WE’RE NOT LION
Giants may grab Penn St.’s Parsons at 11
There won’t be 32 quarterbacks selected in this NFL draft’s first round, despite all the fawning over this year’s passers. It certainly projects as top-heavy with QBs, but some might slip down the board. We pursue that possibility in the second of four Daily News mock drafts, compiled based on what we’re hearing and what fits we like for certain players and teams.
The idea will be to try to predict the top 32 picks in our final mock the week of the actual draft.
Our first draft predicted several trades up and down the board. This second mock draft envisions what might happen if teams largely stay put:
1. JAGUARS: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Urban Meyer would still be working at FOX if Lawrence weren’t in this draft.
2. JETS: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
Even the Jets have dropped their poker face on this pick following the Sam Darnold trade.
3. NINERS (via Dolphins): Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
There’s no way the Niners gave up four draft picks, including first rounders in
2022 and 2023, to move up from No. 12 and take Mac Jones, right? 4. FALCONS: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida GM Terry Fontenot is in prime position to trade back with a team that wants a QB or to draft Matt Ryan’s successor himself. But he ends the early run on QBs by selecting this unicorn receiving prospect.
5. BENGALS: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon Word is Joe Burrow wants former LSU teammate Ja’Marr Chase, but Cincy takes the best offensive lineman in the draft.
6. DOLPHINS (via Eagles): Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
The Dolphins traded out of the No. 3 spot but moved back to No. 6 to make sure they landed a top playmaker.
7. LIONS: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Detroit is a wild card. Lions can go offense or defense here, or even QB. They decide to add explosiveness to a receiving corps thinned by free agency.
8. PANTHERS: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
With two of the top QBs still on the board, Matt Rhule considers stacking the depth chart behind Darnold. But he opts to upgrade his defense.
9. BRONCOS: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
GM George Paton avoids an expensive trade up and still lands the QB he covets.
10. COWBOYS: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
The Cowboys address the biggest need on their roster with an elite athlete and player.
11. GIANTS: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
Dave Gettleman’s drafts have ignored the pass rush for too long. That ends here.
12. EAGLES (via Dolphins): Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Howie Roseman reunites 2018 Crimson Tide teammates Waddle and QB Jalen Hurts on Nick Sirianni’s new offense.
13. CHARGERS: Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
The Chargers’ dream scenario: a top tackle with versatility falls in their laps to protect Justin Herbert.
14. VIKINGS: Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan
Mike Zimmer said last season was his worst defense ever.
15. PATRIOTS: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama Patience pays off for Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels to sit, wait and land their QB.
16. CARDINALS: Jaelen Phillips, DE, Miami
With James Conner signing to bolster the backfield, the Cardinals take a big swing at a risky but tantalizing pass rush prospect.
17. RAIDERS: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
Jon Gruden’s defense drove him crazy last year.
18. DOLPINS: Najee Harris, RB,
Alabama
Adding Chase and Harris to Tua Tagovailoa’s offense in one day? Yes please.
19. WASHINGTON: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC
Washington is still in the quarterback market, but if the Football Team doesn’t trade up, it could take the versatile Vera-Tucker.
20. BEARS: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
Bears made a run at Kenny Golladay and missed out. They go with the Golden Gopher to bolster their receiving corps.
21. COLTS: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
Trade for Carson Wentz? Check. Replace retired LT Anthony Castonzo to protect Wentz? Check.
22. TITANS: Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa GM Jon Robinson worked the imposing Collins out personally at his pro day.
23. JETS: Greg Newsome II, Northwestern
The Jets like Oklahoma State OT Teven Jenkins, but Robert Saleh’s defense needs reliable corners.
24. STEELERS: Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
The Steelers’ offensive line was pathetic last season. They add a starting tackle to try toimprove a dismal running game.
25. JAGUARS: Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
The Jags could take an offensive lineman here, but Barmore is a powerful talent with a high ceiling at a position of need.
26. BROWNS: Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky Fast-rising Wildcats backer bolsters an already impressive playoff roster.
27. RAVENS: Azeez Ojulari, Edge, Georgia Don Martindale’s defense adds a talented edge rusher with loads of upside.
28. SAINTS: Kyle Trask, QB, Florida Sean Payton’s Saints were on Russell Wilson’s original four-team trade list. They’ve been in the QB market all along. They take one here.
29. PACKERS: Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
Truly believe this is the year Green Bay gives Aaron Rodgers a first-round receiver. Two Gators go back-to-back at 28 and 29.
30. BILLS: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech The Bills could use a pass rusher, but Farley falls due to his injury risk, and Buffalo takes a chance on a top corner.
31. CHIEFS: Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame
All that matters is protecting Patrick
Mahomes.
32. BUCCANEERS: Landon Dickerson, OL, Alabama
Dickerson adds depth to Tom Brady’s front with an ability to play both center and guard.