NFL Mock Draft: Entire 1st round after a crazy free agency
By Andrew Falce
NFL Mock draft picks 31 and 32
31. Cincinnati Bengals: Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
EDGE. Minnesota. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Boye Mafe. 31. 852
Rounding out the draft, the defending second-best team in the NFL has been aggressive this offseason. Their biggest need was the offensive line, but they have added three capable starters to the line already and there isn’t a great lineman here to target instead. What would make sense is to take an edge rusher to help put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Boye Mafe is a lanky edge presence that has had a great pre-draft process. He is an aggressive and athletic pass rusher that can control the edge of a defense. He needs to develop better moves overall, but the Bengals aren’t in any desperate need of a starting edge right away. They can give Mafe time to develop his skills in a rotation.
32. Detroit Lions: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Desmond Ridder. 830. QB. Cincinnati. 32. player
The final pick in the draft sees the fourth quarterback go off the board. While there is a seemingly wide-open discussion as to who is the fourth quarterback in this class, Desmond Ridder seemingly has a good ceiling. He has improved every season while at Cincinnati and will look to continue that ascension at the next level.
Ridder can make any pass needed at the next level and has the ability to make plays on the ground. While his decision-making and processing need some work, he can be given the time to develop behind Jared Goff. Ridder will need some work at the next level, but the Lions taking him in the first round gives him five seasons to develop into what they want.
The first round is finally starting to take shape as the big moves in the offseason cool down. This mock draft is my best look at what route every team may end up going. While there is still close to a month before the draft gets underway, this is my best look at a potential round one shakeup.