| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 |
Cam Ward | QB | |||
|
Cam Ward would've likely been no better than QB5 in last year's draft class, but he's QB1 in 2024. Teams had a late Day 2/Day 3 grade on him over the summer, but he's made big strides this season; he's playing more from the pocket, he's getting the ball out on time and he's doing a better job of getting through his reads. We know about the athleticism and arm strength, but he's gotten better each year he's been in college, too. |
||||||
| 2 |
 |
Shedeur Sanders | QB | |||
|
Good luck finding someone tougher than Shedeur Sanders. He'll stand in the pocket and take 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 has to do with Colorado's inconsistent offensive line. |
||||||
| 3 |
 |
Travis Hunter | ATH | |||
|
Travis Hunter is the best athlete -- and the best player -- in this draft class. We've had otherworldly cornerbacks and wide receivers in previous classes, but he's a twofer, able to dominate on both sides of the ball and take over games. The big question: where will the team that drafts him want him to play? And if it's, say, at cornerback, how big will be the package of offensive plays for Hunter? Because lining up for 120 snaps a game, like he's done for the Buffs, isn't sustainable in the NFL. |
||||||
| 4 |
 |
Mason Graham | DL | |||
|
My comp for Mason Graham over the summer was Christian Wilkins. My co-host on the "With the First Pick" podcast, Rick Spielman, took it a step further and said Quinnen Williams. Wherever you land, Graham is a special talent who headlines a deep defensive line class. |
||||||
| 5 |
 |
Abdul Carter | EDGE | |||
|
Abdul Carter is a freakish athlete who moved from off-ball linebacker to edge rusher for the 2024 season. Carter is not Micah Parsons -- not yet, anyway -- but he's just scratching the surface on what he can do. |
||||||
| 6 |
 |
Kelvin Banks Jr. | OT | |||
|
Kelvin Banks Jr. was my OT1 over the summer and nothing's changed. He's athletic, has good feet, plays with balance and power and uses his hands well. He's better in passpro than the run right now, but it's close -- and he's only going to get better. |
||||||
| 7 |
 |
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 had his struggles with Jared Verse in 2023 (who didn't), and the formidable South Carolina front four gave him trouble at times this season. But he held his own against Arkansas' Landon Jackson, who will be a high-round pick in April. |
||||||
| 8 |
 |
Will Johnson | CB | |||
|
Will Johnson was my No. 1 player over the summer and he remains a top-10 talent. He battled a toe injury that sidelined him for much of the second half of the 2024 season, but when he's healthy, he's one of the best defenders in college football; there's a reason the easy comp for him is Patrick Surtain II. |
||||||
| 9 |
 |
Mykel Williams | EDGE | |||
|
Georgia has a history of producing insane athletes, and Mykel Williams may end up being the best of the group. He's a first-round talent all day long, and he could end up being one of the first defenders off the board in April. |
||||||
| 10 |
 |
Nic Scourton | EDGE | |||
|
Nic Scourton is a power rusher who will long-arm you into the stands. He'll also flash an inside spin move that puts OTs on their heels. Add the non-stop motor with which he plays, and it's hard not to love his game. My podcast co-host, Rick Spielman, calls him a more athletic Keion White. |
||||||
| 11 |
 |
Malaki Starks | S | |||
|
Put aside for the moment that Malaki Starks is an elite athlete who can line up anywhere in the secondary; he's also one of the smartest players on the field, and that combination is what makes him a top-10 talent. |
||||||
| 12 |
 |
Jalon Walker | EDGE | |||
|
Jalon Walker is listed as an off-ball linebacker, but he can line up anywhere ... and wreak havoc from anywhere. Very interested to see how NFL teams plan to use him at the next level. |
||||||
| 13 |
 |
Tetairoa McMillan | WR | |||
|
Tetairoa McMillan is 6-foot-5, but he 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. |
||||||
| 14 |
 |
Ashton Jeanty | RB | |||
|
Is Ashton Jeanty a luxury pick? That depends; were 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. |
||||||
| 15 |
 |
Josh Simmons | OT | |||
|
A San Diego State transfer where he played right tackle, Josh Simmons was a pleasant surprise in Columbus, Ohio, 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, I fully expect Simmons to draw some first-round consideration, even if he might need a year or two of seasoning. |
||||||
| 16 |
 |
James Pearce Jr. | EDGE | |||
|
James Pearce Jr. is a juiced-up, twitchy edge rusher who can win with the bull rush or speed around the edge. He plays with a non-stop motor and with the type of freakish athleticism that can match the Jalen Milroe-type QBs in the pocket. |
||||||
| 17 |
 |
Kenneth Grant | DL | |||
|
Kenneth Grant is a really good athlete for his size -- and he has a knack for getting his hands up in the passing lane and knocking the ball down. He moves well laterally, as he has a surprisingly quick first step with good hand usage to shoot gaps and be disruptive in the backfield. For me, he's more explosive and consistent than Kris Jenkins, his former teammate and Bengals second-round pick in 2024. |
||||||
| 18 |
 |
Deone Walker | DL | |||
|
Deone Walker consistently wins with heavy hands at the snap as a pass rusher -- both long and powerful, which makes him a nightmare no matter where he lines up (and Kentucky used him everywhere). He will play too high at times against the run, but was more consistent in that area in 2023, so he's certainly capable of dominating in the run game, too. Plus, you don't find many guys this size this athletic. |
||||||
| 19 |
 |
Colston Loveland | TE | |||
|
Colston Loveland is listed at 6-foot-5 and 237 pounds, and while he runs like he's 185, he plays like he's 260. 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. |
||||||
| 20 |
 |
Shemar Stewart | DL | |||
|
For an edge rusher, Shemar Stewart is enormous. He'll play too high at times, but can collapse the pocket with his size/power/strength. He has a quick first step, even for his size, and 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. |
||||||
| 21 |
 |
Aireontae Ersery | OT | |||
|
Aireontae Ersery allowed just one sack all season. I love his athleticism, his ability to throw guys out of the club consistently, and while he's better against run than pass right now, he has all the traits NFL teams look for in a tackle. |
||||||
| 22 |
 |
Shavon Revel Jr. | CB | |||
|
Shavon Revel tore his ACL in October, and he hasn't played since. But his tape is a lot of fun; his track background shows up on tape, as does his length. He'll play with physicality at the line in man coverage and is a fluid mover in space. He's not the shutdown corner of, say, Sauce Gardner when he came out, or as physical as Joey Porter Jr. (and maybe that's a good thing), but he's a nice mix of both in terms of size and play style. |
||||||
| 23 |
 |
Tyler Warren | TE | |||
|
Tyler Warren has accounted for roughly 75% of Penn State's offense (we're ballparking that, don't quote us) 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. |
||||||
| 24 |
 |
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 he doesn't need them. He can struggle against the run if he plays too high, but when he's locked in he's a game-wrecker -- Harmon had 40 pressures on the season, including eight(!) against Boise State. |
||||||
| 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 290 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. |
||||||
| 26 |
 |
Luther Burden III | WR | |||
|
The numbers don't blow you away (66 catches for 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 QB play at Mizzou was inconsistent in 2024, but there's a reason he had 86 receptions for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns in 2023. |
||||||
| 27 |
 |
Jahdae Barron | CB | |||
|
This may sound rich but, at times, Jahdae Barron flashes in a way that reminds me of Brian Branch; 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. |
||||||
| 28 |
 |
T.J. Sanders | DL | |||
|
He's a better pass rusher than run stuffer right now, but wherever you line him up (and South Carolina used him everywhere), he's playing every snap with his hair on fire. He'll collapse the pocket when he's playing over the center, and he uses his hands well when coming off the edge with a head of steam. |
||||||
| 29 |
 |
Landon Jackson | EDGE | |||
|
This is going to sound nuts, but watch a handful of Landon Jackson's pass-rush snaps and you'll see some T.J. Watt (remember, Watt somehow lasted until the end of Round 1). At other times, you'll see the consistency of Anthony Nelson, which is pretty good, too. Either way, Jackson plays with heavy hands and the power you'd come to expect from a 270-pound edge rusher (even though Arkansas lined him up everywhere), as well as the juice you might not be expecting. |
||||||
| 30 |
 |
Omarr Norman-Lott | DL | |||
|
Sweet mercy, Omarr Norman-Lott is juiced up coming off the ball. Explosive is probably the best way to describe him; he's listed at 305 pounds but moves like he's 50 pounds lighter, plays with a relentless motor, is as close to sideline-to-sideline as you'll find in a defensive linemen, and we get Braden Fiske-hustle vibes when watching him -- except Norman-Lott may be a better overall athlete. |
||||||
| 31 |
 |
Jack Sawyer | EDGE | |||
|
Jack Sawyer is listed at 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds and is coming off a five-sack 2024 season that includes 28 hurries. Used almost exclusively off the edge for the Buckeyes, he flashes the speed-to-power of a first-round pass rusher who is also stout setting the edge in the run game. |
||||||
| 32 |
 |
Emeka Egbuka | WR | |||
|
Emeka Egbuka is a big-bodied, fluid mover with natural hands, good contact balance and the ability to run through arm tackles. He gets in and out of breaks with urgency and has yards-after-catch ability. He's not a finesse player but more of a bruiser. When you talk about "big slots," this is what you mean. I think he has some Amon-Ra St. Brown in his game. |
||||||
| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Shedeur Sanders | QB | |||
|
The Raiders would probably love this scenario playing out, landing Sanders with the No. 1 pick. And it seems like Sanders would love to start his career in Las Vegas. |
||||||
| 2 |
|
Cam Ward | QB | |||
|
The Giants have no choice but to go with a quarterback with this selection, and Ward has demonstrated steady growth as a signal-caller in his long collegiate career. |
||||||
| 3 |
|
Travis Hunter | ATH | |||
|
What a boon this would be for the Patriots, landing Hunter at No. 3 overall to give the offense a dynamic receiving option who doubles as a sticky, instinctive cornerback. |
||||||
| 4 |
|
Will Johnson | CB | |||
|
The Jaguars did extend Tyson Campbell before the season, but this is a defense that needs more talented defensive backs. Johnson has looked like a top-10 type since his early days at Michigan. |
||||||
| 5 |
|
Tetairoa McMillan | WR | |||
|
Back-to-back first-round receivers for Bryce Young. McMillan is a Tee Higgins type with ridiculous above-the-rim ball skills. Plus, he's sneaky impressive after the catch. |
||||||
| 6 |
|
Malaki Starks | S | |||
|
This may seem too early for a safety, yet Starks has looked NFL-ready for two full seasons now. If he tests as well as expected, it wouldn't be nuts for the Titans to select him here. |
||||||
| 7 |
|
Jalen Milroe | QB | |||
|
This would be reasonably bold from the Browns, no doubt, as Milroe isn't close to being a finished product. However, he did demonstrate legitimate progression in his game in each of the last two seasons and has All-Pro upside. |
||||||
| 8 |
|
Kelvin Banks Jr. | OT | |||
|
The Jets make the prudent decision to select Banks to build the offensive line with more youthful talent. |
||||||
| 9 |
|
Abdul Carter | EDGE | |||
|
There's some Micah Parsons to Carter's game, as he can range toward the sideline on run plays and win around the edge with fierceness at the point of attack or bending/dipping around offensive tackles. |
||||||
| 10 |
|
Emeka Egbuka | WR | |||
|
With plenty of uncertainty surrounding the football-playing future of Chris Olave given his vast concussion history, the Saints have to add another high-caliber receiving talent to the offense. |
||||||
| 11 |
|
Wyatt Milum | OT | |||
|
The Dolphins know Terron Armstead doesn't have years and years left in his NFL career. Milum looks like an NFL blocker today and, with him and 2024 second-round pick Patrick Paul, they'd have their tackles of the future on offense. |
||||||
| 12 |
|
Luther Burden III | WR | |||
|
While the 2024 season wasn't as dynamic as expected from Burden, he pieced together three-straight high-caliber seasons as the clear No. 1 receiver for the Tigers offense in the SEC. |
||||||
| 13 |
|
Nic Scourton | EDGE | |||
|
The Bengals desperately need more pass-rushing juice beyond Trey Hendrickson. Scourton can play inside and out and win on three downs thanks to his advanced skill set of hand work and power. |
||||||
| 14 |
|
Ashton Jeanty | RB | |||
|
No way Jerry Jones will be able to resist selecting Jeanty here, even though Rico Dowdle has been a formidable threat on the ground these last few games. |
||||||
| 15 |
|
James Pearce Jr. | EDGE | |||
|
Pearce looks like a top-15 pick, and the 49ers make him one here. He's long, explosive, deceptively powerful and put together two magnificent seasons in the SEC. He's the running mate Nick Bosa needs. |
||||||
| 16 |
|
Mykel Williams | EDGE | |||
|
The Falcons stay close to home with this selection, and while Williams never improved his efficiency at Georgia, he is arguably the biggest physical freak on the defensive front in this class. |
||||||
| 17 |
|
Derrick Harmon | DL | |||
|
Harmon has been a colossal disruptor on the Oregon defense this season. Yes, the Cardinals need outside pass-rush help. They also could use more push from the interior. |
||||||
| 18 |
|
LT Overton | DL | |||
|
Overton is an oversized edge rusher who burst onto the scene this year at Alabama. He'd give the Seahawks a true three-down defensive end to what has become a formidable front. |
||||||
| 19 |
|
Princely Umanmielen | EDGE | |||
|
Umanmielen is a chiseled but reasonably explosive and bendy rusher who'd be a welcomed addition to the Chargers group that has leaned on veterans Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa for a while now. |
||||||
| 20 |
|
Jalon Walker | EDGE | |||
|
The Buccaneers get a do-everything front seven player who can boost the pass rush and help the off-ball linebacker group play with more speed to the football. |
||||||
| 21 |
|
Colston Loveland | TE | |||
|
The Rams are a team you can typically count on to make a surprise selection early. Despite being a team that loves utilizing three-receiver sets as much as anyone, Los Angeles picks a high-upside receiving tight end for Matthew Stafford. |
||||||
| 22 |
|
Aireontae Ersery | OT | |||
|
The Commanders get a long-term answer at left tackle for Jayden Daniels. |
||||||
| 23 |
|
Tyler Warren | TE | |||
|
This would be the first time the first round featured two tight ends since 2019, and Warren would provide Bo Nix with a serious receiving threat down the seam. |
||||||
| 24 |
|
Mason Graham | DL | |||
|
Graham and Nnamdi Madubuike would be quite the ferocious interior tandem on Baltimore's defensive front. |
||||||
| 25 |
|
Tyler Booker | IOL | |||
|
Watch a Texans game, and you'll first notice how shoddy the interior of the offensive line is. Booker is the best pure offensive guard in this class. |
||||||
| 26 |
|
Jahdae Barron | CB | |||
|
A cornerback partner for Joey Porter Jr. in Pittsburgh. Barron has excelled on an island this season at Texas. |
||||||
| 27 |
|
Shavon Revel Jr. | CB | |||
|
The Packers could be enticed by the long-term upside of the lengthy and athletic Revel from East Carolina. |
||||||
| 28 |
|
T.J. Sanders | DL | |||
|
Sanders has been a havoc-wreaking interior player for South Carolina this season and has an NFL-ready frame. |
||||||
| 29 |
|
Ashton Gillotte | EDGE | |||
|
The Bills plan for the future at edge rusher with Gillotte, who's been borderline unblockable around the corner the past two seasons for the Cardinals. |
||||||
| 30 |
|
Mike Green | DL | |||
|
Green was a ridiculous producer the past two seasons at Marshall, especially in 2024, when he tallied 17 sacks and 23 tackles for loss. The Eagles continue to add to their defensive line, as usual. |
||||||
| 31 |
|
Walter Nolen | DL | |||
|
The Lions add more beef to the interior of their defensive front with the surging Nolen, who was tremendous inside at Ole Miss in 2024. |
||||||
| 32 |
|
Josh Simmons | OT | |||
|
At his size, with his length and athletic flashes, Simmons has All-Pro upside, and the Chiefs have had an offensive tackle problem for a while now. |
||||||
| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Shedeur Sanders | QB | |||
|
Shedeur Sanders has been pining for the Raiders on his Instagram, and the fit makes too much sense. His game has shown improvement from a season ago, as he's been far more consistent on a weekly basis. He may not be the same caliber of prospect as we saw at the top of the draft a year ago, but need wins out for the Raiders. |
||||||
| 2 |
|
Cam Ward | QB | |||
|
Cam Ward is the complete opposite end of the aggressiveness spectrum from Daniel Jones. That will be a sight for sore eyes for Giants fans. His top-tier arm talent will pair perfectly with the likes of Malik Nabers. |
||||||
| 3 |
|
Travis Hunter | ATH | |||
|
Travis Hunter could be Drake Maye's new WR1 or team up with Christian Gonzalez for a no-fly zone. (Or both!) That's why he's the favorite to be the first non-quarterback selected come April. |
||||||
| 4 |
|
Abdul Carter | EDGE | |||
|
I see only a few true blue-chip prospects in this class, and Carter is one of them. His twitch is remarkable for a man his size. The Panthers simply need any talent they can get at this point -- especially on the defensive side of the ball. |
||||||
| 5 |
|
Will Campbell | OT | |||
|
Is Will Campbell a guard or a tackle? Well, he's a darn good offensive lineman, and the Jaguars desperately need that, especially with Trevor Lawrence's injury woes. |
||||||
| 6 |
|
Tetairoa McMillan | WR | |||
|
Tetairoa McMillan is a true X-receiver. He can run the routes on the outside that Calvin Ridley has been struggling with this season. The 6-foot-5 wideout put up more than 1,300 yards in each of the past two seasons for the Wildcats. |
||||||
| 7 |
|
Mason Graham | DL | |||
|
You can't force a franchise quarterback, so after Sanders and Ward are off the board, the Jets should look elsewhere. Pairing Mason Graham with Quinnen Williams will make sure opposing AFC East quarterbacks will never know peace. |
||||||
| 8 |
|
Mykel Williams | EDGE | |||
|
The Jaguars drafted their big-play receiver last spring in Brian Thomas Jr.; now they need a more reliable possession receiver. McMillan fits that description perfectly. He's got absurd ball skills to haul in targets anywhere in his vicinity. That will pair perfectly with how Trevor Lawrence plays quarterback. |
||||||
| 9 |
|
Ashton Jeanty | RB | |||
|
I don't see the record-breaking running back making it outside the top-10 come April. He's an even more complete back than Bijan Robinson was coming out of Texas. Pairing him with Caleb Williams would lead to one terrifying run game in Chicago. |
||||||
| 10 |
|
Will Johnson | CB | |||
|
The Saints gave away their shutdown corner in Marshon Lattimore at the trade deadline, and now they find his replacement. Will Johnson is a big, physical outside corner who's gone toe-to-toe with some of college football's best the past two seasons and won every matchup. |
||||||
| 11 |
|
Jalon Walker | EDGE | |||
|
The Bengals look primed to make a change at defensive coordinator this offseason, and whomever takes over is likely to want more flexibility from their defensive linemen than what the Bengals have. Jalon Walker provides them just that, as he can rush the passer at a high level and play off-ball linebacker. |
||||||
| 12 |
|
Malaki Starks | S | |||
|
Malaki Starks is one of the cleaner safety prospects you'll ever see. He can cover like a corner and tackle like a linebacker. There's not a lot of holes in his game. It may not be a high-value position, but the Cowboys defense just needs good players at this point. |
||||||
| 13 |
|
Kelvin Banks Jr. | OT | |||
|
Kelvin Banks Jr. is the kind of athletic offensive lineman who Mike McDaniel would covet highly. He does his best work out in space finding defenders. He could start at guard and be the eventual replacement for Terron Armstead at left tackle. |
||||||
| 14 |
|
Derrick Harmon | DL | |||
|
Few have improved their stock as much as Derrick Harmon this fall. He went from 20 pressures a season ago for Michigan State to 50 pressures for Oregon this year. He can play any alignment on the Colts interior to shore up their run defense. |
||||||
| 15 |
|
James Pearce Jr. | EDGE | |||
|
Atlanta's pass-rush has been one of the worst in the NFL this season. James Pearce Jr. can change that early on. He's a lightning rod coming off the edge who can be a weapon on stunts. |
||||||
| 16 |
|
Shemar Stewart | DL | |||
|
Shemar Stewart is a wound-up, jumbo defensive end who has inside-outside versatility at the next level. Pairing him with last year's first-rounder, Darius Robinson, would give the Cardinals two players in such a mold, which would go a long way for their run defense. |
||||||
| 17 |
|
Aireontae Ersery | OT | |||
|
The 49ers offensive line is dangerously thin. We've seen that when Trent Williams has been forced to miss time this year. Aireontae Ersery could very well be the left tackle in waiting for the 49ers going forward as he's shown improvement in all three years as a starter. |
||||||
| 18 |
|
Colston Loveland | TE | |||
|
How do you take the Rams offense into the stratosphere? Give Matthew Stafford yet another reliable target who can get open on his own. Colston Loveland is a true separator at the tight end position -- a prerequisite for a first-rounder. |
||||||
| 19 |
|
Luther Burden III | WR | |||
|
Luther Burden III isn't a polished product, but he's the kind of athlete who can make an immediate impact nonetheless. He is a load to bring down with the ball in his hands and can glide away from corners with ease on one-cut routes. He can fill the shoes of impending free agent Chris Godwin for the Bucs. |
||||||
| 20 |
|
Mike Green | DL | |||
|
Mike Green is a tailor-made athlete for Dan Quinn's defense. He's a loose and flexible athlete to deploy off the edge. In his first year as a starter, he's been darn-near unblockable for the Thundering Herd with an FBS-leading 17 sacks. |
||||||
| 21 |
|
Tyler Warren | TE | |||
|
Tyler Warren is a man amongst boys at the collegiate level. More importantly for the Chargers: he's reliable. Warren has been the focal point of the Penn State passing attack all season and could do the same for Justin Herbert in the league. |
||||||
| 22 |
|
LT Overton | DL | |||
|
While the Broncos would love another wide receiver for Bo Nix, that would be a considerable reach at this point. Instead, they bolster their already dynamic pass-rush by adding a versatile lineman in LT Overton. He's been able to win as a pass-rusher from both the interior or on the outside in a breakout junior season. |
||||||
| 23 |
|
Kenneth Grant | DL | |||
|
Head coach Mike McDonald is known for his heavy rotations along the defensive line. With both Jarran Reed and Johnathan Hankins hitting free agency, Seattle may opt to bolster the interior of its defensive line in Round 1 for the second straight season. Kenneth Grant is a bit of a project, but he possesses high-end tools to develop at the position. |
||||||
| 24 |
|
Deone Walker | DL | |||
|
While Deone Walker had a little bit of a disappointing junior campaign, you can't teach 6-foot-6, 345-pound men to move the way he does. The Ravens have a strong track record of developing talent in the trenches, and if Walker hits his ceiling, he'll be an All-Pro. |
||||||
| 25 |
|
Walter Nolen | DL | |||
|
Walter Nolen can really reset the line of scrimmage on the interior. While he's only scratching the surface of what he can be as a pass-rusher, he can still push the pocket. That's something the Texans would love to add to the fold with their dynamic duo off the edge. |
||||||
| 26 |
|
Shavon Revel Jr. | CB | |||
|
Shavon Revel Jr. was off to a monster start to his senior season before an ACL tear ended it early on. The massive corner is a perfect fit for Jeff Hafley's defense, and his high-end ball skills will fit in well with the rest of the Packers' ball-hawking secondary. |
||||||
| 27 |
|
Benjamin Morrison | CB | |||
|
Benjamin Morrison is another banged-up corner who'll inevitably fall after a hip injury cut his season short. Still, he's got the perfect man-coverage skillset to pair with Joey Porter Jr. Morrison can match with speedier wideouts while Porter can press bigger receivers. |
||||||
| 28 |
|
Nick Emmanwori | S | |||
|
Nick Emmanwori could replace Harrison Smith when the veteran safety eventually hangs it up. He's a massive safety who can blitz like a linebacker and range with the best of them on the back end. That's the perfect weapon for a Brian Flores-coached defense. |
||||||
| 29 |
|
Jahdae Barron | CB | |||
|
Jahdae Barron has been lights out all season for the Longhorn's vaunted defense. He's got five picks and five pass-breakups on the outside this year after spending the past two years in the slot. Barron is NFL-ready and could take over free agent Rasul Douglas' role. |
||||||
| 30 |
|
T.J. Sanders | DL | |||
|
T.J. Sanders is the type of penetrating defensive tackle that Howie Roseman has continually coveted in the draft. He may not be the guy you want facing double teams, but he can create havoc consistently. |
||||||
| 31 |
|
Cameron Williams | OT | |||
|
The Chiefs may very well choose to keep throwing darts at offensive tackle to make sure Patrick Mahomes doesn't have to suffer again behind the pass-protection he's played behind this fall. Williams is a one-year starter who's shined in pass protection. |
||||||
| 32 |
|
David Walker | EDGE | |||
|
Lions GM Brad Holmes has been excellent not only with his top picks, but also digging deep for hidden gems. David Walker doesn't quite qualify as "hidden" considering he's put up 30 sacks the past three seasons, but even that doesn't explain his dominance. He's an unrepentant bully on tape who could create so many opportunities for others on the Lions front with his ability to push the pocket. |
||||||
| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Cam Ward | QB | |||
|
Cam Ward has been the most consistent quarterback during the second half of the college football season. He has lifted Miami to some wins this season and his decision-making has improved. If he were in last year's quarterback class, he would have probably been the fourth or fifth quarterback prospect. |
||||||
| 2 |
|
Shedeur Sanders | QB | |||
|
Deion Sanders would probably prefer his son go to the Raiders or Giants, as opposed to some of the other options often mentioned. In this scenario, Shedeur Sanders is taken No. 2 overall. The Raiders would not consider employing his father as coach, would they? |
||||||
| 3 |
|
Tetairoa McMillan | WR | |||
|
Offensive line has to be a priority for the Patriots, but Tetairoa McMillan may be higher ranked on their board. Most draft decision-makers would tell you that best player available outweighs need, but this would be an interesting case study to that point with the Patriots. |
||||||
| 4 |
|
Will Johnson | CB | |||
|
The cornerback position has been a liability for Jacksonville this season, but Tyson Campbell and Will Johnson Jr., who I believe can be the best prospect to come from this draft class, would be a strong start to rebuilding the position group. |
||||||
| 5 |
|
Travis Hunter | ATH | |||
|
If Travis Hunter Jr. mandates playing wide receiver as opposed to cornerback, then that could impact how teams view him in the draft. The Panthers need a cornerback, but a top-10 draft choice on a receiver may be too rich considering they have used a lot of draft capital on the position recently with Jonathan Mingo and Xavier Legette. |
||||||
| 6 |
|
Abdul Carter | EDGE | |||
|
Tennessee's pass rush has been one of the worst in the league in terms of pressure rate, according to TruMedia. Abdul Carter's move to full-time edge rusher has been fruitful for the Nittany Lions and now he is the face of the Titans defense. |
||||||
| 7 |
|
Will Campbell | OT | |||
|
Jedrick Wills has likely played his last snap for the Browns and one would assume that the organization is not comfortable with Dawand Jones as the starting left tackle next season. Will Campbell is the future on the left side. |
||||||
| 8 |
|
Mason Graham | DL | |||
|
It is unknown who will be New York's coach and general manager next season. No one knows what resolution will come to be with the team and Aaron Rodgers. As it stands, Mason Graham is a great player who would be terrifying next to Quinnen Williams. |
||||||
| 9 |
|
Kenneth Grant | DL | |||
|
Chicago has a few players who could occupy a role as pass-rushing interior defenders, but they need a solid presence to aid run defense. Kenneth Grant is that player. |
||||||
| 10 |
|
Mykel Williams | EDGE | |||
|
Chase Young is slated to test free agency at season's end, so they go back to the well for a powerful, raw pass rusher from Georgia. If Mykel Williams reaches his potential, he will be remembered as one of the best from his class. |
||||||
| 11 |
|
Jalon Walker | EDGE | |||
|
Jalon Walker will play off-ball linebacker at the next level, but his expertise is pass rushing. His presence at the second level gives the defense an opportunity to bring pressure from all angles. |
||||||
| 12 |
|
Malaki Starks | S | |||
|
Indianapolis missed the run on cornerbacks so the best way for the Colts to address the secondary is to draft the best safety. Malaki Starks is an incredibly instinctual prospect who can potentially be the green dot for that defense. |
||||||
| 13 |
|
Benjamin Morrison | CB | |||
|
If Trey Hendrickson returns next season, then Cincinnati is fine on the edge. The secondary has been a bigger issue. The Bengals could be fine once everyone returns healthy, but Benjamin Morrison would go a long way toward raising the ceiling and the floor of that room. |
||||||
| 14 |
|
Ashton Jeanty | RB | |||
|
The connection between Ashton Jeanty and the Cowboys is uninspired and lacks originality, I get it. There is a reason people are linking them. Dallas can ill afford to go into next season with its current running back situation. |
||||||
| 15 |
|
Kelvin Banks Jr. | OT | |||
|
Kelvin Banks has played left tackle for the Longhorns. It is entirely possible that Trent Williams elects to hang up his cleats sooner rather than later, but this pick is made with the intention of Banks flipping to the right side in replacement of Colton McKivitz. |
||||||
| 16 |
|
James Pearce Jr. | EDGE | |||
|
Atlanta continues to chase pass-rush help. James Pearce Jr. has not been as effective this season, because the play strength still needs to improve. Pearce is an explosive player who could grow into a true difference-maker for that defense. |
||||||
| 17 |
|
Shemar Stewart | DL | |||
|
As coach Jonathan Gannon continues to build the Arizona defense in his image, the Cardinals turn to Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart, who is one of the most physically gifted prospects in this draft class. There is a lack of first-round talents in this class, so teams are going to be more inclined to gamble on traits and Turner is flush with them. |
||||||
| 18 |
|
Tyler Booker | IOL | |||
|
If offensive guard were the only issue for Seattle this season, then there is an argument for not spending first-round draft capital on the position. However, the overall health of the offensive line has deteriorated to a point that the Seahawks just need to get five linemen who they can feel good about. |
||||||
| 19 |
|
Colston Loveland | TE | |||
|
Los Angeles is lacking a field-stretching tight end and Colston Loveland has a lot of familiarity with coach Jim Harbaugh. He fulfills a position of need while also fitting into the culture Harbaugh has already cultivated. |
||||||
| 20 |
|
Luther Burden III | WR | |||
|
Chris Godwin is scheduled to hit free agency after the season. Tampa Bay could continue forward with Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan, but the Buccaneers still need another piece. Luther Burden III is an explosive talent with great strength to break tackles in the open field. |
||||||
| 21 |
|
Josh Simmons | OT | |||
|
Josh Simmons is recovering from a significant injury but he was playing as well as any offensive tackle prior to that occurrence. Los Angeles has a few prospective offensive tackle free agents and Simmons steps in to fill the void. |
||||||
| 22 |
|
Jonah Savaiinaea | OT | |||
|
Jonah Savaiinaea has played right tackle at Arizona, but projects as a really good guard at the next level. Washington needs to continue building out its protection of franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels, in addition to supplying him with more pass outlets. |
||||||
| 23 |
|
Tyler Warren | TE | |||
|
Tyler Warren does not have the same level of versatility as Taysom Hill had coming out of college, but Warren has attempted five passes; that is a start. The truth is that Sean Payton loves athletic tight ends with which he can create mismatches in open space. |
||||||
| 24 |
|
Nic Scourton | EDGE | |||
|
Baltimore has had success with powerful edge rushers like Za'Darius Smith, Pernell McPhee and Jadeveon Clowney through the years. They land a steal late in the first round with Nic Scourton. |
||||||
| 25 |
|
Donovan Jackson | IOL | |||
|
Offensive guard has been a point of emphasis for Houston this season. The Texans explored the idea of adding at the position before the trade deadline. Donovan Jackson has primarily played guard, but also stepped in at tackle when injuries necessitated. |
||||||
| 26 |
|
Emeka Egbuka | WR | |||
|
Emeka Egbuka is not a flashy receiver, but that is a role better suited for George Pickens. Egbuka is consistent and that is all Pittsburgh needs out of him in the pass game. One would assume that it is Russell Wilson calling the shots again in 2025. |
||||||
| 27 |
|
Walter Nolen | DL | |||
|
Green Bay has historically used the first round to invest in its defense, which has not played up to expectations this season. The Packers stack assets on the defensive line as they look to the future with several young players at linebacker and in the secondary. |
||||||
| 28 |
|
Deone Walker | DL | |||
|
Deone Walker was once regarded as a potential top-10 prospect in this draft class. His 2024 campaign did not live up to expectations, but he is a uniquely built prospect who is capable of being a difference-maker at a premium position. |
||||||
| 29 |
|
Tyleik Williams | DL | |||
|
Buffalo's run-stopping abilities and interior depth have been challenged through the years. Tyleik Williams fits the description as the Bills have sped up what most people expected to be a rebuild. |
||||||
| 30 |
|
LT Overton | DL | |||
|
LT Overton has the physical and athletic profile of a player capable of being a difference-maker in the NFL, but he is young. Once again, as teams are faced with a decision to take the raw, talented prospect or another who has a higher floor, lower ceiling, the choice is going to be the former for most. |
||||||
| 31 |
|
JT Tuimoloau | EDGE | |||
|
The Lions are well-positioned next season with Za'Darius Smith and Aidan Hutchinson, but next season will likely be Smith's last in Detroit. The Lions can develop JT Tuimoloau in the wings and give him free rein once Smith is gone. |
||||||
| 32 |
|
Josh Conerly Jr. | OT | |||
|
Josh Conerly Jr. is a prospect with a 5-star high school recruiting pedigree. Kingsley Suamataia was not the ready-made starting left tackle that the Chiefs had hoped, so they return to the well for the Duck. |
||||||
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