyatt was a huge part of Georgia’s elite defensive line last season, recording 39 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He could add more depth to an area Cincinnati needs help.

Pickens had injury issues in college, but he’s a former top recruit whose elite athleticism represents a lottery ticket for NFL teams. The Lions desperately need more talent at wide receiver, even after adding D.J. Chark.