Jacksonville goes with the higher-ceiling player in Travon Walker over the former #1 pick in previous mocks, Aiden Hutchinson.  Walker's elite combination of length, speed, and explosion factor the Jaguars buying intoWalker being able to convert his high potential into actual results.

Honestly, I have a hard time passing on Hutchinson here but I think all of the interest and time spent with Kayvon has turned the Lions into believers.  Kayvon Thibodeaux has seen his on-field reputation put through the ringer and has a giant chip growing on his shoulder.  The Lions had a big contingent at his pro-day and are reported to be "smitten" with Thibodeaux.  He will gladly destroy and/or eat (?) some kneecaps for Dan Campbell.

A lot of noise the last week about the Texans interest in Stingley at #3.  He has returned to the loftly draft status of his pre 2020 days.  Looking at scheme fit, he is likely going to be better utilized in the Tampa 2 over Gardner who is more of a man-press cover corner.

I have had Sauce Gardner here since the beginning but I have been swayed by the tidal wave of information pointing in the direction of Ekwonu.  He is an immediate upgrade at LT or RT and provides premium insurance if the team wants to move on from current LT Mekhi Becton.

48 hours ago I never envisioned Aidan Hutchinson falling to the Giants but here we are.  They will gladly adjust their approach and add a premium top pick to their defense.  A great culture steal for Head Coach Brian Daboll.

The first trade coincides with the "fall" of Sauce Gardner out of the top 5 picks.  The Eagles love to move around and here they move up 9 spots to grab at top 3 talent.  

*** TRADE with Carolina Panthers ***

The Giants still get the OT addition they were expecting to get at #5 with Evan Neal.  He can step into RT and provides Daniel Jones solid bookends to provide him the space he needs for success.

I may be a little higher on Wilson than most but I think he steps into Atlanta and immediately makes an impact in this offense next to Kyle Pitts.  Can Marcus Mariotta get him the ball?  We'll find out!

The Texans move up to get another piece for Lovie Smith's defense.  Johnson proved he could bring the pressure by betting on himself and transferring to a situation where he could show his skills.  Hello Top 10.

*** TRADE with Seattle Seahawks ***

There seems to be a lot of smoke surrounding the Jets and looking for a WR.  With Jermaine Johnson gone via trade up, and Deebo Samuel still on the west coast, the Jets take their other west coast target in Drake London.

I had Cross mocked to Washington back in March then moved off of him as he rose during draft season.  He is back here providing the Commanders the anchor it needs for Carson Wentz's blindside.

The Vikings are very light on corners.  While they signed Patrick Peterson, its a one year deal and he is over 30 years old.  McDuffie can come in strengthen the secondary on day one.  He can play in the slot or boundary so finding the right package of corners should be a lot easier with him in the room.

Seattle trades back and gets their OT target in Trevor Penning.  I previously mocked Penning to Seattle at 9 so this seems like a better value for Seattle.  They likely would not have been able to move back too much further as other teams are rumored to be enamored with him.

*** TRADE with Houston Texans ***

The Ravens grab their next version of a premier nose tackle with Jordan Davis.  An absolute monster addition for the Baltimore front seven.  

The Panthers move back and get their QB of the future and the future could be as early as 2022.  Pickett should be able to step onto the field and immediately challenge Sam Darnold to be QB1.  

*** TRADE with Philadelphia Eagles ***

Safeties have a tendency to slide on draft day and Hamilton is no different (think Derwin James' situation). While not a huge need for the Saints, they adjust their plans to address offensive needs and get one of the best players in the draft.  Questions about his speed have caused him to slide here but this would be a steal for Head Coach Dennis Allen.

QB Justin Herbert smiles upon this selection.  Jameson Williams suffered a late-season ACL injury and will likely need some time to recover fully but when he does, look out.  A trio of Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and the rookie speedster would wreck havoc on defenses.

With the Eagles other #1 selection, they grab an off the ball linebacker to pair with Sauce Gardner to lead the Philly defense.

With no clear offensive tackles remaining on the board the Saints fill a huge need at WR with the speedy and heady Chris Olave.  Olave was super productive at Ohio State and will provide Jameis Winston a consistent route runner with break away abilities.

Pittsburgh drafts their heir apparent to Ben Roethlisberger and did not even have to trade up to get him.  The team has been all over Willis during draft season and did not try to hide it from anyone.  

At 6'4 241 Quay Walker brings elite speed (4.52) and get off (1.59 split) for his size.  He can play in multiple spots for New England which appears to be a perfect fit for Coach Belichick's defense.

There has to be first time for everything...right?  Right!?  I've had Burks here all draft season and I am not moving away from it now, even though the Packers haven't drafted a first round WR in decades.  Insanity.

Some have mocked Karlaftis out of the first round but I think he ends up with the Cardinals.  They need an injection of power and energy along the defensive line and Karlaftis has seemingly never-ending reserves.

Amid rumors of Dallas "desperately looking to trade up", Dallas sits tight and adds the talented Zion Johnson to their interior line, providing an upgrade at LG for Dak and The Boys.

Hill's ability to play corner (likely nickel) or safety gives the Bills help in 2022 and also in the future as their current safety tandem enters their 30s and the end of their contracts.  Having young, cheap talent around with Josh Allen on a 258M extension will be essential.

Kenyon Green will fill the Titans opening at LG and provide great options for the team, if needed, as Green can all along the line.

Cine is a talented and diverse safety who is more than willing to lay the wood while having range to cover the field.  He will replace Jordan Whitehead who left Tampa for the New York Jets in free agency.

Green Bay is looking for a pass rushing specialist to replace Za'Darius Smith and Penn State's Arnold Ebiketie is a great fit for their 34 scheme. 

The Chiefs turned over a bit in free agency.  Gone from the defense are corners Charvarious Ward and Mike Hughes, safety Daniel Sorenson, and DT Jarran Reed.  Former starting safety Tyrann Mathieu also remains unsigned along with many others.  Florida's Kaiir Elam brings good length (6'1) and elite speed (4.39) to battle the plethora of AFC WRs looking to keep up with KC's explosive offense.

KC now addresses the other side of the ball and adds another weapon to replace Tyreek Hill.  Dotson has been lost in the shuffle a little bit by some of the other receivers but he has been nothing but consistent and productive at Penn State.  Despite his smaller size (sub 5'11, 181), he consistently wins vertically with springs in his feet and vice-grip hands.

The Bengals have a glaring need for a 3T defensive lineman and Wyatt is the top rated 3T in this draft.  At 6'3 304, he ran a 4.77 40 with a blazing 1.6 10-yd split!  As you can see, his athletic traits are off the charts but... As with other Georgia defenders, there are questions about his production and endurance.  He is also 24 years old which also bothers a lot of teams.

Seattle moves back into the end of the first round to grab Cincinnati Bearcat Desmond Ridder.  He will need to be developed a little bit but he has the smarts and physical attributes to battle for the QB1 spot in camp.

*** TRADE with Detroit Lions ***