Former Chiefs speedster wide receiver Tyreek Hill added to one of the most memorable free agency periods in NFL history when it was announced that he would be traded to the Miami Dolphins. Hill signed an extension that would make him the highest-paid receiver in the league.
With many superstars changing places, and top players completing pro days, team's needs and draft selections have changed.
Here's a look at how the first round might play out, including what the Falcons will do at No. 8.
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): Edge, OL, WR
NFL.com player comp: Kyle Vanden Bosch
I had selected an offensive tackle in every mock to this point, but I'm finally caving. The Jaguars don't NEED a tackle that bad. They could use a steady, surefire pressure player like Hutchinson. That'll throw the top portion of this mock into a tizzy compared to previous versions, and that's okay. Let's mix things up.
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): QB, Edge, CB
NFL.com player comp: Brian Orakpo
Kris Rhim had Kayvon Thibodeaux at No. 2 in his mock. I'm with him. Maybe these questions about his motor are a media creation. Maybe the Lions realize this guy is an amazing talent and take him believing he can be a 15-sack guy for years.
Biggest Needs (via NFL.com): Edge, CB, OL
NFL.com player comp: Kelechi Osemele
The Texans need everything. That includes a tackle, despite Laramey Tunsil being on the roster. Ekwonu is a mauler who makes any run game better. He's versatile enough to help in several spots. The Texans have tons of draft capital. Keep drafting the best player on your board.
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): Edge, WR, CB
NFL.com player comp: Richard Sherman
The Jets have upgraded a previously weak secondary, but you take a complete player who could be a true shutdown cornerback in the Big Apple.
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): OT, Edge, TE
NFL.com player comp: Jordan Mailata
The Giants pick again at No. 7, but they're at least a little bit worried the Panthers will take an offensive tackle at No. 6. That prompts them to go OT at avoid to avoid their guy getting taken. That's Neal, right up there with Hutchinson as the safest pick in this draft.
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): QB, OL, Edge
NFL.com player comp: Jay Cutler and Jalen Hurts
The Panthers have been looking for a quarterback for a long time. They end that search with the best talent in this draft, someone with great upside.
via Bears
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): OT, Edge, TE
NFL.com player comp: Chris Wormley
Remember way back when, when mocks commonly had Walker down in the 20s? That was before the combine. Walker seems like the talent who might be a more productive pro than he was in college.
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): QB, Edge, WR
NFL.com player comp: Taylor Moton (physical) / Tristan Wirfs (play)
I've gone with a defensive player with every mock draft to this point. But, the more I think about it, the more I believe the Falcons go for a safe, talented pick at a premium position. Cross might end up as a perennial Pro Bowler. He's that good. The Falcons don't reach for need. They follow the board and take someone who should be an offensive anchor for years.
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via Broncos
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): QB, OT, CB
NFL.com player comp:
The Seahawks snag a tackle for the future to help with their struggling offensive line.
via Seahawks
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): CB, WR, S
NFL.com player comp: Richard Sherman
Gardner fills the Jets biggest need, and has all the traits to become a superstar in the league.
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): QB, OL, WR
NFL.com player comp: No comparison given
The Commanders add another dynamic pass catcher for newly acquired quarterback Carson Wentz.
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): CB, EDGE, LB
NFL.com player comp: Stephon Gilmore
The Vikings secondary struggled significantly in 2021. They invest one of the most talented players in this draft in the hopes that Stingley can return to his 2019 All-American form.
via Browns
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): QB, CB, DL
NFL.com player comp: Haloti Ngata
Texans continue to bolster Lovie Smith's defense with their second pick of the first round. Davis is another athletic freak from Georgia, and shot up draft boards after his outstanding NFL Combine.
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): DT, OL, LB
NFL.com player comp:
General manager Erik DeCosta called Cross an "outstanding athlete" and said he resembled a power forward in pass protection at the NFL Combine. Cross should have an immediate impact on the Ravens run-heavy offense.
via Dolphins
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): EDGE, S, WR
NFL.com player comp: Willie Gay
The Eagles end their 43-year drought of not drafting a linebacker in the first round with one of the best defensive players in college in 2021.
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): EDGE, S, WR
NFL.com player comp: Terry McLaurin
Olave speed should help open up the Eagles offense, and make life a little easier for Devonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and Jalen Hurts.
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Biggest needs (via NFL.com): DT, LB, WR
NFL.com player comp: Maliek Collins
The Chargers' fearsome pass rush gets even scarier with an explosive force in the middle of Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): QB, WR, OT
NFL.com player comp: Jay Cutler (arm) / Jalen Hurts (build/play style)
The quarterback with the highest upside in the draft falls in the Saints lap.
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): EDGE, S, WR
NFL.com player comp: No comparison given
Karlaftis should immediately upgrade the Eagles pass rush, which had the second least sacks in the NFL last season.
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): QB, OL, LB
NFL.com player comp: Jon Runyan Sr. (size/demeanor) / Riley Reiff (play style)
Penning plays with an attitude and toughness that should fit right in it Pittsburgh.
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): DB, LB, WR
NFL.com player comp: Jaire Alexander
Trent McDuffie looks to fill the Giant void of J.C. Jackson in the Patriots secondary.
via Raiders
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): DT, OL, WR
NFL.com player comp: A.J. Brown (with more wiggle)
The Packers finally draft a receiver in the first-round after Davante Adams' move to the Raiders.
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): CB, DL, EDGE
NFL.com player comp: Jackrabbitt Jenkins
The Cardinals fill their biggest need with Booth, who will help Arizona slow down Cooper Kupp, Deebo Samuel, and the many other talented pass catchers in the NFC West.
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): DB, DL, TE
NFL.com player comp: Larry Warford
The Cowboys offensive line struggled in 2021, Johnson fills the void left by Connor WIlliams at guard.
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Biggest needs (via NFL.com): DL, OL, WR
NFL.com player comp: Will Fuller
Williams makes the Bills already prolific offense even better, adding speed and skill to an offense that already keeps opposing defensive coordinators up all night.
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): OL, LB, TE
NFL.com player comp: Richie Incognito
Green is powerful run blocker, and he'll ensure Derrick Henry continues to dominate defenses.
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): QB, OL, WR
NFL.com player comp: Johnathan Hankins
Jones adds youth to Bucaneers defensive line and will contribute in year one.
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): WR, EDGE, CB
NFL.com player comp: Emmanuel Sanders
Packers shock everyone by going receiver twice in the first round, making Aaron Rodgers ecstatic.
Via Dolphins
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): DB, OT, WR
NFL.com player comp: KeeSean Johnson
Watson is 6-foot-4, 208-pounds, and ran a 4.36 at the combine. The Chiefs get a player with potential to become a matchup nightmare in the NFL
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): DB, OT, WR
NFL.com player comp: Jaylon Johnson
The Chiefs secure a replacement for Charvarius Ward a quick and talented cornerback from Florida.
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): S, OL, LB
NFL.com player comp: Jason Kelce
The Bengals get another piece on the offensive line to protect Joe Burrow.
via Rams
Biggest needs (via NFL.com): QB, WR, EDGE
NFL.com player comp: Devin Bush
Dean was the best player on Georgia's all-time great defense in 2021, the Lions get a high value pick here.
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