 |
| (Image via NFL.com) |
1. Tennessee Titans:
Cam Ward- QB, Miami
The Will Levis experiment in Tennessee failed last season, which led to the Titans holding the first overall pick in the draft. The team needs a QB, and Ward is the best one available. Although he may be a bit of a project, Ward has the intangibles to become a star QB in this league. I love his confidence and composure in the pocket, as well as his elusiveness when he gets free. An A+ pick for the Titans.
2. Cleveland Browns:
Travis Hunter- WR/CB, Colorado
Hunter might be the best prospect the NFL has ever seen. Not only is he an elite wide receiver, but he has also become one of the top shutdown corners in all of college football. Although it's still uncertain which position he'll be drafted as, he is worthy of a top-five pick, regardless. I think he’ll play receiver, which is a desperate need for the Browns, even with Jerry Jeudy's breakout in 2024. Hunter could provide a significant boost to the Browns on both sides of the ball and help address two of the many gaps on their roster.
3. New York Giants:
Abdul Carter- DE, Penn State
Thinking back to the glory days of the New York Giants, teams were always built around a strong defensive line. With guys like Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux already in New York, getting a guy like Abdul Carter, would propel them into becoming one of the top three defensive lines in the league. Carter had an amazing season in 2024, racking up a career-high 12 sacks and leading the Penn State defense all year long. The Giants should go with the best available player here, and if Hunter's off the board, they definitely need to grab the most talented edge rusher in the draft.
4. New England Patriots:
Will Campbell- OT, LSU
With the Patriots missing out on two potential franchise cornerstones in Carter and Hunter, it's crucial for them to address their needs on the offensive line. Maye has quickly emerged as the face of the franchise in New England, but the fact that he was sacked 34 times last year is concerning to say the least. Campbell has proven his worth at LSU, allowing just 3 sacks over the course of 37 games. His ability to protect the quarterback and bolster the offensive line could be exactly what the Patriots need.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars:
Mason Graham- DT, Michigan
I've seen countless mocks saying this will be the spot where Ashton Jeanty comes off the board, but I just don't see it happening if Travis Etienne is still on the team. I think they'll focus on the opposite side of the ball and draft defense. The Jags have been drafting and developing a solid defense for a few seasons now, but they still lack an interior disruptor. They can get that guy in Mason Graham. He may not rack up insane sack numbers, but he’s the type of defensive tackle who can eat up blockers and just get in the way. He’ll provide Jacksonville with the push they need in the middle, allowing edge rushers like Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker to feast on QBs. This move feels like the last piece of the puzzle to make this Jacksonville defense legit.
6. Las Vegas Raiders:
Ashton Jeanty- RB, Boise State
Jeanty is the most gifted running back prospect coming out of college since Saquon Barkley at Penn State. His tape is truly remarkable; he can break tackles and drag defenders 20 yards into the end zone. He's like Derrick Henry and Marshawn Lynch combined. The only question is whether he'll be able to replicate what he did on the blue field at Boise State in the NFL. I believe he will, and I think the Raiders do too. He just feels like a Mark Davis-style player who will not only make an immediate impact but also put butts in seats.
7. New York Jets:
Armand Membou- OT, Missouri
The Jets know they need to protect their new franchise guy, Justin Fields, and Armand Membou is a perfect fit. He’s a reliable tackle who can help stabilize an offensive line that’s had its fair share of problems in recent years. As someone who really enjoyed watching Mizzou this past season, I can confidently say that Membou was a huge part of their success. He anchored that line with consistency and toughness, rarely letting anyone near the quarterback. It's not a flashy pick for New York, but it's a necessary one.
8. Carolina Panthers:
Jalon Walker- Edge, Georgia
Although they were much improved in 2024, the Panthers should continue to enhance their pass rush, and Jalon Walker fits the bill. Last season, he recorded 60 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks over 14 games. His versatility and explosiveness off the edge make him a valuable addition to Carolina's defense. Walker's ability to disrupt plays in the backfield and apply consistent pressure on quarterbacks addresses a key need for the Panthers, potentially elevating their defensive performance in the upcoming season and solidify themselves as one of the leagues top units.
9. New Orleans Saints:
Shedeur Sanders- QB, Colorado
Since the retirement of Drew Brees, the Saints have had a tough time finding their next franchise QB, which has led to a very interesting carousel of signal-callers. With news of Derek Carr possibly missing more time than originally anticipated, I think the Saints should pull the trigger on the most fascinating player in the draft. Sanders threw for 4,134 yards, 37 TDs, and just 10 interceptions in 2024, his best season to date. His college tape shows a lot of superstar potential but also poses many question marks. I think the bad may outweigh the good and cause him to drop out of the top five, and if the Saints are too hesitant, he could fall into the 20s.
10. Chicago Bears:
Mykel Williams- DE, Georgia
The Bears made significant moves in the offseason to strengthen both their offensive and defensive lines. A few solid picks in this draft could greatly benefit Chicago and help them finally compete with the Packers, Vikings, and Lions. One major need is the addition of another pass rusher. Williams is a 6'5", 265-pound powerhouse who will give offensive linemen nightmares. He would be a perfect complement alongside Montez Sweat, but he won't face the pressure to produce impressive stats right away.
11. San Francisco 49ers:
Jahdae Barron- CB, Texas
Barron has flown up draft boards after an extremely impressive combine, where he ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash and jumped 35 inches at his vertical. Barron had an unreal senior season with 11 passes defended and five interceptions, which was tied for third in all of college football. The only real downside of Barron is his lack of size
12. Dallas Cowboys:
Matthew Golden- WR, Texas
Golden’s 2024 season at Texas was impressive, recording 58 receptions for 987 yards and 9 touchdowns. His ability to stretch the field and make contested catches adds a dynamic element to the Cowboys' receiving corps, complementing CeeDee Lamb and providing Dak Prescott with another reliable target. I could see this pick also being Tet McMillian, but I think Jerry Jones likes the idea of keeping this kid in the lone star state.
13. Miami Dolphins:
Kelvin Banks Jr. - OT, Texas
Speaking of Texas, one underrated reason for their success was Kelvin Banks Jr. He allowed just one sack all season long and opened plenty of holes for a very good Texas run game. He's a perfect fit for Miami, which not only loves to run the football but also provides a big body to protect the injury-prone Tua Tagovailoa.
14. Indianapolis Colts:
Tyler Warren- TE, Penn State
With Anthony Richardson returning from injury (and the addition of my boy Daniel Jones), the Colts need to continue adding young weapons to their offense. Tyler Warren gives Indy a big, athletic, reliable tight end who can make plays in the middle of the field and in the red zone. He posted 1,233 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2024, showing he can be a safety blanket for either QB in third-down situations. Wearing #44, he has a lot of Dallas Clark in him and has a chance to continue that legacy in Indy.
15. Atlanta Falcons:
Shemar Stewart- Edge, Texas A&M
The Falcons' defense was much improved in 2024, finishing as a top 10 unit in total yards allowed. The only area that needs a bit of improvement is generating consistent pressure on opposing QBs. Shemar Stewart is a monster off the edge who can immediately come in and change that. He has 65 tackles and 79 QB pressures over his college career. I think he has an extremely high ceiling but a bit of a low floor. Still, I believe Atlanta will take the shot at 15.
16. Arizona Cardinals:
Derrick Harmon- DT, Oregon
Harmon can provide Arizona with a much-needed presence in the trenches. He led all interior defensive linemen in QB pressures during the 2024 season, racking up 5 sacks and forcing multiple fumbles. He’s not just a gap-filler; he’s a true play disruptor. Pairing him with their new free agent acquisition, Josh Sweat, will allow Sweat to take advantage of Harmon drawing two linemen at once. This is a foundational piece for their young defense.
17. Cincinnati Bengals:
James Pearce Jr.- Edge, Tennessee
The Bengals' defense was one of the league's worst last season, and to make things worse, it seems increasingly likely that last year's sack leader, Trey Hendrickson, could be leaving Cincinnati. Enter James Pearce. Pearce recorded 7.5 sacks in 2024, following a dominant 2023 where he exploded for 9.5 sacks. He has a great first step and a knack for getting to the QB. If Hendrickson ends up staying with the Bengals, he and Pearce could form an elite pass rush duo for years to come.
18. Seattle Seahawks:
Grey Zabel- OL, North Dakota State
Seattle's O-line was banged up and for a big chunk of 2024, taking a guy like Zabel can bring much-needed versatility and reliability at the position. He played multiple positions at NDSU giving them the option to swing him outside or use him at guard. From what I saw looked impressive during the pre-draft process with a very solid Senior Bowl and combine. The Seahawks are shifting to a more physical offensive identity, and Zabel fits that with his toughness and IQ.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Will Johnson- CB, Michigan
Johnson is the most impressive cornerback in this draft class. I love what he brings to the table, and although he didn't fill the stat sheet as much during his junior season, his physical attributes and ability to match up with larger receivers are what set him apart. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 200 pounds, his size and strength will be crucial in pass defense, especially against talented receivers like Drake London and Chris Olave within the division.
20. New York Giants: MOCK TRADE with DEN
Jaxson Dart- QB, Ole Miss
The signings of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston have provided the Giants with some stability in the QB room for the 2025 season, but anything beyond that is questionable, to say the least. Since the Giants will miss out on Ward and (hopefully) won't force the Shedeur pick at three, they'll still need to draft a QB at some point. The G-Men should use some draft capital to move back into the first round and take one of the second-tier QBs like Dart, Milroe, or even Tyler Shough. To me, Dart is the best of this bunch and has the most potential of any signal-caller in the draft aside from Cam Ward. I really like his skill set and was impressed with how he led Ole Miss to some tough wins in a loaded SEC. Let him sit behind Russ and see what happens.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers:
Omarion Hampton- RB, UNC
As much as the Steelers need a QB, it feels like they're still holding out hope for Aaron Rodgers, so they'll address a different need at 21. After losing Najee Harris to the Chargers in free agency, they could use a spark in the running game, and Hampton is the definition of a spark. He’s one of those guys who can really score from anywhere on the field, racking up 36 career touchdowns in just two years as the starter at UNC. His breakaway speed will give Pittsburgh another elite offensive weapon to take the pressure off whoever ends up as their starting quarterback.
22. Los Angeles Chargers:
Tet McMillan- WR, Arizona
McMillan is one of my favorite prospects I've ever watched since I began making these mock drafts. I highly recommend checking out his highlights; he leaves defenders lost and makes some insane contested catches. As crazy as it may sound, he reminds me a lot of Calvin Johnson at Georgia Tech. I’ll never say a college athlete is a surefire Hall of Famer, but I feel his 6'5" frame and 4.48 speed will immediately translate to the pros. That said, NFL execs seem to be split on whether or not it will, so he’ll likely be chosen between 15-25. The Chargers are in desperate need of a top wide receiver with Josh Palmer leaving for Buffalo, and Tet can be that guy.
23. Green Bay Packers:
Maxwell Hairston- CB, Kentucky
With Packers star corner Jaire Alexander likely to be dealt, Green Bay needs to bolster their secondary, and Maxwell Hairston can do just that. Despite an injury-shortened 2024 season, Hairston demonstrated his playmaking abilities with 19 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception (pick six), 4 pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles over seven games. He has a true knack for creating turnovers, and his solid coverage skills could make him a valuable addition to Green Bay's secondary. If Alexander does stay, he can at the very least provide depth and competition at the position.
24. Minnesota Vikings:
Nick Emmanwori- S, South Carolina
As good as Harrison Smith was last year, he is getting up there in age, and Nick Emmanwori is a versatile safety who could immediately contribute to the Vikings' defense and eventually take over Smith's role. In the 2024 season, he led South Carolina with 83 tackles, including 3 tackles for loss, and secured 4 interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. At 6'3" and 227 lbs, Emmanwori combines size with athleticism, evidenced by his 43-inch vertical jump at the NFL Combine. His ability to play both in the box and in coverage aligns well with Minnesota's defensive schemes, potentially filling the void left by departing veterans and adding a dynamic presence to their secondary.
25. Houston Texans:
Josh Simmons- OT, Ohio State
The Texans made some intriguing moves this offseason, including trading away two starting offensive linemen, which left an even more noticeable hole up front. Simmons could be a plug-and-play tackle as an elite pass-blocker for Houston. Before a season-ending injury in 2024, Simmons was phenomenal, not allowing a single pressure all season across 158 pass-blocking snaps. Protecting CJ Stroud was an issue all of last season, so getting a guy that has been damn near perfect would be a great place to start.
26. Los Angeles Rams:
Jayden Higgins- WR, Iowa State
The Rams love to find gems at wide receiver, and Higgins could be their next big hit. A physical, 6'4" target with a large catch radius, Higgins brought in 9 TDs last season and make a ton of incredible highlight plays. He's a vertical threat that pairs very nicely with the explosiveness of Puka Nacua. He’s still a bit raw, but Sean McVay’s style of offense could be the perfect environment for him to develop. With Stafford still slinging it and the offense evolving, Higgins could carve out a meaningful role early on.
27. Baltimore Ravens:
Mike Green- Edge, Marshall
Green turned heads back in 2023 with 11.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss, showing he can consistently disrupt in the backfield. At 6'4", 250 pounds, he backed it up in 2024 leading all of FBS in sacks. He's not just a small-school standout at the combine he ran a 4.63 40-yard dash and posted a 34.5-inch vertical. He has all the physical tools to contribute early as a rotational pass rusher, with the upside to develop into a three-down threat. Green could quickly find a niche as a situational pass rusher and eventually grow into a full-time menace on the edge.
28. Detroit Lions:
Donovan Ezeiruaku- DE, Boston College
The end of last season was extremely disappointing for Detroit, not only getting embarrassed by the Commanders in the playoffs but also losing both their offensive and defensive coordinators to head coaching jobs. That said, they still have Dan Campbell and his identity, which is grit and physicality. Ezeiruaku can give you a lot of both. He’s a technically sound, high-effort edge rusher who won ACC Defensive Player of the Year with 16.5 sacks in 2024. Lining him up opposite Aidan Hutchinson gives Detroit another tone-setter on defense and helps solidify a front seven that’s already built to bully opponents and bite kneecaps.
29. Washington Commanders:
Shavon Revel Jr. - CB, East Carolina
Revel is flying under the radar due to coming out of a smaller school in East Carolina, but the tape doesn't lie. Although he’s a little grabby at times, he is always aggressive and doesn’t miss a play. Washington’s secondary could use a boost after their 2023 first-round pick, corner Emmanuel Forbes, ended up being a bust. Revel brings a big frame, swagger, and ball skills to the table, which can help a lot in a division with A.J. Brown, Ceedee Lamb, and Malik Nabers.
Emeka Egbuka- WR, Ohio State
Egbuka has the potential to become a star in the NFL if he lands in the right situation. Unfortunately, some injuries, along with the emergence of Jeremiah Smith, left him playing second fiddle at Ohio State, which has affected his draft stock. Egbuka is the all-time leading receiver in Ohio State history with 2,868 receiving yards. He also ran a 4.48-second 40-yard dash and showcased his 38-inch vertical at the combine. He has a real chance to develop into an elite wideout, especially with the reigning MVP throwing him the ball.
31. Kansas City Chiefs:
Colston Loveland- TE, Michigan
All signs indicate that Travis Kelce will retire this after this season, and here they'll get his replacement. Loveland is the perfect all-around tight end prospect. He has strong, reliable hands, is a great blocker, and always seems to be open for his QB in big third-down situations. If this is indeed the end for Kelce, Mahomes will need a new security blanket and this is the perfect fit.
32. Philadelphia Eagles:
Jihaad Campbell- LB, Alabama
Campbell is an extremely versatile linebacker with elite speed off the edge. At Alabama, he was always able to keep opposing offenses on their toes, moving around from the middle linebacker spot to the edge and even dropping back in coverage. Unfortunately, at the combine, Campbell tore his labrum and had surgery last month to repair it. Although he should be ready to go by training camp, the injury will cause him to slide to the end of the first round. He can be an immediate impact player for an already elite Eagles defense, wherever they decide to use him. Plus, Campbell grew up in Erial, NJ, just outside of Philadelphia.
Comments
Post a Comment