Disclaimer: The statements and opinions regarding players and/or potential future players in the article below are those of the AtlantaFalcons.com editorial staff and are not of the Atlanta Falcons' football personnel unless noted in a direct quote.
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — I am not going to lie to you: This singular mock draft is the most difficult to work out every single year. We always have to have a mock draft run every week, which means that — yes — one has to run the week that the new league year begins. There are so many moving parts that go along with this mock draft.
For starters, rosters are fluctuating at a rapid rate. Even as I sit writing out this mock draft on Thursday afternoon, it could be out of date by the time it publishes Friday morning. (I'm looking at you, Aaron Rodgers. Can you make a decision already so I can feel confident in my mocks again?)
So, take this specific mock draft with a grain of salt. There will be more concrete moves in place by the next one, and teams' draft needs will be significantly clearer. But just for fun, let's take a stab at what the first round could look like now that the first wave of free agency is fully underway.
For this mock draft, I will include some notable free agency signings for each team that may impact their needs. Oh, and still no trades... yet.
Editor's note: Any moves reported after 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, will not be considered in this mock draft.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: QB, WR, EDGE, OT, S
Key free agency move: LT Dan Moore, LB Cody Barton, S Xavier Woods
Analysis: Of all the quarterback shuffling that happened over the last week, I really thought the Titans would be in the mix somewhere. When they weren't (at least to Thursday afternoon anyways), I figured they could be all-in on Ward.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: EDGE, QB, OT, WR, RB
Key free agency moves: Extended EDGE Myles Garrett, DT Maliek Collins, OT Cornelius Lucas ... Also of note, it is reported the Browns have scheduled for QB Russell Wilson to visit the facility this week.
Analysis: This selection is based on my gut feeling that Wilson will ultimately sign with the Browns this offseason. If he does, then the Browns don't really have a starting quarterback issue. They don't have an edge rusher issue, either, considering they made Garrett the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league.
But wouldn't Carter lined up opposite Garrett be LETHAL?!
Biggest needs per NFL.com: QB, OT, OG, CB, S
Key free agency moves: S Jevon Holland, WR Darius Slayton, DE Chauncey Golston
Analysis: The Giants are one of the teams also in the mix to land Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers. And who knows? Maybe they'll shock everyone and actually do. I am going to go out on a limb and say that some how, some way the Giants figure out their QB issue before the draft. And so, they pursue the best tackle in the draft as it is still a big need for them.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: OT, WR, EDGE, CB, IOL
Key free agency moves: DT Milton Williams, OT Morgan Moses, CB Carlton Davis, OLB Robert Spillane, EDGE Harold Landry, WR Mack Hollins
Analysis: The Patriots met their need at offensive tackle by signing Moses to a three-year deal. One could argue they did so, too, with their Davis and Hollins signings at corner and wide receiver. But with Hunter still on the board, they couldn't very well pass him up.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: CB, S, IOL, WR, QB
Key free agency moves: CB Jourdan Lewis, G Patrick Mekari, S Eric Murray, C Robert Hainsey, WR Dyami Brown
Analysis: The Jaguars pumped a lot of money into their interior offensive line with the signings of Mekari and Hainsey. They even got Trevor Lawrence a backup in Nick Mullens. And while they did pursue Brown, they could still use a little splash on offense. McMillan could be that guy.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: QB, WR, RB, CB, DT
Key free agency moves: QB Geno Smith via trade, S Jeremy Chinn, DE Malcom Koonce, DT Adam Butler, G Alex Cappa, CB Eric Stokes
Analysis: Despite the pickup of Butler for three years, I don't think this precludes the Raiders from going after the top defensive tackle in the draft. In fact, with their quarterback situation solved for the time being, it might mean this is exactly the direction they go.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: QB, DT, OT, S, CB
Key free agency moves: QB Justin Fields, LB Jamien Sherwood, CB Brandon Stephens, S Andre Cisco, C Josh Myers
Analysis: Outside of the Myers deal, the Jets didn't really address their offensive front much at all considering the tackle needs; which makes a Banks selection at No. 7 make sense.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: EDGE, DT, WR, C, QB
Key free agency moves: DT Tershawn Wharton, CB Michael Jackson, extended CB Jaycee Horn, S Tre'von Moehrig, LB Pat Jones II, DT Bobby Brown III, TE Tommy Tremble
Analysis: One of the biggest (and most expensive) free agency classes so far goes to the Panthers. They were moving and shaking when the new league year began, and their 2025 roster is shaping up. They solidified the interior of their defensive line as well as their starting corners. But they're still looking for that true star off the edge. Enter Jalon Walker.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: EDGE, WR, TE, CB
Key free agency moves: TE Juwan Johnson, S Justin Reid, DE Chase Young
Analysis: If the Panthers weren't going to take the first edge rusher off the board, then the Saints sure as heck were. It was just going to be a matter of who. With Walker to the Panthers, that leaves Mykel Williams to the Saints.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: OG, C, OT, EDGE, WR
Key free agency moves: C Drew Dalman, DE Dayo Odeyingbo, DT Grady Jarrett, G Joe Thuney via trade, G Jonah Jackson via trade
Analysis: The Bears reworked the interior of their offensive line quickly this week, making two trades and signing Dalman on to be one of the highest-paid centers in the league. (They also signed Jarrett, which no, I am not over, but I digress). They did not, however, address their tackle vacancy. They do so with the No. 10 pick.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: CB, DT, EDGE, LB, OG
Key free agency moves: TE Luke Farrell, WR Demarcus Robinson, CB Tre Brown, LB Luke Gifford, LB Curtis Robsinson, S Richie Grant
Analysis: The 49ers signed a lot of guys on short-term contracts. But they're still without a star corner. Is No. 11 too high for Barron? Maybe. But not if the 49ers need him.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: RB, OG, DT, CB, LB
Key free agency moves: DT Osa Odighizuma, DT Solomon Thomas, RB Javonte Williams, WR KaVontae Turpin, G Robert Jones, CB Kaiir Elam via trade
Analysis: I am going to continue mocking Jeanty to the Cowboys. You better just get used to it.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: S, DT, OG, LB, QB
Key free agency moves: QB Zach Wilson, G James Daniels, LB Tyrel Dodson, S Ifeatu Melifonwu, S Ashtyn Savis
Analysis: This pick may feel a little out of left field, but I think Campbell is a game-wrecker that has the athletic makeup to stand out within Miami's defense.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: IOL, TE, CB, LB, S
Key free agency moves: QB Daniel Jones, CB Charvarius Ward, S Camryn Bynum, DT Neville Gallimore
Analysis: With corner and safety needs met with Ward and Bynum, it leaves the Colts open to getting a playmaker into the building for the offense.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: EDGE, S, CB, C, WR
Key free agency moves: DE Leonard Floyd, LB Divine Deablo, CB Mike Hughes, WR KhaDarel Hodge, extended LT Jake Matthews
Analysis: The moves made in free agency (and the loss of Grady Jarrett) means the Falcons may be all-in to draft a pressure player with pick No. 15. It's just a matter of who is available. After hearing what Jalon Walker had to say about Jeff Ulbrich and the Falcons this week, if Walker is there, I say the Falcons take him. But he wasn't there in this scenario. And neither was Mykel Williams, who I already mocked to the Falcons last week. So, I wanted to give you something else to think about.
Enter Shemar Stewart, who one could argue is one of the best edge rushers on the board despite his lack of sack production. He is still a top-20 talent that has major upside the Falcons need in pass rush.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: EDGE, DT, WR, OG, OT
Key free agency moves: QB Jacoby Brissett, G Evan Brown, DT L.J. Collier, WR Zay Jones
Analysis: If the Falcons are going to take Stewart off the board, the Cardinals are going to follow up by taking their own edge rusher off the board, too.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: WR, TE, OT, CB, OG
Key free agency moves: DT B.J. Hill, DT T.J. Slaton, RB Samaje Perine, LB Oren Burks
Analysis: The Bengals pumped a good amount of money into their defensive line this free agency period. But they lacked moves to help out Joe Burrow in the pass game. That's why I'm handing them one of the biggest targets in the class, Loveland.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: OG, QB, LB, DT, OT
Key free agency moves: QB Sam Darnold, DE DeMarcus Lawrence, DT Jarran Reed, LB Ernest Jones IV, OT Josh Jones
Analysis: The Seahawks addressed their quarterback situation, and gave a pretty penny to Reed. Needing a true starter on the interior, they go after Booker in the draft, who many believe is one of the best guard options in the top-20.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: WR, OG, LB, EDGE, OT
Key free agency moves: WR Chris Godwin, G Ben Bredeson, LB Lavonte David, LB Haason Reddick
Analysis: Call me crazy to put Golden in a receiver room with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. And look, I get it. I know the Bucs locked in Godwin for three more years. I also know they only signed on David and Reddick for a year. They could use a bit more longevity with their defenders, but who's to say they wouldn't value Golden? If Jihaad Campbell was still on the board he'd get my pick, but he's not, so let's switch things up a little. Go crazy.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: TE, WR, LB, S, DT
Key free agency moves: TE Evan Engram, WR Trent Sherfield, LB Dre Greenlaw, S Talanoa Hufanga, DT D.J. Jones, QB Jarrett Stidham
Analysis: I feel really solid that the Broncos made the necessary moved to enhance a few of their neediest position groups. That is, except defensive tackle. Some may say this is a little high for Nolen but I think his disruptive nature warrants a top-20 pick.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: QB, CB, RB, WR, OT
Key free agency moves: WR DK Metcalf via trade, CB Darius Slay, CB Brandin Echols, RB Kenneth Gainwell, LB Malik Harrison... Also of note, it has been reported the Steelers have extended an offer to QB Aaron Rodgers.
Analysis: Hot take, I know! But lets say the Rodgers stuff falls through. Or hey, let's say he only signs on for a year or two. Would the Steelers give Sanders a look? If they sign on Rodgers, would they double-dip in the QB market? Probably not but the idea of the Steelers having Metcalf, George Pickens, Rodgers, Sanders and an offense called by Arthur Smith is just too juicy. The drrraaaammmmaaaaa.
Now, is this likely? Heck no. But mock drafts are supposed to be fun.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: EDGE, DT, C, S, TE
Key free agency moves: RB Najee Harris, CB Donte Jackson, LB Khalil Mack, CB Benjamin St-Juste
Analysis: I could have given the Chargers the fourth- or fifth-best edge rusher, or the third-best defensive tackle. But why do that when they can get one of the best safeties?
Biggest needs per NFL.com: CB, EDGE, DT, C, WR
Key free agency moves: G Aaron Banks, CB Nate Hobbs, LB Isaiah McDuffie
Analysis: OK. Hear me out.
I know the Packers just signed on Hobbs for four years at $48 million, but imagine him having a true running mate for the entirety of those four years. Imagine that person being Johnson. I find that idea pretty intriguing.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: CB, DT, RB, OG, S
Key free agency moves: DT Jonathan Allen, DT Javon Hargrave, G Will Fries, CB Byron Murphy Jr., RB Aaron Jones, C Ryan Kelly, CB Isaiah Rodgers, extended S Theo Jackson
Analysis: Like the Panthers, the Vikings have been pretty busy this week. They sured up their defensive front, filled their guard spot as well as quite possibly two corner spots and, oh yeah, they signed on Jones, too. They really don't have that many needs, which is why I have them going best player available despite the fact Hampton plays Jones' position. That would be quite the backfield in Minnesota.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: WR, OG, DT, CB, OT
Key free agency moves: S C.J. Gardner Johnson via trade, DT Mario Edwards, CB Tremon Smith, G Laken Tomlinson, LB Nick Niemann, DE Darrell Taylor, DE Derek Barnett, WR Braxton Berrios, DT Sheldon Rankins
Analysis: There's a lot of to be said of what a Egbuka-C.J. Stroud pairing could look like. I want to see that, so Egbuka gets taken at No. 25.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: OT, WR, CB, LB, TE
Key free agency moves: C Coleman Shelton, DT Poona Ford, WR Davente Adams
Analysis: Am I going to continue to mock offensive tackles to the Rams? Until they sign one? Yes. Yes I am.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: OT, WR, EDGE, OG, S
Key free agency moves: WR DeAndre Hopkins, OT Ronnie Stanley, WR Tylan Wallace
Analysis: I don't believe safety to be one of the biggest needs of the Ravens at this point, but with Starks still on the board I think this could be a safe selection. No pun intended.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: EDGE, CB, WR, OG, DT
Key free agency moves: CB D.J. Reed, LB Derrick Barnes, DE Marcus Davenport, LB Anthony Pittman, OT Dan Skipper
Analysis: I didn't have Pierce in my first round last week, and I feel like that was an oversight on my part. I absolutely think he is a first-round talent. He just needs the edge cards to fall his way, and in this mock, they do.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: EDGE, OT, WR, LB, CB
Key free agency moves: DT Javon Kinlaw, LB Bobby Wagner, TE Zach Ertz, RB Jeremy McNichols, DB Will Harris, TE John Bates, DT Eddie Goldman, CB Jonathan Jones, DE Deatrich Wise
Analysis: Not the sexiest pick, I know. But one that could pay dividends down the road as Conerly develops.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: DT, WR, EDGE, CB, S
Key free agency moves: WR Joshua Palmer, DE Michael Hoecht, RB Ty Johnson, DE Joey Bosa, DT Larry Ogunjobi, S Darrick Forrest
Analysis: Another miss on my part last mock. Not having Harmon as one of the top defensive tackles in the class... what was I thinking?
Biggest needs per NFL.com: DT, OG, OT, WR, EDGE
Key free agency moves: CB Kristian Fulton, RB Elijah Mitchell, OT Jaylon Moore
Analysis: Defensive tackles are flying off the board!
Biggest needs per NFL.com: EDGE, WR, LB, OG, K
Key free agency moves: LB Zack Baun, LB Joshua Uche, LB Ben Van Sumeren, OL Kenyan Green via trade, RB AJ Dillon
Analysis: The Eagles are set at linebacker. I also wanted to slide one more edge rusher into this mock. So, it works out for both me and the Eagles.
