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| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 |
Cam Ward | QB | |||
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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 | |||
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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 | |||
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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 | |||
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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 | |||
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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 | |||
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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 | |||
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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 | |||
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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 | |||
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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 | |||
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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 | |||
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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 | |||
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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 | |||
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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 | |||
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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. |
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| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Cam Ward | QB | |||
|
The Titans' actions in free agency -- or lack thereof at the quarterback position -- hint they're going to draft Ward with the No. 1 pick. |
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| 2 |
|
Abdul Carter | EDGE | |||
|
The Browns have visions of a return to the elite-level defense they fielded a few years ago with Carter and Myles Garrett together on the same defensive line. |
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| 3 |
|
Armand Membou | OT | |||
|
Whoever is eventually the starter for the Giants in 2025 will need to be better protected than past quarterbacks in the Brian Daboll era. Membou is a powerful blocker with elite testing numbers. |
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| 4 |
|
Travis Hunter | ATH | |||
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The Patriots are thrilled to be the team to stop Hunter's mini fall here and add a dynamic talent to a roster in need of more players of this caliber. |
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| 5 |
|
Will Campbell | OT | |||
|
Protecting Trevor Lawrence is priority No. 1 in Jacksonville, which is why this selection is made at the start of the Liam Coen era. |
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| 6 |
|
Ashton Jeanty | RB | |||
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With Jeanty in the mix, the Raiders are much more dangerous on paper now than they were a year ago. |
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| 7 |
|
Shedeur Sanders | QB | |||
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The Jets plan for the future at the quarterback spot and prepare for a Sanders/Justin Fields quarterback battle that'll surely grab headlines in August. |
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| 8 |
|
Will Johnson | CB | |||
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With Johnson and the newly minted Jaycee Horn, the Panthers would have two instinctive and athletic perimeter corners. |
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| 9 |
|
Mason Graham | DL | |||
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The Saints bolster the interior of their defensive front with Graham, who can be a defensive foundation for years. |
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| 10 |
|
Shemar Stewart | DL | |||
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The Bears have one super-long, highly talented edge in Montez Sweat. They get another with Stewart, who has loads of untapped potential. |
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| 11 |
|
Tetairoa McMillan | WR | |||
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The 49ers will look a lot different in 2025, but with another first-round receiver on board, they can still be dangerous in the NFC. |
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| 12 |
|
James Pearce Jr. | EDGE | |||
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The Cowboys can't pass on the scintillating talent of Pearce on the edge. |
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| 13 |
|
Kelvin Banks Jr. | OT | |||
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The Dolphins get a plus pass protector in Banks who can play guard if needed. |
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| 14 |
|
Tyler Warren | TE | |||
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The Colts add a physical specimen at tight end to add more diversity to the offense. |
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| 15 |
|
Mykel Williams | EDGE | |||
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Williams has the measureables and movement skills to eventually form into a quality edge rusher, which is precisely what the Falcons need. |
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| 16 |
|
Donovan Jackson | IOL | |||
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More blocking stability in front of Kyler Murray and for James Conner and Trey Benson is needed in the desert. Jackson is an athletic guard with super-clean tape. |
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| 17 |
|
Malaki Starks | S | |||
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The Bengals go best player available here with Starks, and he'll help to rebuild the secondary in Cincinnati. |
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| 18 |
|
Matthew Golden | WR | |||
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The new-look Seahawks add another weapon for Sam Darnold in Golden, who shined down the stretch for the Longhorns. |
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| 19 |
|
Nick Emmanwori | S | |||
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Emmanwori and Antoine Winfield Jr. can be a spectacular safety tandem in Tampa Bay. Electric athleticism and instincts galore. |
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| 20 |
|
Derrick Harmon | DL | |||
|
Mock Trade from: DEN The Jaguars desperately need more interior push from their defensive line. They get that with an aggressive move for Harmon. In this swap, the Jaguars send picks No. 36 (second round), No. 70 (third round), and No. 88 (third round) to the Broncos, for the rights to pick Harmon. |
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| 21 |
|
Jahdae Barron | CB | |||
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The Steelers get a speedy, do-everything, inside and outside corner in Barron. |
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| 22 |
|
Colston Loveland | TE | |||
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Let's not overthink this. The Chargers need a viable tight end weapon, and no one knows Loveland better than Jim Harbaugh. |
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| 23 |
|
Nic Scourton | EDGE | |||
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Scourton is about as pro-ready as they come at the edge-rusher spot, and the Packers need a legitimate running mate for Rashan Gary. |
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| 24 |
|
Shavon Revel Jr. | CB | |||
|
Mock Trade from: MIN The Raiders jump at the opportunity to add a cornerback of Revel's size and ball-hawking skill in Round 1. Without many picks entering this draft, the Vikings will be motivated to move back. In this deal, they net No. 37 (second round), No. 68 (third round) and No. 215 (sixth round). |
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| 25 |
|
Jalon Walker | EDGE | |||
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Walker would give the Texans a much-needed talent upgrade at the linebacker position. |
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| 26 |
|
Emeka Egbuka | WR | |||
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Mock Trade from: LAR The Titans get their new quarterback an NFL-ready vertical threat in Egbuka. The Rams get No. 35 (second round), and a 2026 second-round pick in this trade. |
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| 27 |
|
Jihaad Campbell | LB | |||
|
Mock Trade from: BAL Armed with more ammo after their trade down, the Rams immediately then trade up with Baltimore to get their new quarterback of the defense. In this deal, the always trade-down happy Ravens get No. 35 (second round), No. 90 (third round), and No. 101 (third round). |
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| 28 |
|
Luther Burden III | WR | |||
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Don't let Burden's 2024 stats fool you -- he's a premier receiver prospect with upside galore. |
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| 29 |
|
Donovan Ezeiruaku | EDGE | |||
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More outside pass-rushing help for the Comannders with the bendy and long-armed Ezeiruaku. |
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| 30 |
|
Walter Nolen | DL | |||
|
The Bills pass on the wider Kenneth Grant to stick with what appears to be a theme of the offseason in Buffalo -- get more explosive. |
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| 31 |
|
Grey Zabel | IOL | |||
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Mock Trade from: KC Chiefs GM Brett Veach obtains No. 40 (second round) and No. 71 (third round) from New Orleans in this deal. |
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| 32 |
|
Josh Simmons | OT | |||
|
As usual, Philadelphia plans ahead in the trenches, with the uber-talented but currently injured Simmons to eventually take over for Lane Johnson. |
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| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Cam Ward | QB | |||
|
It's either stay and take Cam Ward or trade out. Is new general manager Mike Borgonzi really going to hitch his wagon to what we've seen from Will Levis so far? |
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| 2 |
|
Abdul Carter | EDGE | |||
|
I believe the Browns would draft Cam Ward if he were available at pick two. If not, the combination of Myles Garrett and Abdul Carter for the next five years is far too enticing to take anyone else at this spot. |
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| 3 |
|
Shedeur Sanders | QB | |||
|
The team that hawked Shedeur Sanders the hardest at the Shrine Bowl gets their potential franchise quarterback. Even if they sign a veteran quarterback, getting a rookie in the fold is still a priority. |
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| 4 |
|
Travis Hunter | ATH | |||
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Sure, the Patriots need a left tackle, but none of the tackles in this class hold a candle to Travis Hunter as a prospect. He immediately becomes Drake Maye's No. 1 receiver with the ability to moonlight on the defensive side of the ball. |
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| 5 |
|
Mason Graham | DL | |||
|
The Jaguars have their edge position locked down, but their interior was a non-factor last season. Mason Graham changes that quickly with one of the more NFL-ready skill sets in the class. |
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| 6 |
|
Ashton Jeanty | RB | |||
|
They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Well, Pete Carroll isn't going to stop prioritizing the running back position just because he took a year away from the NFL. Ashton Jeanty, the best running back prospect since at least Bijan Robinson, immediately gives the Raiders a formidable rushing attack. |
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| 7 |
|
Armand Membou | OT | |||
|
Armand Membou rounds out what is the makings of a tremendous offensive line in New York. With only right tackle being a need, that's where Membou spent three seasons as a starter. |
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| 8 |
|
Jalon Walker | EDGE | |||
|
Jalon Walker can easily play the true 3-4 outside linebacker role the Panthers have in Ejiro Evero's defense. Watching his tape, though, I still want him rushing the passer as much as possible. |
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| 9 |
|
Will Campbell | OT | |||
|
The Saints don't have to go too far to find the missing piece to their offensive line. Will Campbell would slot in at left guard and give New Orleans one of the best run-blocking lines in the NFL. |
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| 10 |
|
Kelvin Banks Jr. | OT | |||
|
Call it overkill if you want, but the Lions got to the top of the NFC under Ben Johnson by continually investing in their offensive line. Kelvin Banks Jr. has three years of starting experience under his belt and can step in right away. |
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| 11 |
|
Shemar Stewart | DL | |||
|
The 49ers defensive line took a massive step back from its Super Bowl form last season. John Lynch isn't going to let that happen much longer. Pairing the freakiest athlete in the class with defensive line coach Kris Kocurek is a tremendous match. |
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| 12 |
|
Tyler Booker | IOL | |||
|
The Cowboys yet again swap out a franchise legend for a rookie first-rounder. But unlike Tyler Guyton a season ago, Tyler Booker hits the ground as one of the most polished offensive line prospects in the class. |
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| 13 |
|
Will Johnson | CB | |||
|
Pairing Will Johnson with Jalen Ramsey would give the Dolphins one of the most physical cornerback duos in the NFL. You'd better bring your lunch pail to face that duo. |
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| 14 |
|
Tyler Warren | TE | |||
|
While Anthony Richardson isn't hurting for weapons, Tyler Warren's versatility makes him an easy choice to join the offense. He will be a value add as a blocker in the run game and has shown to be a weapon on gadget-type plays in Penn State's offense. |
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| 15 |
|
Mike Green | EDGE | |||
|
The Falcons have such an obvious need for edge-rushing talent even after signing Leonard Floyd. They're in luck because the FBS sack leader could fall down boards due to a logjam at the position. |
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| 16 |
|
Kenneth Grant | DL | |||
|
Kenneth Grant is a physical freak who can align anywhere on the interior and still play run or pass. That's a skillset the Cardinals haven't had in the Jonathan Gannon era. |
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| 17 |
|
Mykel Williams | EDGE | |||
|
Mykel Williams just feels like a Bengals edge rusher: oversized, yet unpolished. Sometimes those turn into Carlos Dunlap or Michael Johnson. Other times they're Margus Hunt or Myles Murphy. I'd bet on Williams being closer to the former. |
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| 18 |
|
Tetairoa McMillan | WR | |||
|
A slight fall for Tetairoa McMillan, but that's the nature of what many see as a position that can be found easily on Day 2. McMillan has the kind of easy ball skills and big catch radius with Sam Darnold. |
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| 19 |
|
James Pearce Jr. | EDGE | |||
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James Pearce Jr. has elite juice off the edge. That's something that can be a weapon without even a refined pass-rushing skillset in Todd Bowles scheme from Day 1. |
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| 20 |
|
Jihaad Campbell | LB | |||
|
You want to see the most terrifying front seven in the NFL? Well, it would belong to Denver after nabbing the best all-around linebacker in the draft class to pair with Dre Greenlaw. |
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| 21 |
|
Derrick Harmon | DL | |||
|
Derrick Harmon just feels like a Steeler: a no-nonsense interior defender who can either two-gap or one-gap with relative ease. He would give them a seamless transition plan from the ageless Cam Heyward. |
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| 22 |
|
Colston Loveland | TE | |||
|
Jim Harbaugh isn't likely to pass on his former player when it's such an obvious fit for the Chargers needs. Getting another reliable pass-catcher for Justin Herbert is a must. |
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| 23 |
|
Luther Burden III | WR | |||
|
The Packers buck their trend eschewing first-round wide receivers for a unique talent in Luther Burden III. The injury concerns for Romeo Doubs (concussions) and Christian Watson (ACL) force their hand here. Burden is not only sure-handed, but also a playmaker with the ball in his hands. Green Bay could use both. |
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| 24 |
|
Malaki Starks | S | |||
|
I just can't fathom the Vikings passing on Malaki Starks given how his versatility would play in Brian Flores' defense. The only thing stopping it is general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's track-record with Georgia safeties. |
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| 25 |
|
Josh Simmons | OT | |||
|
Josh Simmons comes with a big injury red flag, but beggars can't be choosers. His first half of the season before tearing his Patellar tendon was as good as anyone else's in the class. |
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| 26 |
|
Emeka Egbuka | WR | |||
|
Emeka Egbuka is the kind of savvy route-runner who would be perfect for the Rams offense. While Les Snead has obviously been able to cobble together production from later-round picks, Egbuka would give Los Angeles an immediately formidable three-deep at the position. |
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| 27 |
|
Donovan Ezeiruaku | EDGE | |||
|
The Ravens invest early in their defensive line pretty much every year. Donovan Ezeiruaku gives them a third-down specialist right out the gate who can win from many different alignments given his bag of tricks. |
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| 28 |
|
Walter Nolen | DL | |||
|
Walter Nolen is a butt-kicker in the run game at the three-tech position. That's the missing link on what is a terrifying Lions defensive line when healthy. |
||||||
| 29 |
|
Matthew Golden | WR | |||
|
The Commanders have done a good job smoothing out their holes via free agency and trades, so they can afford to take a big swing with this pick. The 4.29 40 running Matthew Golden is just that. He would give the Commanders two vertical threats to pair with Deebo Samuel holding things down underneath. |
||||||
| 30 |
|
Nick Emmanwori | S | |||
|
Nick Emmanwori is exactly what the Bills need in their run defense: a rangy safety who can clean up messes left over by an aggressive yet undersized front seven. |
||||||
| 31 |
|
Grey Zabel | IOL | |||
|
Grey Zabel looked like a Day 1 starter on the interior at the Senior Bowl, and that's just what the now Joe Thuney-less Chiefs need. His background at tackle for North Dakota State could help in a pinch as well. |
||||||
| 32 |
|
Charles Grant | OT | |||
|
The Eagles are always forward thinking with their most important positions and this pick typifies that. Charles Grant isn't going to be ready to block NFL edge-rushers Week 1 coming out of William & Mary. But give Grant's freaky traits to offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland and you have Lane Johnson's heir apparent at right tackle. |
||||||
| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Cam Ward | QB | |||
|
To this point in the pre-draft cycle, I have not been convinced that Tennessee is going to take a quarterback No. 1 overall. However, I am starting to sense the winds blowing in that direction, which will quickly allow us to ascertain whether or not Shedeur Sanders is actually falling with a few QB-needy teams in the draft order. |
||||||
| 2 |
|
Abdul Carter | EDGE | |||
|
If Cam Ward is off the board, then Shedeur Sanders will be part of the conversation at No. 2 overall. I do not believe the gap between Sanders and that perceived next group of quarterbacks is wide enough for Cleveland to pass on an opportunity to add a blue-chip talent across from Myles Garrett. |
||||||
| 3 |
|
Travis Hunter | ATH | |||
|
The debate of best player available boils down to Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter Jr., in my opinion. With Carter off the board, New York goes in the direction of Travis Hunter Jr., who could fill either or both cornerback and wide receiver roles for that organization. |
||||||
| 4 |
|
Will Campbell | OT | |||
|
New England signed Morgan Moses in free agency, but still have a hole at left tackle. Will Campbell will be given an opportunity to stick at his natural position despite a lack of ideal length. |
||||||
| 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. |
||||||
| 6 |
|
Tetairoa McMillan | WR | |||
|
Las Vegas made an aggressive move to acquire veteran quarterback Geno Smith, but the collection of pass catchers leaves a lot to be desired. Tetairoa McMillan is a bigger body that does offer some ability to play in the short to intermediate as well. |
||||||
| 7 |
|
Armand Membou | OT | |||
|
Morgan Moses departed in free agency. They set Olu Fashanu at left tackle, Armand Membou at right tackle and hopefully forget about having to address the position for a decade. |
||||||
| 8 |
|
Mykel Williams | EDGE | |||
|
Pat Jones II, D.J. Wonnum and Jadeveon Clowney are a fine group, but there is no high end talent and odds are they will have to address the position again in a year or two anyway. Mykel Williams offers that upside they are seeking. |
||||||
| 9 |
|
Shedeur Sanders | QB | |||
|
Derek Carr is back and that contract is awful, but the Saints may have to cut its losses and embrace the future with Shedeur Sanders next year. |
||||||
| 10 |
|
Ashton Jeanty | RB | |||
|
Chicago has made wholesale additions to its roster, which could allow them to make what would have been considered a luxury selection just a few weeks ago. Ashton Jeanty is a net positive in both the run and pass games, which should take pressure off of young quarterback Caleb Williams. |
||||||
| 11 |
|
Shemar Stewart | DL | |||
|
Most expected Joey Bosa would sign in San Francisco with his brother, but he chose the Bills instead. After releasing Leonard Floyd, pass rusher is one of several needs that have materialized for this franchise. |
||||||
| 12 |
|
Kelvin Banks Jr. | OT | |||
|
Dallas continues stockpiling offensive tackles that could also play offensive guard along its offensive line. Zack Martin retired, which creates a need at guard. Kelvin Banks Jr. will not be Martin in Year 1, but the hope is that he provides stability in that role. |
||||||
| 13 |
|
Nick Emmanwori | S | |||
|
Safety Nick Emmanwori was a top 1% performer at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds. Emmanwori is a bigger body who can play down in the box, but also has the athleticism and range to excel in coverage. Jevon Holland signed a lucrative free agent contract with the Giants. |
||||||
| 14 |
|
Colston Loveland | TE | |||
|
Indianapolis has made it known that Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones will compete for the starting quarterback position. They have invested heavily in that wide receiver room, but make Colston Loveland the face of a newly-renovated tight end room. |
||||||
| 15 |
|
Jalon Walker | EDGE | |||
|
Atlanta signed Leonard Floyd in free agency, but double dip at the edge rusher spot as they add the quick, but undersized Jalon Walker. |
||||||
| 16 |
|
Walter Nolen | DL | |||
|
Arizona continues its investment into the defense with the selection of Walter Nolen. All eyes will be on the former 5-star recruit at his Pro Day after electing not to test in Indianapolis. His draft stock could soar with a strong athletic performance. The Cardinals are hopeful to have two building blocks up front with last year's first-round pick, Darius Robinson, and now Nolen. |
||||||
| 17 |
|
Mike Green | EDGE | |||
|
Cincinnati re-signed defensive tackle B.J. Hill and then signed T.J. Slaton. They drafted Kris Jenkins on Day 2 a year ago. The end result of Trey Hendrickson's trade request will likely be a trade, so the organization needs more opposite Myles Murphy. Mike Green gives them some much needed juice. |
||||||
| 18 |
|
Matthew Golden | WR | |||
|
Seattle released Tyler Lockett and is allowing DK Metcalf to pursue trade opportunities. The future of the Seahawks' wide receiver room lies with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but it is clear that an overhaul of the room is underway. |
||||||
| 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. |
||||||
| 20 |
|
Tyler Warren | TE | |||
|
Everything that Denver has done this offseason has been setting up the possibility of drafting either a tight end or a running back in the first round. Tyler Warren is plucked from a pool that theoretically includes Michigan tight end Colston Loveland, North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. |
||||||
| 21 |
|
Jaxson Dart | QB | |||
|
As of writing this, Pittsburgh has no answer at the quarterback position. They will almost certainly add some level of veteran presence, but desperation could drive them to get in front of other quarterback-needy teams in Round 1. |
||||||
| 22 |
|
Tyler Booker | IOL | |||
|
Los Angeles retained Bradley Bozeman but that will not stop them from adding a fourth first-round draft pick to its offensive line. The Chargers signed Najee Harris this offseason and now turn their attention to filling out the offensive line. |
||||||
| 23 |
|
Derrick Harmon | DL | |||
|
Green Bay's recent first-round draft history heavily skews to the defense outside of Jordan Love. With T.J. Slaton moving on to Cincinnati, the Packers make a move to maintain functional depth along the defensive line. |
||||||
| 24 |
|
Will Johnson | CB | |||
|
To this point, I have maintained that Will Johnson Jr. will answer all concerns teams have of him, but the alternative must be addressed. If he runs a 4.5 seconds 40-yard dash or worse, then Jahdae Barron could overtake him in the cornerback hierarchy, which results in Johnson being available later. |
||||||
| 25 |
|
Josh Simmons | OT | |||
|
Houston taking an offensive lineman in the first round feels like one of the greatest certainties in the draft after trading both Laremy Tunsil and Kenyon Green. The Texans now must reconstruct an offensive line that has been depleted. |
||||||
| 26 |
|
Jahdae Barron | CB | |||
|
Los Angeles has a very young roster, but cornerback remains a position of need. Jahdae Barron is a great player and nickelback is essentially a starting role in today's NFL. However, teams have not yet shown they are comfortable taking a nickel in the top half of the first round. |
||||||
| 27 |
|
James Pearce Jr. | EDGE | |||
|
There have been several rumblings about James Pearce Jr. off-the-field, but Baltimore has a standard and the culture in the locker room makes the Ravens a good landing spot for Pearce. |
||||||
| 28 |
|
Donovan Ezeiruaku | EDGE | |||
|
Za'Darius Smith is gone. Aidan Hutchinson will be returning from a torn ACL. Detroit makes the move to add depth at a premier position after seeing the unit decimated by injuries in 2024. |
||||||
| 29 |
|
Omarion Hampton | RB | |||
|
Washington has addressed multiple needs this offseason, but others remain. Running back may be a luxury pick, but it takes some of the pressure off Jayden Daniels to produce. They no longer have to worry about complementary skillsets to pair with the collection of hammerheads assembled in that room. |
||||||
| 30 |
|
Kenneth Grant | DL | |||
|
Buffalo will almost certainly use its first-round pick on the defensive side of the ball. Kenneth Grant is a good complement to Ed Oliver and gives the Bills much needed depth at an important position. |
||||||
| 31 |
|
Shavon Revel Jr. | CB | |||
|
Kansas City signed Kristian Fulton to play on the boundary, but in an ideal world, they would still add another body to enable Trent McDuffie to move back into the slot full-time. The presence of Fulton allows the franchise to bring Shavon Revel along slowly as he recovers from a serious injury. |
||||||
| 32 |
|
Malaki Starks | S | |||
|
Philadelphia is almost certain not to use its first-round pick on a safety, but there is an outside chance because he is a Georgia Bulldog. Malaki Starks should not be available this late in the first round. He significantly upgrades that room in the wake of the Chauncey Gardner-Johnson trade. |
||||||
| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Cam Ward | QB | |||
|
Mock Trade from: TEN The reports are that the Titans like Cam Ward, but they'll probably like what the desperate Giants will offer them more. After whiffing in free agency, New York trades up to draft its franchise quarterback. |
||||||
| 2 |
|
Abdul Carter | EDGE | |||
|
The Browns traded for Kenny Pickett and seem interested in Kirk Cousins (if he's made available), so they take perhaps the best prospect in this entire class in Abdul Carter. |
||||||
| 3 |
|
Travis Hunter | ATH | |||
|
Mock Trade from: NYG The Titans are more than a quarterback away, so they move back two spots, collect extra draft capital and take a player who can help them on both sides of the ball. |
||||||
| 4 |
|
Tetairoa McMillan | WR | |||
|
The Patriots have spent big in free agency, but most of that money has gone toward the defensive side of the ball. They badly need a playmaker for Drake Maye, and Tetairoa McMillan can be that player. |
||||||
| 5 |
|
Mason Graham | DL | |||
|
I'm sure new head coach Liam Coen wouldn't mind getting some added protection for Trevor Lawrence, but 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. |
||||||
| 6 |
|
Ashton Jeanty | RB | |||
|
The Raiders have their new quarterback in Geno Smith, and now they have perhaps the most dynamic offensive player in the class in Ashton Jeanty. |
||||||
| 7 |
|
Tyler Warren | TE | |||
|
Garrett Wilson is a stud, but the Jets need more in terms of pass-catchers. Tyler Warren gives Justin Fields a do-it-all weapon who will make Fields' job a lot easier. |
||||||
| 8 |
|
Jalon Walker | EDGE | |||
|
Jalon Walker is a linebacker/edge rusher hybrid with the length and athleticism to be a tone-setter on the Panthers defense. |
||||||
| 9 |
|
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. But make no mistake: Johnson is still an elite NFL Draft prospect, and the Saints need to get cheaper and younger on defense. |
||||||
| 10 |
|
Armand Membou | OT | |||
|
The Bears traded for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, and now they add perhaps the best offensive tackle in the class. You can never have too much protection for your franchise quarterback. |
||||||
| 11 |
|
Mike Green | EDGE | |||
|
The 49ers lost three contributors along the defensive line during free agency, so they need to replenish the cupboard. Mike Green gives them an edge rusher who will produce from Day 1. |
||||||
| 12 |
|
Matthew Golden | WR | |||
|
CeeDee Lamb is great, but he can't do it all for the Cowboys passing game. Matthew Golden gives Dallas a speedy, technical wideout who will get open for Dak Prescott. |
||||||
| 13 |
|
Shemar Stewart | DL | |||
|
The Dolphins bet on the upside with Shemar Stewart, who tested like Myles Garrett at the NFL combine but only managed 4.5 career sacks over three seasons in college. |
||||||
| 14 |
|
Will Campbell | OT | |||
|
The Colts get a steal here with Will Campbell. His 77 3/8-inch wingspan is extremely short for NFL offensive tackles, but he's shown the ability to dominate defenders in the SEC week in and week out. Whether he stays at tackle or moves to guard, he'll be a mainstay along the Colts offensive line. |
||||||
| 15 |
|
Mykel Williams | EDGE | |||
|
The Falcons signed Leonard Floyd to a 1-year, $10 million deal in free agency, but they need a younger, more explosive presence on the edge. Mykel Williams is capable of being that player. |
||||||
| 16 |
|
Kelvin Banks Jr. | OT | |||
|
Whether Kelvin Banks Jr. plays guard or tackle, the Cardinals will be happy to have him protecting Kyler Murray and blocking for James Conner. |
||||||
| 17 |
|
Malaki Starks | S | |||
|
Having addressed the interior defensive line in free agency -- and assuming they find a way to keep Trey Hendrickson -- the Bengals can take one of the best players available in big-play safety Malaki Starks. |
||||||
| 18 |
|
Tyler Booker | IOL | |||
|
Tyler Booker didn't have the best NFL combine, but he has all the traits (explosiveness, aggressiveness and leadership) to thrive under Mike Macdonald in Seattle. |
||||||
| 19 |
|
Jihaad Campbell | LB | |||
|
Perfect landing spot for Jihaad Campbell. Not only will he be able to learn how to be an NFL linebacker from consummate pro Lavonte David, but Todd Bowles can also maximize Campbell's pass-rushing chops on passing downs. |
||||||
| 20 |
|
Emeka Egbuka | WR | |||
|
Bo Nix has shown he can play quarterback in the NFL. He just needs more consistency from his receiving corps, which Emeka Egbuka will provide. He was always overshadowed at Ohio State by otherworldly talents, but he's a savvy route runner who just knows how to get open. |
||||||
| 21 |
|
Shedeur Sanders | QB | |||
|
The Steelers are still holding out hope for Aaron Rodgers, but regardless of whether he signs or not, they need a young quarterback to complement him. Shedeur Sanders doesn't have the ceiling of Cam Ward, but he's as tough as they come and makes the right decisions -- two traits that could lead to success with Pittsburgh. |
||||||
| 22 |
|
Colston Loveland | TE | |||
|
Colston Loveland reunites with former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and lands with a talented passer in Justin Herbert who will be thrilled to have a dynamic tight end. |
||||||
| 23 |
|
Derrick Harmon | DL | |||
|
Whether it's stopping the run or getting after opposing quarterbacks, Derrick Harmon will be a disruptor on the defensive interior for the Packers. |
||||||
| 24 |
|
Nick Emmanwori | S | |||
|
The Vikings had a lot of money to spend and spent it well, allowing them to subscribe to a best-player-available approach come draft day. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores could use the ultra-explosive Nick Emmanwori as a chess piece to take his unit to the next level. |
||||||
| 25 |
|
Josh Simmons | OT | |||
|
It would be shocking if the Texans did take an offensive lineman here. And while Josh Simmons is coming off knee surgery, he could end up being the best tackle in the class. |
||||||
| 26 |
|
Jahdae Barron | CB | |||
|
The Rams land 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. |
||||||
| 27 |
|
Donovan Ezeiruaku | EDGE | |||
|
The Ravens have a solid pass-rushing group for 2025, but Kyle Van Noy, Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo are all entering the final years of their contract. Donovan Ezeiruaku has the production (second in FBS with 16.5 sacks last season) and athleticism (fastest three-cone time among edge rushers) to ensure Baltimore has a solid cast of quarterback-hounders for this season and beyond. |
||||||
| 28 |
|
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. |
||||||
| 29 |
|
James Pearce Jr. | EDGE | |||
|
The Commanders did a great job filling their biggest needs via trades and in free agency, and now they address another one with their first draft pick. Over the past two seasons, James Pearce Jr. racked up 28 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. |
||||||
| 30 |
|
Maxwell Hairston | CB | |||
|
With Rasul Douglas still a free agent, the Bills need a No. 2 cornerback. While Maxwell Hairston has a slight frame, he has the speed (combine-leading 4.28-second 40-yard dash time) and ball skills to make an immediate impact in Buffalo's secondary. |
||||||
| 31 |
|
Walter Nolen | DL | |||
|
Tershawn Wharton is gone and Chris Jones isn't getting any younger, so the Chiefs must address the interior of their defensive line. Walter Nolen probably should have been taken earlier than this, as he's an undersized but extremely disruptive interior defender with plenty of room to grow. |
||||||
| 32 |
|
Grey Zabel | IOL | |||
|
General Manager Howie Roseman loves adding to the trenches, and Grey Zabel has played a bunch of different offensive line positions in his career (mostly left tackle at North Dakota State before moving inside during his breakout Senior Bowl performance). He can serve as the replacement for Mekhi Becton, who is now a free agent. |
||||||
| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Abdul Carter | EDGE | |||
|
The Titans said they won't pass on a "generational talent" at the top of the draft, which feels like they won't be going quarterback with the first overall pick. Carter, the 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year who led college football in tackles for loss (24) in 2024, could check that box. Despite combine scans revealing a stress reaction in his right foot, agent Drew Rosenhaus claims Carter will be able to "put on a show at his pro day." After Tennessee released Harold Landry, edge rusher became even more of a need for the Titans. |
||||||
| 2 |
|
Cam Ward | QB | |||
|
The Cleveland Browns desperately need a new quarterback with how historically awful the Deshaun Watson trade and extension turned out for them. That's why they take the 2024 Davey O'Brien winner, awarded to college football's best quarterback, second overall. Nothing happened at the combine to alter Ward's QB1 status in this draft class. |
||||||
| 3 |
|
Shedeur Sanders | QB | |||
|
Yours truly saw New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, general manager Joe Schoen, assistant general manager Brandon Brown and assistant director of player personnel Dennis Hickey go out of their way to chat with Sanders in the lobby of the player hotel after the opening practice of the East-West Shrine Bowl. Either it's the biggest smokescreen ever, or the Giants are in love with Sanders. At this stage of the point process, let's go with their feelings being real as they look to find someone to build around at the game's most important position post-Daniel Jones. |
||||||
| 4 |
|
Travis Hunter | ATH | |||
|
The New England Patriots could use some help along their offensive line and wide receiver positions. Their wide receiver position group's collective 1,723 yards receiving ranked dead last in the NFL, so they scoop up Hunter and make him a full-time receiver, a move that could increase his productivity simply by decreasing the workload of being a two-way player. Drake Maye gets a No. 1 wide receiver to grow alongside. |
||||||
| 5 |
|
Mason Graham | DL | |||
|
The Jaguars defense was one of the worst in football a season ago, ranking bottom five in the league in numerous metrics. Jacksonville has two solid edge rushers in Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, but it needs a difference-maker in the middle of the defensive line. New general manager James Gladstone knows how crucial that is after coming over from the Los Angeles Rams. That's why unanimous All-American defensive tackle Mason Graham is the pick here. |
||||||
| 6 |
|
Ashton Jeanty | RB | |||
|
New Raiders head coach Pete Carroll is recreating the Seattle Seahawks in Las Vegas. Geno Smith is his quarterback once again after the Raiders sent a 2025 third-round pick the Seahawks' way. Now, he drafts his new Marshawn Lynch in Jeanty, a true bell cow fresh off rushing for the second-most yards in D-I history (2,601, just 28 yards behind Barry Sanders' all-time record). |
||||||
| 7 |
|
Will Campbell | OT | |||
|
The Jets have an opening at left tackle with Tyron Smith hitting free agency, and they decide to fill it with the draft's best offensive line prospect in LSU's Will Campbell. Yes, they did use their first-round pick last year (11th overall) on Penn State left tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu, but now New York has two bookend tackles to support the team's next QB. |
||||||
| 8 |
|
Tetairoa McMillan | WR | |||
|
Yes, the Carolina Panthers had the NFL's worst defense in 2024. However, head coach Dave Canales bangs the table to give Bryce Young a true, No. 1 wide receiver, so they select Tetairoa McMillan, the draft's top prospect at the position. |
||||||
| 9 |
|
Jalon Walker | EDGE | |||
|
The Saints defense struggled mightily in 2024, ranking 30th in total defense (379.9 total yards per game allowed) and 31st in rushing yards per game allowed (141.4). Drafting the 2025 class' No. 2 edge rusher prospect, Georgia's Jalon Walker, who won the 2024 Butkus Award as college football's best linebacker, should help. |
||||||
| 10 |
|
Armand Membou | OT | |||
|
A critical factor of new Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson's success as the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator was having a dominant offensive line. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams needs help after getting sacked 68 times as a rookie, tied for the third-most sacks taken ever in a single season. Yes, they've traded for Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney, but here they still add at OL with Thuney already well into his 30s. That's why the Bears take Membou, who tested off the charts at the NFL Scouting Combine. |
||||||
| 11 |
|
Will Johnson | CB | |||
|
Top cornerback Charvarius Ward is set to become an unrestricted free agent, and the 49ers need a legit CB1 with all the receiver talent out in the NFC West: Puka Nacua, Marvin Harrison Jr., Davante Adams and Jaxon Smith-Njigba come to mind. Will Johnson, whose 31.0 passer rating when targeted was the second best in college football since 2022 (minimum 100 targets), fills a big need. |
||||||
| 12 |
|
Shemar Stewart | DL | |||
|
Shemar Stewart is a physical marvel at 6-foot-6, 290 pounds, and his mobility at that size creates a major advantage for him. He tested comparably to fellow Aggie Myles Garrett at the combine, which boosted his draft stock. He possesses elite power as a result and a nice get off at the snap. The Cowboys need an heir apparent to DeMarcus Lawrence on the edge of their defense line, and now they have one. |
||||||
| 13 |
|
Tyler Warren | TE | |||
|
Tyler Warren could help boost the Dolphins' offense in both the run game as a blocker and in the passing game as a target over the middle for Tua Tagovailoa. He's the 2024 John Mackey Award winner as college football's top tight end, and he is the only college football player since 2017 with at least 30 snaps at out at tight end, out wide, in the slot, in the backfield and at quarterback in a season, per CBS Sports Research. Head coach Mike McDaniel could have his own George Kittle down in South Florida. |
||||||
| 14 |
|
Kelvin Banks Jr. | OT | |||
|
The Colts could have hole at right guard with Will Fries set to become a free agent, so they select Kelvin Banks, the 2024 Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy winner. He could line up at tackle or guard for Indianapolis depending on how they handle free agency. |
||||||
| 15 |
|
Mykel Williams | EDGE | |||
|
The Falcons have never drafted someone out of the University of Georgia in the first round, but they do so out of necessity here. Atlanta racked up the second-fewest sacks (31.0) and generated the third-lowest quarterback pressure rate (28.6%) in the entire NFL last season. The acquisition of Matt Judon (5.5 sacks in 17 games) was a bust. Time for the Falcons to shore up their defensive front. |
||||||
| 16 |
|
Mike Green | EDGE | |||
|
The Cardinals need a difference-maker on the front line of their defense, and selecting college football's 2024 sacks leader in Mike Green (17.0 sacks) should help. |
||||||
| 17 |
|
Walter Nolen | DL | |||
|
The Bengals need to address their defensive line with B.J. Hill set to hit the open market and Trey Hendrickson given permission to seek a trade. That's why they pick 2024 consensus All-American defensive tackle Walter Nolen. Many teams will try to mimic the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles' build-through-the-trenches model, and that's what Cincy does here. Nolen's 91.6 PFF run defense grade was the second highest by a defensive tackle in college football last season. |
||||||
| 18 |
|
Matthew Golden | WR | |||
|
Matthew Golden dominated at the combine and significantly raised his draft stock. He ran the fastest 40-yard dash of all the wide receivers with 4.29, the only one under 4.30. Golden doesn't drop the ball, and he can thrive in short and intermediate areas, meaning he can complement any fellow receiver's skill set nicely. Golden's speed shows he can also be a burner deep, an element that is needed with DK Metcalf now on the Pittsburgh Steelers. |
||||||
| 19 |
|
Jihaad Campbell | LB | |||
|
Buccaneers defensive pillar Lavonte David is 35 years old. Yes, he did re-sign on a one-year deal, but Tampa Bay drafts his replacement. The 2024 first-team All-SEC linebacker's 117 tackles last season were the most in a season at Alabama since current Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans' 126 in 2003. |
||||||
| 20 |
|
Kenneth Grant | DL | |||
|
The selection of Grant beefs up what's already a dominant, top-five defense in Denver. He's disruptive as a pass rusher with 10 passes defended across the last two seasons, tied for the most by a collegiate defensive lineman since 2023. This selection allows for the Broncos to replace pending free agent defensive tackle D.J. Jones. |
||||||
| 21 |
|
Omarion Hampton | RB | |||
|
North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton crushed the combine and firmly established himself as the 2025 NFL Draft's RB2 behind Ashton Jeanty. He registered a 9.93 Relative Athletic Score out of a possible 10.00, which is the 14th best out of 1,909 running back prospects from 1987 to 2025. Pittsburgh likely lets Najee Harris walk in free agency, and then it selects Hampton to be the new lead back. |
||||||
| 22 |
|
Colston Loveland | TE | |||
|
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh once called Michigan tight end Colston Loveland the Wolverines' version of Travis Kelce. His squad needs receiving help, and Will Dissly isn't really moving the needle as a pass catcher these days. Loveland accounted for 34.7% of Michigan's team receiving yards last season, the highest among Power Four tight ends. The Chargers continue beefing up their offensive ecosystem around QB Justin Herbert here. |
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| 23 |
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Jahdae Barron | CB | |||
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The Packers need cornerback help. No. 1 corner Jaire Alexander could easily be on another team by the end of the month, and 2021 first-round pick corner Eric Stokes didn't pan out and is set to become a free agent. Barron won the 2024 Jim Thorpe Award as college football's best defensive back, and he had a 91.3 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus, the second best by a cornerback in the nation. He'll help patch up Green Bay's secondary in a hurry. |
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| 24 |
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Nick Emmanwori | S | |||
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Harrison Smith is 36, and Cam Bynum is set to become a free agent. The Vikings need an injection of youth at the position, so why not the 2025 class' combine standout? South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori hit a perfect 10.0 out of 10.0 after he ran a 4.38 in the 40 while recording 43 inches in the vertical jump and 11-foot-6 in the broad jump with a stature of 6-foot-3, 220 pounds. He can be a fine successor to Smith. |
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| 25 |
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Emeka Egbuka | WR | |||
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Stefon Diggs is off to the open market and fresh off a torn ACL. Yes, the Texans traded for Christian Kirk, but he's only on a one-year deal. Plus, Tank Dell has struggled to stay healthy. The Buckeyes all-time leader in catches (205) has dependable hands and a full route tree, so he should provide another capable pass-catcher for C.J. Stroud, his former college QB. |
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| 26 |
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Derrick Harmon | DL | |||
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The Rams came up just short against the Eagles in the playoffs, so they continue to beef up their defensive line in an effort to keep up with the champs. Harmon was one of the best at pressuring the quarterback at the defensive tackle on the FBS level, and he ran a 40-yard dash in 4.95 seconds. That will work alongside 2024 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse. |
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| 27 |
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Tyler Booker | IOL | |||
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The Ravens could use reinforcements on their offensive line with Ronnie Stanley and Patrick Mekari set to become free agents. Tyler Booker is the draft's top guard prospect, and he doesn't even turn 21 until April 12. Only allowing two career sacks at Alabama in 38 games, 27 starts, Booker could protect Lamar Jackson for a long time. |
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| 28 |
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James Pearce Jr. | EDGE | |||
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The Detroit Lions were absolutely decimated by injuries along their defensive line in 2024, so they grab Pearce, a two-time first-team All-SEC player who led the conference in tackles for loss (28) and quarterback pressures (107) across the last two seasons. |
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| 29 |
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Donovan Ezeiruaku | EDGE | |||
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With Dante Fowler Jr., Washington's 2024 sacks leader with 10.5, hitting free agency, the Commanders need to acquire a young edge rusher. Donovan Ezeiruaku, the 2024 ACC Defensive Player of the Year whose 16.5 sacks were the second most in the nation, could be nice fit. He showcased a steady dose of explosion off the ball at the combine. The consensus All-American will fit in nicely with the NFC runner-ups. |
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| 30 |
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Maxwell Hairston | CB | |||
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Maxwell Hairston lit up the combine with a 4.28 40-yard dash and a nearly 40-inch vertical (39.5 inches). He would also fit well in head coach Sean McDermott's scheme. Buffalo is set to lose Rasul Douglas in free agency, and the Bills can replace him with even greater athleticism. |
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| 31 |
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Josh Simmons | OT | |||
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The Philadelphia Eagles exposed the Kansas City Chiefs' offensive tackles in Super Bowl LIX. Trading away All-Pro guard Joe Thuney didn't help the Chiefs' offensive line, either. Josh Simmons had a torn patellar tendon cut his 2024 season short after starting six games at left tackle for Ohio State last season. If not for the injury, he could have been drafted a lot higher. Simmons allowed just one QB pressure and no sacks on 152 pass-blocking snaps last season, which was good for the lowest pressure rate allowed (0.7%) by any tackle with at least 100 pass block snaps. Kansas City gets a steal here. |
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| 32 |
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Nic Scourton | EDGE | |||
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It's going to be hard for the Super Bowl LIX champion Philadelphia Eagles to retain both Josh Sweat and Milton Williams, so they draft a reinforcement in Nic Scourton. He's 6-4, 285 pounds with a strong spin move while also being solid against the run. His 29 tackles for loss since 2023 are tied for the eighth most in the country, and he'll be 20 years old on draft night. A young, athletic edge with untapped potential is definitely a prospect the Eagles will snap up in a hurry. |
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