The Daily Briefing Tuesday, January 18, 2022

The AFC has an inland feel, with three river towns, and Buffalo has both a lake and a river.

– – –

Super Wild Card Weekend wasn’t very Super, with two good games and four bummers.

@jazayerli

Two years ago, the Buccaneers and Chiefs would have had a bye, like they deserved, and the Eagles and Steelers would have gone home, like *they* deserved.

Instead, the Bucs led 31-0 before letting up, and the Chiefs led 35-7 before letting up. 14 playoff teams is so dumb.

7^th seeds in the playoffs are 0-4 with only the Colts 27-24 setback at Buffalo last year anything other than a rout.

DALLAS

@PaulHembo

Playoff wins in last 25 seasons:

Jake Delhomme (5)

Trent Dilfer (5)

Mark Sanchez (4)

Brad Johnson (4)

Colin Kaepernick (4)

Dallas Cowboys (3)

– – –

Stephen Jones sort of puts the cap on all the speculation that Mike McCarthy will be shown the door in Dallas.  Kevin Patra of NFL.com:

Dallas Cowboys fans calling for coach Mike McCarthy to be fired likely aren’t going to get their wish.

Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones said Monday on 105.3 The Fan he’s confident the coach would remain in charge of the team in 2022.

“Absolutely. Very confident,” Jones responded.

Monday’s comments follow Sunday’s remarks from owner Jerry Jones when he didn’t want to discuss McCarthy’s status as head coach.

Top Videos

“I don’t even want to discuss anything like that at this particular time,” Jones said. “That’s not on the table. The game speaks for itself.”

Dallas repeatedly hurt themselves in Sunday’s loss to the 49ers, racking up 14 penalties — tying a season-high — for 89 yards. The Cowboys’ 14 penalties were tied for the second-most in a playoff game in NFL history (1993 Raiders had 17 in Wild Card Round vs. DEN) and most-ever penalties in a playoff loss. Many infractions were of the pre-snap variety, including four on the offense.

Then there was the decision to call a Dak Prescott QB draw with 14 seconds remaining in the game that wound up the final play of the contest when the Cowboys couldn’t get a spike off.

NEW YORK GIANTS

Ralph Vacchiano of SNY offers insight into the thinking of the Giants braintrust.

The next general manager of the Giants might be the most important voice in the room when the team begins its search for a new head coach, especially if John Mara holds true to his promise that the next GM will have “the flexibility to bring in the head coach that he wants.”

But that doesn’t mean the Giants don’t already have a short list. And former Dolphins coach Brian Flores and Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll seem to be at the top.

Both of those coaches have been the subject of some discussion inside the Giants organization for quite some time, according to multiple sources familiar with their thinking, and they are both on the shortlists of several of the Giants’ nine GM candidates, according to various sources around the league. It’s possible that both coaches could get interviews with the Giants regardless of who is hired as the next GM.

Of course, that’s if either of them are still available by then. Daboll is scheduled to interview with the Dolphins and Bears on Sunday. In fact, the Dolphins are reportedly flying to Buffalo to interview him in person. Flores has already interviewed with the Texans and Bears and many consider him the front-runner in Houston where the GM is Nick Caserio, whom Flores worked with in New England.

The Giants seem to be on track to have a GM in place by the end of this week. They are wrapping up their first round of interviews on Monday, and plan to bring in multiple finalists for in-person interviews by the middle of the week, according to a source. That could lead them to a decision by Friday, after which the head coaching search would immediately begin.

Flores seems to be the one most in danger of being off the market by then. Even if he’s not, he almost certainly will have options after the work he did in Miami, leading the Dolphins to back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in nearly 20 years, and guiding them out of a 1-7 hole and almost to a playoff berth by finishing on an 8-1 run.

One source said Mara has a “great respect” for Flores and likes him personally (It doesn’t hurt that Flores went to Boston College, Mara’s alma mater). And the former Patriots assistant comes with the Bill Belichick stamp of approval – always of importance to the Giants.

The 40-year-old Flores is also a native of Brooklyn, and a source said he’d be very interested in the Giants’ job, but he might not be willing to wait for it. His primary interest, the source said, is finding a team ready to win and an ownership that will commit to him and his plan. In other words, he could have some difficult questions for Mara, after the Giants have fired three straight coaches after two years or less on the job.

The 46-year-old Daboll, meanwhile, has been on the Giants’ radar since they hired Joe Judge two years ago. One source said they considered interviewing him then. Also, once Judge was hired, he was hoping to talk to his old Patriots staff-mate about becoming his offensive coordinator. But the Bills denied the Giants permission to interview Daboll, so Judge hired Jason Garrett, who was Mara’s preferred choice.

But again, the choice of a head coach will be up to the GM, if Mara is telling the truth. The co-owner also insisted there would be no “package deals” with a GM being hired with a preordained coach.

However, both Daboll and Flores do have ties to several of the Giants’ nine GM candidates. Daboll, of course, is often tied to Bills assistant GM Joe Schoen, who many believe is the favorite to become the next Giants general manager. He also has connections with Titans director of player personnel Monti Ossenfort and 49ers assistant GM Adam Peters, who are both former Patriots executives. Flores is connected to Ossenfort and Peters, too.

Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has also been discussed in the Giants’ offices over the years. They did background research on him two years ago and were planning to bring him in for an interview before they abruptly decided to stop their search and hire Judge. It’s hard to predict whether he’d even be interested in a head coaching job, especially after backing out on the Indianapolis Colts after accepting their offer back in 2018, or whether the Giants really would consider him again.

The Giants’ interest in McDaniels could be renewed if Ossenfort or Peters were hired. Peters, in fact, left the Patriots to follow McDaniels to Denver in 2009 and some say the two have remained close. Although one source said Peters is actually even closer with Flores.

One other name that has come up, according to a source, is Ravens defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale. He apparently had a strong interview with the Giants two years ago, and he could be a top choice if the Giants hire Ravens director of player personnel Joe Hortiz as their new GM.

But again, those are only names that have been discussed. It’s all premature until a general manager is in place. And while each of the nine GM candidates surely discussed which coaches they’d want to hire during their interviews, the Giants’ actual search for a head coach could turn out to be as wide as their search for a new GM.

ARIZONA

The Tampa Bay (for now) Rays have a two-city plan afoot where they aspire to play until June in Tampa, then finish each year in Montreal.

Perhaps the Arizona Cardinals should consider a two-coach plan where Kliff Kingsbury gets them to November 1 and then someone else takes over.  Kingsbury is 15-8-1 in September and October, 9-17 after November 1 (counting Monday’s debacle).

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com:

Cardinals coach Kliff Kingbury entered the 2021 season on an obvious hot seat. Despite a 10-2 start, he could be ending it the same way.

With a 1-4 slide to end the regular season and a blowout loss to the Rams in the wild-card round, will the Cardinals make a coaching change?

It’s a fair question to ask, given the way the campaign ended for Arizona. Making the question more fair is the fact that the Cardinals have a long history of changing coaches. Despite the fact that the franchise has existed for more than 100 years, no head coach has ever lasted more than six seasons.

For Kingsbury, it’s been three. The three initial years of Kyler Murray‘s career. Now, with Murray poised to expect a second contract that will consume a much larger percentage of the team’s salary cap, it will be harder to put a team around him. This year, the Cardinals had a team around him that, through the first 12 games, looked to be the best in the league.

Now? Not. Now, the question is whether the Cardinals will stand pat with Kingsbury for the final year of his contract or move on.

It’s ultimately for the Cardinals to decide. The past six games, which would have been winless but for a win at Dallas in Week 17, complicate the decision considerably.

So what will they do? Kingsbury has gone 24-24-1, with one playoff berth and a non-competitive showing against a division rival. Will it be enough? Time will tell.

– – –

How bad were the Cardinals on Monday night?

@EliasSports

Tonight, Arizona had eight consecutive drives result in either zero first downs, a fumble, or an interception. This is the longest such streak to open a playoff game since the Raiders in January of 1981. The Cardinals failed to protect and advance the football in the first half.

Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com:

Nothing could help the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night.

Not J.J. Watt returning almost two months early from a shoulder injury.

Not an 8-1 record on the road.

Not having both running backs, James Conner and Chase Edmonds, on the field for the same game since Week 15.

That’s because nothing went right for the Cardinals in their first playoff game since 2015. Arizona turned in one of the worst performances in NFL playoff history Monday, losing 34-11 to the Los Angeles Rams, ending their season at 11-7 with five losses in their final six games.

“It was a massive failure from what we were capable of doing and from what we showed we can do to today, there’s no other way to describe it than as a failure,” Watt said.

Monday’s game was over by the time Warren G. and Montell Jordan took the stage at halftime.

Arizona had minus-3 yards in the first quarter — second worst by any team in a first quarter in the past 35 postseasons. By the end of their fourth possession, the Cardinals had four punts on four three-and-out drives and minus-4 yards to show for it.

“You come out against a really good team and don’t do anything right for first two quarters, that’s what’s gonna happen,” coach Kliff Kingsbury said. “We didn’t much right, coaching or playing, in the first half.”

At one point, Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. had more passing yards than Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray — 40 to 28.

“I play to win the Super Bowl,” Murray said. “That’s the goal, that’s the mission, is to win the Super Bowl not to make the playoffs or go to the second round.

“We fell short.”

The Cardinals’ offense just couldn’t find a spark. It couldn’t even find a match. The first time the Cardinals got a first down came with 6:45 left in the first half. Arizona didn’t have a play in Rams territory until there was 6:48 left in the third quarter. They went 0-for-9 on third down, just the eighth instance of 0-for-9 or worse in a playoff game during the Super Bowl era. Arizona had eight consecutive drives result in zero first downs, a fumble or an interception, which was the longest such streak to open a playoff game since the Oakland Raiders in 1980.

Arizona got out of rhythm early, Kingsbury said, which forced the Cardinals to drop back more than it had wanted. That’s not the way to beat the Rams.

“When you’re dropping back against that that group, it’s not a good recipe,” Kingsbury said. “And that’s what we’ve found ourselves in. So, we just made it for a tough night.”

The Cardinals’ 183 yards of total offense were the fewest allowed by the Rams this season.

LOS ANGELES RAMS

With QB MATTHEW STAFFORD off the list, who is the best QB never to win a playoff game?  Brady Henderson of ESPN.com on his low-key night:

Matthew Stafford entered Monday night’s wild-card game against the Arizona Cardinals having never won in the playoffs, losing in all three of his appearances over 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions.

If only he had a team around him as talented as the one he now quarterbacks.

Stafford combined for three touchdowns, vastly outplaying Cardinals counterpart Kyler Murray, and the Los Angeles Rams got contributions from up and down their star-studded roster en route to a stress-free 34-11 win at SoFi Stadium. It filled the playoff hole in Stafford’s résumé and punched the Rams’ ticket to the divisional round, where they’ll face Tom Brady and the defending champion Buccaneers on Sunday in Tampa, Florida.

Stafford’s 323 career touchdown passes in the regular season were the most of any player without a playoff victory, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.

“I’m just excited for our team to get the win,” Stafford said. “What a team effort. Our defense played outstanding tonight, special teams basically set up a score with [punter] Johnny [Hekker] pinning them down there, did a great job on field goals. And we were good enough on offense to score some points and come away with the win. Just happy to be moving on.”

Stafford turned in one of his most efficient performances of the season, even if it wasn’t his most prolific. He threw touchdown passes to Odell Beckham Jr. and Cooper Kupp and ran for another on a goal-line sneak for his first rushing TD since 2016. After ending the regular season with eight interceptions over the final four games, he didn’t commit a turnover against Arizona while finishing with a nearly perfect 154.5 passer rating.

His 13 completions and 17 attempts were easily season lows, while his 202 passing yards were his second fewest. His 17 attempts also were his fewest in a win in his career, regular season or playoffs, according to ESPN Stats & Information data.

With the Rams’ running game finding its groove from the get-go and their defense leaving Murray looking lost all night long, they didn’t need Stafford to carry the load.

LAS VEGAS

As Jim Harbaugh’s name surfaces for head coach, the Raiders show the door to GM Mike Mayock.

Jumbo Elliott is a former Michigan great.

@JumboElliott76

Little Birdie says coach Harbaugh eyeing Raiders & Giants.

– – –

Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com:

Mike Mayock has been fired as general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders after three tumultuous seasons that produced a combined record of 25-24, the team’s first playoff appearance since 2016 (and only its second since 2002) and numerous on- and off-the-field controversies.

“We have relieved Mike Mayock of his duties as General Manager of the Las Vegas Raiders,” the team said in a statement Monday. “We thank Mike for his contributions over the last three years in helping to form the foundation for the franchise to build upon in its future.”

The Raiders have already begun the process of finding his replacement, requesting an interview with New England Patriots director of player personnel Dave Ziegler, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The Raiders also are beginning their search for a new head coach. Interim coach Rich Bisaccia said Monday he had preliminary conversations with team owner Mark Davis about potentially getting the job full-time. The Raiders also have requested an interview with Patriots inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo, a source told Schefter.

Mayock’s firing comes two days after the Raiders’ playoff exit after a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in a wild-card game.

Mayock, 63, was hired as GM by the Raiders on Dec. 31, 2018, after 15 years as a draft analyst and on-air analyst for NFL Network, to help the team specifically with the draft and to work with then-coach Jon Gruden, who had final say in personnel decisions.

Davis told ESPN that Gruden held a 51-49 percentage advantage in the power structure when it came to decision-making. It shifted to Mayock’s advantage over Bisaccia upon Gruden’s abrupt resignation on Oct. 11 in the wake of his email scandal.

This season, Mayock had to navigate the team through receiver Henry Ruggs III’s car crash that claimed the life of a 23-year-old woman in the early morning of Nov. 2 — the 2020 first-round draft pick was released by the team hours later — as well as the release of fellow 2020 first-rounder Damon Arnette less than a week later when video surfaced online of the cornerback brandishing guns and making death threats.

And while Gruden did have final say on personnel, the Raiders missed far more often than not on their 23 combined picks in his and Mayock’s three drafts together.

While 16 of those players are still on the roster, four of Las Vegas’ top five picks in the 2020 draft were gone in less than a season and a half, with Ruggs and Arnette joined by Lynn Bowden Jr. (traded to Miami before the season started) and Tanner Muse, who spent his rookie season on IR and was cut before the 2021 season began. In fact, heading into that draft, Mayock said having three picks in the third round was “like stealing,” and if the Raiders did their job right, they’d have “three more starters.”

Those three picks were Bowden, receiver Bryan Edwards, who is a starter, and Muse.

A year earlier, the Raiders had three first-round picks and used them on defensive end Clelin Ferrell at No. 4 overall, running back Josh Jacobs at No. 24 and strong safety Johnathan Abram at No. 27. Ferrell is more of an impact player on special teams than a consistent contributor. Jacobs has a pair of 1,000-yard rushing seasons and a Pro Bowl nod on his résumé, but his production slipped drastically this season. Although Abram can be effective against the run, he is a detriment against the pass.

This past spring, the Raiders used the No. 17 pick on Alabama offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood, whom many had assigned a second-round grade. He struggled enough at right tackle that he was moved to right guard in Week 5 and is the second-most penalized offensive lineman in the NFL.

The Raiders, though, have found starters in lower-round picks during Mayock’s tenure: cornerback Trayvon Mullen Jr. (2019 second round), defensive end Maxx Crosby (2019 fourth round), slot receiver Hunter Renfrow (2019 fifth round), left guard John Simpson (2020 fourth round), free safety Tre’von Moehrig (2021 second round) and nickel cornerback Nate Hobbs (2021 fifth round).

Mayock’s Raiders career got off to a rocky start with the Antonio Brown episode, with the GM fining him for missing training camp practices and Brown posting the fine letters on his social media. The Raiders later released Brown without the receiver ever playing a down for the team.

This from Sportsnaut:

The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to make a high-profile run at Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, but has Rich Bisaccia done enough to keep the job?

Bisaccia took over for Jon Gruden in October and led the Raiders to their first playoff appearance since 2016. Las Vegas’ season ended with a 26-19 loss at Cincinnati on Saturday, with the former special teams coordinator posting a 7-5 record as the interim coach.

Bisaccia has received support from several Raiders players, but Harbaugh is reportedly drawing interest from several NFL teams. That includes the Raiders, who may view Harbaugh as a glitzier hire as they continue to establish their brand in Las Vegas.

Harbaugh was installed as the +200 favorite to be hired as the Raiders’ next head coach by SportsBetting.ag on Monday morning, just ahead of Bisaccia at +250.

They are the top two clear favorites, with former Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson next at +500.

The fourth-shortest odds belong to Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin at +700. The Steelers’ season ended in a lopsided loss at Kansas City on Sunday night and the team is facing a quarterback change from Ben Roethlisberger.

Tomlin is under contract and has not indicated a desire to leave Pittsburgh, but has been tied to the Las Vegas opening as part of a potential “coach trade.”

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney is being offered at +800. The only other college coaches being offered are Stanford’s David Shaw (+1000) and Ole Miss’ Lane Kiffin, who has the longest odds at +10000.

Raiders Head Coach Odds

Jim Harbaugh: 2-1

Rich Bisaccia: 5-2

Doug Pederson: 5-1

Mike Tomlin: 7-1

Dabo Swinney: 8-1

Byron Leftwich: 10-1

David Shaw: 10-1

Eric Bieniemy: 10-1

Sean Payton: 10-1

Todd Bowles: 10-1

Brian Daboll: 14-1

Joe Brady: 16-1

Nathaniel Hackett: 20-1

Lane Kiffin: 100-1

THIS AND THAT

REBUILDING TIERS

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com puts the non-playoff teams into re-building tiers.

Teams sitting at home in January can rejoice in one NFL truth while regretting another. They can rejoice in the fact that the NFL’s extreme parity — more than 20 teams were in the playoff mix in the final weeks of the regular season — facilitates quick rebuilds. The Cincinnati Bengals, for example, just executed a six-game turnaround, going from four wins and a top-five draft pick to 10 wins and a division title. But the Bengals have Joe Burrow, which brings us to the regret: Many of the teams in the bottom third of the standings don’t have a steady quarterback option. Most also need offensive line improvements. Bad protection coupled with indecision in the pocket breeds losing.

Now that the 2021 season is over for 23 of the 32 teams, we’re looking ahead at just how much work each must do this offseason — and potentially beyond. Which teams need to tear it all down and start over? Which need to take a new approach in order to move toward contender status? Which need only a savvy move or two to get into the mix? And which are already trending in the right direction and should continue on the path they are on?

The annual overhaul tiers are ready — well-stocked with offseason priorities for each team to get better over the next six months. We’ll add to this file as the playoff teams are eliminated over the coming weeks until we tier all 32 franchises.

TIME FOR A MAJOR REBUILD

Jacksonville Jaguars

2021 record: 3-14

Average age of starters in 2021: 26.3

Projected 2022 cap space: $42,625,233

Big-ticket free agent: Cam Robinson, OT

Low-key important free agent: DJ Chark Jr., WR

Priorities this offseason: Support quarterback Trevor Lawrence with a better supporting cast on offense and a better plan. Everything Jacksonville does over the next eight months should be to maximize Lawrence, whose rookie year was one to forget. The No. 1 pick has an impressive skill set but needs more talent around him, an innovative offensive coach and a team culture that won’t let him down.

Jacksonville also needs upgrades along both lines and at just about every position. The new head coach must bring stability to the building after a disastrous past two years. Finding someone who can safely build relationships and trust with players is a priority after the issues Urban Meyer had in this area.

Detroit Lions

2021 record: 3-13-1

Average age of starters in 2021: 25.4

Projected 2022 cap space: $37,369,359

Big-ticket free agent: Charles Harris, OLB

Low-key important free agent: Jalen Reeves-Maybin, ILB

Priorities this offseason: Upgrade the defense and figure out if Jared Goff is the quarterback in 2022. Goff carries a $31.15 million cap hit vs. $30.5 million in dead money, so the next year of his contract is essentially a sunk cost. But the Lions are short on alternatives at quarterback, so running it back wouldn’t shock. The offense has intriguing young playmakers, including tight end T.J. Hockenson, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and running back D’Andre Swift, but it needs an infusion of talent on the perimeter.

Spending a top draft pick on one of the top pass-rushers (Aidan Hutchinson or Kayvon Thibodeaux) would fill a glaring need for the Lions’ defense, but that side of the ball needs so much more. Overall speed and pedigree is lacking.

Houston Texans

2021 record: 4-13

Average age of starters in 2021: 27.1

Projected 2022 cap space: $32,188,712

Big-ticket free agent: Kamu Grugier-Hill, ILB

Low-key important free agent: Chris Conley, WR

Priorities this offseason: Deal quarterback Deshaun Watson before the draft. General manager Nick Caserio has been reluctant to trade Watson, whose 22 lawsuits alleging sexual assault remain unresolved, but Caserio needs to start this rebuild in earnest, and the best way to do so is by accumulating first-round picks from another team for Watson. If there is movement on Watson’s case between the March 17 start of the new league year and the draft in late April, Caserio should be aggressive in dealing him.

The Texans need upgrades at virtually every position. Since the draft class is considered weak at QB, Caserio might stick with Davis Mills and acquire a bridge option, such as Teddy Bridgewater.

New York Giants

2021 record: 4-13

Average age of starters in 2021: 26.4

Projected 2022 cap space: $4,678,225

Big-ticket free agent: Jabrill Peppers, S

Low-key important free agent: Austin Johnson, DT

Priorities this offseason: Offensive line, offensive line, offensive line. This has been a massive problem the past two seasons. Use draft capital (two first-rounders) to get one of the top linemen in the draft — perhaps Alabama tackle Evan Neal — and double down in free agency.

The Giants also need to keep quarterback Daniel Jones under contract but not pick up his fifth-year option, which would make him a 2023 free agent. That would give New York the flexibility to either play Jones next year or big-game hunt for a quarterback such as Russell Wilson if the opportunity opens. New York still has a lot of offensive skill, but no one ever seems to be healthy. The front office needs to address whether those players can stay on the field. Lastly, the Giants have to find reinforcements along the defensive front seven.

NEW COACH TAKING CONTROL

Chicago Bears

2021 record: 6-11

Average age of starters in 2021: 28.0

Projected 2022 cap space: $41,752,020

Big-ticket free agent: Allen Robinson II, WR

Low-key important free agent: James Daniels, G

Priorities this offseason: Evaluators say the Bears’ roster might be among the league’s worst, so clearly the problems run deeper than Matt Nagy’s coaching. David Montgomery is the perfect running back to lessen the burden on a young quarterback, yet he is averaging 3.8 yards per carry because the offensive line isn’t good enough. Chicago has to upgrade up front to give Montgomery space. Additionally, quarterback Justin Fields needs at least three vertical threats, and for 2022, he has one reliable option at wide receiver: Darnell Mooney. Acquiring weapons on the outside should be a priority.

It’s also probably time to gauge edge rusher Khalil Mack’s trade value. He missed 10 games this season, he will turn 31 in February and he has a $30.15 million cap hit. That’s the injury-age-contract trifecta for a potential release or trade, no matter how good he might still be. The Bears could use those resources on younger players along the defensive line and secondary.

Miami Dolphins

2021 record: 9-8

Average age of starters in 2021: 26.5

Projected 2022 cap space: $73,231,745

Big-ticket free agent: Mike Gesicki, TE

Low-key important free agent: Emmanuel Ogbah, DE

Priorities this offseason: The Dolphins raised very public doubts about quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in their pursuits of Deshaun Watson, a storyline they never really squashed. I expect Miami to circle back on Watson. Indications are Watson wants to be a Dolphin, and if the legal issues get cleared up, he will have suitors. We can view Miami’s options like this, both of which have pros and cons:

Stick with Tagovailoa, allowing Miami to keep more than $70 million in 2022 cap space to continue improving the roster around a quarterback it knows can win games but doesn’t know how far he can take it.

Trade for Watson, which basically cuts that cap space in half (Watson has a $40 million cap hit next year) and would cost serious draft capital in exchange

Regardless which way the Dolphins go, they also have other areas that need addressing. In free agency, they should start with the offensive line. There are plenty of tackles are available, from Terron Armstead to Cam Robinson to Trent Brown. Considering the Dolphins have converted two high draft picks from tackle to guard (Robert Hunt and Austin Jackson), the draft might be telling you it’s time to spend on the position.

TIME TO REASSESS

Atlanta Falcons

2021 record: 7-10

Average age of starters in 2021: 27.2

Projected 2022 cap space: $457,005

Big-ticket free agent: Cordarrelle Patterson, RB

Low-key important free agent: Fabian Moreau, CB

Priorities this offseason: Sell a clear vision. The status of Atlanta’s roster tells us the Falcons are rebuilding, but their moves haven’t always indicated that. Keeping quarterback Matt Ryan suggests Atlanta is in contention, and it paid him $23 million last year. The Falcons could pay a quarterback far less for a six-win season. That’s not a knock on Ryan, who helped keep Atlanta competitive, but for a team that appears cash- and cap-strapped, it might be time to trade some of its high-priced players.

The Falcons also should gauge the trade market for Calvin Ridley, who’s a fringe top-10 wide receiver when in the lineup. Ridley missed 12 games while focusing on his mental health, and it’s unclear where he stands in Atlanta’s plans. The team has been supportive, but a fresh start might help both parties. Ridley would have a robust market.

Minnesota Vikings

2021 record: 8-9

Average age of starters in 2021: 26.5

Projected 2022 cap space: minus-$10,542,088

Big-ticket free agent: Anthony Barr, OLB

Low-key important free agent: Xavier Woods, S

Priorities this offseason: This one is easy. With quarterback Kirk Cousins’ $45 million cap hit staring the front office down, Minnesota must decide how it feels about life in the middle. Cousins symbolizes steady QB play and the occasional playoff berth. Is that worth nearly one-fourth of your salary cap? It might be time to reinvent things.

Extending Cousins can lessen that cap hit, but he would have a trade market if the Vikings want to enhance draft capital. It’s hard to fault the Vikings if they want to go all in on 2022 with one more year of Cousins, letting him play out his deal and banking on the quartet of Cousins, wide receiver Justin Jefferson, running back Dalvin Cook and wideout Adam Thielen fueling a playoff run. But that hasn’t worked the past two seasons.

Either way, the Vikings also must figure out an aging defense. Most of its key players are 29 or older, and the best player who isn’t — Danielle Hunter (27) — has played seven games in two seasons. The Vikings have to decide on Hunter’s $18 million roster bonus due on the fifth day of the league year. He is a premier talent, but that’s a hefty number for a largely unavailable player.

Pittsburgh Steelers

2021 record: 9-7-1

Average age of roster in 2021: 26.4

Projected 2022 cap space: $42,716,831

Big ticket free agent: Ben Roethlisberger, QB

Low-key important free agent: Trai Turner, G

Priorities this offseason: Replacing a franchise legend, two-time Super Bowl winner and future Hall of Famer at quarterback is a good start. Ben Roethlisberger’s impending retirement leaves coach Mike Tomlin charting a new path at QB for the first time since he took over the Steelers in 2007. The Steelers have a clear runway when it comes to options: They can go with the middle-tier veteran, big-game hunt for the top quarterbacks available via trade, or lean into the draft while Mason Rudolph bridges the gap in 2022.

That new quarterback will need improvements along an offensive line that ranked 28th in rushing offense. The Steelers didn’t invest heavily in the position group in 2021, and it showed. Cornerback Joe Haden and receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster are among notable free agents Pittsburgh could try to keep on one-year deals, while extending safety Minkah Fitzpatrick will occupy part of the summer. And the Steelers need to sort through the future of Stephon Tuitt, an elite defensive tackle who missed the season.

This is a crucial time for Pittsburgh, which could see GM Kevin Colbert retire after his contract expires following the 2022 draft. Staff changes could be on the way, too. Defensive coordinator Keith Butler’s contract also expires this offseason.

STUCK IN QB PURGATORY

Carolina Panthers

2021 record: 5-12

Average age of starters in 2021: 26.4

Projected 2022 cap space: $24,831,160

Big-ticket free agent: Stephon Gilmore, CB

Low-key important free agent: Haason Reddick, OLB

Priorities this offseason: Retool the offense. Right now, the Panthers aren’t scaring anybody on that side of the ball. Upgrading at quarterback would be prudent, but with Sam Darnold’s $18.6 million option guaranteed, alternatives are limited. Perhaps they can gauge Darnold’s trade value and reenter Deshaun Watson talks.

Quarterback is hardly the only problem. Carolina has to find a long-term bookend tackle to pair with Taylor Moton, and it needs to enter the modern era of football and actually use the tight end in the passing game. Ian Thomas, a 2022 free agent, and Tommy Tremble are intriguing options, but they combined for 38 catches and 368 yards on 65 targets. Usage is an issue here. Get reinforcements in the backfield and in the slot in case running back Christian McCaffrey isn’t healthy — but pray that he is.

And on defensive side, the Panthers should try to retain free-agent cornerback Stephon Gilmore and re-sign edge rusher Haason Reddick, who has balled out on a one-year, prove-it deal.

Washington Football Team

2021 record: 7-10

Average age of starters in 2021: 26.7

Projected 2022 cap space: $52,190,552

Big-ticket free agent: Brandon Scherff, G

Low-key important free agent: J.D. McKissic, RB

Priorities this offseason: Situate the quarterback position long term. Taylor Heinicke played admirably in 2021, but coach Ron Rivera has gone through two seasons without stability at the position. It’s time. No more bridge options. Identify your guy.

Interior offensive line will be an issue since Brandon Scherff — coming off two franchise tags — will likely command $20 million per year in free agency. Replenishing the line is crucial. And signing wide receiver Terry McLaurin to an extension would be a prudent move. He has been the team’s most reliable player for three seasons.

Lastly, I’d like to see Washington motivate Chase Young to unleash havoc in Year 3. He came out flat this season before his knee injury, but he belongs up there with Nick Bosa and other top young pass-rushers, and he needs to show it.

Denver Broncos

2021 record: 7-10

Average age of starters in 2021: 26.4

Projected 2022 cap space: $52,737,300

Big-ticket free agent: Melvin Gordon III, RB

Low-key important free agent: Bryce Callahan, CB

Priorities this offseason: Let’s run through the Broncos’ rankings in scoring offense over the past six years: 23rd, 28th, 28th, 24th, 27th and 22nd. Fixing the offense is paramount, as moving the ball consistently has been an issue since Peyton Manning retired. The only difference is this Denver team is well-stocked with talent. The Broncos have everything they need on offense, save the franchise quarterback. And even if Denver doesn’t land, say, an Aaron Rodgers, there will be upgrades available. But overall, a new offensive vision and some innovation in the passing game seem necessary.

Save a few depth adds along the front seven or at safety (Kareem Jackson, 33, is a free agent), the defense is ready to win now. With Kyle Fuller and Bryce Callahan likely going to free agency, the Broncos need a third corner opposite Pat Surtain II and Ronald Darby. Plenty of options will be available, including Callahan on a potential re-sign.

Cleveland Browns

2021 record: 8-9

Average age of starters in 2021: 26.3

Projected 2022 cap space: $25,572,149

Big-ticket free agent: Jadeveon Clowney, DE

Low-key important free agent: David Njoku, TE

Priorities this offseason: Here’s my understanding of the Baker Mayfield-Browns situation after a turbulent season. Mayfield wants to make this work and believes the relationship with the team and coaches is salvageable. It would take deterioration from the current state to prompt any sort of trade request. Mayfield and coach Kevin Stefanski know they need a stronger relationship; Mayfield thrives off camaraderie and connection, and Stefanski is known by players as more of a CEO type. But the second-year coach has that gear to connect more with his quarterback, and I suspect that will happen.

It’s also very early, with many QB dominoes still to fall leaguewide. Will that affect Browns’ thinking? Possibly, but trading Mayfield’s $18.58 million option year wouldn’t be easy. The good news for the Browns is they’ve seen Mayfield play well twice: as a rookie in 2018 and in 2020 with a playoff run. The torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder — which could keep him out of OTAs this offseason due to surgery — clearly affected his mechanics. The Browns are expecting better play from him overall going forward.

The Browns also could use one more explosive pass-catcher to complement the running game. And on defense, I’m expecting the Browns and representatives for Pro Bowl corner Denzel Ward to secure a long-term extension this offseason. Finally, re-signing edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney at a reasonable clip wouldn’t hurt, either.

New Orleans Saints

2021 record: 9-8

Average age of starters in 2021: 26.9

Projected 2022 cap space: minus-$60,559,322

Big-ticket free agent: Terron Armstead, OT

Low-key important free agent: Marcus Williams, S

Priorities this offseason: Get receiver help! There’s an argument that the Saints had the league’s worst receiver corps this season, and there’s no reason not to upgrade. As for who is throwing the ball to the receivers, the Saints could consider re-signing Jameis Winston, who threw 14 touchdown passes to three interceptions before tearing his ACL. The Saints were 5-2 when he got hurt in Week 8. But even so, New Orleans ought to comb the Deshaun Watson/Russell Wilson markets, just in case.

The Saints also should attempt to re-sign tackle Terron Armstead, who might price himself out of town, and Marcus Williams, one of the game’s best ball hawking safeties. New Orleans’ defense, though aging in spots, remains a force, especially in the secondary.

I’d say the last — and perhaps most important — thing would be to clean up that salary-cap deficit, but we talk about this every year, and the Saints always find a way to maneuver it.

Philadelphia Eagles

2021 record: 9-8

Average age of starters in 2021: 26.3

Projected 2022 cap space: minus-$2,794,808

Big-ticket free agent: Jason Kelce, C

Low-key important free agent: Steven Nelson, CB

Priorities this offseason: Take stock of the quarterback position and solidify its future. The lifeless wild-card loss to Tampa Bay raises questions about Jalen Hurts’ 2022 outlook in green. Hurts did an admirable job leading Philadelphia to nine wins and a playoff berth, but his problems against the Bucs — including struggling to see open receivers and bailing from the pocket too early — aren’t new. Philadelphia at least needs to create competition for Hurts. And with GM Howie Roseman’s aggressive mentality, the Eagles are bound to be involved in a few big-game QB talks leaguewide. How could they not be, with three first-round picks (Nos. 15, 16 and 19 overall)?

The Eagles stay competitive most years because they prioritize line play, and both lines should remain solid. Re-signing Jason Kelce (who might retire) is a no-brainer. He’s still playing well.

Philadelphia must address the secondary, which loses three starters. That entire group is aging, and it’s time to add draft pedigree there.

COMFORTABLE DESPITE LOSING SEASON

New York Jets

2021 record: 4-13

Average age of starters in 2021: 26.1

Projected 2022 cap space: $50,261,250

Big-ticket free agent: Marcus Maye, S

Low-key important free agent: Braxton Berrios, WR

Priorities this offseason: Continue to build the offensive line and receiving corps for quarterback Zach Wilson. GM Joe Douglas has prioritized the line in his first few years on the job, but that doesn’t mean the position is fixed — especially with a young rookie QB who suffered a knee injury in Year 1. Continue to load up there.

The Jets are not talented enough at the skill positions, either, though re-signing wideout Braxton Berrios, a revelation late during the season, would be a smart move. And coach Robert Saleh needs reinforcements in the secondary on defense. One of the team’s first draft picks (two in the top 10) could be on a defensive back.

Seattle Seahawks

2021 record: 7-10

Average age of starters in 2021: 26.8

Projected 2022 cap space: $42,919,637

Big-ticket free agent: Quandre Diggs, S

Low-key important free agent: Brandon Shell, OT

Priorities this offseason: Sort out the future, with or without quarterback Russell Wilson. If Wilson feels Seattle will make the necessary moves to contend, he’ll stay. If it’s status quo, he could want out. Now it’s important to remember Seattle’s way of roster building might differ from how Wilson sees things. That’s why I believe Wilson and coach Pete Carroll have had philosophical differences. Wilson has, at times, wanted aggressiveness on the open market, while Seattle typically spends wisely. The gap can be bridged, presumably with a series of personnel moves.

Either way, the offensive line still needs major improvements, and cornerback is a long-standing issue. The Seahawks also are faced with a decision on the future of linebacker Bobby Wagner, who has a $20 million cap hit in 2022, and extending wide receiver DK Metcalf (a 2023 free agent) wouldn’t be a bad idea. This is not a teardown job, but the roster has a few soft spots.

ON THE RIGHT TRACK (MOSTLY)

Baltimore Ravens

2021 record: 8-9

Average age of starters in 2021: 27.3

Projected 2022 cap space: $45,349,986

Big-ticket free agent: Bradley Bozeman, C

Low-key important free agent: Anthony Averett, CB

Priorities this offseason: Figure out why Ravens players are getting hurt at an alarming rate. Baltimore finishes the year with 18 players on injured reserve. Those are numbers that prompt internal reviews on injury-prevention seminars. Broken bones turned a contending team to a middle-of-the-road finisher. Maybe this is an anomaly, but Baltimore needs to figure it out — and fast.

The Ravens also have to stay patient regarding quarterback Lamar Jackson’s future. They were loosely prepared to do a deal with Jackson last summer, but the QB didn’t stress the issue. His fourth-year performance featured moments of brilliance, a midseason lull and a late-season fizzle due to an ankle issue that cost him the final four games. Jackson is set to play on a fifth-year option of $23 million.

Indianapolis Colts

2021 record: 9-8

Average age of starters in 2021: 26.7

Projected 2022 cap space: $56,027,639

Big-ticket free agent: Eric Fisher, OT

Low-key important free agent: Mark Glowinski, G

Priorities this offseason: The baffling loss to Jacksonville in Week 18, with the playoffs on the line, will haunt Indy this offseason. The Colts have built an impressive roster under GM Chris Ballard but can’t translate Pro Bowl performances into January success. They can attack a few holes to get there and could use a veteran pass-rusher to complement young talent after ranking 23rd in sacks (33).

The passing game got exposed late in the season without a reliable No. 2 wide receiver opposite Michael Pittman Jr. Adding more explosion on the outside will help quarterback Carson Wentz. But otherwise, Indy should be primed for an AFC South title run in 2022 if it can avoid the slow start it experienced this past season.

Las Vegas Raiders

2021 record: 10-7

Average age of roster in 2021: 27.2

Projected 2022 cap space: $27,394,692

Big ticket free agent: Marcus Mariota, QB

Low-key important free agent: Casey Hayward Jr., CB

Priorities this offseason: Re-sign Derek Carr. It’s pretty simple. Teams need quarterbacks who can elevate their teams in critical moments, and Carr was memorable in that area this season. The rumors that swirled about Carr’s future with the franchise percolated during the Jon Gruden era, but that era is over. Shut those rumors down by giving Carr a deal commensurate with his skill set and the quarterback market.

The Raiders should then sign elite slot receiver Hunter Renfrow, a 2023 free agent, to an extension as soon as possible (and maybe linebacker Denzel Perryman too). On defense, it’s time for the Raiders to find long-term solutions at cornerback and the interior defensive line. The team has shown a deft touch in the middle to late rounds of the draft but has busted on too many first-rounders. Changing that trend while improving the defense with talented and high-character players will be prudent. Corner Casey Hayward Jr. played well at age 32 and could re-sign.

Los Angeles Chargers

2021 record: 9-8

Average age of starters in 2021: 26.8

Projected 2022 cap space: $72,360,732

Big-ticket free agent: Mike Williams, WR

Low-key important free agent: Uchenna Nwosu, OLB

Priorities this offseason: The run must be stopped. The Chargers couldn’t play the run all season, and it kept them out of the playoffs. The defense faces an offseason retooling, with several key players — defensive tackle Justin Jones, cornerback Chris Harris Jr. and linebackers Uchenna Nwosu, Kyzir White and Kyler Fackrell — set to hit free agency. Picking up Derwin James Jr.’s fifth-year option is an easy call, and expect the Chargers to engage James’ agent in extension talks.

Wide receiver Mike Williams has played his way into a major payout in March, and with Keenan Allen still the primary option in the passing game, Los Angeles must determine its threshold for paying Williams No. 1 WR money. Otherwise, the Chargers shouldn’t change much. Let quarterback Justin Herbert continue to sling it.

New England Patriots

2021 record: 10-7

Average age of roster in 2021: 27.3

Projected 2022 cap space: $16,486,325

Big ticket free agent: J.C. Jackson, CB

Low-key important free agent: Trent Brown, OT

Priorities this offseason: Maximize Mac Jones’ production with more help. A college quarterback-turned-wideout led the Patriots in receiving (Jakobi Meyers, 866 yards). One of their $50 million tight ends caught fewer than two passes per game this past season (Jonnu Smith, 28 receptions in 16 games). A wide receiver due $9 million next year is coming off a 473-yard campaign (Nelson Agholor). The Patriots should strengthen their pass-catching arsenal. New England has a multidimensional attack with an imposing running game but needs more. Free-agent wideout Chris Godwin would be perfect for New England’s offense if the team is comfortable with his medical evaluation, coming off a torn ACL. The Patriots must decide on Agholor, who has a $14.9 million cap hit versus $10 million in dead money.

A major decision on J.C. Jackson looms. Jackson has become one of the game’s premier cornerbacks and will be paid as such. Not sure New England loves him enough to pay him close to $20 million per year. And I would find a way to keep linebacker Dont’a Hightower. His age (31) is an issue, but he is a leader who keeps the defense organized and doesn’t rely on speed, which should help his game age well.

NEED POSTSEASON BREAKTHROUGH

Dallas Cowboys

2021 record: 12-5

Average age of roster in 2021: 26.6

Projected 2022 cap space: minus-$17,714,526

Big ticket free agent: Randy Gregory, DE

Low-key important free agent: Dalton Schultz, TE

Priorities this offseason: Spend the offseason diagnosing the franchise’s playoff allergy. Dallas hasn’t won back-to-back playoff games since 1995, has 11 straight playoff appearances without a conference title game showing and fell flat against San Francisco in the wild-card round despite a three-year postseason absence. Dallas was prolific against bad teams but uneven against good teams. Many opponents considered Dallas a fringe contender — good but not great. But there’s enough talent to change that.

Personnel moves won’t fix it. Something else is holding Dallas back, and it has to find the edge. Physicality could be an issue, since the 49ers appeared to have that edge early in the wild-card game. The vaunted offensive line is aging, and it’s probably time to start planning for life after offensive tackle Tyron Smith, who’s 31 and hasn’t played more than 13 games in a season since 2015.

Attempting to re-sign Randy Gregory and Dalton Schultz would be prudent, but first Dallas must create cap space. Restructuring DeMarcus Lawrence ($27 million) or Ezekiel Elliott ($18.22 million) are among options.

2022 DRAFT

Here is a Mock from Ryan Wilson of CBSSports.com.  QBs tend to rise up the draft afte New Years – and here we see QBs MATT CORRAL of Ole Miss and KENNY PICKETT of Pitt rising into his top 10:

Matt Rhule’s tenure in Carolina hasn’t gone according to plan; in two seasons, Rhule has gone 5-11 and 5-12, and midway through the 2021 campaign he fired offensive coordinator Joe Brady. It’s hard to put all the blame on Brady, though; it’s clear that neither Sam Darnold nor Cam Newton are long-term answers and the Panthers absolutely have to upgrade the position this offseason.

The problem, however, is that the offensive line is in worse shape than quarterback. Compounding matters: Carolina has the No. 6 overall pick, and then aren’t on the clock again until the fourth round (pick 105). There’s free agency, of course, but the Panthers are currently 20th in available salary-cap space, according to Spotrac.

Put another way: We fully support the notion of fixing the offensive line but we’re not convinced owner David Tepper shares that mindset. He doesn’t strike us as a patient man, especially when it comes to his football team.

In other news, two other quarterbacks go in Round 1, though that could change as we get into free agency (what happens with Deshaun Watson, Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers) and the pre-draft process (particularly if QBs like Sam Howell, Desmond Ridder and Carson Strong ball out at the Senior Bowl, the combine and their pro days).

Keep reading to see where the three quarterbacks land, and how the entire first round unfolds.

1 – JACKSONVILLE

Aidan Hutchinson DE

MICHIGAN • SR • 6’6″ / 265 LBS

Hutchinson is a great example of a player who got better each and every season, and instead of coming out early he stayed in school, balled out as a senior, and made himself into arguably the best player — on either side of the ball — in the country during the ’21 college football season. The Jags have taken an edge rusher in the first round in two of the last three drafts, but we don’t expect there to be teams clamoring to trade up to the top pick in this draft and Jacksonville may be stuck here.

2 – DETROIT

Kayvon Thibodeaux EDGE

OREGON • SOPH • 6’5″ / 258 LBS

The Lions would probably love to trade down because for as good as Thibodeaux has been, he won’t be the final piece to turning things around in Detroit. But since there are no trades in this mock draft, and there may end up being no team moving up this high for, say, a QB in the actual draft, the Oregon pass-rusher remains the choice here.

3 – HOUSTON

Kyle Hamilton S

NOTRE DAME • JR • 6’4″ / 219 LBS

Justin Reid is in the final year of his deal for Houston, and while the team could certainly look to bolster the offensive line, or perhaps be in the market for a QB, the Texans will need first to find a head coach. Hamilton meanwhile, is coming off a spectacular season for the Fighting Irish where he was routinely the best player on the field.

4 – NY JETS

Ikem Ekwonu OT

NC STATE • SOPH • 6’4″ / 320 LBS

Jets have to protect Zach Wilson, and this should be the mantra to begin every draft meeting the team has. Ekwonu is one of our favorite players in this draft class. There’s talk that he may have to move inside to guard but when you watch him play, he’s perfectly suited to be a dominant tackle, which is exactly what the Jets need, despite taking Alijah Vera-Tucker and Mekhi Becton in recent drafts.

5 – NY GIANTS

Evan Neal OL

ALABAMA • JR • 6’7″ / 350 LBS

This feels like best-case scenario for the Giants, another team looking for a head coach and general manager. Of course, we’re presuming that whomever succeeds Joe Judge and Dave Gettleman will move forward with Daniel Jones, but that could certainly change. Either way, Neal is one of the best offensive linemen in this class, and should Jones return, the Giant have to protect him.

6 – CAROLINA

Matt Corral QB

OLE MISS • JR • 6’2″ / 205 LBS

Matt Corral suffered a scare in his bowl game but he remains our QB1. And, yes, we know: the Panthers desperately need to fix their offensive line, and it’s clear that neither Sam Darnold nor Cam Newton are the answer at quarterback. But we keep coming back to this: owner David Tepper is not a patient man and if he falls in love with one of these passers, well, it probably means Carolina is drafting one of these passers. Meanwhile, Matt Rhule will be coaching for his job in ’22, and if the team doesn’t land a big-name QB in free agency, his best chance at success might rest on the shoulders of a rookie passer.

7 – NY GIANTS (from Chicago)

Tyler Linderbaum OL

IOWA • JR • 6’3″ / 290 LBS

Linderbaum, who left Iowa’s bowl game with a lower-body injury, is one of the best offensive linemen in the country. And although a center hasn’t gone higher than No. 18 in the last dozen drafts, a) Linderbaum is that good, b) the Giants need to solidify the interior O-line.

8 – ATLANTA

Derek Stingley Jr. CB

LSU • JR • 6’1″ / 195 LBS

Former first-rounder AJ Terrell is having a great season, and Isaiah Oliver, who has also been good in coverage, is in the final year of his contract. After that, there’s not much depth and if the best CB in the draft is on the board here, it’ll be hard to pass on Stingley. The other option, of course, is targeting a quarterback here.

9 – DENVER

Kenny Pickett QB

PITTSBURGH • SR • 6’3″ / 220 LBS

There will be plenty of teams talking themselves into QBs in this draft and the Broncos (along with Carolina, Atlanta, New Orleans, WFT, Pittsburgh and Detroit) will be in the running in a decidedly weak class. Pickett had a great 2021 season for Pitt and he’ll have several opportunities during the pre-draft process, starting with the Senior Bowl, to prove he’s QB1. For now, we’ll wait to see if any of those Rodgers-to-Denver rumors from last offseason materialize in the coming weeks and months.

10 – NY JETS (from Seattle)

Andrew Booth Jr. CB

CLEMSON • JR • 6’0″ / 200 LBS

The Jets already addressed the offensive line so here they take one of the best defensive players in this class. Booth has all the athleticism and tools to be special, and he balled out for Clemson this season.

11 – WASHINGTON

Malik Willis QB

LIBERTY • JR • 6’1″ / 195 LBS

Willis checks every box when it comes to arm strength, athleticism and playmaking ability, he’s just raw, and didn’t have a lot of help around him at Liberty. The math for QB-needy NFL teams: How will Willis’ skills translate to the next level? Clubs that love him will take him in this range; others may wait to see if he slips into Round 2. Either way, WFT needs to find a long-term answer to its quarterback plans.

12 – MINNESOTA

Garrett Wilson WR

OHIO STATE • JR • 6’0″ / 192 LBS

Add the Vikings to the list of teams searching for a new GM and coach. They could go QB here or they could target a cornerback. Instead, we have them going with wideout. Yes, Justin Jefferson is one of the best players in the league but Adam Thielen will be 32 next season — and more importantly, there’s not much depth behind those two among the wideouts.

13 – CLEVELAND

Nakobe Dean LB

GEORGIA • JR • 6’0″ / 225 LBS

Dean played in 2021 with the type of urgency and physicality that made him one of the best players in college football, and he would be yet another young playmaker on this Browns defense that was really good at times this season. And though Dean played on the best defense in the country, don’t get it twisted — he didn’t ride on the coattails of a dominant defensive line — he was a huge reason for their success. The thought of Dean and JOK on the field at the same time would create a lot of headaches for the rest of the AFC North.

14 – BALTIMORE

David Ojabo LB

MICHIGAN • JR • 6’5″ / 250 LBS

Prior to the semifinal loss to Georgia, David Ojabo was a lot of fun to watch this season, where he took advantage of every opportunity playing opposite Aidan Hutchinson. But don’t get it confused — he’s a twitchy edge rusher who will only get better with experience. In Baltimore, he’ll join another athletic marvel, 2021 first-round edge rusher Odafe Oweh, who has had some jaw-dropping plays as a rookie.

15 – PHILADELPHIA (from Miami)

Travon Walker DL

GEORGIA • JR • 6’5″ / 275 LBS

Walker is something of a tweener, which is odd to say about someone who stands 6-foot-5, and weighs 275 pounds. But he can line up as the 3, 4 or 5-tech and that versatility, coupled with his nonstop motor and consistent playmaking ability, makes him an attractive option for several teams in this range looking to bolster their defensive line.

16 – PHILADELPHIA (from Indianapolis)

Devin Lloyd LB

UTAH • JR • 6’3″ / 235 LBS

Lloyd is a twitched up, sideline-to-sideline player who fits the mold of off-ball linebackers we’ve seen coming into the league over the last decade. The Eagles might not have a history of taking off-ball linebackers in the first round but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t consider it here.

17 – LA CHARGERS

Charles Cross OL

MISSISSIPPI STATE • SOPH • 6’5″ / 310 LBS

Rookie left tackle Rashawn Slater was brilliant this season but Bryan Bulaga, who has one year left on his deal, only played in one game in ’21, and Storm Norton, who’ll be a free agent in a few weeks, struggled in his place. It’s been a recurring theme in these mock drafts but to repeat: You have to protect your franchise QB. Cross is a high-upside athletic offensive tackle who had a strong season for Mississippi State.

18 – NEW ORLEANS

Jameson Williams WR

ALABAMA • JR • 6’2″ / 189 LBS

Quarterback will obviously be a consideration here but only wide receivers Michael Thomas, Marquez Callaway and Tre’quan Smith are under contract, and there’s no guarantee Thomas will be back. Williams, who had to transfer from Ohio State to Alabama to see the field, is a legit first-round talent.

19 – PHILADELPHIA

Roger McCreary CB

AUBURN • SR • 6’0″ / 190 LBS

McCreary was the most consistent cornerback in college football this fall, and that’s all you want from that position, so while he lacks the high-end athleticism of some of the other names often mentioned as first-round talents, he’s rarely out of position and almost always making positive plays for his team.

20 – PITTSBURGH

Kenyon Green OL

TEXAS A&M • JR • 6’4″ / 325 LBS

This isn’t a particularly sexy pick, but with the post-Big Ben Steelers looking like they may turn to Mason Rudolph (or possibly Dwayne Haskins), upgrading the offensive line is near the top of the to-do list. Green can play either tackle or guard and he has the ability to be a Day 1 starter.

21 – NEW ENGLAND

George Karlaftis DE

PURDUE • JR • 6’4″ / 275 LBS

Matt Judon had a strong Year 1 in New England but Karlaftis would add another dimension to the defensive line. Injuries and the pandemic saw him play limited snaps in ’20 but Karlaftis was nearly impossible to stop in ’19 when he recorded 17 TFLs and had 7.5 sacks, and in 12 games this past season he logged 10 TFLs, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

22 – LAS VEGAS

Kaiir Elam CB

FLORIDA • JR • 6’2″ / 196 LBS

The Raiders’ secondary had some bright spot among its young players — rookies Trevon Moehrig and Nate Hobbs flashed — but the team also cut 2020 first-rounder Damon Arnette this season and could lose several veterans to free agency. Meanwhile, it was a forgettable season for the Gators but Elam’s talents were hard to miss. He has the size (6-foot-2, 190) and athleticism to be one of the best draft-eligible corners in ’21.

23 – ARIZONA

Chris Olave WR

OHIO STATE • SR • 6’1″ / 188 LBS

Olave is one of the best route runners in this class. The Cardinals, meanwhile, have DeAndre Hopkins (whose season is over because of injury) and Rondale Moore but Christian Kirk is in the final year of his deal, and Arizona can move on from A.J. Green after the season, if they so choose.

24 – DALLAS

Trent McDuffie DB

WASHINGTON • SOPH • 5’11” / 195 LBS

Even though McDuffie balled out on the outside for the Huskies this season, we get Tyrann Mathieu vibes when we watch him. We love him as a slot corner who serves as an enforcer in run support and locks down short and intermediate routes. The Dallas defense gets another young star in the making, even if defensive coordinator Dan Quinn could get a head-coaching gig elsewhere in ’22.

25 – CINCINNATI

Jordan Davis DL

GEORGIA • SOPH • 6’6″ / 330 LBS

Cincy could certainly use Davis as it heads to the divisional round — the Bengals suffered some injuries in their wild card win over the Raiders — but even at full health, there isn’t much depth behind D.J. Reader, especially with Larry Ogunjobi and B.J. Hill set to hit free agency.

26 – MIAMI (from San Francisco

Darian Kinnard T

KENTUCKY • SR • 6’5″ / 345 LBS

Kinnard is a mauler who plays with an edge and he can wreak havoc as both a run- and pass-blocker. He may have to kick inside at the next level but his ability to open holes in the running game makes him an immediate asset for the Dolphins’ offense, which has tried to address the O-line in recent drafts but not with the success it was hoping for.

27 – BUFFALO

Ahmad Gardner CB

CINCINNATI • JR • 6’2″ / 188 LBS

Levi Wallace is in the final year of his deal and Dane Jackson has been serviceable as his playing time increased following Tre White’s season-ending injury. That said, beefing up the secondary would be reasonable here. Sauce Gardner is a long, press corner, who would have a chance to play immediately in Buffalo.

28 – DETROIT (from LA Rams)

Treylon Burks WR

ARKANSAS • JR • 6’3″ / 225 LBS

By the time we get to the actual draft, we’ll much more clarity on what the Lions’ QB plans might look like, though it feels like Jared Goff’s job in ’22. With its second first-rounder, we have Detroit adding Burks. At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, Burks has all the tools to eventually be WR1, as was evidenced just about every week in the fall.

29 – KANSAS CITY

Derion Kendrick DB

GEORGIA • SR • 6’0″ / 190 LBS

Kendrick is a first-round pick all day long, and he proved that again this season with Georgia after transferring from Clemson. The biggest issue for NFL teams will be off-field issues; if Kendrick has matured since his time with the Tigers, he’ll be worthy of a top 32 selection.

30 – TAMPA BAY

Daxton Hill DB

MICHIGAN • JR • 6’0″ / 192 LBS

Hill is part of a Wolverines defense that could end up seeing three players go in Round 1 next spring. He’s underrated nationally but watch him play and it becomes clear pretty quickly that he’s in the running for one of the best defensive backs in this class. He’s listed as a safety but he can line up anywhere.

31 – TENNESSEE

Logan Hall DL

HOUSTON • JR • 6’6″ / 275 LBS

Last spring, some people were surprised Payton Turner made his way into Round 1. Don’t be shocked if his Houston teammate, Hall, follows a similar path. He was unblockable at times this season and at 6-foot-6, 275 pounds, he can line up just about anywhere.

32 – GREEN BAY

Drake London WR

USC • JR • 6’5″ / 210 LBS

London, was one of the few bright spots in a disappointing USC season. And while he won’t run a 4.3 when healthy, London is a high-point-catch machine who can take over games, which sounds like something both Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams would appreciate in Green Bay.