It’s that time of the year again! I’m back for my second year of NFL Mock Drafts, hopefully with more success than last year. The incoming draft class doesn’t have the same kind of top-end quarterback talent as 2024’s, and so in some respects that makes the process all the more interesting. This year also has the added interest of every team owning their first draft pick, something that has never happened before. Given this, we may see some draft-night trades as teams look to bolster their rosters or accumulate more draft capital — I, however, won’t be delving into any trades in this mock. So, without further ado, lets dive into the action of what might take place this Thursday!
Pick 1: TENNESSEE TITANS: Cam Ward QB, University of Miami
At this point in the draft cycle it seems all but a given that Cam Ward will be the first player off of the board. Ward is coming off of an incredibly successful season at Miami, where he threw for over 4000 yards and 39 touchdowns, production that should translate to the league in some form. For the Titans, there is no guarantee that they will be in a position to draft the best quarterback in future years, so it makes sense for them to take Ward while they can.
Pick 2: CLEVELAND BROWNS: Travis Hunter WR/CB, University of Colorado
It has become difficult to find something to say about Travis Hunter that hasn’t already been said. He is truly a one-of-a-kind player, and it’s unlikely we’ll ever see someone like him again. Playing both sides of the ball, Hunter would be an incredible addition to a Browns offense that already features some solid players in Jerry Jeudy, David Njoku and Elijah Moore. He would also be one of the top CB2s in the league behind Denzel Ward, and could help solidify a Browns defense that struggled last year.
Pick 3: NEW YORK GIANTS: Abdul Carter EDGE, Penn State University
Carter is next up in the long line of athletic freaks out of Penn State. He possesses some of the craziest bend you will ever see from an edge rusher, and, when paired with his explosive first step, Carter is almost impossible to stop. Sure, the Giants drafted Kayvon Thibodeaux with a top five pick a couple of years ago, but with his slightly disappointing play since entering the league, it should not stop the Giants from taking a potentially generational player in Carter.
Pick 4: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: Will Campbell OL, Louisiana State University
Will Campbell is an interesting prospect to evaluate because of his less-than-ideal arm length. Campbell is probably the most talented offensive lineman in the class, but, in light of questions surrounding his ability to stick at tackle in the NFL, he may fall in the draft. There is a world where he might slide out of the top 10, but there has been considerable traction to New England recently, and I could see them trying to lock in a franchise tackle with the fourth overall pick.
Pick 5: JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Mason Graham DL, University of Michigan
Graham is another player who has faced criticism due to his arm length, but, once again, his play on the field speaks for itself. Graham was an invaluable part of Michigan’s National Championship run in 2023, wreaking havoc on both rushing and passing downs. The Jags have significant holes along their interior defensive line, and Graham could slot seamlessly from day one.
Pick 6: LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: Ashton Jeanty RB, Boise State University
After bringing in Head Coach Pete Carroll, and trading for his old quarterback Geno Smith, the Raiders look as if they want to make a playoff push this year. Ashton Jeanty is coming off arguably the greatest college running back season since Barry Sanders, and is far and away the best back in this class. The Raiders have shown they have no issue with taking players at less valuable positions (see: Brock Bowers), and Jeanty could prove just as effective as Bowers was last year.
Pick 7: NEW YORK JETS: Armand Membou OT, University of Missouri
After a tumultuous two seasons of the Aaron Rodgers experiment, the Jets seem to have found their coach to lead them into a new era of football with the arrival of Aaron Glenn. Coming from the success of the Detroit Lions’ turnaround, it would make sense for Glenn to prioritize building through the trenches. After Tyron Smith just announced his retirement, it makes sense for the Jets to try and find his replacement alongside last year’s first round pick, Olu Fashanu.
Pick 8: CAROLINA PANTHERS: Tetairoa McMillan WR, University of Arizona
The outlook for the Panthers’ future is looking a lot better after Bryce Young began to perform better late in the season. There are still a number of holes on the roster, but if the front office can get Young an elite weapon to throw to, it could help speed up his development even further. I think that McMillan is a bit of a victim of prospect fatigue, which has seen him slide down draft boards in the lead-up to the event. Nonetheless, pairing Young and McMillan up should bear positive results all around, and in a weak NFC South, you never know what could happen!
Pick 9: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: Walter Nolen DL, University of Mississippi
The New Orleans Saints are one of the most confusing franchises in the league. Not only do they always seem to have negative cap space, but they go out and spend it on players that make the least amount of sense for them: take, for example, their signing of Justin Reid this offseason. There are so many holes on this roster, so where better to start than fixing the defensive line with Walter Nolen? There is significant draft buzz that they may instead select Shedeur Sanders to be their future quarterback, but, with their roster in the state it is currently in, I do not think there could be a worse decision.
Pick 10: CHICAGO BEARS: Omarion Hampton RB, University of North Carolina
This might be my craziest take of the draft, but I would not be surprised if the Bears “reach” on a running back. With Jeanty off the board at this point, many might see taking Hampton so high as a bad decision. I would counter with the Detroit Lions’ selection of Jahmyr Gibbs at pick twelve. At the time it seemed like a bad pick, but inside Ben Johnson’s offense, Gibbs proved to be a valuable asset and has been one of the Lions’ best players since entering the league. With Johnson now in Chicago, I think he will try and load up on offense to surround Caleb Williams, and Hampton could be a great addition.
Pick 11: SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Kelvin Banks Jr. OT, University of Texas
It has been a swift fall from grace for the 49ers, and there are now a number of holes on the roster that need filling. Banks could be a great addition to the Shanahan offense and, more importantly, will be a cheap contract for five years while they have to pay Brock Purdy.
Pick 12: DALLAS COWBOYS: Matthew Golden WR, University of Texas
All signs leading up to the draft point toward Golden staying in state and being selected by the Cowboys. Golden is a nuanced route-runner who registered a 4.29 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, giving him potentially elite upside as a wide receiver in the NFL.
Pick 13: MIAMI DOLPHINS: Will Johnson CB, University of Michigan
There are rumors circulating that the Dolphins may be looking to move on from Jalen Ramsey, and Johnson could slot right into the role that Ramsey leaves. Johnson was the best corner in college football in 2023, and, despite an injury-riddled 2024, I think he still has top-tier CB1 potential.
Pick 14: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Tyler Warren TE, Penn State University
The Colts seem like the furthest that Tyler Warren may fall. If you want to imagine what type of player Warren is, just think of a supersized Taysom Hill: he can do everything on offense, whether that is as a receiver, running back, and or even occasionally quarterback, and it’s for this reason that could be the piece that completes the Colt’s offense.
Pick 15: ATLANTA FALCONS: Jalon Walker LB/EDGE, University of Georgia
Jalon Walker is a bit of a mystery. Is he a linebacker? Is he an edge rusher? No one really knows. What we do know, though, is that Walker has all of the traits needed to succeed, and for a team needing pass-rush help, this could be a savvy move.
Pick 16: ARIZONA CARDINALS: Kenneth Grant DL, University of Michigan
Kenneth Grant is an athletic freak at the nose tackle position with pass rush upside. For a team that needs more help along the defensive line, Grant would be a perfect fit.
Pick 17: CINCINNATI BENGALS: Grey Zabel OL, North Dakota State University
After their offseason re-signings, it might be best for the Bengals to completely sell out to build a super-offense. Zabel has flexibility along the interior offensive line, and could help fill in the hole left by the departure of Alex Cappa.
Pick 18: SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Colston Loveland TE, University of Michigan
The Seahawks should draft interior offensive line, but GM John Schneider has philosophical differences with that strategy. Instead, I could see them taking the talented tight end out of Michigan, giving new QB Sam Darnold another weapon.
Pick 19: TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: Jihaad Campbell LB, University of Alabama
With Lavonte David getting close to retirement, the Bucs can find his perfect long-term replacement with the uber-athletic Campbell.
Pick 20: DENVER BRONCOS: Luther Burden WR, University of Missouri
Despite a down season for Mizzou, Luther Burden’s talent is undeniable. Burden would be a great weapon to add to Sean Payton’s offense immediately, and has some of the highest upside in the class.
Pick 21: PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Derrick Harmon DL, University of Oregon
Despite uncertainty surrounding the QB position, the Steelers need help on their defensive line, and Harmon looks to be a safe prospect who can contribute from day one.
Pick 22: LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: Emeka Egbuka WR, Ohio State University
Egbuka is an incredibly technical receiver, and by all accounts is a great locker room presence as well. He would be a great fit alongside Ladd McConkey, and should fit seamlessly into the Harbaugh culture.
Pick 23: GREEN BAY PACKERS: Mykel Williams EDGE, University of Georgia
I’m not sure there is a more Brian Gutekunst pick than Mykel Williams: an athletic defensive lineman out of Georgia with limited production. I would be surprised if Gutekunst passed on Williams if he is still on the board.
Pick 24: MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Jahdae Barron CB, University of Texas
The Vikings have a strong roster in most places, but corner stands out as somewhere that could be improved. Barron has flexibility as both an outside and a slot corner, and could have a Trent McDuffie-type impact for the Vikings.
Pick 25: HOUSTON TEXANS: Josh Simmons OT, Ohio State University
There are concerns around Simmons’ injury history which could see him fall completely out of the first round. However, the talent is there and if Houston can get Simmons healthy, then they will be set for the next decade at tackle.
Pick 26: LOS ANGELES RAMS: Shedeur Sanders QB, University of Colorado
I’m not sure where Sanders will ultimately end up, but there is a chance that the Rams will try and find their QB of the future with Matt Stafford’s future up in the air.
Pick 27: BALTIMORE RAVENS: Malaki Starks S, University of Georgia
The Ravens have a history of taking talented players that fall in the draft, and Starks could prove to be another steal a couple of years down the line.
Pick 28: DETROIT LIONS: Mike Green EDGE, Marshall University
The Lions could do with more help on the defensive side of the ball, and given character concerns surrounding Green, he could fall into the lap of Detroit as a talented edge rusher.
Pick 29: WASHINGTON COMMANDERS: James Pearce Jr. EDGE, University of Tennessee
Pearce is another player who has off-the-field concerns, but the talent is undeniable. If Pearce can maximize his upside, he has the potential to be one of the best pass rushers in the entire NFL.
Pick 30: BUFFALO BILLS: Shemar Stewart EDGE, Texas A&M University
Shemar Stewart did not produce much at the college level, only recording 4.5 sacks in his three seasons at A&M. Despite this, Stewart ranked as the most athletic DL prospect in NFL history, and the Bills will hope they can tap into that potential.
Pick 31: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: Josh Conerly Jr. OT, University of Oregon
After getting obliterated in the Super Bowl, the Chiefs need to fix their offensive line. They signed Jaylon Moore in the offseason, but I don’t think that should stop them from drafting a potential franchise tackle in Conerly.
Pick 32: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: Nick Emmanwori S, University of South Carolina
Emmanwori is another athletic freak, testing as the most athletic safety of all time. Emmanwori has the tape to back it up, and the Eagles could be getting a steal at the back end of the first round.
