Conference championship weekend in the NFL is here! All but four spots of the NFL Draft order have been officially decided.
But the thing to remember is, we’re still in the early stages of the offseason. And while things change, coaches change, and rosters change over the lead-up to Draft Day, one thing that won’t change barring a significant trade is the draft order once finalized.
In the meantime, our own Mar’Quell Fripp-Owens brings you the first edition of his mock draft series as we begin the countdown.
As always, all questions, comments, or complaints are directed to @ThePhillyBlitz_
1. Raiders: Fernando Mendoza (QB) – Indiana
Things couldn’t have gone any better for Mendoza this season. Heisman Trophy winner, national champion, and now the presumed first overall pick in the draft. For the Raiders, however, Murphy’s Law set in; as what could go wrong, did go wrong.
After just one season of the Geno Smith/Pete Carroll era, which saw Smith throw a league-leading 17 interceptions, the Raiders head back to the drawing board, hoping the standout signal-caller from Indiana can change their fortunes.
2. Jets: Arvell Reese (LB) – Ohio State
With Oregon quarterback Dante Moore deciding to stay in school for another season, the decision becomes fairly obvious for the Jets.
Aaron Glenn’s unit became the first team in NFL history to finish the season without an interception. Adding a bit of insult to injury, the defense produced just four takeaways in total, setting a new NFL mark formerly held by the 2018 49ers for the least amount in a single season (7).
After a trade deadline that saw New York trade away defensive stalwarts, cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, the Jets are in need of a complete defensive overhaul.
Arvell Reese immediately steps in as a versatile chess piece, with the ability to impact the game both as a pass rusher and in an off-ball role.
3. Cardinals: Spencer Fano (OT) – Utah
The Arizona Cardinals have a Jonah Williams-sized hole along their offensive line. With Williams missing eight games this past season and now slated to hit free agency, the need for a reinforcement is evident.
For an offensive line unit that was once viewed as a strength, the Cardinals saw the group significantly regress over the course of the season. Arizona allowed the fourth-highest pressure rate in the league in 2025.
Spencer Fano, who spent his time almost exclusively at right tackle over the last two seasons, immediately steps in, bringing much-needed stability to whoever Arizona will have under center.
4. Titans: Carnell Tate (WR) – Ohio State
The number one priority this offseason for the Tennessee Titans should be supplying quarterback Cam Ward with as many weapons as possible.
After a season that saw his head coach fired, and not a single pass-catching option go over 600 yards, Tennessee needs to commit to building a stable environment for its young signal caller.
This environment has to be conducive to the continued development of the former number one overall pick. That starts with getting him a WR1.
Carnell Tate has shown all the makings of being just what the doctor ordered in Tennessee. A nuanced route runner, capable of winning both down the field and in the short area.
While some of his peers may possess higher upside, Tate’s reliability and floor should instill every coach and general manager with confidence in the talent they’re surrounding their franchise quarterback with.
5. Giants: Francis Mauigoa (OT) – Miami (FL)
For the New York Giants, things are trending in the right direction. You have your head coach, quarterback, and a high draft pick that can be used to further advance the state of the roster.
With right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, scheduled to hit the open market this offseason, as well as clear holes along the interior of the offensive line, the top of the priority list should be finding ways to protect Jaxson Dart.
While it won’t exactly be in the same locker room, Francis Mauigoa should have no issues getting acquainted in New York with his brother on the Jets roster. While primarily a right tackle, Mauigoa also has the ability to play guard should the Giants re-sign Eluemunor. Either way, the mauler out of Miami would be a difference maker along the Giants’ offensive line.
6. Browns: Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE) – Miami (FL)
Every Browns fan just collectively pulled out their hair. Yes, we know the need for pass-catchers, and we know arguably the best one is still on the board. But the thing about draft season is, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Cleveland was lucky enough to have two first-round picks in this year’s draft, thanks to last year’s trade that saw the Jaguars move up to acquire Travis Hunter.
In this situation, it’s about playing the long game. Odds are, you’ll be able to find a wide receiver either with your second first-round pick or early on Day Two. Not to mention the fact that you have been looking for someone to pair with Sack King Myles Garrett since the moment he arrived.
Adding Rueben Bain to a defensive line that already features the aforementioned Garrett and last year’s first-round pick, Mason Graham, adds another piece to an already talented defense. It may not be what the people want at this moment, but it gives this offense some much-needed margin for error as it continues to get the right pieces in place.
7. Commanders: David Bailey (EDGE) – Texas Tech
The Commanders sorely missed Dante Fowler Jr., who was a steady presence for the team’s NFC Championship run a few years ago. With him now in Dallas, Washington was forced to rely on a 37-year-old Von Miller, who led the team in sacks, and Dorance Armstrong, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in October.
Now, with the aforementioned Armstrong and Javontae Jean-Baptiste as the only two pass rushers currently under contract heading into next season, the Commanders have to find a way to give this unit an injection of youthful talent.
Insert arguably the best pass rusher in the class, David Bailey. The All-American EDGE has produced 21.5 sacks and 8 forced fumbles over the last two seasons.
8. Saints: Mansoor Delane (CB) – LSU
Shoutout to our friends over at the $tock Exchange Podcast; as they always say, the best part about keeping a prospect near to where he played college football? Low Moving Cost Baby!
The Saints passing defense was among the best in the league this season, allowing just 179.2 yards per game (4th), a dramatic difference from the unit that ranked near the bottom of the league just a year prior.
The unit didn’t allow a single receiver over 100 yards on the year, as last year’s fourth-round pick Quincy Riley proved to be a formidable partner for Kool-Aid McKinstry on the opposite side.
However, after Alonte Taylor’s breakout season, New Orleans has a decision to make as he hits free agency. Luckily for the Saints, Riley has a background in both the outside and in the nickel, which leaves an opportunity to bring in the final piece of the secondary. Delane proved to be an elite presence on the outside, excelling at taking away the opposing team’s best option.
9. Chiefs: Jeremiyah Love (RB) – Notre Dame
Talk about bringing in the big guns. After failing to make the Super Bowl for the first time in four seasons, or even to make the playoffs for the first time since 2014, Kansas City has identified the issues and will take immediate action to correct them.
Sure, the Chiefs ranked 24th in rushing yards per game, but there needs to be some context behind these numbers. The Chiefs haven’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since 2017, when Kareem Hunt did it. In fact, the rushing attack hasn’t been explosive at all over the past two seasons. Isaiah Pacheco didn’t have a single run of 20+ yards this season, while Hunt had just one.
Love brings proven rushing production with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and the added value of a versatile receiving profile, with usage both in the slot and along the boundary at Notre Dame. It’s exactly what the doctor ordered in Kansas City.
10. Bengals: Peter Woods (IDL) – Clemson
There is no generous way to put it, the Bengals defense has been abysmal for a while now. However, the 2025 version of this unit was enough to break even the strongest man (or quarterback). The unit allowed 380 yards per game (30th), 51 total touchdowns (30th), and worst of all, 147 rushing yards per game (32nd).
Despite the need for talent across the entire defense, Cincinnati must continue to add talent along the defensive line. Especially with Trey Hendrickson without a long-term deal, and defensive tackle TJ Slaton Jr. having just one year left on his contract following this season.
Last season, they took a swing at a pass rusher, this year, it’s time to bring reinforcements for the struggling run defense. With Peter Woods, the Bengals get the best of both worlds in a guy who dominates in run support but has shown continued growth as a pass rusher.
11. Dolphins: Caleb Downs (S) – Ohio State
The Miami Dolphins are in need of a complete overhaul in terms of the mental makeup of this football team. Newly hired General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan was open and honest about the state of his roster and the stigma that these Dolphins can’t play in cold weather.
Newly hired Head Coach Jeff Hafley’s scheme is highly reliant on versatile defensive backs. Which makes it no surprise that the first order of business when Hafley arrived in Green Bay was the acquisition of safety Xavier McKinney and the selection of Georgia safety Javon Bullard. You can expect Hafley to go back to the well early to find Minkah Fitzpatrick a running mate.
Luckily for Miami, there happens to be a prospect capable of changing the culture surrounding the Dolphins defense, while also providing the high-level versatility that Hafley prefers.
Look no further than blue-chip prospect Caleb Downs, who has an argument for the best player in the entire class.
12. Cowboys: Makai Lemon (WR) – USC
It’s unclear what the future has in store for the pairing of George Pickens & the Cowboys. While the All-Pro receiver has made his intentions to sign a long-term deal in Dallas clear. There was once another All-Pro player who had the idea of being a Cowboys-lifer until he was traded to Green Bay. So until we have ink dried on paper, we will operate under the assumption that Pickens will hit the open market.
Should that be the case, the Cowboys will once again be looking for a co-star to pair with CeeDee Lamb. With Makai Lemon inserted into the offense, Dallas will have another receiver capable of winning both inside and out. He also does a lot of his work in the intermediate area of the field, a place quarterback Dak Prescott has loved to target.
13. Rams (via Falcons): Jermod McCoy (CB) – Tennessee
Talk about a luxury, it’s not often that you find a team playing in a conference championship game selecting this high in the draft. However, Atlanta’s late-2024 first-round trade for pass rusher James Pearce Jr. came at the cost of a future first-round pick, bringing us back to the present day.
The Rams find themselves with the opportunity to come away with one of the top two cornerbacks in the draft. This comes at the perfect time, with both Roger McCreary and Cobie Durant scheduled to hit free agency.
While McCoy didn’t play this season due to an ACL tear suffered in January 2025, his tape from 2024 shows a special talent capable of mirroring receivers and more than willing in run support.
14. Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane (IOL) – Penn State
Times are changing in Baltimore. 18 years, 6 division titles, 13 postseason victories, and ultimately accumulating the much sought-after title in 2013.
But you know what they say about the old days — they’re the old days. Now the Ravens must prepare for what the future holds, and with owner Steve Bisciotti giving clear and direct marching orders to the Ravens brass, a “retool” is underway.
Luckily for Baltimore, the more things change, the more they stay the same. No matter who this team hires, this offense will live and die by the success of the backfield tandem of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. In order for this group to see continued success, the Ravens have to address the holes up front with both Tyler Linderbaum and Daniel Faalele scheduled to hit the open market.
Here’s where Olaivavega Ioane comes into play. Ioane makes his money with his raw power, but he offers an underrated ability out in space. While it may not translate in terms of athletic testing, the tape speaks for itself.
15. Buccaneers: Sonny Styles (LB) – Ohio State
For the first time in a little over half a decade, the Buccaneers were not playing January football. Much in part due to a defense that was inconsistent to say the least. Now, with the expected departure of longtime great Lavonte David. Tampa Bay finds itself in unfamiliar territory at the linebacker position.
Well, talk about a hand-in-glove fit. If you’ve been aboard the Sonny Styles hype train, then you have reached your final destination. It’s entirely possible Styles is long gone before here, but if you’re a gambler, you could bet your bottom dollar he doesn’t go beyond Tampa Bay.
16. Jets (via Colts): Jordyn Tyson (WR) – Arizona State
It would probably be wise for the Jets to continue to add pieces to the defense right here, but after adding Reese with the second overall selection. The offense needs some love too, especially with the expected departure of running back Breece Hall via free agency. If the running game is going to take a step back, now more than ever, the Jets need to find another receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson.
This high-risk, high-reward opportunity might be too much for the Jets to pass on. Everyone knows the list of injuries Tyson has suffered during the duration of his college tenure. However, there is no denying the talent and on-field production he provides when he’s available. Tyson showcases a multitude of nuanced abilities for the position, such as late hands and excellent body control at the catch point.
17. Lions: Cassius Howell (EDGE) – Texas A&M
The Detroit Lions continue to look for a suitable pass-rushing partner to pair with Aidan Hutchinson, who himself is coming off a career-best 14.5 sack season. The team was able to get significant production from Al-Quadin Muhammad, as he’s surely to be rewarded following his 11 sack campaign. The question remains, will that be in Detroit?
“I’m not sure many other teams had an 11-sack and a 14.5-sack guy,” said Lions GM Brad Holmes. “I thought the rush was good, but I understand he’s a free agent. Davenport is a free agent, so we’re definitely going to have to look and replenish opposite of Hutch for sure.”
A player the Lions were linked to a lot during the draft process last year was Mike Green due to his pass rushing ability, unique bend along the edge, and embodiment of Campbell’s ‘Kneecap Biting Football’.
Ultimately, Green ended up a Raven, but Detroit has been presented with a second chance. Much like Green, Howell is a bit undersized but has a deep bag in terms of how he’s able to win as a pass rusher. He plays with his hair on fire and possesses the type of mentality Campbell should easily fall in love with.
18. Vikings: Kenyon Sadiq (TE) – Oregon
The Vikings are faced with a big decision in terms of the future of tight end T.J. Hockenson. With injuries plaguing him over the last two seasons and his cap number being among the highest at the tight end position, there’s a high likelihood that Hockenson could be a potential cap casualty this offseason.
Adding Sadiq not only gives the passing game an additional weapon to go along with Jefferson and Addison. The acquisition also gives Minnesota another quality blocking option at the position to pair with Josh Oliver.
19. Panthers: TJ Parker (EDGE) – Clemson
For the Carolina Panthers, this is a glass half empty-glass half full viewpoint. You’re coming off a division title and were highly competitive in your first playoff game under this regime.
You have to feel pretty good about the direction of your team on both sides of the ball, but still understand there’s room for growth. Specifically, on the defensive side of the ball. This season, Carolina’s pass rush left a lot to be desired.
When you finish with the third fewest sacks in the league, it’s hard enough to be effective, but when you don’t even pressure the quarterback? It becomes even more difficult.
“We had the second-lowest pressure rate in the league this year. Obviously, that’s not acceptable,” said General Manager Dan Morgan.
“And if you’re not protecting the quarterback and not affecting the quarterback, you’re not going to win many games in this league, especially at a consistent level.”
The team was able to get solid production from 2024 draft picks Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen in terms of rushing the passer, but it needs to add more to the group.
While Parker truly makes his money in run support, he should be able to get on the field on early downs. He has shown quality flashes as a passer-rusher with 16 sacks over the last two seasons. As part of a rotation, he should be able to make the most of his opportunities.
20. Cowboys (via Packers): Keldric Faulk (EDGE) – Auburn
Earlier in the draft, the Cowboys were able to address the elephant in the room in terms of what the receiving corps would look like in a world where George Pickens is able to break the bank elsewhere. Now, they are able to get back to rebuilding a defense that was mediocre at best this past season.
One of the many issues this Cowboys defense faced was an inability to stop the run. At the trade deadline, Dallas was able to acquire Quinnen Williams, which partially helped solve the issue, but any time he was out of the lineup, those same issues were exacerbated.
Pairing Williams with a prospect like Keldric Faulk, whose inside-outside versatility and raw power make him a handful for blockers in run support, gives Dallas a very formidable duo.
21. Steelers: Chris Johnson (CB) – San Diego State
With questions as to who will be the quarterback next season, or the head coach for that matter. The Steelers are in flux and just need to bring a sense of stability to the building. Speaking of the quarterback position, you’d believe this is a prime position and opportunity for Pittsburgh to come away with its potential signal caller of the future. However, with what many have classified as a weak QB class and the best one off the board, you have to believe the Steelers brass learn their lesson from the 2022 draft.
Reaching for a quarterback is easy here, but it could also set your franchise back a half-decade if you play your cards wrong. Instead, the Steelers opt to strengthen a defensive core that ranked near the bottom of the league in terms of total defense.
Pittsburgh is in need of help at the number two cornerback spot. With Joey Porter Jr. and Jalen Ramsey manning half of the boundary and the inside. Bringing in Chris Johnson Jr., who is probably the most well-rounded corner in the entire class, should work wonders for the 29th-ranked passing defense.
22. Chargers: Emmanuel Pregnon (IOL) – Oregon
Earlier, we mentioned Murphy’s Law, but here is where we teach people about Chargers Law: Anyone who can get hurt will get hurt. Pass catcher, pass blockers, the quarterback, and, honestly, anyone else. Hopefully, you stayed healthy reading this.
However, on the surface, the Chargers offensive line is a lot closer to complete in its full form than the mess it proved to be this season. Getting tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater back should do wonders for the prospects of Herbert staying upright.
Now the plan is to solidify the interior of this group, which is exactly what a player like Pregnon does.
Pregnon provides stability in the run game, particularly on combo blocks with a play-to-the-whistle mentality, and pairs that with sound pass protection built on strong hand usage at the point of contact.
23. Eagles: Monroe Freeling (OT) – Georgia
It’s put up or shut up time for the legendary offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland. Following a season where the Eagles offensive line wet the proverbial bed, with questions as to whether Hall of Fame right tackle Lane Johnson will return, Stout has his work cut out for him to say the least.
General Manager Howie Roseman has already laid the foundation for what the offseason will look like in Philadelphia. After dedicating a multitude of resources to replenishing a defense that has become the heart and soul of this Eagles team, the time has come to begin to allocate resources on the opposing side of the ball. And if you know Howie Roseman like Eagles fans do, resources always start up front.
As mentioned, Lane Johnson mulls the decision of retirement following an injury-riddled season. The Eagles would be wise to get their heir apparent in the building, and what better choice than the man with the rocket-ship attached to his back since draft season began. Freeling stands at 6-foot-7 and weighs just over 315 pounds. Men this size should not possess the athletic profile that Freeling does.
Whether it’s how he explodes off the ball or works to the second level, while there’s room for some technical refinement, the upside is tantalizing.
24. Browns (via Jaguars): Denzel Boston (WR) – Washington
Patience is a virtue, Browns fans. We finally get a WR1 for the quarterback you will have under center next season. The Browns’ struggles in terms of pass catchers are hard to miss. Seven receivers in the league this season totaled 1400+ receiving yards this season. The Browns WR room collectively had 1,467. This was the lowest mark for a group in the league.
No matter who is under center, this team is in need of a true number one. Someone who can dominate the boundaries but also showcase some versatility if needed. A guy who can make the quarterback right when they are wrong. A typical quarterback’s best friend. Denzel Boston is just that.
While lacking top-end speed, Boston has shown an ability to win at the catch point with 21 contested catches over the last two seasons.
25. Bears: Aveion Terrell (CB) – Clemson
Following a strong season that saw the Bears take the leap from worst to first in the debut season under head coach Ben Johnson. General Manager Ryan Poles has his work cut out for him. He’s tasked with maintaining pieces of a secondary that played a big part in the turnover storm in the Windy City.
Despite having Kyler Gordon and Jaylon Johnson under contract through 2028, every other starter in the secondary is scheduled to hit the open market as it stands.
Adding a player like Terrel,l who should be successful both in the nickel and on the boundary, should allow Chicago the opportunity to be interchangeable with him and Gordon.
26. Bills: KC Concepcion (WR) – Texas A&M
The Buffalo Bills are in desperate need of a consistent pass catcher after a season that saw one pass catcher approach over 700 yards. It hurts worse knowing that of Shakir’s 719 yards — 541 of those came after the catch.
If this is the life that Buffalo wants to live, there couldn’t be a better fit than KC Concepcion. This young man is at his best with the football in his hands out in space, with Texas A&M finding a multitude of ways to get the ball into his hands.
Concepcion also possesses the top-end speed and the ability to threaten down the field, which this Buffalo offense has desperately been searching for.
27. 49ers: Caleb Lomu (OT) – Utah
Much like the Eagles earlier on, despite offensive tackle Trent Williams still playing at a high level, it’s about time the 49ers start preparing for life without the future Hall of Famer. The best part is that this selection can be made with so many different avenues to travel.
You can allow Williams and McKivitz to continue to play while having Lomu learn behind perhaps the greatest left tackle in history. Or you can move Lomu, who has worked specifically as a left tackle during his time in Salt Lake City, over to the right side to compete with McKivitz, who allowed a team-high in sacks this season.
Caleb Lomu does a lot of things really well, especially in pass protection, where he excels. While there is certainly some room for improvement in terms of run blocking.
The things he does do well in this area, such as showcasing his movement ability on zone blocks and as a puller, and getting to the second level fits what San Francisco wants to do perfectly.
28. Texans: Kadyn Proctor (OL) – Alabama
The Houston Texans have to be willing to take a long look in the mirror this offseason, and it starts with General Manager Nick Caserio.
“So, I mean, overall, it’s certainly improved. There’s always things that we can do better, but we got contributions from everybody,” said Caserio during his end of season presser.
“We have some players who will be free agents in that group. We have some players who are under contract for next year. I’m sure there’ll be some different players in that group next year, but we also have some guys under contract that are coming back. Looking forward to kind of putting that group together.”
While the defense he has put together has the makings to be historically good, especially with DeMeco Ryans at the helm, the same sentiment cannot be repeated about the offense. For the second year in a row, lack of protection along the offensive line failed a team that was essentially ‘Good Enough’ to make a deep playoff run, but not ‘Great Enough’ to really compete for a championship.
The success of this offense starts and finishes with the ability to protect C.J. Stroud. Take the final four games as an example, where he wasn’t sacked once and finished the year with 7 touchdowns to 2 interceptions. Yet in the playoffs, where he was sacked 6 times, he was responsible for 5 interceptions. With two of the guys tasked with righting the ship set to hit the market, Ed Ingram and Trent Brown, whether Houston decides to use Proctor at tackle or guard, here we get Stroud some much-needed production.
29. Rams: Ty Simpson (QB) – Alabama
The rich get richer here. Earlier, the Rams were able to address a potential need at the cornerback position. Now, here at the back end of the first-round, they come away with their potential quarterback of the future.
Despite playing at an MVP level and having the Rams on the cusp of a Super Bowl championship, Matt Stafford will be 38 the day before Super Bowl Sunday. Maybe it’s time to start preparing for what a life without Stafford could look like in Los Angeles.
Ty Simpson was highly impressive, tallying 28 touchdown passes to just 5 interceptions during his lone season as the Crimson Tide starter. But therein lies the issue: With just 15 starts to his name, Simpson just hasn’t played enough football to warrant an NFL team giving him the keys at this point in his development.
Landing in Los Angeles, however, will give Simpson the ability to not only sit and learn, but also learn from one of the best the game has to offer.
30. Patriots: Kayden McDonald (IDL) – Ohio State
The Patriots have seen great success in their first season under Head Coach Mike Vrabel, and they’re hoping that success finishes in a championship run. Heading into year two, however, New England has the opportunity to add a significant difference maker along the defensive line.
With Khyiris Tonga in need of a new deal and Cory Durden no longer having any guaranteed money left on his deal (the team could save about $1.4 million by releasing him). There could potentially be room for an upgrade at the 0-tech for the Patriots.
Kayden McDonald should be able to step in and provide immediate production for a unit already ranking in the top 5 of run defense.
31. Broncos: Christen Miller (IDL) – Georgia
General Manager George Paton and Head Coach Sean Payton have done a very good job shaping this roster in the direction they intended for it to go. You’d be hard-pressed to find a specific ‘need’ along this Broncos roster, so don’t be surprised to see them take a best player available approach at this spot.
In this instance, they add a prospect that should impact the game across the defensive line for years to come. Miller has been utilized as a 3-tech and 5-tech, and should offer good pass-rush ability in relief of Zach Allen.
Then, in the event of Denver electing not to re-sign either D.J. Jones or Malcolm Roach following the 2028 season, Miller has also given some productive reps lined up over the center during his time at Georgia.
32. Seahawks: Colton Hood (CB) – Tennessee
The days of the Legion of Boom have come and gone, but according to this variation of the Seahawks defense, the ‘Dark Side’ is upon us. Boasting a top-three defense, Mike McDonald has his unit firing on all cylinders. However, once this run is said and done, championship or not, one thing is certain, two things for sure, changes are coming for this great group.
The most notable of changes being figuring out if CB Riq Woolen has priced himself out of a return. Luckily for the Seahawks, this is a deep cornerback group, and Colton Hood is no slouch. The Tennessee standout possesses outstanding change of direction and click & close ability.
Taking the reins as the top corner on Rocky Top in the absence of Jermod McCoy. Hood hasn’t given up a touchdown in a game this season.
There you have it. Our first official mock draft here on the Draft Blitz (brought to you by The Philly Blitz).
With Conference Championship Sunday on the horizon, this serves as our unofficial starting gun for draft season!
As team needs evolve, draft boards shift, and the pre-draft process takes center stage, the projections will inevitably change. But as the NFL inches closer to crowning its next champion, the focus now turns toward April and the decisions that will define the league’s next chapter.
Cover Image Credit: Jon Durr/Getty Images





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