NFL Mock Draft: Entire 1st round after a crazy free agency
By Andrew Falce
With the brunt of free agency wrapped up, here is a look at a new potential first-round mock draft for the league after all of the big moves.
The NFL has already had one of the more memorable off-seasons as a slew of top names have found new teams. While there are still some big names available to be signed, now seems like a good time to turn to the draft.
With boards likely getting finalized, here is a look at a potential shake-down of the first round after a chaotic free agency period.
NFL Mock Draft picks 1 and 2
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
EDGE. Aidan Hutchinson. 1. Michigan. player. 811. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
The Jaguars are first up, and after adding some big names in the offseason, their board should be relatively open. It seems likely that this pick comes down to either an edge rusher or a tackle. While protecting Trevor Lawrence is a top priority, they did add Brandon Scherff already. This could open the door for a top edge rusher to go off the board first.
Thus, with the first pick in the draft, the Jaguars go Aidan Hutchinson. Hutchinson is coming off a strong career at Michigan and is a lock to be taken in the top five of the draft. He has great size and can either play as a traditional end or standing up as a linebacker.
He has a wide array of pass rush moves and should be a top sack artist as a pro. The Jaguars pass on landing a top tackle in hopes of securing an elite pass rush.
2. Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
Pick Analysis. Oregon. Kayvon Thibodeaux. player. Scouting Report. 820. 2. EDGE
The Lions follow suit, as they also seem poised to take an edge rusher early. While losing out on Hutchinson stings, they can still take Kayvon Thibodeaux out of Oregon. Seen as the top edge rusher all season out of Oregon, some character concerns have seemingly knocked his stock down a little bit. That said, he is still an elite edge rusher and well worth a top pick.
Thibodeaux would take on the role of top edge rusher for a Lions defense that has struggled to generate a pass rush. There doesn’t really seem like a great option here for Detroit if they opt to not draft a quarterback. Thibodeaux may be the second-best edge rusher, but he makes the most sense for a Lions team looking to retool their defense.