The Manzano NFL mock draft is back for a third season. Maybe this is the year I get the Chargers pick correct, but at least I don’t have to worry about the Rams, who turned their lost first-round picks into a Super Bowl title last season. Teams followed the Rams’ blueprint by shipping picks for proven players, giving a handful of teams multiple first rounders this year. That could lead to more draft-day trades, but let’s avoid the chaos for this mock draft with some surprises:

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan

The Jaguars found their offensive centerpiece in quarterback Trevor Lawrence last year and now do the same on defense with Hutchinson. Maybe the Jaguars won’t be picking first for a third consecutive year with these two players.

2. Detroit Lions: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

The draft experts say this quarterback class is mediocre, but quarterback-needy teams tend to get risky. Willis has plenty of upside and Detroit doesn’t need to rush him with Jared Goff on the roster.

3. Houston Texans: Travon Walker, Edge, Georgia

Speaking of upside, Walker could turn out to be the best edge rusher in this class, despite modest numbers at Georgia.

4. New York Jets: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon

Ignore the negative narratives about Thibodeaux. The Los Angeles native wrecked several Pac-12 games and is capable of giving Robert Saleh’s defense an instant boost in New York.

5. New York Giants: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, N.C. State

If the Giants are serious about making it work with quarterback Daniel Jones, they’ll need to provide him better protection. Ekwonu could give Jones a fighting chance to prove himself.

6. Carolina Panthers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

Pickett might not have the highest ceiling, but the experts say he’s ready to start now. Panthers coach Matt Rhule is running out of time and he’s searching for competent quarterback play.

7. New York Giants: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

The Giants improve their promising defense from 2021 by adding a future lockdown corner in “Sauce” Gardner.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

The Falcons currently have an unrecognizable wide receiver depth chart. They need a wideout like Wilson.

9. Seattle Seahawks: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

With Willis and Pickett off the board, the Seahawks address a need by taking one of the best tackles in the draft.

10. New York Jets: Drake London, WR, USC

London is a quarterback’s best friend with his massive catch radius. He’d make life easier for second-year quarterback Zach Wilson.

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11. Washington Commanders: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

Quarterback Carson Wentz struggled in Philadelphia and Indianapolis, but the Commanders believe they can put his career back on track. Adding Cross would help with that.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

Stingley is capable of filling many needs for a Vikings’ defense that struggled last season.

13. Houston Texans: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Hamilton’s stock took a hit after his subpar times in the 40-yard dash, but his versatility could make him the next Derwin James.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Jermaine Johnson II, Edge, Florida State

The Ravens have a habit of developing quality edge rushers. Johnson could become their next Pro Bowler.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

McDuffie lacks size, but his versatility and tenacity makes him an ideal fit for the Eagles.

16. New Orleans Saints: Trevor Penning, OT, Iowa

The Saints likely traded up in the draft to ensure they acquired one of the top-four tackles in the draft. Penning fills their void after the Terron Armstead departure.

17. Chargers: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

The Chargers missed out on the top tackles and defensive backs, but they’ll be just fine with the speedy Williams, giving quarterback Justin Herbert an abundance of weapons.

18. Philadelphia Eagles: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia

The Eagles will soon need to replace veteran defensive tackle Fletcher Cox. The 6-foot-6 Davis gained many supporters after an impressive combine performance.

19. New Orleans Saints: Matt Corral, QB, Mississippi

The draft experts are split on the former Long Beach Poly QB, but his arm strength and mobility makes him an intriguing prospect.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

Ridder’s stock has soared in the past month and the Steelers are in need of a long-term quarterback after the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger.

21. New England Patriots: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

Inside linebackers are losing value, but the Patriots aren’t known for following trends. Lloyd has the skills to be a do-it-all linebacker.

22. Green Bay Packers: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

The Packers have an obvious need after the departure of wide receiver Davante Adams to Las Vegas. Olave’s speed and knack for getting open could lead to instant chemistry with Aaron Rodgers.

23. Arizona Cardinals: George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue

Adding Karlaftis could give the Cardinals a formidable pass-rushing duo with J.J. Watt.

24. Dallas Cowboys: Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College

Wide receiver could be in play for the Cowboys, but they need youth and talent on the offensive line to protect Dak Prescott.

25. Buffalo Bills: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia

The Bills could use another defensive playmaker like Wyatt in case they find themselves in another postseason shootout.

26. Tennessee Titans: Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M

The Titans are searching for interior offensive line help and have shown interest in Green.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Boye Mafe, Edge, Minnesota

Jason Pierre-Paul remains a free agent and it could be because the Buccaneers are waiting for the draft. Mafe could fill the edge opening.

28. Green Bay Packers: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

The Packers address the defensive side with their second first-round pick and land the talented Dean.

29. Kansas City Chiefs: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

The Chiefs might be looking to get bigger at wide receiver. The 6-foot-2 Burks is a physical receiver who could complement JuJu Smith-Schuster in the post-Tyreek Hill era in Kansas City.

30. Kansas City Chiefs: Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson

It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Chiefs look to trade up, but adding a quality cornerback is also a good option.

31. Cincinnati Bengals: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

The Bengals addressed their offensive line issues in free agency. They go defense with this pick.

32. Detroit Lions: Dax Hill, S, Michigan

The versatile Hill stays in the state of Michigan to end this mock draft.

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