On April 28, the NFL will have its annual draft. The draft is a process which brings players from the collegiate level up to the professional level. This upcoming draft will be the 87th annual draft in the NFL’s history, and it will be held in Paradise, Nevada. 

The draft process includes the Senior Bowl on February 5 where college football’s top seniors compete for NFL coaches. The NFL combine is also included where invited players’ physical skills and attributes are showcased to hundreds of NFL scouts. Lastly, some of the more highly touted players host pro days where they and their teammates can get looked at one last time before draft season.

Every team receives a pick in the first round of the draft based on their record and performance in the playoffs. For example, the worst team in the league will hold the first overall pick and the team that wins the Super Bowl will hold the last pick in the first round. 

Some teams do not have first round picks, however, as the NFL allows you to trade draft picks for certain players or other draft picks. A team could also gain compensatory picks, which is given to a team if they lose more players than they gain during free agency.

This year’s draft order will go as follows (as of 4/28)

1. Jacksonville Jaguars
2. Detroit Lions
3. Houston Texans
4. New York Jets
5. New York Giants
6. Carolina Panthers
7. New York Giants (From the Chicago Bears)
8. Atlanta Falcons
9. Seattle Seahawks (From the Denver Broncos)
10. New York Jets (From the Seattle Seahawks)
11. Washington Commanders
12. Minnesota Vikings
13. Houston Texans (From the Cleveland Browns)
14. Baltimore Ravens
15. Philadelphia Eagles (From the Miami Dolphins)
16. New Orleans Saints (From the Philadelphia  Eagles)
17. Los Angeles Chargers
18. Philadelphia Eagles (From the New Orleans Saints)
19. New Orleans Saints (From the Philadelphia Eagles)
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
21. New England Patriots
22. Green Bay Packers (From the Las Vegas Raiders)
23. Arizona Cardinals
24. Dallas Cowboys
25. Buffalo Bills
26. Tennessee Titans
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
28. Green Bay Packers
29. Kansas City Chiefs (From the Miami Dolphins)
30. Kansas City Chiefs
31. Cincinnati Bengals
32. Detroit Lions (From the Los Angeles Rams)

Here is Avery’s Mock Draft:

Pick 1. Jacksonville Jaguars select Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, from Michigan

Aidan Hutchison exploded onto the scene his senior year at Michigan recording 14 sacks, 51 hurries, and 9 QB Hits in the 14 games he played. The Jaguars have a need for nearly every position so taking the best player available is the best thing they can do.  

Pick 2. Detroit Lions select Derek Stingley Jr., Cornerback, from LSU

The Lions are in a situation where they need to address the biggest hole on their team currently, which is the secondary. Detroit’s secondary wasn’t very effective, allowing the ninth most yards and third most touchdowns. The best way to fix this problem is to select the best cornerback in the draft. Stingley had a very impressive freshman season at LSU, but Stingley had major foot problems which resulted in him missing his sophomore season and some of his junior season. Stingley is still a phenomenal athlete and deserves to be selected with Detroit’s first pick.

Pick 3. Houston Texans select Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE,  from Oregon

The Texans have needed a good pass rusher for a while, and Kayvon Thibodeaux would be the perfect pass rusher to pair with their young Jonathan Greenard, who led the team in sacks this year. Thibodeax was a problem for opposing offenses at Oregon this last year, recording 9 sacks and 28 hurries in his 11 games played. Thibodeaux will be a star for the Texans and is the best option for them with this pick.

Pick 4. New York Jets select Evan Neal, Offensive Tackle,  from Alabama

Evan Neal is a gargantuan human being, standing at 6’, 7”  and weighing in at 350 lbs. The Jets have a promising offensive line with Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker, and adding Neal to this line would create a brick wall for their young quarterback in Zach Wilson. Neal is a phenomenal pass blocker and is also a great run blocker as well, which will result in a great addition to the Jets’ offensive line. 

Pick 5. New York Giants select Ikem Ekwonu, Offensive Tackle, from North Carolina State

The Giants are in a similar position with the Jets in regards to their offensive line. So I have the Giants selecting Ikem Ekwonu from North Carolina State. Ekwonu was the most dominant run blocker in the country this past season. Ekwonu is also versatile and can be put into either the tackle or guard position on the Giants’ offensive line.

Pick 6. Carolina Panthers select Malik Willis, Quarterback,  from Liberty 

Malik Willis is the most electric playmaker in this year’s draft. The current Panthers quarterback is Sam Darnold, who has been given too many chances to prove himself as a top quarterback in this league. I have the Panthers selecting Malik Willis as Sam Darnolds replacement.

Pick 7. New York Giants select Kyle Hamilton, Safety, from Notre Dame

Kyle Hamilton is a world class talent and the Giants would be lucky to have him in their secondary. The Giants have one of the better defenses in the league and Hamilton would make a great addition to the defense. Hamilton is a hybrid defender and can play many different positions in the secondary. His versatility would make the Giants a threat in the NFC East.

Pick 8. Atlanta Falcons select Drake London, Wide Receiver, from USC

Calvin Ridley was suspended from this season for gambling while he was sitting out games. This suspension is leaving the Falcons with almost no wide receivers. London is a great wideout threat, and if it weren’t for him being injured earlier in the season, London would have had one of the best statistical seasons ever. In the 8 games he did play, however, London was able to rack up 1,084 yards with 7 touchdowns. London would quickly turn into the favorite target of whoever will be Atlanta’s quarterback this year.

Pick 9. Seattle Seahawks select Charles Cross, Offensive Tackle, from Mississippi State

The Seahawks made one of the biggest trades in NFL history after trading their superstar quarterback, Russell Wilson, for tight end Noah Fant, quarterback Drew Lock, and multiple draft picks. If the Seahawks decide to commit to Drew Lock as their quarterback, they will need to boost their offensive line to protect Lock, and Mississippi State offensive lineman Charles Cross will be the perfect player for that. Cross is great at both run blocking and pass blocking, and would be a great addition to the rebuilding Seahawks.

Pick 10. New York Jets select Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, Cornerback, from Cincinnati

Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner has been the definition of a lock down corner in his time at Cincinnati. Gardner has never allowed a single touchdown in his football career up to this point. Gardner is a smart corner who is one of the best press corners in the country. The Jets have a young defense with lots of potential, and adding Gardner would greatly boost the secondary.

Pick 11. Washington Commanders select Devin Lloyd, Linebacker, from Utah

The Commanders have just completed their rebrand, and are looking to add a great addition to their defense. Devin Lloyd is one of the most promising linebackers in this draft class. He is the best all around linebacker who can blitz, guard tight ends, and take on blocks all at a very high level. In his 14 games played at Utah, Lloyd totaled 90 tackles and only 14 missed tackles. The Commanders, with Lloyd’s help, could be one of the best defenses in the league. 

Pick 12. Minnesota Vikings select Trent McDuffie, Cornerback, from Washington

There are not many holes in the VIkings team, but the main hole they have is at cornerback. Trent McDuffie has all of the traits that make a great cornerback in the NFL. McDuffie only allowed 111 yards and 16 receptions in his 11 games at Washington. McDuffie is one of the most agile players in this draft and the Vikings would be lucky to have him in their secondary.

Pick 13. Houston Texans select Garrett Wilson, Wide Receiver, from Ohio State

Garrett Wilson has the best ability to create separation in the class. In only 11 games Wilson managed to bring in 1058 yards on 70 receptions with 12 touchdowns. The Texans have a young quarterback in Davis Mills and pairing Mills with Wilson would create a great duo for years to come. 

Pick 14. Baltimore Ravens select Travon Walker, EDGE, from Georgia

Travon Walker has elite physical traits for an edge in the NFL. Walker had a dominant season at Georgia totaling 20 hurries and 5 sacks in 15 games for Georgia. Walker was a main contributor on Georgia’s defense, which was the best in the country. The Ravens have a need for edge rusher since Tyus Bowser tore his achilles towards the end of the season, and Travon Walker would pair greatly with Baltimore’s Odafe Oweh and create a great young core for their defense.

Pick 15. Philadelphia Eagles select Jameson Williams, Wide Receiver, from Alabama

The Eagles have had one of the worst receiving corps in the league, and their first priority should be going after a receiver in this draft. The Eagles have a young quarterback in Jalen Hurts and a promising receiver in Devonte Smith, and the addition of Jameson Williams from Alabama would add the speedster Philadelphia has wanted since Desean Jackson. Williams had a very impressive season at Alabama having 1561 yards with 15 touchdowns in his 15 games played that season. Hurts and Williams would have a great connection, since both of them played at Alabama.

Pick 16. New Orleans Saints select George Karlaftis, EDGE, from Purdue

George Karlaftis is one of the most powerful and most versatile edge rushers in this year’s draft. Karlaftis has one of the most devastating bull rushes in college football this year, and on top of that, Karlaftis is also the most versatile edge in the draft. Karlaftis also uses his hands very well while taking on blocks, and could become a threat in the NFC South with the Saints

Pick 17. Los Angeles Chargers select Jordan Davis, Defensive Tackle, from Georgia

Jordan Davis is an absolute freak of nature, coming at 6’, 6’ and 360 lbs. Davis is a mammoth and was the best player on the best defense in the country. Despite Davis’ size, he still has great range for a defensive tackle and has some of the best explosiveness out of all defensive line prospects. The Chargers have had an excellent free agency, adding JC Jackson, Khalil Mack, and Johnathan Joseph-Day to the defense. The addition of Jordan Davis would create one of the best defenses in the league.

Pick 18. Philadelphia Eagles select Nakobe Dean, Linebacker, from Georgia

Nakobe Dean has the best awareness in the draft and is one of the smartest linebackers in the draft. On top of that, Dean is also one of the fastest linebackers in the country and can sniff out misdirections and screens with extreme ease. The Eagles have needed a linebacker for a while, and adding Dean would give Philly one of the best young defensive cores in the league.

Pick 19. New Orleans Saints select Bernhard Raimann, Offensive Tackle, from Central Michigan

The Saints losing Terron Armstead to the Dolphins was a big loss for them as he was their best offensive lineman. I have the Saints replacing him in the form of Bernhard Raimann with this pick. Raimann is a foreign exchange student from Austria, and has only played two years at offensive tackle. In those two years, Raimann has established himself as a top offensive lineman in the country, and is deserving of being a first round selection. Raimann is very flexible and athletic at his position, and can take on any sort of pass rusher. Raimann would do a phenomenal job at protecting whoever the Saints’ quarterback is for years to come.

Pick 20. Pittsburgh Steelers select Desmond Ridder, Quarterback, from Cincinnati

Ben Roethlisberger retiring at the end of this season leaves the Steelers with a hole at quarterback. They tried to fill the hole by signing Mitchell Trubisky this season, but I don’t think he’s very good. Desmond Ridder was a top quarterback this past year for Cincinnati. Ridder is the most NFL ready quarterback from this draft as he’s smart and plays at an NFL level mentality. Ridder is a great leader on the field and has a great work ethic. On top of all this, Ridder is very mobile and can make big plays if unaccounted for. Ridder will be a great option at quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pick 21. New England Patriots select Chris Olave, Wide Receiver, from Ohio State

Chris Olave was one of the best route runners in the nation last year for Ohio State and was one of the most consistent deep threats as well. Olave also has more than enough speed to separate himself downfield to make big plays. The Patriots drafted their quarterback of the future last year in Mac Jones, and adding a dynamic weapon like Olave would create a threat in the AFC East.

Pick 22. Green Bay Packers select Treylon Burks, Wide Receiver, from Arkansas

The Packers made one of the biggest trades ever this offseason by trading superstar wide receiver Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders. They are going to need to find Adams’ replacement and I think they will do that with Treylon Burks out of Arkansas. Burks’ combination of size and speed is unrivaled in this class. Burks has great ball skills and plays with a great physicality that will quickly make him Aaron Rodgers favorite target.

Pick 23. Arizona Cardinals select Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, from Florida State

The Arizona Cardinals lost their best defensive player in Chandler Jones last year, I have them finding his replacement in Jermaine Johnson II in this year’s draft. Jones left a big hole at edge for the Cardinals, and Johnson will fill the hole perfectly. Johnson was one of the best edge setters in the class with 14 sacks and 23 run stops. Johnson’s great season earned him an ACC Defensive Player of the Year award as he was a dominant pass rusher and run stopper this past college football season. The Cardinals will enjoy having him set the edge for them too. 

Pick 24. Dallas Cowboys select Tyler Linderbaum, Center, from Iowa

Tyler Linderbaum is the best center prospect we have seen in the past decade and would be a spectacular addition to the Cowboys offensive line. Linderbaum is the most athletic lineman in college football and he flies around the field to make blocks. Linderbaum has strong hands due to his background in wrestling. Linderbaum has high explosiveness and flexibility and would be the next great center for years to come.

Pick 25. Buffalo Bills select Devonte Wyatt, Defensive Line, from Georgia

Wyatt was one of the best players on the dominant Georgia defense that won the National Championship this past year. Wyatt has the most all around skill set of all the defensive tackles in the class and would fill the only hole in the Bills defense. Wyatt has the most explosive first step in the class and will be a challenge for opposing offensive lineman to defend.

Pick 26. Tennessee Titans selects David Ojabo, EDGE, from Michigan

Ojabo was one of the highest rated edge rushers in this draft before a devastating achilles injury that happened during the Michigan pro day. This injury will keep Ojabo out of action for at least 5 months. When he returns, however, the Titans will have gotten the steal of the draft as Ojabo is the one of the most athletic defensive players in this draft. Ojabo put up 11 sacks and 24 hurries in only 14 games at Michigan this year. Ojabo will be a threat on Tennessee’s defense and will keep them competitive for years to come. 

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

The Buccaneers are arguably the most complete team in the league, but with the early retirement of pro bowl guard Ali Marpet, the Buccaneers are in the market for a new guard. The Maryland native played 12 games at Boston College and only let up 1 sack. Johnson is dominant in both the run game and the passing game, and will fill the hole left by Ali Marpet nicely.

Pick 28. Green Bay Packers select Trevor Penning, Offensive Tackle, from Northern Iowa

Trevor Penning is a super physical player in the run game and is still phenomenal in the passing game. Penning was the highest graded run blocker in college football this past season and only allowed 1 sack for Northern Iowa in 12 games played. Penning is also one of the strongest lineman in this draft class and is able to bully opposing defenders with ease. Penning will be a dominant lineman for the Packers and will keep Aaron Rodgers safe for the rest of his football career at Green Bay.

Pick 29. Kansas City Chiefs select Andrew Booth Jr., Cornerback, from Clemson

Booth was a standout for Clemson and has some of the best footwork in the draft. Booth is a corner who doesn’t fall for double moves and has great strength for someone with his frame. Booth is one of the best all around corners in this class, and his only major concern is tackling, which is still average at worst. Booth will help a struggling Chiefs secondary and help the Chiefs remain competitive in the AFC West. 

Pick 30. Kansas City Chiefs select Skyy Moore, Wide Receiver, from Western Michigan

With another giant trade this offseason, the Chiefs traded away their superstar receiver in Tyreek Hill for draft picks. With this giant hole at wide receiver, I have the Chiefs selecting Skyy Moore out of Western Michigan.  Skyy Moore has the elite shiftiness that will pair great with Patrick Mahomes’ play style. Moore has the ability to make defenders miss with ease, forcing 26 missed tackles this past season. Moore has great route running and elusiveness, and is the best replacement for Tyreek Hill in this draft.

Pick 31. Cincinnati Bengals select Kenyon Green, Offensive Guard, from Texas A&M

Kenyon Green has absurd movement skills for an offensive lineman of his size. Green comes in at 6’, 4” and 323 pounds. While the Bengals got quality players for their offensive line this past free agency, it’s still far from perfect, and adding Kenyon Green to the line would help keep Joe Burrow safe. Green has great flexibility and agility for his position and is very versatile as well. Green also has a great ability to get to linebackers in the second level. Green’s versatility would be a great addition to the Bengals.

Pick 32. Detroit Lions select Kenny Pickett, Quarterback, from Pittsburgh

The Lions are in need of a new quarterback after trading away Matthew Stafford. They settled with Jared Goff this past season, but I have them picking their quarterback of the future with this pick as I have them selecting Kenny Pickett. Pickett was one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football last year. Pickett could throw on the run, he was mobile, and he had great accuracy. Kenny Pickett will be the Lion’s new quarterback and lead them into the future.