Jan 1, 2022; Pasadena, CA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) runs with the ball after making a catch against the Utah Utes during the 2022 Rose Bowl college football game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
John McClain: Mock draft 6.0
John McClain does his sixth of seven mock drafts leading up to the first round on April 27:
1. Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Young is rock solid as the first overall pick with only size limitations.
2. Texans: Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
New coach DeMeco Ryans gets the best pure outside pass rusher.
3. Colts (trade with Cardinals): C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
New coach Shane Steichen gets a franchise quarterback.
4. Cardinals (trade with Colts): Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
New coach Jonathan Gannon gets an outstanding pass rusher.
5. Seahawks: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Pete Carroll can afford to give him time to develop behind Geno Smith.
6. Lions: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
He’s the early favorite to be voted NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
7. Raiders: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
A splendid size-speed combination to lock down receivers.
8. Falcons: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
The Falcons believe he’s just too talented to pass up.
9. Bears: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
If he gets his head on straight, he can dominate for years.
10. Eagles: Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa
He should be a force on the outside to fortify the defensive line.
11. Titans: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
Mike Vrabel elects to go with a tackle over a wide receiver.
12. Texans: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
DeMeco Ryans gets a gifted receiver who makes catches all over the field.
13. Jets: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
He’s raw but talented and should become a big-time pass protector.
14. Patriots: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
He lacks size, but he’s got everything else Bill Belichick wants.
15. Packers: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
The grandson of a great Packers’ tackle can play outside or inside.
16. Commanders: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
One start isn’t enough to have total faith in Sam Howell.
17. Steelers: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
He’s got size and speed and is the perfect fit in this system.
18. Lions: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
An inside presence who’s talented but needs some refinement.
19. Buccaneers: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
They can’t pass up a tackle who can solve a glaring weakness.
20. Seahawks: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
He’s got quickness and speed unmatched in this draft.
21. Chargers: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
He’s the best pure pass catcher at his position.
22. Ravens: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
John Harbaugh isn’t through stocking the shelves for Lamar Jackson.
23. Vikings: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
He hasn’t gotten a lot of pre-draft attention, but he’s the real deal.
24. Jaguars: Dewand Jones, OT, Ohio State
They have a glaring need for a tackle, and Jones is the answer.
25. Giants: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
He’s a big, fast, explosive target for Daniel Jones.
26. Cowboys: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
He’s the best all-around prospect at his position.
27. Bills: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Murphy has speed coming off the edge and should fit in their defense.
28. Bengals: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
They need to enhance their talent level up front for Joe Burrow.
29. Saints: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
He’s been inconsistent, but he can dominate on the inside.
30. Eagles: Brian Branch, S, Alabama
He’s a natural fit at safety, and he can line up in the slot.
31. Chiefs: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Andy Reid never thought Addison would be available at this spot.
(John McClain writes four columns a week for GallerySports.com. He can be heard Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday on Sports Radio 610 and Thursday on Texans Radio. He does three weekly Houtopia podcasts for 610. He also can be read three times a week on SportsRadio610.com).
