The Daily Briefing Thursday, April 7, 2022

NFC SOUTH

CAROLINA

QB SAM DARNOLD professes confidence.  Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com:

The Panthers are bringing the top quarterback prospects to Carolina as they consider what to do with the sixth overall selection. Panthers General Manager Scott Fitterer acknowledged recently the team doesn’t have a long-term answer at the position and “at some point you have to take a shot” if you’re picking at the top of the first round.

While it’s not a given that the Panthers will draft Liberty’s Malik Willis, Pitt’s Kenny Pickett, Ole Miss’ Matt Corral, Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder, North Carolina’s Sam Howell or Western Kentucky’s Bailey Zappe, it does make clear what the Panthers think of Sam Darnold.

The Panthers moved on from Teddy Bridgewater last year after trading for Darnold. Now, they are looking for an upgrade to Darnold.

Darnold’s feelings are not hurt, because of his belief in himself.

“It truly is like whatever happens happens, because at the end of the day, it’s out of my control, and I know that,” Darnold said on Bussin’ with the Boys, a podcast created by Titans tackle Taylor Lewan and free agent linebacker Will Compton. “I have enough security in myself to where I can be like, ‘I know I’m a good quarterback. I know I can be a good quarterback in this league. I’ve proved it.’ And I know there’s a team, if something happens, that would want me.”

It seems unlikely any other team would want Darnold as its starter for 2022. The former first-round choice has played with two teams in four seasons and has a 17-32 record, 54 touchdowns, 52 interceptions and a 76.9 passer rating.

TAMPA BAY

Bruce Arians talks up OC BYRON LEFTWICH.  Grant Gordon of NFL.com:

Tom Brady has unretired, and Bruce Arians has retired and ceded the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coaching reins to Todd Bowles.

In Arians’ eyes, though, it’s offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich who’s a star on the rise and the offensive mind in need of more credit within the Bucs organization.

“I get credit and Brady gets way too much credit for what Byron does with our offense,” Arians told Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. “One of the reasons I hope he gets all the credit he deserves this year is to get a coaching gig; you know, he had about four or five teams real interested last year.

“I would anticipate him to be a head coach real fast.”

Leftwich first became an OC in 2018 with the Arizona Cardinals under then-head coach Steve Wilks, but he got his start coaching with the franchise under Arians as an intern in 2016. When Arians took over with the Bucs in 2019, Leftwich followed as his offensive coordinator.

Since then, the high-flying Buccaneers have finished in the top three each season in points scored (and the top seven in yards). While Arians’ “no risk it, no biscuit” mantra and Brady joining the team in 2020 have rightfully commanded notice and credit, Leftwich injected instant offense into the team in 2019 with Jameis Winston at quarterback. He then navigated a likely awkward transition to coaching a megastar in Brady, who’s actually older than him.

With Brady set to play in his age-45 season, Leftwich will be 42 for most of the 2022 campaign with the Bucs. He’ll likely be a hot candidate for head coaching vacancies again in the 2023 cycle, as he was the past couple of years. Arians, like many, thought Leftwich was set to leave the Bucs for another Florida team this past offseason.

“I really thought he was going to be the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars this year,” Arians said. “Got so, so close. Yeah, it’s on the horizon for him. He’s the star.”

Leftwich is a rising star who will coach perhaps the NFL’s biggest star for a third season in a row.

And while Arians believes Leftwich deserves more credit, it was Brady who set things in motion as it relates to Arians retiring and Bowles taking over.

Arians wanted to leave the sidelines to Bowles, but wanted to put him in the best possible position for success, and having the seven-time Super Bowl-winning QB back in the fold was key to that equation.

“I was waiting for Tom and see what he was going to do,” Arians said of why he announced his retirement on March 30, more than two months after the season ended. “Once he decided and he came back, it was a no-brainer (to retire). Todd’s in a great shape, the organization’s in a great shape. Probably wouldn’t have done it had Tom not unretired.

“There was always a possibility (Brady could unretire), so we were going to wait until the last minute. We were making plans in case he didn’t, but thank goodness he did.”

Indeed, the waiting proved to be the hardest part and it all worked out.

Now, Arians is the Buccaneers’ senior football consultant — whatever that means.

“It’s whoever needs help, I’m helping,” Arians said. “The owner needs something done, Byron wants me to help him with a red-zone package, I’ll do it. Todd, situational football, I’ll do it. I’ll be around.”

Arians added that he feels “great” physically and that he “lost 50 pounds during the season,” despite having torn his Achilles while running in the pool.

He’s excited to root on Brady, who he once again underscored he has no rift with.

“Tom’s fantastic and I enjoy being around him,” Arians said. “I look forward to the future and watching him continue to play great and Todd run the ship.”

He’ll likewise be rooting for Bowles to continue to steer the Buccaneers’ ship into championship waters, and he’ll continuing stumping for the star that is Leftwich to rise to the head-coaching ranks.

NFC WEST

SEATTLE

TE NOAH FANT thinks he can do better now that he’s out of Denver.  NFL.com:

Noah Fant nearly became a Seahawk three years ago during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

As general manager John Schneider explained last month after the Seahawks traded Russell Wilson to the Broncos for a package that included multiple draft picks as well as Fant, quarterback Drew Lock and defensive end Shelby Harris, the Seahawks were ready to draft Fant three years ago with the 21st overall pick, and even had his name written down on the card they would need to turn in to make the pick official, but instead the Broncos took Fant at No. 20, leading to the Seahawks trading back.

“In the green room when I was in Nashville, me and my agent were kind of talking about that a little bit, thinking that Seattle was a possibility,” Fant said. “Obviously, John confirmed that in saying that they were going to pick me, but I ended up here at the right time. It would’ve been nice to be drafted either place, but I’m in the right place at the right time and excited to be here, especially with a team and a GM that wants me here. Excited to compete and get to work.”

Fant, who has started 41 of 47 games played in his first three seasons, admitted he was “a little shocked” to find out he had been traded, but he sees in Seattle a good opportunity to build off of the success he has already had and to take his game to even higher levels.

“I’m happy to be in a spot where the front office and the coaches want me here, and it feels good to be wanted,” he said. “I’m just looking forward to competing and getting in with this team and making an impact right away. It feels good to be here.”

Fant’s first three seasons have hardly been disappointing, with him contributing 170 catches, 1,905 yards and 10 touchdowns, including 130 catches and 1,343 yards the last two seasons. But as good as he has been so far, Fant still sees a chance in Seattle to do even more than he has so far in his career.

“To be honest with you, I haven’t been really happy from my perspective with my production the last two years,” he said. “Granted, it’s been decent production compared to other tight ends in the NFL, but I definitely am striving for more and better. Essentially the biggest (place) I’ve grown in my game is just kind of understanding defenses and understanding where I can slide into certain zones and how to run my routes and get different coverage, different press, different ways the defense is playing me and just kind of overall knowledge gaining of the game. Goals for year four is to take that leap, right? I mean, I’m kind of stuck at that high 600 ceiling and I got to break through that. I think I have every opportunity to do that in Seattle, and I’m excited to get to work to do that.”

Coming out of Iowa in 2019, Fant was known for his speed and the ability to stretch a defense, and he has been able to do that in the NFL, but coming to Seattle where the running game will also be important, Fant is also focused on making himself a more complete tight end.

“This offseason, I’ve been watching a lot of run tape,” he said. “I feel like that’s been kind of one of the things that I’ve been decent at, but could be a lot better at. If I could take that step to be a dominant run blocker, then I don’t know what (bad thing) could be said if I could do that in that area of the game. So that’s what I’ve been focusing on a lot. I know (Will) Dissly’s a really good run blocker. I’ve talked to him a little bit over the last couple days. Haven’t really dived into the X’s and O’s yet, but hoping that he could be a big help for me also to get where I want to be in that area.”

Of course, Fant isn’t the only player coming to Seattle in the Wilson trade who is looking to elevate his game with his new team. Quarterback Drew Lock arrived in Denver as a potential quarterback of the future, a second-round pick selected 22 picks after Fant, and while he took over the starting job late in his rookie season and played well, Lock struggled at times over the next two seasons and lost his starting job in 2021. But for all the ups and downs experienced by Lock so far, Fant sees a quarterback who could thrive in Seattle if given the chance.

“Drew’s biggest attribute is his arm,” Fant said. “I think he’s made some insane throws the times that we’ve played together. He has all the talent in the world. He can run with the ball. He can do it all. He’s been through some things with previous things in Denver and he’s been working through that. I think he has all the opportunity and all the talent in the world to get it done and be that franchise guy. I know he’s excited to get in and get to work and meet all the guys. I think it’ll be a really good opportunity for him.”

AFC WEST

KANSAS CITY

The Chiefs are said to be looking to package their two picks at the bottom of the first round to move up for Ohio State WR GARRETT WILSON.  Aaron Buller-Ross of Sportsnaut:

Since trading Tyreek Hill, the Kansas City Chiefs arguably don’t have a No. 1 wide receiver. They may be working on a trade to change that in the 2022 NFL Draft. Specifically, a rumor has emerged of their interest in selecting Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson in the first round, but they’ll have to move up from pick 29 to do so, thus the trade idea.

Which, after receiving five draft picks in the Hill trade, general manager Brett Veach should have plenty of ammo to make some moves.

Kansas City radio station suggests Chiefs could make a big draft-day trade

The trade rumor originates from a Kansas City radio station, 610’s Fescoe In The Morning.

“I got a call last night from somebody who floated this rumor out that they heard about the Chiefs,” Fescoe said. “And it was that the Chiefs trading both 1’s and their second-round picks — whether it’s 40 or 50, depending on how high they want to move up — to get to around Top 5 in the Draft. Now to get to Top 5 in the Draft, they would have to trade their two 1’s and that first second-round pick. If they want to get to 7-8 in the Draft, they can trade their two 1’s and their second second-round pick and move up to there. And the target, from what I heard yesterday, appears to be Garrett Wilson, the wide receiver out of Ohio State.”

It’s rare for a rumor such as this to become public. More accurately, it’s rare for a rumor such as this to come true. Teams may move up for a specific player, but there’s no guarantee said player is even available when they move up.

Basically, while it’s an exciting thought, rumors such as these should be taken with a grain of salt leading up to the draft.

Do the Chiefs need to target Garrett Wilson?

One could make the case that the Chiefs don’t have a true No. 1 receiver at their disposal, but on the other hand, maybe they do. JuJu Smith-Schuster has proven more than capable, as shown by his second season in the league, racking up 1,426 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. The thought is, JuJu may be able to get back to that production paired with Patrick Mahomes in an offense that also features Tracis Kelce.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling isn’t a bad secondary option either. There’s said to be a lot of depth at wide receiver in the 2022 NFL Draft class, is making such a bold trade up the board necessary for a pass-catcher, when an immediate contributor can likely be found in the later rounds?

The issue is, that a player of Wilson’s caliber may not be able to be found later on. If the Chiefs have tabbed Wilson as a top draft target, possibly even one who can do many of the same things Hill could as a downfield burner, then maybe a trade up makes the most sense.

AFC NORTH

CLEVELAND

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com explains why QB DESHAUN WATSON was hurt by a judge’s ruling about his encounters with other massage therapists who aren’t suing him:

Tuesday’s ruling that Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson must answer whether he had consensus sexual encounters with any of the 18 massage therapists who previously issued statements of support on his behalf has created some questions. Let’s try to answer them.

First, some wonder why any of this matters, given that two grand juries have decided not to recommend criminal charges against Watson. However, he continues to face 22 civil lawsuits alleging misconduct during massage sessions. The dispute regarding consensual sexual encounters arose within the context of the effort to develop evidence to be used in the trials of those 22 civil cases.

As 2018 proved, quarterback evaluations are extremely subjective, imperfect – ProFootballTalk

Second, some have asked why Watson’s activities with other massage therapists have any relevance to the 22 plaintiffs who are suing him. Generally speaking, a person’s conduct as it relates to others isn’t relevant. However, certain types of “other act” evidence can be relevant and admissible, in specific circumstances.

Under Rule 404(b) of the Texas Rules of Evidence (most if not every American jurisdiction has adopted the same rule), this kind of evidence  can be used to prove “motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, absence of mistake, or lack of accident.” In this case, the plaintiffs will argue that the question of whether Watson has engaged in other massages that turned sexual arguably shows that he engaged massage therapists with a goal of having the massages become something more.

Third, Watson’s camp would argue — aggressively — that allowing Watson to be asked about other sexual encounters is no different than asking a female sexual assault victim about other sexual partners or activities. In our view, it’s very different. Watson is the alleged aggressor, not the victim. If, in contrast, Watson were claiming that he was sexually assaulted by one or more massage therapists, it would be irrelevant for them to defend the case by arguing that he voluntarily submitted to sexual encounters with other massage therapists. Here, Watson is accused of trying to make a massage something more than a massage. If he experienced other massages that became something more, it would explain whether supposed accidental touching during the massage was perhaps a precursor to something else.

Fourth, some have argued it’s not fair to the 18 massage therapists to have their sexual encounters (if any) with Watson disclosed to the world. Beyond the fact that they chose to get involved by submitting statements of support on Watson’s behalf, there are ways to protect their identity, via the use of pseudonyms or court orders restricting the information.

Bottom line? If it can be shown that Watson had a pattern of engaging in massages that became something more, it’s relevant to his state of mind when securing massages with each of the 22 plaintiffs. Watson and his representatives surely don’t like it; it hurts their case. Regardless, it’s fair game when the question is whether he had a habit of hiring massage therapists and hoping that the massage would take a sexual turn — and whether he affirmatively tried to make that happen.

AFC SOUTH

HOUSTON

Sara Barshop of ESPN.com reports the retirement of LB WHITNEY MERCILUS:

Former Texans linebacker Whitney Mercilus announced his retirement on Wednesday after a 10-year NFL career.

“I decided I’m hanging up the cleats and I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my life,” Mercilus, 31, said in a video he posted on Instagram.

The 2012 first-round pick played all but four regular-season games in his career with the Texans, before he was released by the team in October. Mercilus signed with the Green Bay Packers but tore his left biceps on Nov. 14. He was placed on injured reserve but was able to return for a playoff game.

The pass-rusher’s best season came in 2015, when he had a career-high 12 sacks.

In 138 career games, Mercilus had 362 tackles, 58 sacks, 13 forced fumbles and two interceptions. His 57 sacks for the Texans rank second in franchise history behind J.J. Watt, who had 101 sacks with Houston.

THIS AND THAT

QB LANDING SPOTS

Matt Miller and Jordan Reid of ESPN.com tell us where the QBs will land in the draft.  In the original article, they are sorted by writer.  We’ve re-arranged it to compare the individuals:

MALIK WILLIS, Liberty

Jordan Reid – Round 1, No. 2: Detroit Lions

Either you’re in love with this idea or are completely against it. Jared Goff is under contract for two more seasons, and while he showed signs of growth during the tail end of last season, he likely won’t be the long-term solution in Detroit.

With a respectable bridge player in place, Willis would be able to progress slowly; he isn’t ready to play meaningful NFL snaps right away. Nothing matters for a team in a rebuild until it gets the quarterback spot right, and while the class of signal-callers might look promising in 2023, there’s no guarantee the Lions will be in position to take one early. Willis would be a clear swing-for-the-fences pick.

Matt Miller – Round 1, No. 20: Pittsburgh Steelers

In the NFL, teams either have a quarterback who can win games, or they’re looking for one. And while it’s possible the Lions target Willis at No. 2, let’s look at a different scenario: the Steelers realizing Mitch Trubisky isn’t the guy.

Willis’ dual-threat ability, natural arm strength and exceptional field vision on the go would give the Steelers something they haven’t had since a young Big Ben was under center

KENNY PICKETT, Pitt

Jordan Reid –  Round 1, No. 6: Carolina Panthers

The Panthers have to find a starting quarterback over the next month, whether it’s via trade or in the draft. With coach Matt Rhule on the hot seat, the franchise could be in search of an option who is ready to step in and play right away.

Pickett, who started 49 games at Pitt, has a wealth of experience and has the game to match the team’s scheme. And Rhule knows the quarterback well, as he recruited Pickett when he was the coach at Temple.

While you can make an argument that Pickett isn’t worthy of a top-10 pick, the franchise isn’t in position to skip over the position again and quarterbacks always get overdrafted.

Matt Miller – Round 1, No. 6: Carolina Panthers

The Panthers need a quarterback who can play right now and accentuate the talented skill players the front office has added over the past few seasons. Pickett’s 49 college starts and accuracy make him the most pro-ready signal-caller of the 2022 class — something Panthers coach Matt Rhule needs to keep his seat from getting too hot.

DESMOND RIDDER, Cincinnati

Jordan Reid – Round 1, No. 20: Pittsburgh Steelers

This one might come as a bit of a surprise, but Mitch Trubisky’s two-year, $14 million deal likely means he’s just a bridge for a young quarterback. Trubisky is atop the depth chart for now, but it shouldn’t alter the Steelers’ pursuit of a signal-caller.

I could see the Steelers being a great fit for Ridder, who was accomplished in college (44 career wins and 87 touchdown passes), took on big responsibilities in Cincinnati’s offense and is mature enough to play early. Don’t be surprised if he’s selected in the middle of Round 1.

Matt Miller – Round 2, No. 43: Atlanta Falcons

Ridder is the ideal quarterback to learn behind Marcus Mariota, as both have similar skill sets. Ridder is savvy and experienced, plus he improved his accuracy in 2021. He still could use time to learn, which makes this situation great for him.

Ridder’s 4.52-second 40-yard dash at the combine and his four years of starts have his stock heating up. There’s a chance he lands in Round 1, as Jordan noted above.

MATT CORRAL, Ole Miss

Jordan Reid – Round 2, No. 40: Seattle Seahawks (via DEN)

Corral, who suffered an ankle injury in the Sugar Bowl in early January, was the lone quarterback we didn’t see much of during the pre-draft process. He is a quick processor with a lightning-quick release.

With Drew Lock and Jacob Eason as the only options on the roster, welcoming Corral could make sense for Seattle. The Seahawks aren’t in a situation to be rushed to find their quarterback of the future, but if Corral slips to the second round, he’s worth taking.

Matt Miller – Round 2, No. 40: Seattle Seahawks (via DEN)

The Seahawks traded an undersized, dual-threat quarterback, and his potential replacement fits the same bill. Corral hasn’t had much pre-draft buzz, but his play in 2021 was much improved (31 total touchdowns, five interceptions) as he cut down on turnovers.

The Seahawks like Drew Lock, but Corral is good enough to push him in Year 1. There is also the Lane Kiffin-Pete Carroll connection here; Kiffin coached under Carroll at USC.

SAM HOWELL, North Carolina

Jordan Reid – Round 2, No. 49: New Orleans Saints

I’ve gone back and forth on my evaluation of Howell, more than any quarterback in this class, and opinions from people I talk to in the league are mixed. A promising 2020 season set up huge expectations for 2021, but a disastrous three-interception performance to open the season showed major concerns. Howell improved as the season progressed, though, as he battled through losing his top four receiving options from the previous year.

New Orleans is an ideal landing spot for Howell, who would join a room with veterans Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton. As a second-round pick, he wouldn’t be forced into action. There is a wide range on where Howell will be drafted; it wouldn’t be surprising if he landed at the end of Round 1 or in Round 3.

Matt Miller – Round 3, No. 81: New York Giants (via MIA)

Insurance against a Daniel Jones injury or bad play is smart and gives the Giants a potential future starter. Howell’s game declined in 2021, but his arm strength, deep-ball touch and dual-threat ability are intriguing.

Allowing him to be coached up by Brian Daboll is ideal from a scheme perspective.

CARSON STRONG, Nevada

Jordan Reid – Round 3, No. 90: Tennessee Titans

After the inconsistent play of Ryan Tannehill in the postseason, the Titans might look to throw a dart at the QB board on Day 2. Strong is the opposite of Tannehill from a playing-style standpoint, and his ability to attack the deeper portions of the field would stress defenses that attempt to pack the box against running back Derrick Henry.

Opinions will vary on Strong because of his medicals — he had two knee surgeries in college — but there might be a few other teams comfortable with taking him around this spot.

Matt Miller – Round 3, No. 98: New Orleans Saints (comp pick)

Taking a late Round 3 flier on a quarterback is smart drafting. Strong has experience and passing traits that teams love, but a previous knee injury makes his evaluation difficult.

He has the arm talent to become an NFL starter if he can remain healthy. The Saints’ downfield game would benefit, especially if they can add another receiver with one of their two first-round picks.

BAILEY ZAPPE, Western Kentucky

Jordan Reid – Round 4, No. 113: Washington Commanders

With an exact replica of him already on the roster in Taylor Heinicke, it’s easy to see why the Commanders would have interest in Zappe. He’s a signal-caller who could turn into high-quality insurance for a starter.

With Henicke entering the final season of his contract, stashing Zappe on the practice squad and eventually allowing him to assume the backup role in 2023 could be a possibility.

Matt Miller – Round 4, 113: Washington Commanders

Can you name the last time Washington drafted a quarterback in Round 4 after making a splashy move at the position? Kirk Cousins in 2012.

Zappe is an accurate, savvy, highly productive prospect who throws a gorgeous deep ball and the most catchable intermediate pass in the class. He has NFL starter talent as a passer in the right scheme, but he played against subpar competition at Houston Baptist and then Western Kentucky, and teams are worried that his production largely came in offensive schemes that inflate quarterback numbers.

JACK COAN, Notre Dame

Jordan Reid – Round 6, No. 212: Los Angeles Rams (comp pick)

The Rams have John Wolford and Bryce Perkins as the backup options to Matthew Stafford, and throwing another young quarterback in the mix could be an option.

Coan is praised for his understanding of where to go with the ball. When I watched him during the week of practices at the East-West Shrine Bowl, he continued to get better each day after being exposed to NFL coaching.

Matt Miller – Round 6, No. 184: Minnesota Vikings (via NYJ)

Coan impressed after transferring from Wisconsin to Notre Dame. He improved his stock during the pre-draft process by showing off his agility in and out of the pocket. plus field vision that wasn’t previously seen on tape.

The No. 2 job in Minnesota could still be open after the previous front office drafted Kellen Mond in the third round last year.

COLE KELLEY, Southeastern Louisiana

Jordan Reid – Round 7, No. 231: Buffalo Bills (via ATL)

At 6-foot-7, 260 pounds, Kelley is a big-bodied thrower who frequently was incorporated into the designed-QB run game (16 rushing TDs last season). He has mobility to match his strong arm.

At Hula Bowl practices, Kelley showed some promising moments that could lead to him being a seventh-round selection. The Bills are already set at the QB2 and QB3 spots after trading for Case Keenum and bringing back Matt Barkley, but Kelley is an ideal practice squad option.

Matt Miller – Round 6, 183: Houston Texans

Davis Mills showed enough as a rookie last season to be the starter in 2022, but insurance at the position is smart. Kelley, who had 44 touchdown passes and 10 picks while completing 74.2% of his passes last season, wowed at the combine with his arm talent.

The Arkansas transfer has the size (6-foot-7) and traits to get a shot as a backup in Round 6.

BROCK PURDY, Iowa State

Jordan Reid – Round 7, No. 239: Indianapolis Colts

Purdy’s Iowa State career got off to a fast start, as he took over as the starter as a freshman in 2018. He plateaued a bit after a strong sophomore campaign, however, but he is an intriguing late-round option who could provide depth as a QB3.

Purdy has an average arm, but his accuracy is adequate in the short to intermediate areas.

Matt Miller – Round 7, 249: Green Bay Packers

There’s still a chance Jordan Love is moved this offseason, but even if he stays on the roster, the Packers should draft for future depth. There’s no better position for that than quarterback in Round 7, where a long-term backup can be found.

Purdy won’t wow with physical tools, but he’s experienced and accurate.

2022 DRAFT

Charles Davis of NFL.com is the first we’ve seen to have EDGE TRAVON WALKER rise all the way to the top of the draft.

After a fourth attempt at putting this together, I realized that I had zero quarterbacks being selected. While there is a case to be made for a first round without a single QB coming off the board, it’s also highly unlikely. So I went back to the drawing board and tried to project which teams might take a bite from the signal-caller tree. Here are the results:

1  Jacksonville Jaguars

Travon Walker     Georgia · DL · Junior

Surprise! Many expect this pick to be Michigan edge Aidan Hutchinson, and understandably so. But in this case, the Jags project that this young man’s NFL numbers will exceed his college ones. Gifted with great ability and a fine work ethic, Walker will pair well with Josh Allen.

2  Detroit Lions

Aidan Hutchinson     Michigan · Edge · Senior

It just makes too much sense. The Michigan native and University of Michigan product stays local, immediately helping the Lions while strengthening the culture that head coach Dan Campbell is implementing.

3  Houston Texans

Kayvon Thibodeaux     Oregon · Edge · Junior

I really considered pegging the most gifted edge rusher in this class at No. 1 overall to Jacksonville. New Texans head coach Lovie Smith has no problem with this former Duck migrating to Houston.

4  New York Jets

Ickey Ekwonu    N.C. State · OT · Junior

The Jets continue to gather help for talented young QB Zach Wilson. If one of the top three edge rushers remains on the board come draft night, New York could go in that direction.

5  New York Giants

Evan Neal     Alabama · OT · Junior

The Giants have been trying to improve their offensive line for years, and this versatile performer started at three different positions — playing well in each of them — during his Alabama career. Neal will help give QB Daniel Jones the best opportunity to succeed in a make-or-break season.

6  Carolina Panthers

Malik Willis     Liberty · QB · Senior (RS)

In this exercise, it’s Carolina that makes the first move on a QB from the 2022 class. GM Scott Fitterer recently mentioned the Panthers’ strong need for a field general who will take hold of the starting job and own it. They opt for this young man’s upside.

7  New York Giants (from Chicago)

Jermaine Johnson II     Florida State · Edge · Senior (RS)

Pass rush is a need for Big Blue, and what a final college season of production — and postseason of polish — from the ACC Defensive Player of the Year.

8  Atlanta Falcons

Garrett Wilson     Ohio State · WR · Junior

Atlanta’s offensive makeover continues. First, Marcus Mariota is brought in to replace Matt Ryan at QB. Now, the Falcons select this Buckeyes speedster to fill the void left by Calvin Ridley’s suspension.

9  Seattle Seahawks (from Denver)

Sauce Gardner    Cincinnati · CB · Junior

Seattle’s roster has need areas all over the place, but defense must be a priority. Notre Dame’s Kyle Hamilton got consideration here as a hybrid playmaker, but the pick is the guy they call “Sauce,” who has paired a tremendous 2021 season with an eye-popping run-up to the draft.

10  New York Jets (from Seattle)

Derek Stingley Jr.    LSU · CB · Junior

Plenty of questions about his last two seasons — see: uneven play, injuries — but it’s impossible to forget Stingley’s freshman campaign. He was beyond dominant in 2019, both in practice against Ja’Marr Chase and on game day versus the best the SEC had to offer. Jets fans are hoping for a revival of “Revis Island.”

11  Washington Commanders

Kyle Hamilton    Notre Dame · S · Junior

My favorite player in the draft. I know worries emerged when he posted slower-than-anticipated 40 times at the NFL Scouting Combine and Notre Dame’s pro day, but Hamilton’s easily fast enough on tape. His range, length, ball skills and tackling would pair nicely with current Commanders safety Kamren Curl. I also expect Washington to strongly consider a QB, even after the acquisition of Carson Wentz.

12  Minnesota Vikings

Trent McDuffie     Washington · CB · Junior

Savvy, smart, fluid — McDuffie has impressed many an evaluator. The Vikings start with a fresh talent at the cornerback position under new GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and first-time head coach Kevin O’Connell.

13  Houston Texans (from Cleveland)

Charles Cross     Mississippi State · OT · Sophomore (RS)

As the best pass-protecting OT in the draft, Cross gives second-year QB Davis Mills more help as the Texans try to work their way back to the top of the AFC South division that they owned for a recent stretch.

14  Baltimore Ravens

Jordan Davis     Georgia · DT · Senior

Not only did Davis put on the show of shows at the combine, but he fits what the Ravens covet from their defensive interior players: speed and playmaking ability, both of which are crucial in an AFC North that loves to run the ball.

15  Philadelphia Eagles (from Miami)

Devonte Wyatt     Georgia · DT · Senior

The Eagles re-signed Fletcher Cox to a one-year deal, but adding his eventual replacement now is an excellent idea.

16  New Orleans Saints (from Indianapolis thru Philadelphia)

Chris Olave      Ohio State · WR · Senior

With the re-signing of QB Jameis Winston, I expect the Saints to try to push the ball downfield more often, and Olave has a penchant for creating big plays over the top.

17  Los Angeles Chargers

Trevor Penning     Northern Iowa · OT · Senior (RS)

The Chargers selected LT Rashawn Slater in last year’s first round, and he was a strong candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year. This draft cycle, the Bolts look to greatly improve the right side, and Penning has the temperament that they are seeking.

18  Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans)

Andrew Booth     Clemson · CB · Junior

Plenty of Eagles fans — including one particularly enthusiastic one we met at the combine — are eager to see the LB position addressed, but Booth’s athleticism and ability to play well in zone coverage fit Philly’s style, simultaneously giving Darius Slay a running mate on the opposite side.

19  New Orleans Saints (from Philadelphia)

George Karlaftis      Purdue · Edge · Junior

Former first-round pick Marcus Davenport just can’t stay healthy, while Cameron Jordan turns 33 this July. Karlaftis offers New Orleans another QB hunter with a power-based game. Ideally, the Purdue product would provide Trey Hendrickson-type production.

20  Pittsburgh Steelers

Kenny Pickett     Pittsburgh · QB · Senior

The Steelers have been out in force doing their homework on this year’s crop of QBs, and they should have plenty of information on Pickett, given that they share a training facility with Pitt. Pickett’s ascension during the 2021 season was enthralling, and the Steelers get a chance to bring him along slowly after the addition of Mitch Trubisky. A potential surprise pick here: Cincinnati QB Desmond Ridder.

21  New England Patriots

Devin Lloyd      Utah · LB · Senior (RS)

The Patriots look to continue their tradition of leadership at the LB position — think: Jerod Mayo and Dont’a Hightower — with this rangy playmaker who just led Utah to its first Rose Bowl appearance.

22  Green Bay Packers (from Las Vegas)

Jahan Dotson      Penn State · WR · Senior

After trading Davante Adams to the Raiders, the Packers use the pick acquired to select his replacement — and nab a wideout fast enough to take the top off of defenses, as head coach Matt LaFleur desires.

23  Arizona Cardinals

Drake London     USC · WR · Junior

Big frame, big production. Larry Fitzgerald moved to the slot and put up terrific numbers at the end of his career. London moved inside often at USC in 2021 and thrived. He can do the same to help QB Kyler Murray get the Cards back to the playoffs — and potentially log a postseason win or two.

24  Dallas Cowboys

Zion Johnson     Boston College · IOL · Senior

The Cowboys need to revamp their offensive line and get back to their forceful running days. This powerful and athletic guard will match well with All-Pro stud Zack Martin.

25  Buffalo Bills

Jameson Williams

Alabama · WR · Junior

Williams is coming off a knee injury, but says he’s ahead of schedule in his recovery. When healthy, he’ll give the Bills a stellar speed merchant to complement Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis.

26  Tennessee Titans

Tyler Smith     Tulsa · OT · Sophomore (RS)

A road grader who totally fits the Titans’ scheme and attitude on offense. Tennessee continues to seek players who help make Derrick Henry the best RB in the NFL when healthy. Smith could be an immediate starter at guard or tackle.

27 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

David Ojabo     Michigan · Edge · Sophomore (RS)

Yes, Ojabo’s Achilles injury at Michigan’s pro day could cause him to fall into Day 2 of the draft, but the Bucs have the infrastructure to wait for him to get healthy and become a top pass rusher for them down the line.

28  Green Bay Packers

Kenyon Green     Texas A&M · OG · Junior

Strong and physical at the point of attack, Green gives the Packers another potential all-star on the O-line, joining left tackle David Bakhtiari and hyper-versatile blocker Elgton Jenkins.

29  Kansas City Chiefs (from San Francisco through Miami)

Boye Mafe     Minnesota · Edge · Senior (RS)

Kansas City must continue to upgrade its pass rush in a division that is now loaded with top QBs. With a skill set that reminds me of current Chief Frank Clark, Mafe’s an enticing option here for K.C.

30  Kansas City Chiefs

Christian Watson      North Dakota State · WR · Senior (RS)

One of the stars of the pre-draft process, Watson goes from not seeing enough passes in Fargo to giving QB Patrick Mahomes another new option on the perimeter — joining JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling — to try and replace Tyreek Hill.

31  Cincinnati Bengals

Tyler Linderbaum     Iowa · C · Junior (RS)

The best pivot in the draft, Linderbaum has the potential to be this year’s Creed Humphrey, the rookie who played at an All-Pro level for Kansas City in 2021. Ted Karras, who came over from New England, can slide to guard.

32  Detroit Lions (from LA Rams)

Matt Corral     Mississippi · QB · Junior (RS)

I was leaning toward projecting Georgia LB Nakobe Dean to the Lions here (he would make a dandy addition), but we’ve seen a QB come off the board 32nd overall twice over the last several years (Lamar Jackson, 2018; Teddy Bridgewater, 2014). With the Lions still making up their minds about incumbent QB Jared Goff’s long-term future, this tough, gritty, quick decision-maker is in play. Corral might be my favorite QB in the class because of his overall playmaking ability.