# | Team | Player | Pos | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cam Ward | QB | ||||
Cam Ward was the best QB in college football last fall, he's gotten better each year -- and as the competition has improved from FCS to FBS -- and he interviewed well at the combine. Tennessee needs a QB and Ward is the clear-cut No. 1 in this class. |
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2 | Abdul Carter | EDGE | ||||
Whatever future awaits Myles Garrett -- whether in Cleveland or elsewhere -- Abdul Carter might be the safest pick in this class. He's only played edge rusher for one season, but his explosiveness, power and overall athleticism make him special. A stress reaction in his foot was discovered at the combine, but that shouldn't affect his draft stock. |
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3 | Travis Hunter | ATH | ||||
Travis Hunter is the best athlete in this draft class. We've had otherworldly cornerbacks and wide receivers in previous classes but he's a two-fer, able to dominate on both sides of the ball and take over games. The big question is where will the team that drafts him want him to play? And if it's, say, at cornerback, how big is the package of offensive plays? Because lining up for 120 snaps a game, like he did for the Buffs, isn't sustainable in the NFL. |
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4 | Kelvin Banks Jr. | OT | ||||
Kelvin Banks Jr. has been my OT1 since the summer, and he's coming off a really good 2024 campaign for the Longhorns. I graded Joe Alt, Olu Fashanu and JC Latham higher a year ago, but he's every bit a top-10 pick for me. He fills a huge, gaping void at left tackle in New England. |
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5 | Mason Graham | DL | ||||
Mason Graham may not necessarily be a "get off the bus" specimen, and yes, his arms are considered short by NFL defensive tackle standards, but let's try not to fall for the same, tired trick we fall for every year. Forget the measurables and look at the tape. Braden Fiske was a second-round pick, in part because he had "short arms." Do a re-draft today and he's a first-rounder every single time. Graham is one of the most disruptive players in the entire class. |
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6 | Shedeur Sanders | QB | ||||
Good luck finding someone tougher than Shedeur Sanders. He'll stand in the pocket and take a hit (after hit after hit) to make a play downfield. He's not the athlete and doesn't have the arm strength of Cam Ward, but he does a lot of things really well. I would like to see him play on time more consistently, but part of that had to do with Colorado's inconsistent offensive line. |
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7 | Tetairoa McMillan | WR | ||||
Tetairoa McMillan is 6-foot-4 but moves like a shifty slot receiver with the benefit of an enormous catch radius and the ability to make contested catches look easy. Think Drake London but a better athlete. |
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8 | Mike Green | EDGE | ||||
The former UVA transfer played at Lafayette High School in Williamsburg, Virginia, the same school that produced Lawrence Taylor. Green, who weighed 251 pounds at the Senior Bowl, is incredibly explosive off the snap, plays with surprising power and consistently uses his hands well to get off blocks. He had the 1-on-1 rep of the week down in Mobile, and his tape backs it up. |
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9 | Jahdae Barron | CB | ||||
At times, Jahdae Barron flashes in a way that reminds me of Brian Branch, the biggest difference being that Barron ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine (which matches his play speed). He's one of the smartest players on the field, he's always around the ball, and if you need a play, he consistently shows up. He can line up in the box, in the slot or outside, is an effective blitzer off the edge, and is an asset in the run game. Good luck finding holes in his game. |
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10 | Will Campbell | OT | ||||
Will Campbell has been my OT2 throughout, and while he's not as athletic as Kelvin Banks Jr., he's been incredibly consistent throughout his LSU career. He'll get questions about his sub-33-inch arm length, but just as he told reporters at the combine, I'd also encourage skeptics to go watch the tape. |
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11 | Nick Emmanwori | S | ||||
Let's start with the measurables: 6-foot-3, 231 pounds, 32.5-inch arms, a 43-inch vertical jump and a 4.38-second 40-yard dash time. This is basically what it looks like when you build the perfect safety in the lab. But here's the thing: Nick Emmanwori's game tape matches the measuring tape; he has some of the best ball skills in the class, and he's just as good against the run. He can come downhill and thump the ball-carrier or carry the tight end or slot receiver in coverage, and he's an even better person. |
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12 | Armand Membou | OT | ||||
Armand Membou is just 6-foot-3 ... and I do not care. In fact, I asked Texas A&M pass rusher Nic Scourton about one of his toughest matchups and he brought up Membou. When I asked him if he could tell he was 6-foot-3 ... he couldn't, and that's the point. Membou was one of the most reliable right tackles in college football in 2024, and while he doesn't have ideal size, based on his tape alone, he's a guy who you put at right tackle until he proves he can't handle it at the next level. Worst case: you have a perennial Pro Bowl guard for the next decade. |
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13 | Tyler Booker | IOL | ||||
It's hard to think Tyler Booker has flown under the radar given his physical presence and his dominating style of play, but expect the Booker Train to pick up steam. He's played mostly left guard at Alabama, and his athleticism and anchor in pass protection, coupled with his earth-moving ability in the run game, at times defies the laws of physics. He's a plug-and-play starter on Day 1. |
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14 | Tyler Warren | TE | ||||
Tyler Warren accounted for 49% of Penn State's offense as a receiver, passer and runner. No player has done more for his draft stock than Warren, who was a late Day 2/Day 3 pick over the summer and could end up going higher than the middle of the first round. |
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15 | Shemar Stewart | DL | ||||
For an edge rusher, Shemar Stewart is enormous but also freakishly athletic. He'll play too high at times but can collapse the pocket with his size, power and strength. A quick first step, even for his size, with the power to shoot gaps. And when the bull rush doesn't get home, his huge frame allows him to knock down passes. He has a hair-on-fire motor and consistently plays with power and athleticism. |
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16 | Jalon Walker | EDGE | ||||
Jalon Walker is listed as an off-ball linebacker but can line up anywhere ... and wreak havoc from anywhere. |
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17 | Colston Loveland | TE | ||||
Colston Loveland is listed at 6-foot-5 and 248 pounds, and while he runs like he's 185, he plays like he's 265. He'll run through open-field arm tackles all day long, has an enormous catch radius and is a precise route runner, looking like a receiver at times in his movement skills. He's a willing blocker, but like most pass-catching tight ends coming into the league, he'll need to improve in this area. |
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18 | Kenneth Grant | DL | ||||
Don't be fooled by the fact that Kenneth Grant weighs 331 pounds. He's a freakish athlete for any size and has a knack for getting his hands up in passing lane and knocking the ball down. He has a surprisingly quick first step and uses his hands well to shoot gaps and be a disruptive presence in the backfield. For me, he's more explosive and consistent than Kris Jenkins, his former teammate and Bengals second-rounder in 2024. |
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19 | Jihaad Campbell | LB | ||||
Jihaad Campbell is, in a word, explosive. He can rush the passer from the edge or play off-ball linebacker, and he'll look like the best player on the field from either position. He's one of the best athletes in this class, and the scary part is he's just scratching the surface; he's going to get bigger, stronger and faster -- and he just turned 21 years old in February. |
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20 | Ashton Jeanty | RB | ||||
Is Ashton Jeanty a luxury pick? That depends; is Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs luxury picks? Because Jeanty is that type of impact back. He hasn't been used nearly as much in the pass game, but that doesn't mean he can't do it (just look at his 2023 tape). And, truth be told, he could end up going 10 picks higher. |
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21 | Luther Burden III | WR | ||||
The numbers don't blow you away (66 catches, 771 yards), but don't be fooled -- Luther Burden III is a first-round talent and game-changer with the ball in his hands. The quarterback play at Mizzou was inconsistent in 2024 because Brady Cook was injured for much of the season, but there's a reason he had 86 receptions for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns in 2023. |
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22 | Trey Amos | CB | ||||
Trey Amos is a long, fast, physical corner in coverage who excels in both man and zone schemes. He doesn't panic on downfield throws because of his length and speed, and he flashes good ball skills. He will need to improve in run support, but don't be surprised if he's a riser through the pre-draft process. He tested through the roof at the combine and more importantly, his teammate, quarterback Jaxson Dart, said he was the toughest corner he faced all last season. |
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23 | Mykel Williams | EDGE | ||||
Georgia has a history of producing insane athletes, and Mykel Williams might end up being the best of the group. He's a first-round talent all day long, and he's just scratching the surface on what he can do. |
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24 | Malaki Starks | S | ||||
Put aside for the moment that Starks is an elite athlete who can line up anywhere in the secondary -- he's also one of the smartest players on the field who was a team leader from the moment he stepped on campus in Athens. |
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25 | Walter Nolen | DL | ||||
This defensive line class is incredibly deep, and in previous years Walter Nolen probably goes off the board a little higher. Either way, he explodes off the ball while also being strong as an ox. At 6-foot-4 and 296 pounds, he won't be mistaken for, say, Dexter Lawrence, but don't be fooled; he plays stout against double teams and is quick to get off blocks and get to the ball. |
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26 | Will Johnson | CB | ||||
No one helped themselves more at the Senior Bowl than Zabel, who played primarily left tackle in 2024 for NDSU, but had experience at guard and center, too. He was used solely on the interior in Mobile and he looked like a 10-year vet no matter where he lined up. Zabel stood out in the Week 1 opener against Colorado and his stock has been on the rise ever sense. Talking to teams at the Senior Bowl, he may be a better leader than football player and that's saying something. |
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27 | Josh Simmons | OT | ||||
A San Diego State transfer where he played right tackle, Josh Simmons was a pleasant surprise in Columbus, where he was not only installed at left tackle, but was playing at a high level before an October knee injury vs. Oregon ended his season. I thought he might come back to school -- he could probably use the experience -- but instead he declared for the 2025 draft. And in a draft light along the offensive line, fully expect Simmons to draw serious first-round consideration, even as he recovers from injury. |
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28 | Grey Zabel | IOL | ||||
No one helped themselves more at the Senior Bowl than Zabel, who played primarily left tackle in 2024 for NDSU, but had experience at guard and center, too. He was used solely on the interior in Mobile and looked like a 10-year veteran no matter where he lined up. Zabel stood out in the Week 1 opener against Colorado, and his stock has been on the rise ever since. Talking to teams at the Senior Bowl, he may be a better leader than football player and that's saying something. |
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29 | Derrick Harmon | DL | ||||
Derrick Harmon is what I'd describe as "country strong" because when you see him bull rush an interior OL into the QB's lap and then throw him out of the club, it gets your attention. He's consistently a load on the inside, in part because of power, low pad level and the aforementioned bull rush. He doesn't have a variety of pass-rush moves but doesn't need them. Versus the run he can struggle if he plays too high, but when he's locked in he's a game-wrecker. After all, Harmon had 40 pressures on the season, including eight(!) against Boise State. |
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30 | Matthew Golden | WR | ||||
Explosive is the best one-word description for Matthew Golden, who reminded me a lot of Jordan Addison coming out of USC. He doesn't have the biggest frame but consistently creates separation at the top of his route, he has legit track speed (10.93 seconds in the 100-meter dash in high school and 4.29 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the combine) and also has return ability. His best football is ahead of him. |
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31 | Darius Alexander | DL | ||||
Darius Alexander had great tape for Toledo last fall, then balled out at the Senior Bowl against some of the best players in the country and followed that up with a solid week at the combine. He's a high-motor player who has both juice and power, consistently uses his hands well and is not only disruptive as a pass rusher but is hard to move against the run. He's improved his draft stock after the season, after the college all-star games and now after the combine. Don't expect that trend to change in the lead up to the draft. |
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32 | Donovan Jackson | IOL | ||||
Donovan Jackson formed one of the best LG/LT duos in college football alongside Josh Simmons ... until Simmons was lost for the season with a knee injury in October. And all Jackson did was kick out to left tackle and play at a high level for the rest of the season, which ended with a national title for the Buckeyes. He'll be a guard at the next level, but he plays with power, leverage and athleticism in space in the run game and consistently anchors well in pass protection -- and he's done it against some of the best players in the country, all while playing out of position. |
# | Team | Player | Pos | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Shedeur Sanders | QB | ||||
Mock Trade from: TEN The Raiders get aggressive to be positive they get their guy during the first draft of the Tom Brady era. Sanders can be a point guard in Chip Kelly's system. |
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2 | Travis Hunter | ATH | ||||
Colorado prospects go 1-2 with Hunter landing with the Browns to play ... wide receiver. And some cornerback if needed. |
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3 | Abdul Carter | EDGE | ||||
Still armed with the No. 3 overall pick, the Giants get a running mate for Brian Burns on the edge with the dynamic Carter. |
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4 | Will Campbell | OT | ||||
Drake Maye's offensive line needs to be better. Campbell is the cleanest offensive tackle in the class. |
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5 | Mason Graham | DL | ||||
The Jaguars get a serious upfield rusher with nose tackle size who's a tremendous run defender in Graham. |
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6 | Tyler Warren | TE | ||||
Mock Trade from: LV The Titans get Aaron Rodgers the premier pass-catching tight end in this class. They also get the Raiders 2025 second-round pick (No. 37 overall) along with one of their 2025 third-round picks (No. 68) and a 2026 second-round pick in this slide down the board. |
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7 | Cam Ward | QB | ||||
Ward "slips" slightly to the Jets and the new front office and coaching staff does not hesitate to select him at No. 7 overall. |
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8 | Jalon Walker | EDGE | ||||
For as much as the Panthers need to address the offense around Bryce Young, the defense needs considerable help. |
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9 | Tetairoa McMillan | WR | ||||
The Saints have to replenish the receiver group, and there's plenty of Drake London to McMillan's game. |
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10 | Armand Membou | OT | ||||
With three offensive linemen as free agents, the Bears add a nasty offensive tackle who can play guard if needed. |
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11 | Mike Green | EDGE | ||||
The 49ers get a Leonard Floyd type in Green who plays with speed and bend around the corner as a rusher. He was ridiculously productive at Marshall and looks incredibly explosive on film. |
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12 | Ashton Jeanty | RB | ||||
The 49ers get a Leonard Floyd type in Green who plays with speed and bend around the corner as a rusher. He was ridiculously productive at Marshall and looks incredibly explosive on film. |
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13 | Kelvin Banks Jr. | OT | ||||
The Dolphins pick Banks to play left tackle under the impression Terron Armstead is going to call it quits. |
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14 | Will Johnson | CB | ||||
Johnson is the ideal cornerback prototype to match up with Nico Collins on the perimeter in the AFC South. Big, long, athletic. |
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15 | James Pearce Jr. | EDGE | ||||
The Falcons snag much-needed help on the edge of their pass-rushing unit. |
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16 | Kenneth Grant | DL | ||||
Grant is bound to be one of those supremely athletic big men who awe at the combine and go much earlier in the draft than people think. |
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17 | Walter Nolen | DL | ||||
Nolen is a freaky mover with long arms and supreme power at the point of attack. He's precisely what the Bengals need on their defensive interior. |
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18 | Nick Emmanwori | S | ||||
Mike Macdonald rekindles some Kyle Hamilton vibes with Emmanwori here. |
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19 | Jihaad Campbell | LB | ||||
Campbell is the ideal physical freak at linebacker to be the heir apparent to Buccaneers legend Lavonte David. |
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20 | Colston Loveland | TE | ||||
Sean Payton gets a talented receiving tight end to work the seam for Bo Nix. |
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21 | Jahdae Barron | CB | ||||
The Steelers could use someone with Barron's versatility in their secondary. |
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22 | Emeka Egbuka | WR | ||||
Jim Harbaugh picks the Ohio State prospect who'll give the Chargers more juice downfield and get after it as a blocker. |
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23 | Azareye'h Thomas | CB | ||||
The Packers have to retool the secondary, and Thomas has the measureables -- and presumably a big combine ahead -- to go this high at corner. |
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24 | Donovan Jackson | IOL | ||||
Jackson's size and movement skills make him an ideal fit for the Vikings stretch-run based offense. |
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25 | Tyler Booker | IOL | ||||
The Texans get a rock-solid guard prospect with requisite size, balance and power. |
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26 | Josh Simmons | OT | ||||
The Rams are ecstatic to land a left tackle with Day 1 starter traits in Simmons. |
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27 | Aireontae Ersery | OT | ||||
The tackle-guard flexibility will draw the Ravens toward Ersery, and he had clean quality film at tackle over the past few seasons at Minnesota. |
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28 | Shemar Stewart | DL | ||||
The Lions go with a specimen with supreme upside to pair alongside Aidan Hutchinson on the edge. He doesn't have to be the No. 1 rusher right away. |
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29 | Mykel Williams | EDGE | ||||
The Commanders make this selection hoping Dan Quinn and Co. can get the most out of the ridiculous frame and athletic profile of Williams. |
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30 | Matthew Golden | WR | ||||
The Bills get an outside speed element for Josh Allen in Golden, who's not only fast but excels tracking the football near the sideline. |
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31 | Luther Burden III | WR | ||||
Burden is a fun, YAC type who'd excel in Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes' offense. |
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32 | Malaki Starks | S | ||||
Another Georgia prospect ... come on down, or I guess north to Philadelphia. Starks can upgrade the safety spot for Philadelphia as Chauncey Gardner-Johnson enters the final year of his deal. |
# | Team | Player | Pos | |||
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1 | Cam Ward | QB | ||||
Cam Ward is far from a sure thing, but he's the type of playmaker you roll the dice on at the top of the draft. It's easy to buy into his career trajectory continuing upwards in the NFL. |
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2 | Abdul Carter | EDGE | ||||
Abdul Carter isn't going to be Myles Garrett, but the Penn State defensive end might be the closest thing to the former No. 1 overall pick to come out since. Carter has an electric first step that he pairs with easy power to get to opposing quarterbacks. |
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3 | Travis Hunter | ATH | ||||
The most versatile player in college football could fill a need for the Giants on either side of the field. Travis Hunter is my WR1 and CB1 in the draft, making this one an easy fit for the Giants. |
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4 | Mason Graham | DL | ||||
If you have a top-5 pick in the NFL, you don't waste it on "need" but rather take the best value. Mason Graham is simply a better defensive tackle prospect than the top offensive tackle prospect. Graham is a nimble defensive tackle who's already NFL-ready against the run. |
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5 | Tetairoa McMillan | WR | ||||
Tetairoa McMillan is the perfect fit for both Liam Cohen and Trevor Lawrence in that he's a full tree route-runner that has one of the largest catch radii you'll ever see. That's something that Trevor Lawrence had at Clemson yet never quite had in the NFL. |
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6 | Shedeur Sanders | QB | ||||
Shedeur Sanders falls in the Raiders lap in this mock, but they may have to make a move up in actuality to get this done. Sanders has the kind of underneath accuracy to quickly develop a rapport with Brock Bowers in the Raiders offense. |
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7 | Will Campbell | OT | ||||
If Aaron Glenn is taking any page out of Detroit's playbook, it would be wise to start with emulating the Lions offensive line. Campbell would likely slot in at right tackle for the Jets and immediately give them their best starting five in years. |
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8 | Jalon Walker | EDGE | ||||
Jalon Walker is the exact kind of 3-4 outside linebacker body type that Ejiro Evero wants in his defense. His ability to drop in coverage and rush the passer at a high-level would play perfectly in the scheme. |
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9 | Will Johnson | CB | ||||
With Marshon Lattimore out the door and Paulson Adebo heading for free agency, the Saints have an obvious need at cornerback. Will Johnson could easily fill Lattimore's shoes as the kind of No. 1 cornerback who can shadow bigger wide receivers. He handled some of college football's best in 2023 -- most notably Marvin Harrison Jr. and Rome Odunze. |
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10 | Kelvin Banks Jr. | OT | ||||
Braxton Jones is far from a liability at left tackle, but he doesn't bring near the potential to the table that Banks does. Banks is a three-year starter at left tackle for the Longhorns who was battle-tested in the SEC this past fall. |
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11 | Mykel Williams | EDGE | ||||
John Lynch's first four first-round picks as 49ers GM all came in the trenches. While he's taken only Trey Lance (No. 3 overall in 2021) and Ricky Pearsall (No. 31 overall in 2024) in the first round since, Lynch looks poised to return to the defensive line of scrimmage that saw a downturn last fall. Mykel Williams is the kind of athletic marvel who defensive line coach Kris Kocurek could work magic with. |
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12 | Ashton Jeanty | RB | ||||
College football's leading rusher goes to a newly minted head coach in Brian Schottenheimer who wants to establish the run. Ashton Jeanty makes mincemeat of two-high defenses as he combines elite tackle-breaking ability with home-run speed. |
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13 | Luther Burden III | WR | ||||
With Tyreek Hill likely out the door, the Dolphins reload with another explosive playmaker. Luther Burden III is the kind of one-cut route-runner that can work the middle of the football field in Mike McDaniel's offense. |
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14 | Kenneth Grant | DL | ||||
Chris Ballard is a traits-based drafter, and you won't find too many prospects with better traits in this draft than Kenneth Grant. He's a mammoth defensive tackle whomoves like a 3-technique and is only scratching the surface of his potential. |
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15 | Mike Green | EDGE | ||||
Mike Green is the kind of NFL-ready pass-rusher the Falcons desperately need. He led the FBS with 17 sacks and 23 tackles for loss in only his first year as a starter. |
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16 | Shemar Stewart | DL | ||||
Shemar Stewart is a massive swing at the most valuable position on defense. You won't find too many 280-pounders in NFL history with his kind of explosiveness. Still, his tape leaves much to be desired after only 1.5 sacks this past fall. If Jonathan Gannon can get him to hit his ceiling, the Cardinals will have a game-wrecker |
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17 | Colston Loveland | TE | ||||
Colston Loveland is the kind of middle-of-the-field difference-maker who the Bengals have never quite had. He's still young at only 20 years old and was uber-productive over his three-year career with nearly 1,500 career yards. |
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18 | Tyler Booker | IOL | ||||
Tyler Booker is an NFL-ready pass-protector with an ideal guard build. That sounds like exactly what the doctor ordered for the Seahawks offensive line. |
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19 | Jihaad Campbell | LB | ||||
Jihaad Campbell is jumbo off-ball linebacker who's perfect for Todd Bowles' scheme. He can blitz like an edge rusher, which is the perfect skill to have for one of the NFL's blitz-heaviest defensive coordinators. |
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20 | Emeka Egbuka | WR | ||||
The Broncos need some semblance of reliability at their wide receiver position across from Courtland Sutton. Egbuka has the advanced and consistent route-running chops to pair well with Bo Nix's anticipatory play style. |
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21 | Jahdae Barron | CB | ||||
The Steelers cornerback position was a mess last season. Jahdae Barron was the opposite of that. In his first year as a full-time outside corner after playing primarily in the slot, Barron was nearly impenetrable. He plays with the kind of physicality that Mike Tomlin will love. |
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22 | Armand Membou | OT | ||||
Armand Membou played right tackle at Missouri, but has the kind of build that could excel on the interior in the NFL. Jim Harbaugh wasn't lying when he said he wants to build through the trenches, and as such it wouldn't surprise me if he went with back-to-back first-rounders along the offensive line. |
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23 | Walter Nolen | DL | ||||
The Packers love twitched-up defensive linemen and Nolen fits that mold. He's got the body type and first step to be a game-changing three-technique in the NFL. |
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24 | Malaki Starks | S | ||||
While long-term starter Harrison Smith is technically under contract for 2025, he just turned 36 years old last week. The Vikings may look to replace him with a similarly versatile talent in Starks. Starks' ability to line up anywhere on the backend was made for Brian Flores' scheme. |
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25 | Derrick Harmon | DL | ||||
Derrick Harmon is the perfect plug-and-play defensive tackle for the Texans' desperate need on the interior. He can play any alignment and still make an impact vs. both run and pass. |
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26 | Tyler Warren | TE | ||||
The Rams are a tape team through and through and won't be swayed by any less-than-stellar pre-draft testing measurables. Warren is the kind of heady playmaker over the middle of the field who could replace some of Cooper Kupp's production. |
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27 | Josh Conerly Jr. | OT | ||||
Josh Conerly Jr. is a bit of a project, but he's got all the tools to develop into a future Pro Bowler. His high-end athleticism would be a weapon on the move in the run game leading out for Derrick Henry or Lamar Jackson. |
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28 | Grey Zabel | IOL | ||||
Landon Jackson has really flashed this season not only at his left guard position where he spent two and a half years, but also the past few games after being forced to kick out to left tackle. He's shut down talented edge-rushers from Oregon and Texas the past two weeks and been a big key to the Buckeyes playoff run. |
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29 | James Pearce Jr. | EDGE | ||||
James Pearce Jr. is one of the best athletes in the defensive end class. He made big strides as a run defender this past fall as well. While he needs to get stronger, Pearce has the kind of traits that head coach Dan Quinn has been able to deploy effectively. |
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30 | Nick Emmanwori | S | ||||
Nick Emmanwori is the kind of tone-setter at safety who the Bills have been missing. At more than 220 pounds, Emmanwori can still cover ground and lay the boom. |
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31 | Josh Simmons | OT | ||||
Josh Simmons' midseason patellar tear is the only thing keeping him from being around 20 spots higher on this list. If he ticks all the boxes, though, he could be the Day 1 starter the Chiefs are desperate for. His early-season tape was nearly flawless. |
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32 | Nic Scourton | EDGE | ||||
With Brandon Graham set to retire and Josh Sweat hitting free agency, the Eagles are poised to take advantage of a deep defensive end class. Nic Scourton had a bit of a disappointing junior campaign after transferring from Purdue, but he's far more talented than what he put on tape this past fall. |
# | Team | Player | Pos | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Abdul Carter | EDGE | ||||
Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter are the two best players in this draft. The Titans have said they view Hunter as a cornerback. Carter plays a more premium position. In the wake of the Carter injury news, the odds of Tennessee trading out of the pick rise, but there may not be a team willing to present the Titans with a considerable haul for this quarterback class. It is more difficult for the Titans to pivot elsewhere this year, specifically, because there are fewer of those game-altering prospects. Carter ends up being the pick. |
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2 | Cam Ward | QB | ||||
Cleveland is going to come out of this draft with a quarterback. The only question is whether that happens in the first round or on Day 2. If both Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are available, then odds are better that the Browns will like one of them. Ward has a higher ceiling. |
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3 | Shedeur Sanders | QB | ||||
New York wants a reason to be excited and a young quarterback delivers that belief. The Giants are desperate for an upgrade at the game's most important position, and Shedeur Sanders is more than capable of handling the pressure in the Big Apple. |
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4 | Travis Hunter | ATH | ||||
New England still needs to address its offensive line issues, but those looked better with Drake Maye installed at quarterback. It should remain a priority, but the Patriots are not going to have a better opportunity to add a playmaker like Travis Hunter to the offense. |
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5 | Mason Graham | DL | ||||
Liam Coen's first pick as head coach of the Jaguars is made on the defensive side of the ball. There is room for improvement on offense, but Mason Graham is certainly one of the best prospects available. Jacksonville is stacking talent on the defensive line with Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker and now Graham. |
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6 | Jalon Walker | EDGE | ||||
Las Vegas has been mentioned as a possibility for Myles Garrett and, while the two are different players, the Raiders would do well to add more of a pass-rushing threat opposite Maxx Crosby. They could use Tyree Wilson, Crosby and Walker together on pass-rushing downs. |
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7 | Tetairoa McMillan | WR | ||||
New York's answer at quarterback is still very much unknown, but it is clear a need remains at wide receiver alongside Garrett Wilson. Tetairoa McMillan gives them a bigger-bodied complementary skill set in the offense. |
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8 | Will Johnson | CB | ||||
In 2023, Will Johnson was a patient, dominant cornerback during Michigan's title run. He dealt with a nagging turf toe injury in 2024, according to teammate Mason Graham, and that impacted his confidence. I am betting on him returning to the healthy version of himself and that could be the best player from this draft. |
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9 | Colston Loveland | TE | ||||
New Orleans still has a decision to make on Derek Carr, but it can not be argued that they need more contributions in the pass game. The presence of Colston Loveland, who can push vertically up the seam, takes some of the pressure off Chris Olave to produce. |
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10 | Will Campbell | OT | ||||
Will Campbell will come in and push Braxton Jones for the left tackle job and, worse comes to worst, he is a plug-and-play starter at offensive guard. Ben Johnson upgrades the floor of that offensive line and moves one step closer toward realizing his goal of setting the stage for Caleb Williams. |
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11 | Walter Nolen | DL | ||||
The interior defensive tackle talent walking out the door in San Francisco has been greater than the amount brought into the building. Walter Nolen is a plug-and-play starter for a unit that should be motivated having Robert Saleh back. |
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12 | Ashton Jeanty | RB | ||||
There are ways to take pressure off CeeDee Lamb being the only consistent outlet in the pass game without addressing wide receiver. There is plenty of time to supplement the pass catchers, but Ashton Jeanty is a dynamic runner, as well as a net positive in the pass game. |
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13 | Tyler Warren | TE | ||||
It sounds as though the organization has smoothed over its relationship with Tyreek Hill. Jonnu Smith is entering the final year of his contract and, while tight end is not the biggest need, the usage of Tyler Warren in Mike McDaniel's offense is intriguing. |
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14 | Armand Membou | OT | ||||
Indianapolis has two starting offensive linemen and even more depth slated to hit free agency next month. The Colts have the cap space to retain their roster, but may be more motivated to address other areas of need. Armand Membou played right tackle at Missouri, but would have no problem sliding inside. |
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15 | Mike Green | EDGE | ||||
Atlanta needs pass rush help and Mike Green has been charging up the boards after parlaying a strong final season into an equally impressive Senior Bowl showing. |
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16 | Shemar Stewart | DL | ||||
Shemar Stewart played on the edge for Texas A&M, but has the size to play inside dependent upon the situation. Arizona took Darius Robinson in the first round last year and now continue stockpiling talent along the defensive line. |
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17 | Mykel Williams | EDGE | ||||
The potential trade situation with Trey Hendrickson is still playing out, but the reality is that they could use a pass rusher on the opposite side. Sam Hubbard is also entering the final year of his contract if the Bengals do not decide to part ways with him. Myles Murphy has not yet panned out. |
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18 | Nick Emmanwori | S | ||||
Nick Emmanwori is expected to test well in Indianapolis, which should solidify his stock in the first round. Seattle is an ideal fit for him as Mike Macdonald has experience working with jumbo safeties like Kyle Hamilton. |
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19 | Jihaad Campbell | LB | ||||
Devin White has already moved on from Tampa Bay and Lavonte David may not be far behind. Jihaad Campbell would step in and fill that need for them in 2025 and beyond. |
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20 | Kenneth Grant | DL | ||||
D.J. Jones is scheduled to hit free agency in a matter of weeks if the Broncos do not reach an agreement with him. Kenneth Grant steps in to provide immediate help as a run defender, but also gives them some juice as a pass rusher. |
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21 | Matthew Golden | WR | ||||
Pittsburgh has George Pickens in this moment and Pat Freiermuth working underneath in-line and out of the slot. By adding a talent like Matthew Golden, the Steelers would be able to spread it out a bit more. There would still be a question of who is going to play quarterback next season. |
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22 | Tyler Booker | IOL | ||||
Jim Harbaugh has made it clear that he is going to invest in the trenches and the interior offensive line was a downfall for them in the playoffs. Tyler Booker would be the fourth former first-round pick on the offensive line. |
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23 | Kelvin Banks Jr. | OT | ||||
Kelvin Banks could be given a shot a left tackle or he could move inside to guard. Green Bay has a collection of those types of players: Zach Tom, Elgton Jenkins, Jordan Morgan and now Banks. Get the five best linemen on the field. |
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24 | Donovan Jackson | IOL | ||||
I get the impression that Minnesota is going to allow Sam Darnold to test free agency. In that scenario, the Vikings would probably re-sign Daniel Jones on a cheap deal and empower J.J. McCarthy coming off his injury, which allows them to fortify the offensive line in the first round. |
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25 | Derrick Harmon | DL | ||||
Houston plugs Derrick Harmon in between Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter as he continues to build out his defensive line in the vision of San Francisco. |
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26 | Josh Simmons | OT | ||||
Josh Simmons' tape at left tackle, before he got hurt, was the best of any prospect in this draft class. The problem is that he suffered a season-ending injury, is only one year removed from San Diego State and most of his game play was against non-Power Four competition. Los Angeles is willing to take a chance on filling the positional need later in the first round. |
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27 | Josh Conerly Jr. | OT | ||||
If Baltimore is unable to re-sign left tackle Ronnie Stanley, then that is going to be a position of need for the Ravens. It may be an appropriate time for them to cut bait and find a more cost-effective option when there are a few options expected to be available in this range of the draft. |
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28 | Grey Zabel | IOL | ||||
Grey Zabel projects as an interior offensive lineman at the next level. Kevin Zeitler is likely not returning to the Motor City, so Zabel comes in to play offensive guard with the positional flexibility to play elsewhere if called into action. |
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29 | Luther Burden III | WR | ||||
Washington gets a dynamic yards-after-the-catch wide receiver for Jayden Daniels; pairing him with Terry McLaurin in the process. |
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30 | Azareye'h Thomas | CB | ||||
Buffalo is going to go defense. It is just a matter of defensive tackle, cornerback or safety. Azareye'h Thomas possesses the length that the Bills often covet on the boundary. |
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31 | Maxwell Hairston | CB | ||||
Maxwell Hairston has the most exposure to zone coverage, but could also hold up in man coverage. Kansas City has gotten by without investing significant assets into the position, but that may now need to change. |
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32 | Landon Jackson | EDGE | ||||
At 6-foot-7, 280 pounds, Landon Jackson is expected to test well at the NFL combine. If he runs as fast and shows as well in the 3-cone drill, then his stock should soar once again. Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat are slated to hit free agency in Philadelphia. |
# | Team | Player | Pos | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cam Ward | QB | ||||
Mock Trade from: TEN The Giants were one of the teams interested in Matthew Stafford before he and the Rams decided not to part ways. They're also reportedly interested in Aaron Rodgers, who has made multiple calls to the team. But in this mock draft, New York turns its attention to the draft. And with general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll badly needing to produce a successful season, they can't afford to miss. That's why they leave nothing to chance, moving up two spots and getting the quarterback they want, which in this case is Cam Ward. |
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2 | Shedeur Sanders | QB | ||||
The Myles Garrett trade rumors are swirling, but from the Browns perspective he's not going anywhere, so Cleveland turns its attention to the other side of the ball. Head coach Kevin Stefanski spoke highly of both Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders at the NFL combine, but in one specific interview, he pointed out that two quarterback traits he covets are accuracy and decision-making. Sanders doesn't wow you with his athletic traits, but he certainly possesses those attributes, so that's the direction Cleveland goes. |
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3 | Abdul Carter | EDGE | ||||
Mock Trade from: NYG The biggest news to come out of the NFL combine so far has been the injury to Abdul Carter, who reportedly has a stress reaction in his right foot but will elect not to undergo surgery after having more tests done. CBS Sports NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson talked to two league sources who are "not worried" at all about Carter's injury, so I'm not going to be, either. The Titans still take Carter in the top 3 to strengthen their pass rush, which will likely be without Harold Landry next season with Tennessee allowing him to seek a trade. |
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4 | Travis Hunter | ATH | ||||
Patriots EVP Eliot Wolf emphasized needing to improve in the trenches during his NFL combine press conference, citing it as a formula for winning. And depending on how the first three picks shake out, offensive line and defensive line still seem like the most likely targets. But this is a dream scenario for New England; Travis Hunter can not only be Drake Maye's No. 1 wide receiver but can help shore up the back end of Mike Vrabel's defense. |
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5 | Mason Graham | DL | ||||
The Jaguars finished 30th in the league in sack rate (5.5%) and and 27th in pressure rate (29.6%) a year ago, so they need to get better along the defensive front. And while I'm sure new head coach Liam Coen wouldn't mind getting some added protection for Trevor Lawrence, Mason Graham is too good of a player to pass up here. His arm length isn't that of a typical top-10 defensive tackle, but his tenacity, strength, technique and consistency more than make up for it. |
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6 | Jalon Walker | EDGE | ||||
With the top-two quarterbacks off the board, the Raiders and new head coach Pete Carroll focus their attention on stopping the signal-callers in their division. Jalon Walker would go a long way in helping them do that, as the linebacker/edge rusher hybrid has the length and athleticism to be a tone-setter along with Maxx Crosby on the defensive side of the ball in Las Vegas. |
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7 | Will Johnson | CB | ||||
Will Johnson was one of the best NFL Draft prospects entering the 2024 season before being limited to six games this past fall due to a toe injury. Scouts were not able to see him work out out at the NFL combine, either, as he did not participate in on-field drills, instead opting to delay his long-awaited return until Michigan's Pro Day on March 21. But make no mistake: Johnson is still an elite NFL Draft prospect, and new Jets head coach Aaron Glenn (a longtime NFL cornerback and defensive-focused coach) will get the most out of him. |
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8 | Mykel Williams | EDGE | ||||
The Panthers would probably prefer Jalon Walker here, but with him off the board they take another Georgia defender in Mykel Williams. His production wasn't what you would like to see from a top-10 pick, but he said an ankle injury forced him to play at about 60% throughout the year. Carolina decides to trust Williams' elite physical traits as it prioritizes bolstering the defensive line this offseason. |
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9 | Shemar Stewart | DL | ||||
Cameron Jordan turns 36 years old in July and Chase Young is set to hit free agency; that's basically all you need to know about which direction the Saints should go in the NFL Draft. Full transparency: I initially had Marshall's Mike Green here, but then Shemar Stewart absolutely destroyed the NFL combine. He had very similar height, weight, wingspan, vertical jump and broad jump numbers to Myles Garrett coming out of Texas A&M; the only issue is that Garrett had 32.5 sacks in college and Stewart only had 4.5. Even with Stewart's lack of production, the Saints bet on his tremendous upside. |
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10 | Will Campbell | OT | ||||
The first nine picks played out perfectly for Chicago, which would like to do everything possible to protect franchise quarterback Caleb Williams. With every offensive line prospect available, the Bears select Will Campbell for his smooth athleticism, technical ability and experience (38 starts over the past three seasons). |
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11 | Josh Simmons | OT | ||||
General manager John Lynch said Trent Williams is "really motivated to come back," but he turns 37 years old in July, so the 49ers need a backup plan at left tackle. Enter Josh Simmons, who was one of the best offensive lineman in all of college football before having season-ending knee surgery in mid-October. Some will have Simmons going later because of the injury, but San Francisco trusts that he can be the perfect replacement for their future Pro Football Hall of Famer. |
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12 | Ashton Jeanty | RB | ||||
Credit to my colleague, Mike Renner, for pointing this out: is Jerry Jones just concerned about selling jerseys and tickets? Because his moves the past few years, including the hiring of new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, don't reflect an owner/general manager solely focused on winning. Now, this is nothing against Ashton Jeanty; he's a top-10 worthy prospect, so Dallas should be thrilled to get him here. But compared to almost every other prospect (not named Shedeur Sanders), Jeanty will get fans excited to go to games, buy merchandise and more. |
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13 | Kelvin Banks Jr. | OT | ||||
Kelvin Banks was a decorated three-year starter at left tackle, but some feel he may be best suited for guard. Luckily for the Dolphins, they need help at both spots. They've long struggled to pick up tough yards when necessary, and that's because of the lack of push up front. Then you have head coach Mike McDaniel saying Miami is preparing as if its current left tackle, Terron Armstead, is going to retire. Whenever Banks ends up playing, he'll be a quality starter who will improve the unit as a whole. |
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14 | Tyler Warren | TE | ||||
Tyler Warren said he wears No. 44 because when he was younger, his father put on video of legendary Washington running back John Riggins and said, "This is how I want you to run the ball." Well, you know who else wore 44? Legendary Colts tight end Dallas Clark. Warren can do it all offensively, and Indianapolis needs to do whatever it can to help out Anthony Richardson, so that's the direction the franchise goes here. |
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15 | Mike Green | EDGE | ||||
For the first time since Takkarist McKinley in 2017, the Falcons take an edge rusher in Round 1. Among the plethora of defensive options in this class, Atlanta elects to take the FBS's reigning sack leader in Marshall's Mike Green. It'll have to do its homework about his potential character concerns -- he told reporters at the NFL combine that two sexual assault allegations resulted to his departure from Virginia -- but the physical tools and production are there. |
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16 | Kenneth Grant | DL | ||||
It was a major bummer that a hamstring strain kept Kenneth Grant from working out at the NFL combine, but he's still a massive, super athletic interior defensive lineman with a ton of room to grow. The Cardinals badly need help in that area, especially having to deal with the potent run games of the Rams and 49ers four times per year. |
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17 | Walter Nolen | DL | ||||
With the Bengals insisting they're going to pay Tee Higgins, Ja'Marr Chase and Trey Hendrickson, it seems like a forgone conclusion that they let veteran defensive tackle B.J. Hill walk. Cincinnati wouldn't miss a beat if it drafted Walter Nolen, who had this to say at the NFL combine: "I'm smaller, but I'm strong as ox. I'm not a one-trick pony. I feel like I can move up and down the line." |
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18 | Nick Emmanwori | S | ||||
Nick Emmanwori said he models his game after Kyle Hamilton, arguably the best safety in the NFL at only 23 years old. It just so happens that Seahawks head coach Mike McDonald was the Ravens defensive coordinator for Hamilton's first two years in the NFL, so he would know exactly how to maximize the potential of the 6-foot-3, 225-pound Emmanwori. |
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19 | Tetairoa McMillan | WR | ||||
Finally a wide receiver! And the fit makes too much sense. Chris Godwin is set to become a free agent, and Mike Evans can't put up 1,000-yard seasons for forever (can he?). Pairing the towering Tetairoa McMillan with Jalen McMillan would ensure that the receiving future is bright in Tampa Bay. |
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20 | Colston Loveland | TE | ||||
Tyler Warren stole the show among college football tight ends last season thanks to his extreme versatility and elite production, but Colston Loveland was the clear TE1 entering the 2024 campaign. He just didn't have anyone at Michigan capable of throwing him the ball -- and STILL finished with 56 catches for 582 yards and five touchdowns. Head coach Sean Payton said the Broncos "need a joker" to create mismatches offensively, and Loveland can certainly fill that role. |
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21 | Emeka Egbuka | WR | ||||
George Pickens is extremely talented, but also very inconsistent (and someone who frequently makes headlines for the wrong reasons). The Steelers need stability among their receiver corps, and Emeka Egbuka is the player for the job. He was always overshadowed at Ohio State by otherworldly talents, but he's a savvy route runner who just knows how to get open. |
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22 | Tyler Booker | IOL | ||||
I'm sure Jim Harbaugh would have loved to reunite with Colston Loveland in Los Angeles, but the Broncos snagged the former Michigan tight end two picks earlier. The Chargers instead turn their attention to the offensive line. General manager Joe Hortiz said the Chargers would experiment with moving Zion Johnson to center, which would leave a hole at right guard. Tyler Booker could fill that role right away, as he has all the traits (explosiveness, power leadership) that Harbaugh covets. |
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23 | Jahdae Barron | CB | ||||
Cornerback Eric Stokes is set to become a free agent, and now the Packers are reportedly having trade conversations around Jaire Alexander. That leaves cornerback as one of the biggest needs, so the team goes out and gets Jahdae Barron, who won the Jim Thorpe Award as the best defensive back in college football last season. He's not an elite athlete, but he does everything really well. |
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24 | Derrick Harmon | DL | ||||
While a lot of the top defensive tackles opted not to participate in on-field drills at the NFL combine, Derrick Harmon made himself a lot of money working out at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Thursday night. He wowed with a 4.95-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-5 and 313 pounds and then showcased fluid movement skills during football drills. Brian Flores' vaunted defense gets even better with the addition of the former Oregon star. |
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25 | Armand Membou | OT | ||||
There's always a few players who slip further than expected in these mock drafts, and Armand Membou is one of them. Membou was an All-SEC right tackle at Missouri, but NFL scouts believe he could be even better inside. The Texans would start him there right away and feel good about him providing much-needed protection for C.J. Stroud. |
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26 | Maxwell Hairston | CB | ||||
Initially I had Oregon's Josh Conerly going to the Rams to replace Alaric Jackson, but there are now reports that the two parties have agreed to a long-term extension. After locking up its left tackle, Los Angeles pivots to the defensive side of the ball and takes cornerback Maxwell Hairston, who delivered on his promise of balling out at the NFL combine. |
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27 | Grey Zabel | IOL | ||||
The Ravens have a bunch of impending free agents along the offensive line, and Grey Zabel has played a bunch of different positions in his career (mostly left tackle at North Dakota State before moving inside during his breakout Senior Bowl performance). It would be a good problem to have for Baltimore, which could draft him and then figure out his best spot afterwards |
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28 | Jihaad Campbell | LB | ||||
Jihaad Campbell played mostly off-ball linebacker at Alabama, but he's more than capable of being an edge rusher, and that's where he would thrive in Detroit opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Campbell only helped his draft stock with his performance at the NFL combine. |
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29 | Donovan Ezeiruaku | EDGE | ||||
Obviously protecting Jayden Daniels is a priority, but Donovan Ezeiruaku's NFL combine performance made him too good to pass up here. A consensus All-American and ACC Defensive Player of the Year (16.5 sacks and 21.0 tackles for loss), Ezeiruaku recorded the fastest three-cone and short-shuttle times among edge rushers. He gets to the quarterback and does so quickly, which will be imperative as the Commanders attempt to catch the Eagles. |
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30 | Malaki Starks | S | ||||
It doesn't appear that Malaki Starks will fall this far on draft night, but that's how this mock shook out, which the Bills are thrilled about. The Georgia standout is a do-everything safety who makes the job of his teammates easier. |
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31 | Donovan Jackson | IOL | ||||
I feel like I'm morally obligated to give the Chiefs an offensive lineman after what happened in the Super Bowl against the Eagles. Donovan Jackson moved from guard to left tackle after Josh Simmons went down in October, and he was an invaluable part of Ohio State's run to winning the College Football Playoff national championship. Regardless of where he lines up, he'll help give Patrick Mahomes more time to work his magic. |
||||||
32 | James Pearce Jr. | EDGE | ||||
Tell me if you've heard this before: a talented, productive defender falls to the Eagles. James Pearce Jr. finished top three in the SEC in pressures each of the last two seasons. |
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