The NFL Combine has changed a lot of draft projections around the league, and this mock draft may or may not reflect that. Free agents are yet to be signed, and “set draft positions” for many prospects are yet to be secured. So, off of that, I have decided to make a 2-round mock draft with trades to highlight some stars of the combine as well as other rising players who have seen a surge in hype.

Also, in light of the Jalen Ramsey trade, I am projecting the Jets trade for Aaron Rodgers without giving up a first-round pick. They do wind up giving multiple Day 2 picks, including their 2nd-rounder this year, so the Packers get some decent compensation for a regressing A-Rod.

• The Panthers select CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State (from Bears)
  Carolina would reasonably want an accurate quarterback who could throw accurate passes to lower-quality receivers if they ditched DJ Moore to acquire the top selection. CJ Stroud is the most accurate quarterback in the class. His athleticism may be lackluster when compared to Bryce Young and Anthony Richardson, but his mechanics, technique, and more importantly, his consistency, are superior.

• The Texans select Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
  Teams will be concerned about his height, but Bryce Young is easily comparable to prime Russell Wilson, who was able to make waves right away in the NFL despite being undersized. The Heisman winner from 2021 has great mobility and arm power, though did not run the Combine like Richardson. Still, Houston will be happy with their new franchise QB.

• The Cardinals select Will Anderson, DE, Alabama
  The Cardinals lost sack leader J.J. Watt to retirement, so the Cardinals need pass rush help to remain somewhat competitive in the weakening NFC West. Will Anderson has the potential to match, if not exceed, J.J. Watt’s achievements. His speed off the edge is going to cause trouble for everybody he faces.

• The Colts select Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
  The Matt Ryan experiment was maybe the most miserable failure of the most recent NFL season, and it must end. An injection of youth and athleticism is needed for the Colts to thrive again. Anthony Richardson possesses the best athletic profile of every quarterback (see his combine results) and also has a rocket arm. An offense like the Colts’ should turn Anthony Richardson into an impactful starter right away. It’s the perfect fit.

• The Seahawks select Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech
  The Seahawks do not want another Malik McDowell, so this is why they skip on Jalen Carter in favor of the more versatile Tyree Wilson. Wilson is massive (6’6”, 275), athletic, and versatile. He can play on the edge, but also can move inside on passing downs. He will be an impactful run-stopper right away, more importantly, and Pete Carroll would love to have this talent on his team.

• The Lions select Christian Gonzalez, DB, Oregon
  I am aware of the signing of Cam Sutton, but I am concerned about the regression of Amani Oruwariye. Christian Gonzalez is an instant upgrade, and can even stand in if/when Jeff Okudah hurts himself again. Gonzalez’s ball skills will make him an instant hot commodity. 

• The Raiders select Paris Johnson, T, Ohio State
  The Jimmy G signing sends a clear message that the Raiders want to stay competitive. However, a patchy offensive line will not help that cause. Paris Johnson should be part of the answer to the problem. Johnson is a high-upside tackle prospect whose size and athleticism will make him a solid right tackle from day one.

• The Falcons select Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
  It would be a great storyline to see Jalen Carter stay in state. He has his concerns now, especially regarding legal troubles, but his fall can only go so far considering his talent and the type of player he is. Defensive tackles rarely are this good at pass rushing coming out of college, and Jalen Carter could become a Chris Jones-sort of ultra-productive DT in the NFL.

• The Bears select Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson
  Chicago’s defenses of the past were known for having elite pass rushers. Think Richard Dent, Julius Peppers, and Khalil Mack. I believe Myles Murphy’s strong and physical play style and solid production to back it up spell out his potential to join that line of legendary Bears pass rushers.

• The Eagles select Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
  The Eagles could easily trade down but they could also use a third cornerback who could maybe switch to free safety. Devon Witherspoon is best on the boundary and could be a good player for the future. But, he is a solid tackler with ball skills that could help him transition to free safety. Plus, he is just a half-inch below the average height for a free safety.

• The Titans select Jordan Addison, WR, USC
  The Titans need energy and life in their wide receiver room, which is barren after Robert Woods’ release. Jordan Addison has the juice, the speed, and the nifty shiftiness to give the Titans a new dimension through which they can attack, and can reignite their fight for the AFC South.

• The Texans select Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
  It wouldn’t hurt to get Joey Porter to Houston to be Steven Nelson’s understudy for a year before ascending to a starter. Porter is a great man-coverage corner who could star right away if given the chance to do so.

• The Jets select Broderick Jones, T, Georgia
  The Jets, with Aaron Rodgers now in the building, now need to protect their aging legend. Broderick Jones is a tackle prospect with high upside. He plays with an aggressive demeanor and possesses elite raw strength. His weaknesses are easily coachable as well, so the Jets can make Jones solid enough to push the Jets into the playoffs next season.

• The Patriots select Peter Skoronski, T, Northwestern
  The Patriots lost two tackles and replaced only one, and that replacement was Riley Reiff (on a one-year pact). Peter Skoronski can play on either side of the offensive line. Despite having short arms, his refined technique will make him a Day 1 starter ahead of Reiff.

• The Packers select Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
  With Aaron Rodgers gone, the Packers need to replace Aaron Rodgers and send Jordan Love elsewhere. Will Levis has the arm talent and athleticism to succeed in the NFL. He is mistake-prone and inconsistent but is sure to improve with NFL weapons surrounding him.

• The Commanders select Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
  Like Will Levis in a way, Kelee Ringo has the athletic talent to succeed in the NFL, but has a lot of rawness in his game regarding technique. His stock has dropped because of that, but he still is a top talent in the class nonetheless.

• The Steelers select Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
  Ideally, the Steelers would want an offensive lineman here, but all the best ones are off the board already, so it is time to address the defense. Bryan Bresee will be Stephon Tuitt’s replacement, Despite some injuries, the shifty and athletic Bresee should fit nicely into the Steelers’ defensive line as an eventual Cam Heyward replacement.

• The Lions select Nolan Smith, DE, Georgia
  Speed. Nolan Smith is speed. He is also a relentless pursuer who was a leader on the Georgia defense that violated TCU 65-7 to win back-to-back national championships. His athleticism will give him an instant edge and makes him an appealing addition to the Lions’ defense.

• The Bucs select Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
  The passing game can no longer be relied on now. To alleviate the concerns, the “bell cow” running back position must be filled by the best man to fit the role: Bijan Robinson. Robinson plays a very low-value position, but can be among the best in the league right away.

• The Seahawks select O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida
  With Gabe Jackson departed, the Seahawks have a gaping hole at the guard position. Enter O’Cyrus Torrence, the best guard in the class. He is a powerful mauler in the run game and should help Ken Walker continue to flourish in the navy blue of the ‘Hawks.

• The Chargers select Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
  The Chargers need to inject another deep threat in their wide receiver room, a field stretcher that can help Justin Herbert’s arm power excel. Zay Flowers is a speedy guy with ludicrous explosiveness and is dangerous with the ball in his hands.

• The Ravens select Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
  The Ravens seem to have a problem finding a receiver for some reason, but it ends here. Quentin Johnston popped off for the national runners-up TCU, with his open-field quickness turning him into a clutch playmaker for the Horned Frogs on their run to the CFP.

• The Vikings select Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
  As he proved in the combine, Deonte Banks is an exceptional athlete that can shed run blocks and has flashed moments of good technique. With Byron Murphy through the door, the Vikings need to give Andrew Booth a long-term partner and Banks should do the job.

• The Jaguars select Brian Branch, S, Alabama
  Brian Branch is listed as a safety, but has experience as a slot corner. Branch will be a good pickup for Jacksonville as he can move between safety and slot corner, which will also help bump Tyson Campbell to the boundary, where he fits best.

• The Giants select Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
  Darren Waller is great and all, but the Giants need to have another productive weapon for the future. Jaxon Smith-Njigba led all receivers in the nation in 2021. He has fought injuries, but he is bound to make Joe Schoen look like a genius if he is taken here by New York.

• The Cowboys select Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
  Dalton Schultz is now a Houston Texan. If the Cowboys are to preserve their contention for the playoffs, they need to get a safety blanket. Mayer is a strong-handed reliable receiving tight end. He may not be the best blocker, but he will produce at the next level.

• The Bills select Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
  The Bills lost a key member of their front seven when Tremaine Edmunds signed in Chicago. Luckily, they have their choice of linebackers at this spot in the draft, and Drew Sanders, a versatile linebacker that can play off-ball and rush the passer if needed.

• The Bengals select Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
  Jesse Bates and Vonn Bell have both bailed from the Bengals. Dax Hill will fill Bates’ void, but someone has to replace Bell. Antonio Johnson is likely the best pure strong safety in the class (unless Brian Branch is considered a strong safety) and should slot right in as a day-one starter.

• The Saints select Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
  The Saints have a shallow defensive interior, which could be a problem if Payton Turner fails to develop. Calijah Kancey is a super athletic defensive tackle and will be a good replacement, if not an instant upgrade, compared to the recently-departed Shy Tuttle.

• The Eagles select Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
  As I write this, the Eagles’ defense is currently getting shafted to pieces, so the Band-Aids need to be applied soon. Trenton Simpson can rush the passer and can play off-ball linebacker. While Nakobe Dean can fill one hole, Simpson will help the Birds’ defense be very solid.

• The Chiefs select Keion White, DE, Georgia Tech
  The Chiefs could use more pass-rush depth across the board. Keion White can play inside and outside, and is also quite the freakish athlete. He could easily flourish with Chris Jones accompanying him on the defensive line.

Round 2

• The Steelers select Anton Harrison, T, Oklahoma
  The Steelers could use an upgrade at tackle. Anton Harrison is solid enough to start at left tackle ahead of Dan Moore, the current starter.

• The Texans select Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
  Even with Robert Woods in, the Texans need to prep for a future without the injury-prone veteran. Jalin Hyatt’s blistering speed will make him an impactful weapon immediately.

• The Cardinals select Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
  Now that Byron Murphy has joined Minnesota, the slot corner position is a big need. Clark Phillips will fit very nicely in there thanks to his size, but can his playstyle can move him outside.

• The Colts select Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
  To replace Stephon Gilmore, the Colts turn to another former Gamecock in Cam Smith. He has battled injuries, but is great when healthy.

• The Rams select Isaiah Foskey, DE, Notre Dame
  The Rams’ “remodeled” pass rush should feature Foskey, an ultra-productive but raw pass rusher who will flourish with support from Aaron Donald.

• The Seahawks select Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
  The Seahawks lost their second and third running backs in free agency, so acquiring Gibbs is not a bad idea for Ken Walker insurance.

• The Raiders select Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
  Darren Waller was a great player, so he must have a successor. Luckily, Dalton Kincaid, ranked by many as the top tight end in the class, is somehow available. 

• The Panthers select Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
  Mazi Smith was the freakiest athlete on Michigan’s defensive line by far. He is a great run-stopper that could help the Panthers right away.

• The Saints select Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE, Kansas State
  Now that Marcus Davenport is gone, the Saints have a hole on the edge of their defensive line. Felix Anudike-Uzomah completes a solid defensive quartet of youth and high potential.

• The Titans select Dawand Jones, T, Ohio State
  Taylor Lewan is gone now, so a replacement is imperative. Dawand Jones is a massive human being and a menace to deal with. He is also pretty good as of now. 

• The Browns select Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
  Emmanuel Forbes has pretty good ball skills, and will be a nice addition to a corner group that has three good corners already, Martin Emerson, Greg Newsome, and Denzel Ward.

• The Packers select Darnell Wright, T, Tennessee (from Jets)
  Bless Will Levis with the best right tackle in college football last season, Darnell Wright, and you have a team that can compete right away in the post-Rodgers era.

• The Falcons select Trey Palmer, WR, Nebraska
  The Falcons could use more speed on their team. Trey Palmer will be an elusive menace with the ball in his hands, and a refined route tree will make him elite.

• The Packers select Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
  Boutte is a high-upside prospect but struggled with inconsistencies at LSU. With Allen Lazard gone, the Packers must retool through a youth movement headed by Levis, Boutte, Christian Watson, A.J. Dillon (unless you call him old for some reason), and Romeo Doubs.

• The Patriots select Cody Mauch, T, North Dakota State
  The Patriots need some help both on the inside and outside of their offensive line. Cody Mauch may well be able to cover both needs, as he is a versatile prospect.

• The Commanders select Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
  Sam Howell needs a reliable safety blanket, and Luke Musgrave can serve that exact purpose. He has had some injury struggles as of late but is reliable when healthy.

• The Lions select Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
  Darnell Washington did not get a lot of targets last year, but looked great whenever he was on the field. This freakishly-built tight end will add yet another weapon to the Lions’ offense.

• The Steelers select DJ Turner, CB, Michigan
  DJ Turner was the fastest guy in the combine, by far. It’s safe to say he is going to see success in the Steelers’ secondary because of that. He is somewhat raw at the moment though.

• The Bucs select Jaelyn Duncan, T, Maryland
  Jaelyn Duncan will provide more tackle depth to a Bears team that also has Braxton Jones and Larry Borom. Duncan is massive and a good athlete that could play on either side of the O-line.

• The Dolphins select John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
  The Dolphins are set at left tackle and right guard, but not left guard. Draft Schmitz, kick Connor Williams out to left guard, and you get a solid offensive line with two more holes filled.

• The Seahawks select Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
  Marquise Goodwin was decent for a couple of games, but the Seahawks could gift Geno Smith with a third wideout. Josh Downs is a speedy, undersized receiver that could thrive in the slot and take over Tyler Lockett’s place in the team.

• The Bears select Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane
  The Bears’ running back committee was halved when David Montgomery signed with Detroit. Tyjae Spears will add more juice to the backfield and keep the running game in Chicago at the top of the league.

• The Chargers select Keannu Benton, DT, Wisconsin
  Keannu Benton showed out at the Senior Bowl and shot up draft boards across the league. He also finally gets the Chargers some real help in defending the run.

• The Lions select Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
  The Lions are overall shallow in their linebacker room. Getting an athlete like Henley through the door will help the Lions stop the run and take them to the playoffs.

• The Jaguars select Steve Avila, G, TCU
  The Jaguars lost a few starters on the offensive line, but Steve Avila will be a good starter at left guard, their weakest position last season. It also gives Walker Little a shot at right tackle.

• The Giants select Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
  The Giants could use more corners to improve the pass defense. Now is a good time to get the best available athlete, Julius Brents.

• The Cowboys select Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M
  How do you make up for getting rid of Ezekiel Elliott? You draft a human jetpack. Devon Achane is a human jetpack who could come in for Tony Pollard and break off a long run here or there.

• The Bills select Adetomiwa Adeboware, DE, Northwestern
  Adetomiwa Adeboware is a freak athlete for a 280-pound man. He can play inside or outside, which the Bills will need to boost their pass-rush rotation.

• The Bengals select Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
  Sam LaPorta is a reliable target who runs solid routes. He played in a limited offense, but getting Joe Burrow as his quarterback will exploit the best of his talents.

• The Bears select Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami
  If the Bears want to bring back their defense from 2018-2019, they need to get better corners. Tyrique Stevenson has great athleticism, ball instincts, and length and could be an instant starter in the Bears’ secondary.

• The Eagles select Jartavius Martin, S, Illinois
  After seeing both starting safeties leave, the Eagles could take multiple safeties in this draft. Devon Witherspoon would love to join fellow Illini Jartavius Martin. Martin dominated at the combine and would make a great starting strong safety.

• The Chiefs select Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati
  Tyreek Hill finally gets replaced here with Tyler Scott. This speedy guy will immediately slot into the hole that JuJu Smith-Schuster left behind and should become one of the best deep threats in the league with Patrick Mahomes as his quarterback.