Mock Draft 1.0: Chicago Bears get a new-look offensive line

NFL free agency’s legal tampering period opens in mere minutes, with the official start happening on March 12.

This will be the first mock draft I’ve published since 2010. Back when Bleacher Report was open-ended and my predictions exist only as a URL now.

So good luck judging my crystal ball off that.

Today’s mock combines the post NFL Combine look and free agency. I’ll be doing one free agent pick per team, along with the mock. You’ll see how they likely impact the draft.  I’m doing only the first round today and no trades. I’ll be doing Mock 2.0 after the heavy free agency dust settles and that will expand into Day 2 picks. Unless any real trades happen, those will be Mock 3.0 before the draft in late April.

I’ll note that I’m doing these picks based on team needs and value, using available Top 50 lists and positional rankings as a loose guide. I’m not a scout, so any technical terms are cited. I also have no intel, so these picks are not based on anything I’m hearing. Just predictions and having fun. Spotrac is used for salaries/contracts.

With that, let’s get into it.

1. Tennessee Titans: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

If someone comes calling for this pick, take the deal! Conventional wisdom says quarterback at No. 1. Cam Ward is high enough on most draft boards that you take him and don’t look back. It’s the fatal flaw of most NFL front offices that they’ll spend more time talking themselves into a guy. A potential game-wrecker at edge rusher doesn’t impact a team the same way, but it’s a valuable piece. If the Titans aren’t convinced Ward is the guy to be a franchise quarterback, they should have the conviction to take the top player on their board (perhaps that’s Travis Hunter). Carter might not be the second coming of Micah Parsons. Maybe he is. Tennessee can still replace Will Levis and still be bad enough for a QB it likes more next year.

Free agent: Daniel Jones, QB

2. Cleveland Browns: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

Everything I said about taking a quarterback above does not apply here. Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, whoever is left here, should go to Cleveland. Jaxon Dart? Sure. I’d wouldn’t even blame the Browns for trading up to No. 1 to get Ward at this point. They need a change of scenery behind center again. If that means bringing Kirk Cousins over to start, then fine, Ward would benefit from that. If Cleveland is lucky, its fans are so numb to changes at this position that maybe — just maybe — Ward’s expectations will be low enough to impress.

Free agent: Kirk Cousins (if released by Atlanta)

3. New York Giants: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

As you’ll see below, I have the Giants getting into the free agency mix for a veteran. Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen have to win more this year. Does that preclude them from passing on a quarterback? No. Should it? Yes, unless Carter and Hunter are gone here. In Hunter, the Giants address holes in their secondary and add another versatile weapon for their new quarterback. Malik Nabers, Hunter and my quarterback of choice prediction would be a nightmare of speed and playmakers on the field. If the Giants can’t make the playoffs, maybe they can entertain enough to keep the band together.

Free agent: Justin Fields, QB

4. New England Patriots: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

The Patriots can address a lot of needs in free agency with $125 million of cap space, including the offensive line. They’ve been heavily linked to free agent DT Milton Williams, and if they don’t land him I could see Mason Graham here. I considered Will Campbell and Armand Membou, too. With a shallow wide receiver market and few top-end talents in the draft, I like New England spending elsewhere. McMillan is a big-bodied receiver whose pending Pro Day workout could solidify his standing here. Drake Maye gets a young weapon.

Free agent: Milton Williams, DT

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

I have to admit that I’m not clear on the Jacksonville receiver strategy. Trading Christian Kirk made sense if, like me, that marketing-setting deal in 2022 made little sense. A tight end as your top cap hit was visibly unpleasant, but he was the top pass catcher for the franchise quarterback. With McMillan off the board, the Jaguars don’t address that need with Tyler Warren. Instead, they go with patching up one of the league’s worst defenses. Graham is one of three or four blue-chip prospects in this class and a disruptor. If he can help in the run game and rush the quarterback, then Jacksonville will be in a better spot to not lean totally on Trevor Lawrence every game.

Free agent: Carlton Davis, CB

6. Las Vegas Raiders: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

I’m not sure signing RG Alex Cappa takes the Raiders out of the offensive line market. There’s an out on Cappa after this year. LT Kolton Miller is on an expiring contract. So is LG Dylan Parham. Adding Campbell, whether he’s a future guard or tackle, challenges Cappa and RT DJ Glaze immediately for a starting spot. He also solidifies one spot for the future. Pete Carroll likes to build the trenches and Tom Brady knows the importance of a good line, too. Here, they add the top lineman on the board.

Free agent: Keenan Allen, WR

7. New York Jets: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Aaron Glenn’s comment from the NFL Combine that he doesn’t want the QB to be the center of attention was good natured. That won’t happen in New York and, in theory, with Deion Sanders possibly attached to this pick in some form. Sanders would be a good add for the Jets. He’ll have Tyrod Taylor as a mentor, a decent line and Garrett Wilson to throw to. Plus, New York can focus spending on extensions for Wilson and Sauce Gardner in future years with the quarterback on a rookie scale deal. Sanders is a wild card in this draft. He’s ranged in other mocks from No. 2 to No. 21. I don’t see him getting past New Orleans or Indianapolis if he does fall past the Jets.

Free agent: Asante Samuel Jr., CB

8. Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, Edge/LB, Georgia

There’s questions about Walker’s position as an edge or linebacker after the Combine. He didn’t test out there and won’t until about a week before the draft. An injury will hold him out of Georgia’s pro day. Walker and the Panthers have been heavily linked. He’s a gadget tool on the defense who can scan the field as an off-ball linebacker and rush the passer. If Carolina is comfortable with his size and how it can use him, he should go here and be a menace for opposing offensive coordinators.

Free agent: Paulson Adebo, CB

9. New Orleans Saints: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M

Penn State TE Tyler Warren is a very popular mock draft pick here. If Sanders falls, the Saints should absolutely consider him an option. With a deep tight end class, I have New Orleans taking on a project pass rusher. Stewart was the star of the Combine and his traits-heavy nature fits the Saints’ timeline. He’ll benefit from learning a thing or two from Cam Jordan and fills the gap of Chase Young’s likely departure.

Free agent: Evan Engram, TE

10. Chicago Bears: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

It’s the winter of offensive linemen in Chicago. Ben Johnson and Ryan Poles already added two guards in Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney. Below, I have them adding a starting center. Here, they bring in real competition at left tackle for Braxton Jones, who is due for an extension and coming off an injury. Membou improved his draft stock significantly with a monster Combine. There’s some scouting reports suggesting he’s a better guard fit and others that he’s a true tackle. That flexibility is more appealing if one of Thuney or Jackson don’t return in 2026. Caleb Williams would have to be a happy QB after this pick. With two second round selections at No. 39 and No. 41, Chicago can address the defensive line, running back or tight end.

Free agent: Drew Dalman, C

11. San Francisco 49ers: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

CB Charvarious Ward entering free agency likely makes cornerback a top need for San Francisco. The 49ers have some cap space to work with but need to be mindful of the pending Brock Purdy extension. Johnson hasn’t worked out yet so his stock is falling a bit among some teams, but he’s a plug-in starter at this moment.

Free agent: Brandon Scherff, G

12. Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Jeanty and the Cowboys have been a mock draft match since it was clear Dallas could be in range for him. This might be too low for one of the blue-chip prospects, especially considering the apparent return of the running back market. We haven’t seen that market resurface in the draft yet. In Jeanty, the Cowboys get a pinball running back that breaks plays open. That’s something their offense has been missing.

Free agent: Stefon Diggs, WR

13. Miami Dolphins: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Simmons is considered the truest left tackle in the draft. He could vault into the top 10 as teams learn more about his recovery from a torn ACL. In this case, Miami adds to its offensive line where a lot of holes are opening up after Terron Armstead’s (maybe) retirement. Both guard spots are empty and RT Austin Jackson is on the final year of his deal. Patrick Paul was taken in the second round last year but struggled in limited action. Protecting Tua has to be priority No. 1 for Miami, which produced a league-worst  yards per carry on the ground. Simmons gives the Dolphins a Day 1 starter at left tackle and Paul more time to develop.

Free agent: Teven Jenkins, G

14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

I’m not sure what quarterback competition for Anthony Richardson will look like, but no matter, the Colts have a clear need at tight end. They could go safety, but I have them addressing that spot in free agency. Getting younger at pass rusher should also be a priority later. Warren is a top-5 prospect. I have him dropping because of positional value more than anything. He’s a weapon that will give any quarterback a playmaker, and a safety valve. I do see a scenario where the Colts sign Evan Engram and draft one of Nick Emmanwori or Malaki Starks at safety.

Free agent: Jevon Holland, S

15. Atlanta Falcons: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia

Mocking a pass rusher to Atlanta is starting to feel like an exercise in futility. Similar to mocking a wide receiver to Green Bay in the first round. The slight fall for Williams is too rich for the Falcons to pass on though. This could be Shemar Stewart, or both could be gone. The traits of each are too tempting, but we’ll hold off until Williams works out. For now, the Georgia native and Bulldog product stays home

Free agent: Tyler Lockett, WR

16. Arizona Cardinals: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Michigan’s pro day is expected to showcase Grant’s extreme athleticism that made for a fearsome combo alongside Mason Graham. I expect Arizona to be in the Milton Williams sweepstakes but with needs all over the defense and at guard, they can address the interior defensive line easily at No. 16.

Free agent: DJ Reed, CB

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

Cincinnati needs to rebuild its defensive front and get younger. The Bengals are dead set on keeping its wide receivers together, and allowed DE Trey Hendrickson to seek a trade. The interior defensive line is in bad shape and barring a Hendrcikson trade, should take top draft priority. Nolen is the best left on the board of a deep class at the position.

Free agent: Mike Gesicki, TE

18. Seattle Seahawks: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama

No team’s needs shifted more over the weekend than Seattle, who traded QB Geno Smith and WR DK Metcalf. The former move is either part of a long-term draft strategy or Klint Kubiak sees Sam Darnold as the best first for the offense. Maybe it’s both. Regardless, Seattle has major holes on its offensive line outside LT Charles Cross to address. We’ll go Booker here as the safest pick with a set position at one of the two guard spots.

Free agent: Sam Darnold, QB

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

I originally had LB Jihaad Campbell here, but Tampa’s deal with Lavonte David likely disrupts that. With Jordan Whitehead out, the Bucs can add Emmanwori with Antonie Winfield Jr.  and a decent set of corners. Emmanwori broke out with six interceptions last year. A blistering workout at the Combine might have made him the overall winner, and I have him jumping Malaki Starks as the top safety.

Free agent: Chris Godwin, WR

20. Denver Broncos: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

It was between Hampton and TE Colston Loveland here to satisfy Sean Payton’s “Joker” player on offense. It came down to the free agent prediction of reuning Payton with Johnson, and the actual news of RB Aaron Jones extending with Minnesota. Hampton is reportedly gaining traction on Jeanty as the top RB in the class, which is part of why the former fell out of the top 10. This is even better value and a nice addition for the Broncos.

Free agent: Juwan Johnson, TE

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Pittsburgh arguably shook up its draft outlook by trading for DK Metcalf, but I’m not sold it wouldn’t consider another wide receiver here. George Pickens is a free agent after the season and has been the definition of inconsistent. In Egbuka, the Steelers get a savvy route runner with excellent hands for whatever quarterback (Fields, Wilson, Aaron Rodgers) they roll with.

Free agent: Russell Wilson, QB

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Let’s reunite Jim Harbaugh with one of his Michigan recruits, and a steal this late in the draft. Where Warren fell for positional value, Loveland goes a little longer because of value and need. In some circles, he’s very close behind Warren as TE2 and gives Justin Herbert a toolsy player next to Ladd McConkey. I considered Egbuka here if he fell, or WR Matthew Golden, but Loveland and Harbaugh is too good to pass on.

Free agent: Najee Harris, RB*

*This mock was being posted as Adam Schefter reported the Chargers resigned Edge Khalil Mack to a one-year deal. It has been updated to reflect a new free agent signing.

23. Green Bay Packers: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

This is one of those way-too-low projections for Barron, but I addressed needs elsewhere for corner-ready teams. Arizona and Cincinnati are definitely options. Don’t rule him out as CB1 over Johnson either. Barron’s 4.4 40-yard dash time at the Combine answered a lot of questions. He’s the immediate CB2 in Green Bay with Eric Stokes entering free agency, and could be CB1 if Jaire Alexander is cut or traded.

Free agent: Joey Bosa, Edge

24. Minnesota Vikings: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

Minnesota has a lot going on here. The cornerback room is just about empty, one safety is a free agent, it has a need on both interior lines and, oh yeah, a weird quarterback situation. I was tempted to put Aaron Rodgers as its free agent, but instead go with Allen. I think they bring Byron Murphy back and add Hairston to the mix. He had a great Combine and brings the freaky speed/athleticism Brian Flores would love to have.

Free agent: Jonathan Allen, DT

25. Houston Texans: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

Protecting CJ Stroud needs to be the top priority for Houston and it should be ecstatic if Banks falls to here. He’s another tackle, maybe-guard projection. He’ll slot right into the starting offensive line and could be the long-term replacement at left tackle. Adding Christian Kirk takes some of the urgency off the wide receiver spot, for now.

Free agent: Charvarious Ward, CB

26. Los Angeles Rams: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

After adding Davante Adams in free agency, the Rams addressed their top need once a Cooper Kupp trade emerges. I could see a cornerback going here, but I like the value in Campbell as an Eric Kendricks replacement. The gap between Jalon Walker and Campbell isn’t big when talking off-ball linebackers, but Walker has more developed pass rushing moves. Campbell can cover a lot of the field and disrupt, too. After hitting on defensive rookies in the draft the last two years, the Rams continue a trend here.

Free agent: Patrick Mekari, G

27. Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Baltimore had one of the worst pass defenses in the league last year and a part of that was big plays. Starks fills in next to Kyle Hamilton and takes away the third level of the field as a true ballhawking safety. He was passed by Nick Emmanwori as the position’s best prospect, but he has a longer line of success in his career. With Ronnie Stanley back in the fold, the Ravens can address wide receiver in free agency and focus on its defense here.

Free agent: DeAndre Hopkins, WR

28. Detroit Lions: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall

Trading for Myles Garrett is officially out as a strategy. After cutting Za’Darius Smith this weekend, the Lions seem destined to add an impact pass rusher somewhere alongside Aiden Hutchinson. Could it be Chase Young or Josh Sweat? In this case, I have them spending big on the best free agent guard and getting a falling pass rusher. If Detroit is confident with Green’s off-field stuff (two sexual assault claims but no charges against him), they land a productive and raw player here. There’s a lot to like about Green getting into the Dan Campbell culture.

Free agent: Will Fries, G

29. Washington Commanders: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

This could very well be an offensive tackle but Golden falling a little more than expected (thanks to the Adams signing and Loveland pick), the Commanders rush to nab him up. The free agent market is thin for pass catchers and despite trading for Deebo Samuel, Washington shouldn’t rely on him to be the No. 2 option. Golden adds another speedy option for Jayden Daniels and the Commanders use their massive cap space to address other positions in free agency.

Free agent: Josh Sweat, Edge

30. Buffalo Bills: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

Buffalo would have loved to see Golden down here but instead use the pick to add a defensive disruptor up front. As an added bonus, they don’t trade down one spot and allow the Chiefs to get a guy surely on their target list. Harmon will be a nice fit alongside Ed Oliver as a run stuffer and pass rusher. They’re still short a weapon on the offensive side of the ball, but have two picks in the second round.

Free agent: Darius Slay Jr., CB

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

I’m not sure what Kansas City is up to on the left side of its line yet, but if there’s a team that deserves the benefit of the doubt, it’s the Chiefs. After franchise tagging G Trey Smith, they traded G Joe Thuney to Chicago. There’s a clear need at left tackle and left guard now. Right tackle isn’t in much better shape. Unless there’s a trade or free agent we’re missing here, Kansas City jumps on Conerly if available and gets Patrick Mahomes something. I’d look out for Harmon here if he falls, or fellow DT Darius Alexander. Maybe an edge rusher, too.

Free agent: Patrick Mekari, G

32. Philadelphia Eagles: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee

The defending champions lose Josh Sweat in free agency and replace him at the end of the round with a guy who can fly around and get sacks. It’s the Howie Roseman special, except for the fact he’s not from Georgia. Pearce rose his stock at the Combine and gets himself into the first round. He could get higher than this depending on how the board falls. The Eagles address their biggest free agent loss and use some of their cap space to fill the guard spot in free agency.

Free agent: Kevin Zeitler, G