Do you ever get upset online about your team’s NFL draft grades? You’re all excited about the fifth-round rookie safety who’s definitely going to play meaningful snaps on defense, and that third-round receiver who never caught more than 40 balls in a college season but will definitely compete for WR2, then — bang! Some know-it-all blogger slaps your team’s class with a C, and you have no other recourse but to spend the rest of the day yelling at him on the internet.
Well, fear no more! I gave every team an A for its 2025 class — that’s right, 32 A’s to 32 teams, all before the draft even begins.
I tried to walk through all 32 teams’ optimal draft strategy relative to how the board might fall: Trade up or trade back? Which positions have to go early, and which have starters later in this class? Just as general managers are spending the precious few hours between now and next Thursday trying to anticipate the board, trade prices and other teams’ approaches, so was I trying to figure out their strategy, and which names they might be targeting as such.
There’s tons of wiggle room here. All it takes is one surprising faller for an optimal draft approach to suddenly change. But with all the information we have at our disposal, these are the blueprints for every team to knock its 2025 draft class out of the park.
Jump to a team:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys
Picks: Nos. 12, 44, 76, 149, 171, 174, 204, 211, 239, 247
It is extremely difficult to envision the Cowboys making a playoff run with the offense as currently constructed. If a defense covers CeeDee Lamb on any given play, who punishes them? Jake Ferguson? KaVontae Turpin? Javonte Williams? Dallas’ arsenal of offensive options is as poor as any in the league.
Easy solution: deep wide receiver and running back classes. Both positions are best on Day 2, though I wouldn’t hate the top of the receiver class (Texas’ Matthew Golden or Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan) in Round 1, nor would I hate North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton (ideally with a small trade-back).
But because both positions are very strong in the middle rounds this year, the Cowboys can pass at No. 12 and go for a “best player available” approach. I could see them as a Will Johnson team if the Michigan corner falls — DaRon Bland is in a contract year, and Trevon Diggs is coming back from a major knee injury. I could see any of the top offensive line options — Will Campbell (LSU), Armand Membou (Missouri) and Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas) — fighting for the starting right guard spot (and potentially improving on one of the tackle positions).
Ferguson is also on a contract year. Tyler Warren (Penn State) or Colston Loveland (Michigan), anyone?
I want the Cowboys to take the top of the board in Round 1, then hit running back and receiver on Day 2. Trading up to hit targets is acceptable, as Dallas has 10 picks, but only three in the first half of the draft. Use those extra fifths and sixths and sevenths to move up in the third and fourth. A potential starting nickel to fill the shoes left by Jourdan Lewis would be a delight, as would further depth at defensive tackle.
New York Giants
Picks: Nos. 3, 34, 65, 99, 105, 154, 219, 246
The leading candidate for “sneakily better roster than you think” is the Giants. Behind the egregious, headlining blunders of the Daniel Jones extension and Saquon Barkley free agency fiasco, they’ve spent plenty of money to raise the floor of the team. The offensive line is solid but could use an improvement at right guard, which will almost certainly come somewhere on Day 2 after they got outpriced in free agency. Similarly, the defensive line could use a better running mate to Dexter Lawrence II on the interior, but any group fielding Lawrence, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and projected No. 3 pick Abdul Carter (Penn State) is a strong unit. The secondary might be the strength of the team, so long as Paulson Adebo returns healthy from his broken femur and Deonte Banks bounces back from a mistake-riddled 2024.
Those are a lot of “ifs.” But usually teams picking in the top five have glaring needs (see: Cleveland or New England). That is not the case with the Giants.
After the reasonable “best player available” pick of Carter, the Giants should once again deploy a BPA approach with No. 34 overall. Should a top guard such as Donovan Jackson (Ohio State) or Tyler Booker (Alabama) fall to them, make the pick and improve the right guard spot. Should a pass-rushing defensive tackle such as Walter Nolen (Ole Miss) linger, pair him with Lawrence. Even a wide receiver would not be amiss, so long as his skill set isn’t redundant with that of Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton — Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State) and Jayden Higgins (Iowa State) would both have Year 1 roles on this team.
Because the Giants have some extra draft capital, I’d endorse trading up to target high-impact players who might be sliding. Linebacker Jihaad Campbell (Alabama) is projected to slide after shoulder surgery, and he’d add far more playmaking over incumbent starter Micah McFadden. If one of the top quarterbacks is also in range of a trade-up — even one that takes the Giants back into the end of Round 1 — I’d make the call. Carrying three QBs all season might not be ideal, but one-year deals for Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston simply cannot preclude New York from snagging Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) or Tyler Shough (Louisville).
The Giants’ best draft includes some aggressive star hunting and doesn’t shy from adding a quarterback on Day 2.
Philadelphia Eagles
Picks: Nos. 32, 64, 96, 134, 161, 164, 165, 168
The Eagles walk into the 2025 draft a little needier than in usual years. Were Week 1 tomorrow, they would snap the football with 2023 third-rounder Tyler Steen at right guard (probably OK), 2023 third-rounder Sydney Brown at safety (a little worrisome) and 2023 fourth-rounder Kelee Ringo at outside corner (not ideal — he has had shaky appearances in his first two seasons).
It’s not that any individual situation is bad, but the defending champions have to collectively rely on a lot of youth following their free agent exodus. Edge rusher Jalyx Hunt, the 2024 third-rounder who looked delightful throughout the postseason, will likely have to go from playing 50% of the snaps to 75% in Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat‘s shoes — that’s a big difference! Moro Ojomo, another young player who looked excellent in a rotation, now has to fill Milton Williams‘ role as Jalen Carter‘s foil. The Eagles have done well to anticipate these roster holes, and their Super Bowl run was powered by Howie Roseman’s 2024 class — but the more youth you need to rely on, the more volatile your team becomes.
Pending a trade of tight end Dallas Goedert, the most dire need is along the defensive line. Edge rusher and defensive tackle are both on the table at No. 32, and whatever is neglected will likely catch a pick on Day 2. Walter Nolen (Ole Miss) has the upfield penetrator profile Roseman prefers in his tackles. If not Nolen, neither Kenneth Grant (Michigan) nor Tyleik Williams (Ohio State) offer the pass rush juice the Eagles need right now, and I’d expect them to go edge. Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College) and Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M) both have the length and jumps the Eagles typically value at the position.
play
Donovan Ezeiruaku’s NFL draft profile
Check out some of the top highlights from Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku.
On Day 2, add right guard and safety to the priority list. Nobody turns toolsy offensive linemen into plus starters quicker than Eagles OL coach Jeff Stoutland. If he gets his hands on Dylan Fairchild (Georgia) or Jalen Rivers (Miami) in the third round, watch out. At safety, look for a box safety capable of some deep coverage — that’s the ideal pairing with established starter Reed Blankenship. Xavier Watts (Notre Dame) fits the bill as a second-round pick, but I think the Eagles will be more patient. Jonas Sanker (Virginia) has the high football IQ that defensive coordinator Vic Fangio prizes in his safeties, as does Billy Bowman Jr. (Oklahoma).
The Eagles can’t plug every gap with early-drafted rookies, but it’s a win if they come away with some pass rush support and a new starter in the secondary.
Washington Commanders
Picks: Nos. 29, 61, 128, 205, 245
No team should approach the draft more aggressively than the Commanders. They’ve already started this process, dealing picks to acquire veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Once you make the NFC Championship Game in your rookie quarterback’s first season as a pro, you commit. Get the chips to the middle of the table. Trade up. Swing for the stars.
The Commanders could use impactful players at two key positions: edge rusher and safety. Depth remains strong on the edge, and the presence of Frankie Luvu elevates the group — but the primary sack-getter last season was Dante Fowler Jr. (10.5), and he left for Dallas in free agency. With the No. 29 pick, Washington could catch a falling Mykel Williams (Georgia) and Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M), but both are projects with upside as pass rushers. Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College) is the pro-ready pass rusher with the sort of explosive outside rush profile Dan Quinn loves.
Similarly, at safety, the Commanders are right at the end range for Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina) and Malaki Starks (Georgia). Emmanwori looks like a ready-made Jeremy Chinn replacement, though he would likely require a trade-up. There have been only seven first-round trade-ups for a safety in draft history, and only one in the past 10 years (Darnell Savage in 2019) — so perhaps that’s a risk too far. Best to let the board fall to you. If safety doesn’t happen in Round 1, watch for hard-hitting box safety Kevin Winston Jr. (Penn State) in Round 3.
As far as other needs go, the Commanders might look to draft a boundary corner who can push 2024 second-round selection Mike Sainristil back inside. Quinn’s corners tend to have plus ball skills, which reads to me as Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame) and Darien Porter (Iowa State). The former had six interceptions as a freshman starter, and the latter played three collegiate seasons as a receiver. Investing in a WR3 who can replace Samuel after his contract expires next year feels wise, and if they are prioritizing YAC in that role, they should look no further than TCU — both Jack Bech (Round 2, maybe Round 3) and Savion Williams (Round 3, maybe Round 4) are deadly with the ball in their hands.
If a highly rated receiver, offensive lineman or defensive tackle does fall into the Commanders’ lap, they should leap at the chance. Again: Adding high-impact, immediate contributors is the name of the game here. Trade up for falling players and take risks on guys with red flags on their eval — the sort of players who would have gone a round higher if not for injury history or poor production. Draft players you can envision starting — and mattering — in January football.
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears
Picks: Nos. 10, 39, 41, 72, 148, 233, 240
I would very much like for the Bears to draft running back Ashton Jeanty (Boise State), one of the best players in this class. They have a big need, as D’Andre Swift didn’t look the part in his first season in Chicago and is cuttable in 2026. New coach Ben Johnson would also have no issues feeding a two-headed backfield like he did in Detroit. Jeanty to the Bears at No. 10 would be one of the best picks in the first round — and if he doesn’t fall their way, a trade-back for Omarion Hampton (North Carolina) would also earn a high grade from me.
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If not running back, the Bears would likely love to find a potential starting left tackle to push incumbent Braxton Jones, who has never been a dominant player and is expected to be limited in training camp as he recovers from an ankle injury. Last year’s third-round pick, Kiran Amegadjie, might be the battler they trust in 2025 — but I’m not convinced. Will Campbell (LSU) and Armand Membou (Missouri) are viable picks at No. 10, as they might fail at left tackle and end up kicking into guard, where both starting jobs in Chicago are filled for now — Joe Thuney on the left, and Jonah Jackson on the right — but might become available in 2026.
I don’t like adding to the defensive line in Round 1, which is a common idea for the Bears — short of Mason Graham (Michigan) falling their way, none of the defensive tackles warrant a pick as high as No. 10, and they don’t have enough snaps to hand out to an edge rusher. I’d prefer to see the line addressed on Day 2 instead, as the Bears have an extra Round 2 pick courtesy of the Panthers. Also, watch out for the safety position on Day 2: Kevin Byard III is turning 32 after a 1,000-snap season, and Jaquan Brisker enters a contract year with a worrisome history of concussions on his résumé.
With four picks in the top 75, the Bears can address their grocery list in any order: a rotational back who can win the starting job in 2026; a potential 2026 starter at guard; insurance in the form of safety depth; a rotational player somewhere along the defensive line. Check those boxes, and they’ll get an A from me.
Detroit Lions
Picks: Nos. 28, 60, 102, 130, 196, 228, 244
The Lions have lost two major players from the team that earned the 1-seed in the NFC: cornerback Carlton Davis III and right guard Kevin Zeitler. To replace Davis’ 984 snaps, they signed D.J. Reed, an excellent CB2 with the disposition that fits their culture. To replace Zeitler’s 1,021 snaps, they’re trusting 2024 sixth-rounder Christian Mahogany, who looked good in two starts last season. That feels like a little less of a sure thing.
Detroit’s offensive line, which has been a strength for the past few seasons, is starting to get up there. When the season begins, left guard Graham Glasgow will be 33 and left tackle Taylor Decker will be 32. Even swing tackle Dan Skipper will be 31. Offensive linemen can play well into their 30s, but Detroit has to pepper its depth chart with developmental picks to prepare for injuries or diminished play, especially as those veteran contracts get bigger and bigger.
But offensive line isn’t the biggest need in Detroit — edge rusher is. Aidan Hutchinson was a DPOY candidate before his season-ending leg injury, but even if he returns to his previous levels, the depth is concerning. Marcus Davenport, also off a season-ending injury, is back on a one-year deal. Josh Paschal, who hasn’t consistently strung together impactful plays, is a free agent in 2026. Derrick Barnes, also off a season-ending injury, is more of a chess piece than a dedicated pass rusher. John Cominsky retired. Za’Darius Smith is still a free agent. Do you see what I’m getting at?
Unless the Lions feel good about a starting right guard at No. 28 (Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson would be the pick for me, were he on the board), I expect them to go for an edge rusher. Mykel Williams (Georgia) is a scheme fit, but I don’t think he makes it beyond the Ravens, who are one pick ahead. Could they be the team for Shemar Stewart, the polarizing edge rusher from Texas A&M? Or will they be happy to take Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College), despite his smaller frame? If Stewart’s there, I’d love the big swing on his traits.
I’d like to see guard, edge rusher and developmental tackle with the Lions’ first three picks. The only exception is if a good safety falls their way on Day 2. They only have UDFAs behind Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch right now, and because Branch can easily kick down into the slot, the third safety on their depth chart is an important position for subpackages. Penn State’s Kevin Winston Jr. feels like a Lion.
Green Bay Packers
Picks: Nos. 23, 54, 87, 124, 159, 198, 237, 250
The Packers are one of the toughest teams to nail down in first-round mock drafts. They have several medium needs — none pressing enough that they must be addressed, but all intense enough that a first-round pick would be a warranted investment.
Let’s start at wide receiver. As running back Josh Jacobs remarked to some consternation in February, the Packers don’t have that consistently dominant star receiver most playoff teams employ. With both Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs approaching contract years, there is room for Green Bay to draft a Round 1 receiver and funnel volume to that player. But only an early pick really makes sense, and it’s tough to imagine either of the draft’s top receivers (Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan and Texas’ Matthew Golden) making it all the way to No. 23. Should either slide, I’d like McMillan for the Packers — Golden feels like too much of the same in a room already featuring Jayden Reed.
The Packers could also use a first-rounder on offensive tackle — yes, even after spending their 2024 first-rounder on Jordan Morgan. Both LT Rasheed Walker and RT Zach Tom are approaching contract years, as is starting RG Sean Rhyan, who beat out Morgan for the job last season. I’d imagine they prefer to extend their internal talent and make a middle-round pick at tackle to shore up their depth, but I wouldn’t rule out a tackle selection regardless.
As such, the two most likely early-round positions are cornerback and edge rusher. At corner, the looming departure of veteran Jaire Alexander — either via trade or release — creates a big need at outside corner, where both Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine can start, but don’t represent the most fearsome corner duo. On the edge, the Packers’ absence of a reliable outside rusher can be concealed during the regular season, but always rears up against playoff-caliber opponents.
My bet is on a first-round corner to replace Alexander and run with Nate Hobbs, Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams in a suddenly retooled and fearsome secondary. This is the range for Kentucky’s Maxwell Hairston and Texas’ Jahdae Barron, though both lack the ideal measurables for general manager Brian Gutekunst. Maybe Trey Amos (Ole Miss) surprises here instead. And if not a corner? How about edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College), who played under Packers DC Jeff Hafley when he was the coach at Boston College.
Let’s go with an early corner or edge, developmental tackle behind (maybe two) and a potential splash at receiver if the cards land just right.
Minnesota Vikings
Picks: Nos. 24, 97, 139, 187
I don’t think there’s a world in which the Vikings get an A without some substantial trading down. Minnesota has no second-, fourth- or seventh-round picks in this draft, and it is missing next year’s fourth and sixth as well. (Sam Darnold should return a nice compensatory selection, though.)
The good news about the lack of draft capital is the Vikings’ roster is really, really good, so they don’t have any immediate needs to fill. A starting safety to replace Camryn Bynum would be nice, meaning Malaki Starks (Georgia) or Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina) could be the play at No. 24. But again, they have to get serious about trading down in Round 3 and 4 for future draft capital.
Whomever the Vikings take at safety, they must prioritize range — that’s what Bynum brought that Harrison Smith and Josh Metellus lacked. Should they pass in Round 1, Billy Bowman Jr. (Oklahoma) has some similarities to Bynum for his playmaking ability and small build, and could make a good Round 3 target.
I’d be more worried about the vacant snaps at cornerback left by Stephon Gilmore (908) and Shaquill Griffin (597) if not for the fact that both remain unsigned. If the Vikings leave this draft with meager cornerback reinforcements, expect one or both to be re-signed. With later picks, I’d expect a traitsy corner to challenge for the CB2 job (maybe Oklahoma State’s Korie Black) and defensive tackle depth to provide contract flexibility for Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen‘s deals.
Trade down. Accumulate future capital. Get a safety.
play
Bruschi: Jonathan Allen has ‘great football left’ for the Vikings
Tedy Bruschi breaks down how important the signing of defensive tackle Jonathan Allen is for the Vikings.
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons
Picks: Nos. 15, 46, 118, 218, 242
Any and all draft classes that warrant an A grade from the Falcons feature an enormous boost to the pass rush. Atlanta ranked 31st in team pressure rate last season (28.1%), and in the three seasons previous, they were 25th, 30th and 32nd. Those four seasons are the entire tenure of general manager Terry Fontenot, and the Falcons have yet to make the playoffs under his care.
Atlanta has its perennial need at edge rusher once again, as veteran Matthew Judon is still unsigned and 2022 second-rounder Arnold Ebiketie has failed to break out with only one year left on his rookie contract. The prospect most likely to deliver double-digit sacks as a rookie, save for Abdul Carter (Penn State), is Mike Green (Marshall). Let’s make him the pick at No. 15.
The Falcons should chase their investment in an edge rusher with an accompanying interior pass rusher, as they lost over 1,000 snaps from their 2024 defensive tackle room when Grady Jarrett was cut and Eddie Goldman walked in free agency. I like Darius Alexander (Toledo) and T.J. Sanders (South Carolina) as rush defensive tackles on Day 2, but Alexander is the one with the length (34-inch armspan) that Fontenot has coveted in Atlanta, so he’s a better fit.
The Falcons have only one pick between the third and sixth rounds (a fourth-round pick), so their ability to grab developmental players is limited. I’d love it if they got another pick somewhere between No. 100 and No. 120 to fill two important developmental spots: right tackle, where Kaleb McGary is a 2026 free agent; and center, where veteran Ryan Neuzil is expected to start for the first time in his career. Hit those two positions somewhere in the middle rounds, and it’s a slam dunk draft.
Carolina Panthers
Picks: Nos. 8, 57, 74, 111, 114, 140, 146, 163, 230
The Panthers threw money at their defense in free agency, spending $132 million on safety Tre’von Moehrig, edge rusher Pat Jones II and defensive tackles Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III. Defense is still the primary need regardless. A starting safety spot is open opposite Moehrig, as both Xavier Woods and Jordan Fuller left in free agency. Safety at No. 8 would be quite the reach, unfortunately. Edge rusher could also be the selection, as both Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum are free agents in 2026. The Panthers were dead last in team pressure rate in 2024 (25.5%), and an early first-round pick would leapfrog into the starting lineup accordingly.
The edge group at No. 8 might also be slim pickings, though — depending on how you feel about Jalon Walker, who split his time on and off the ball at Georgia. Walker is not dissimilar to Frankie Luvu, a longtime Panther and successful tweener. If he’s on the board, that would be a great pick. Otherwise, the Panthers might be best served with a trade-down. They can still target an edge rusher after a trade-back — Mike Green (Marshall) or Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M) are reasonable targets in that range. But that’s also the range at which the first safety — either Malaki Starks (Georgia) or Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina) — is expected to leave the board. I think all three outcomes (Walker at 8, trade back for edge rusher, trade back for safety) are solid for Carolina.
The Panthers already have plenty of draft capital — two fourths, three fifths — but I’d love to see them make double-digit picks in this draft to address their depth needs. Beyond safety and edge (both of which can get double-dipped), they need an additional receiver to account for the aging Adam Thielen. No. 2 cornerback opposite Jaycee Horn and nickel corner are positions that can be improved. Right tackle Taylor Moton will be 31 and on a contract year, and swing tackles Yosh Nijman and Brady Christensen are both coming up as well, so a tackle add would be wise. Linebacker is also uncertain: 30-year-old Josey Jewell dealt with injuries last year, and third-round rookie Trevin Wallace improved but is not a clear starter.
Early edge, potential safety starter and tons of picks — that’s the menu.
New Orleans Saints
Picks: Nos. 9, 40, 71, 93, 112, 131, 184, 248, 254
The Saints simply must get their quarterback of the future. If they stay at No. 9 and select Shedeur Sanders, I’ll call it a reach but understand the urgency. A better approach would be leveraging the additional Round 3 and Round 4 selections they have to move up into the end of the first round for Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) or Tyler Shough (Louisville).
If not quarterback at No. 9, I’d like to see a trade-back because the Saints’ cap remains unhealthy — more draft picks and thereby more rookie contracts would help their situation. If they stay, they are well-positioned to land the best defensive player on the board. Jalon Walker (Georgia) could shine as a hybrid linebacker in Brandon Staley’s defense, while Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M) and Mykel Williams (Georgia) both fit the prototypical defensive end measurements that New Orleans has long adhered to. If Will Campbell (LSU) falls, the Saints have a spot for him at right guard. If Will Johnson (Michigan) falls, he’d immediately start over Isaac Yiadom. Even Mason Graham (Michigan) would find a big role in Year 1.
Finding a CB2 opposite Kool-Aid McKinstry should also be a priority. The corner class stacks up nicely at the top of Round 2, where Azareye’h Thomas (Florida State) and Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame) both fit the Saints’ press man mold. Competition at left guard for Dillon Radunz is a must, and if Kellen Moore wants to port over Philadelphia’s penchant for supersized guards, he could target Miles Frazier (LSU), Dylan Fairchild (Georgia) or Wyatt Milum (West Virginia) in Round 3. It’s a great year if you like bigger, road-grading players at guard.
play
Why Tannenbaum wants Steelers to pair Sanders with Rodgers
Mike Tannenbaum said the Steelers should draft Shedeur Sanders and sign Aaron Rodgers.
One last sneaky need is wide receiver. Rashid Shaheed is recovering from a meniscus tear and Chris Olave has had four concussions in three seasons — both are currently free agents in 2026, though Olave still has a fifth-year option. Snagging a high-ceiling receiver with size such as Elic Ayomanor (Stanford) or Savion Williams (TCU) feels like the move.
The main goal here: a developmental quarterback without mortgaging the future.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Picks: Nos. 19, 53, 84, 121, 157, 235
The Buccaneers return all 11 starters from last year’s offense, which makes figuring out their draft needs delightfully simple: defense!
The lack of an impactful coverage linebacker really hurt the Buccaneers last season, as Lavonte David (35 years old) simply does not cover the ground he used to. It’s a thin linebacker class up top. Jihaad Campbell (Alabama) seemed like a great pick at 19, but offseason shoulder surgery has thrown a wrench in his draft stock. Carson Schwesinger (UCLA) is the next best, but I’m highly doubtful he’d make it to the Buccaneers’ second-round pick at 53. Addressing linebacker early may require some repositioning.
If the Buccaneers cannot get off of 19 and don’t trust Campbell’s shoulder, they should fill their defensive backfield. Cornerback Jahdae Barron (Texas) is an ideal Todd Bowles defensive back: inside and out versatility, highly instinctive and productive in zone coverage, successful tackling in space. He’s a bit redundant with 2024 third-rounder Tykee Smith, who had a lovely rookie season, but that’s the thing about blitz-heavy defenses like Bowles’ — you want redundant players to make it harder for opposing offenses to diagnose who is doing what.
Should the Buccaneers prefer a traditional safety, this is a good spot for both Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina) and Malaki Starks (Georgia), the latter of whom is the better Bowles fit — he’s an excellent coverage player for a true safety.
In Round 2, the Buccaneers should stay focused on the same positions: linebacker, corner, safety. Bowles likely loves Kansas State CB Jacob Parrish, as he’s similar to Barron with his versatility, vision and intensity. The Day 2 pickings at safety are a little slimmer, but Xavier Watts (Notre Dame) does have the football IQ to work in this system, despite average athletic traits. It is nonnegotiable, however, that the Buccaneers use one of their two second-rounders at linebacker. Trading up for Schwesinger, who has a sky-high ceiling, is more than justified.
Expect a depth pick on the edge to account for the loss of Joe Tryon-Shoyinka’s 570 snaps — someone who can set a hard edge against the run, but also drop into coverage without losing their head. Princely Umanmielen (Ole Miss), Oluwafemi Oladejo (UCLA) and Jack Sawyer (Ohio State) all make sense on Day 2 or later.
Get one of the top two linebackers and pour picks into the secondary. Let’s build a team that can push to the Super Bowl.
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals
Picks: Nos. 16, 47, 78, 115, 152, 225
The Cardinals are a tough team to draft for. They have 22 starters on the roster right now, which is a rarer thing than you’d expect in the league. The only spot that clearly needs improvement is outside corner, where neither Sean Murphy-Bunting nor Starling Thomas V were great opposite Max Melton. Even then, corner is really not that concerning.
As such, the Cardinals should be oriented toward adding a blue-chip player — someone splashy enough to elevate them from playoff hopeful to actual NFC West contender. I wouldn’t even mind a small trade-up to secure a falling star player. I like Arizona to snag Will Johnson, the Michigan corner who has a wide range of outcomes given his injury-shortened 2024 season.
The Cardinals should spend the rest of the draft preparing for potential team departures. Both starting right tackle Jonah Williams and backup right tackle Kelvin Beachum, who played most of last season following Williams’ injury, are free agents in 2026. Ozzy Trapilo (Boston College) and Anthony Belton (NC State) both fit the bill there as Day 2 picks. They also need further depth along the defensive line, as Dalvin Tomlinson, Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols are all potential cut candidates next offseason. The Cardinals gravitate to tweeners along the defensive line, so Shemar Turner (Texas A&M) and Ty Robinson (Nebraska) are good candidates to watch in Rounds 2 and 3.
Again, none of those three positions are so dire of needs that they must be filled with early picks. If the Cardinals go the splashy route and add a first-round receiver, as has been mocked with increasing frequency in recent weeks, I wouldn’t hate it at all.
Los Angeles Rams
Picks: Nos. 26, 90, 101, 127, 190, 195, 201, 202
If the Rams needed to start a game tomorrow with the roster on hand, they could — they’d probably win it, too. GM Les Snead did a tremendous job turning around the defense with young talent in last year’s draft, and there are only small gaps left to patch over. Omar Speights, an undrafted free agent a year ago, won a starting linebacker job with his play, but his running mate Troy Reeder missed most of the season with a hamstring injury and was only brought back on a one-year deal last week.
At No. 26, the Rams might be the team that stops Jihaad Campbell‘s (Alabama) slide, as the consensus LB1 could fall a bit after shoulder surgery last month. And if not Campbell, I could see Carson Schwesinger (UCLA) as the target of a trade-back out of Round 1. With no second-round pick and no fifth-round pick, the Rams have one of the lightest war chests this year (yes, even with their extra third-rounder).
Short of the off-ball linebacker position, the only other spot that could use a starter is corner. Darious Williams, Ahkello Witherspoon and Cobie Durant all could start but can be improved upon — and perhaps more significantly, all three are on contract years in 2025. The late 20s is the range for Trey Amos (Ole Miss) and Maxwell Hairston (Kentucky), though I could see the Rams prizing Jahdae Barron‘s (Texas) versatility and instincts enough to trade up a few spots for him.
With no pick in Round 2, whatever position the Rams fail to address in Round 1 must be addressed with their late Day 2 picks, which is why a trade-down from No. 26 seems so appetizing. If both Barron and Campbell are off the board, I’d strongly expect L.A. to move off the pick.
A potential right tackle of the future should join the team somewhere in the late Day 2/early Day 3 range, as should a potential quarterback of the future — even after the Rams and Matthew Stafford came to terms this offseason. He’s still 37, and there’s no exciting young quarterback on the Rams’ roster behind him. Kyle McCord (Syracuse) has the right play style to pair with Puka Nacua (read: he will throw anything, no matter how covered the guy is).
San Francisco 49ers
Picks: Nos. 11, 43, 75, 100, 113, 138, 147, 160, 227, 249, 252
This is a big, big draft for John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan. Last year was supposed to be the “one last hurrah” on Brock Purdy‘s rookie contract, but injuries accumulated so severely that San Francisco’s season never got off the ground. The team bled talent in free agency and has tons of gaps to fill with young players on cheap contracts as it enters the second act of Purdy’s career — the one in which his contract is far more expensive, and draft wins become all the more necessary.
Without question, the biggest need is along the defensive line, where over 1,400 snaps are out the door following the departures of Leonard Floyd, Maliek Collins and Javon Hargrave — it would have been even more if Hargrave had not torn his triceps in Week 3. It’s extremely unlikely Mason Graham (Michigan) even makes it into trade-up range, though he’d be a perfect scheme fit; and it’s too early for Derrick Harmon (Oregon). Given the need for multiple rookies to take snaps in a rotation, I don’t mind the 49ers passing at No. 11 if the board doesn’t fall their way, then attacking the position with multiple picks on Day 2.
As such, finding a starting left guard who can potentially take over at left tackle for Trent Williams is the ideal scenario — and that’s where the board is friendly. Will Campbell (LSU) and Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas) are exactly those prospects, while Armand Membou (Missouri) can also fit the bill by flipping from the right side to the left. I expect a G/T hybrid to be the pick here, unless an edge rusher (Marshall’s Mike Green or Georgia’s Jalon Walker?) really catches the team’s eye.
Outside of Round 1, I could see the 49ers picking just about any defensive position. Beside the aforementioned desperation at defensive tackle, depth and developmental starters are needed at cornerback, linebacker, safety and edge rusher. They should happily sit on their picks and let the board come to them — they need all the cheap contracts they can get and should eschew trade-ups accordingly. Day 2 targets who read like Lynch’s type include Toledo DT Darius Alexander, South Carolina DT T.J. Sanders, Kansas State CB Jacob Parrish, Cal CB Nohl Williams, South Carolina LB Demetrius Knight Jr., UCLA LB Kain Medrano, Ole Miss edge rusher Princely Umanmielen and Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr.
Is that everyone? Ah, I didn’t even do safety. Andrew Mukuba (Texas) is the 49ers’ breed of cat, but playing him and Malik Mustapha together is unacceptably small. Kevin Winston Jr. (Penn State) fits too.
Keep your picks and even trade back if you can. Draft best player available, with exceptions made only for left tackle and defensive tackle.
Seattle Seahawks
Picks: Nos. 18, 50, 52, 82, 92, 137, 172, 175, 223, 234
Open five mocks, scroll to the Seahawks, and you’ll find five different positions addressed in the first round. In my eyes, immediate help is needed on the interior offensive line and at wide receiver. My list of ideal targets at No. 18 starts with Grey Zabel (North Dakota State), a college left tackle who projects as a guard or even center at the NFL level, a la Graham Barton. Zabel would immediately take over a starting guard spot, as would Donovan Jackson (Ohio State), who played the position naturally but bumped out to tackle last season and showed some versatility there as well.
Offensive line should be the nonnegotiable approach in Round 1, but if either of the two top receivers remain on the board at No. 18, it’ll be tough to pass. Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona) is a panicking quarterback’s best friend, as he has the on-time routes, reliable hands and enormous catch radius to bail out his quarterback from under duress. Matthew Golden (Texas) is also uber-reliable with a stockier build and track speed to turn Sam Darnold‘s favorite route — the intermediate dig — into a one-play touchdown drive. Both fit well beside slot receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp.
With an extra second- and third-rounder, the Seahawks have the capital necessary to address whatever positions miss the first-round treatment. It’s a tough draft to find full-time boundary receivers, which is what Seattle needs, but Tre Harris (Ole Miss) and Jalen Royals (Utah State) both have the requisite tools. Along the offensive line, there are guard starters everywhere in this class. Given the dire state of the Seahawks’ front, there isn’t a name I would dislike on Day 2. A predraft visit with Jared Wilson (Georgia), a plug-and-play outside zone center, certainly makes my ears prick up.
Seattle should also be on the hunt for a challenger to Josh Jobe at boundary corner. Mike Macdonald wants corners who can play on the line and off, which pulls me to Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame) and Nohl Williams (Cal) on Day 2. Also a sneaky need? Tight end. Noah Fant is on the last year of his deal, and while TE2 AJ Barner looked promising as a rookie, new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak relied heavily on two-TE sets last year in New Orleans. He’d love a movement tight end with legit receiving chops, such as Elijah Arroyo (Miami), Harold Fannin Jr. (Bowling Green) or Oronde Gadsden II (Syracuse).
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
Picks: Nos. 30, 56, 62, 109, 132, 169, 170, 173, 177, 206
The Bills spent a ton of money in free agency, both by retaining homegrown talent and plugging key gaps. Remaining on the roster are two outstanding holes, however. Rasul Douglas is still unsigned after his contract expired, which leaves 996 outside cornerback snaps from last season to fill. And at defensive tackle, Larry Ogunjobi and DaQuan Jones are stop-gap options — both over 30, both on one-year deals — opposite Ed Oliver. Ogunjobi is even facing a six-game suspension to start the season. Help is needed there.
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Buffalo could address these two needs in either order — the DT and CB classes are good in both Round 1 and Round 2. Corner is the more dire need, so I like Trey Amos (Ole Miss) at No. 30. General manager Brandon Beane gave a great quote about tackling at the corner position at the NFL annual league meeting last month, and Amos fits that description, while also bringing the length the Bills typically covet at the position. If they elect to go defensive tackle, fellow Rebel Walter Nolen — a slippery penetrator — is their type.
Speaking of the Bills’ type, I am interested to see if they finally zag at defensive tackle. They’ve been worryingly neglectful of the run-stuffing archetype, but Tyleik Williams (Ohio State) is an elite run stuffer with a developmental pass rush profile that may be available in the second round. Joshua Farmer (Florida State) might also be a more reasonable target. And should defensive tackle go first and cornerback go second, another Seminole — Azareye’h Thomas — is the name to watch.
Those first two positions are nonnegotiables for a perfect grade. After that, I’d like to see depth picks at safety and guard to score an A-plus.
Miami Dolphins
Picks: Nos. 13, 48, 98, 116, 135, 150, 155, 224, 231, 253
The Dolphins’ roster, which was maxed out to build a contender around Tua Tagovailoa‘s rookie deal, is beginning to feel the weight of the team’s aggression. Christian Wilkins left in free agency last year and his snaps were never truly replaced — defensive tackle is a big need. Safety Jevon Holland left in free agency in March, and the veterans added to replace his snaps (Ifeatu Melifonwu, Ashtyn Davis) are better as depth. Offensive tackle Terron Armstead has retired, and while 2024 second-rounder Patrick Paul is waiting in the wings to replace him, we don’t know if that’s a sure thing just yet. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill and cornerback Jalen Ramsey are both still around, but both are approaching their age-31 season and are cuttable for major cap relief next offseason. Getting ahead on their future replacements should be considered as well.
Whenever a team is aging and has lots of needs, I encourage them to move back and make tons of picks. If the board in the first round brings Will Johnson (Michigan) as a Ramsey replacement or Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas) as a left tackle/left guard solution, go for it. Otherwise, No. 13 is too early for the top of the safety class, top of the defensive tackle class or the next tier of tackles. A trade-down would be best.
My biggest concern is on the defensive line, as Emmanuel Ogbah‘s 732 snaps, Calais Campbell‘s 615 snaps, and Da’Shawn Hand‘s 563 snaps all must be replaced. Derrick Harmon (Oregon) has exactly the three-down potential the Dolphins need at this position. If they can’t reposition to draft him in the late teens/early 20s, I wouldn’t hate the pick at No. 13 — but in Round 2, at least one of Kenneth Grant (Michigan), Walter Nolen (Ole Miss) and Tyleik Williams (Ohio State) should be available. Because of the lack of depth, a double-dip sometime in Day 3 should be prioritized.
The other nonnegotiable position to address in the first three rounds is guard, where Liam Eichenberg and James Daniels are slated to start. Even if Daniels returns from his Achilles tear relatively healthy, Eichenberg can be a liability at his worst. Miles Frazier (LSU) or Tate Ratledge (Georgia) would likely win the starting job in camp. That could leave safety as the odd position out, but I like several of the players projected to be available in Round 4, including Andrew Mukuba (Texas) and Jaylen Reed (Penn State).
Miami has to get at least two defensive tackles (one early) and someone, please just anyone, to start at left guard. Everything else is gravy.
New England Patriots
Picks: Nos. 4, 38, 69, 77, 106, 144, 217, 220, 238
If the top of the draft falls as expected and the Patriots watch Cam Ward, Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter leave the board, they’ll be crestfallen. It’s their worst-case scenario, especially because no teams seem remotely interested in trading up for the second quarterback off the board. What to do, what to do.
Trading down is optimal. Otherwise, I’d prioritize the offensive line over a wide receiver. At the risk of resuscitating the Ja’Marr Chase vs. Penei Sewell meme of the Bengals’ infamous 2021 draft decision, it’s much easier for a bad offensive line to limit a great rookie receiver than it is for a bad receiver room to limit a great rookie offensive tackle. I think Will Campbell (LSU) is clearly the top prospect over Armand Membou (Missouri), and the Patriots shouldn’t care if he fails at tackle given his limited arm length — they need an elite guard, too.
Of course, another reason to pass on a receiver with the fourth pick, or even after a trade-down, is because this class is not outstanding at the top. Rounds 2 and 3 is where this receiver class is best, and the Patriots have three picks there. But would they double-dip again after Ja’Lynn Polk (Round 2) and Javon Baker (Round 4) failed last season?
With Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins providing some veteran presence, the Patriots don’t need to double-dip. Good receiver targets are reliable, QB-friendly separators who can make tough catches through contact — something only TE Hunter Henry brought to the table last season. Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State), Jack Bech (TCU) and Jalen Royals (Utah State) all fit the bill.
Even if Campbell is the pick at No. 4, a pick on the interior offensive line is also required, as projected left guard Cole Strange is on a contract year and Garrett Bradbury is only a Band-Aid at center. Jackson Slater (Sacramento State) is the sort of developmental prospect the Patriots want — small-school guard who might be better snapping in the NFL. Seth McLaughlin (Ohio State) might beat Bradbury out for the center spot outright, as he has starter-caliber film and will fall only because of a checkered injury history.
It’s easy to tunnel on the offense given the Patriots’ urgency in building around Drake Maye, but the biggest remaining need actually is running back. Rhamondre Stevenson‘s fumbling problems all but necessitate a committee backfield. In this dense, talented class, the Patriots could make a pick just about anytime. TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State) and Trevor Etienne (Georgia) are two of my favorite 1B-type backs in this class — Henderson for his home-run potential, Etienne for his blocking and pass-catching.
New York Jets
Picks: Nos. 7, 42, 73, 110, 145, 162, 186, 207
Like many teams in the top 10, the Jets’ ideal draft likely features a trade-down from No. 7. With plenty of dead money to shed from the books following the releases of Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers, the Jets have some cap lumps to swallow (not to mention the many void years that ex-general manager Joe Douglas used to build the best contender he could around Rodgers). On the other hand, WR Garrett Wilson, CB Sauce Gardner, and edge rusher Jermaine Johnson are all eligible for extensions this offseason. Each plays at a premium position and plays it well. RB Breece Hall and G Alijah Vera-Tucker are also up after this season, though head coach Aaron Glenn threw some cold water on Hall’s usage with his committee comments earlier this month. Regardless, big deals are coming down the mountain.
The Jets’ accounting books point to a clear conclusion: it would be great to restore this roster with plenty of rookie deals, and acquiring picks by moving down from No. 7 would be optimal. Otherwise, one of the biggest gaps on the Jets’ roster is right tackle, and one of the best players available at No. 7 is expected to be Armand Membou (Missouri). With a trade-back, the Jets could still find Membou. They could also settle for Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas) or Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon).
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I also expect the Jets to make a couple of middle-round selections along the defensive line. There’s plenty of talent already in the building, but whereas ex-head coach Robert Saleh preferred disruptors who sold out for penetration at all costs, Glenn likes versatile fronts and balanced players. The Jets could use an on-ball linebacker like the Lions’ Derrick Barnes. Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell would be a perfect fit if he slid to No. 42. Demetrius Knight Jr. (South Carolina) was an off-ball linebacker for the Gamecocks, but he was far better blitzing than in coverage; Knight has a similar short, thick and long build to Barnes. Besides the on-ball linebacker role, look for defensive tackle adds — the Jets added three veteran defensive tackles in free agency, all at minimum and nearly unguaranteed contracts. Glenn clearly wants to make changes to the front and grabbed veteran mercenaries in case he can’t find his targets in the draft.
Tight end and safety are the remaining spots in which a Day 2 pick could find their way into the starting lineup. I expect safety will be less of a need, as Tony Adams and Andre Cisco form a passable duo. But at tight end, Jeremy Ruckert and Stone Smartt can be easily supplanted by a tight end from this talented class. Gunnar Helm (Texas) and Terrance Ferguson (Oregon) have three-down traits and should be available in Round 3, while Round 4 target Oronde Gadsden II (Syracuse) has the route-running chops to adopt much of Sam LaPorta‘s old role in Detroit, should new offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand want to mirror the role in New York.
The Jets have a thin and aging roster. The best approach is trading back, accumulating picks and introducing competitive young rookies at every position they can. The only spots I see that must be addressed with valuable selections are right tackle and tight end.
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens
Picks: Nos. 27, 59, 91, 129, 136, 176, 183, 203, 210, 212, 243
The Ravens are in a good position to go “best player available” — a thing many franchises say yet few actually do. There are plenty of holes on the roster — splashier pass rushers are needed off the edge, and the third cornerback spot behind Nate Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey glares. But nothing is dire.
A few “best players” feel like they could fall into the Ravens’ range. Edge rusher Mykel Williams (Georgia) is a classic Ravens defensive lineman, with length and toughness, and he’s only 20 years old — one of the youngest, highest-ceiling players in the draft. Jahdae Barron (Texas) is a talented but undersized defensive back with inside-out versatility. He won’t fit every team given his measurables, but the Ravens won’t mind. And another Bulldog — safety Malaki Starks — is the sort of heady, well-rounded safety who would pair wonderfully with versatile player Kyle Hamilton. Williams would be the best pick for the Ravens, should he fall all the way down to No. 27.
This is a great class to snag a starting corner in Round 2, as that’s where the position is dense. Trey Amos (Ole Miss) reminds me of Wiggins at times, but he’ll likely be gone when the Ravens pick at No. 59. Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina) is more likely to be available, and his profile — recovering from an ACL tear — fits that of general manager Eric DeCosta, who has gambled on injured players (David Ojabo, Andrew Vorhees, Rasheen Ali) before.
Look for the Ravens to also add a developmental tight end, as Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar are all in contract years. I love this class on early Day 3: Mitchell Evans (Notre Dame) and Terrance Ferguson (Oregon) should be targets here. Depth at defensive tackle is also a must, with Michael Pierce retiring from an already thin unit. Baltimore’s last major draft picks at defensive tackle were Nnamdi Madubuike and Travis Jones — pretty dang good! — and the team could spend another third-rounder on a rotational player. Omarr Norman-Lott (Tennessee) is good as a situational pass rusher.
Cleveland Browns
Picks: Nos. 2, 33, 67, 94, 104, 179, 192, 200, 216, 255
There is not a position the Browns do not need.
Well, edge rusher is probably fine. A rotation of Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Ogbo Okoronkwo, Isaiah McGuire and Alex Wright is a solid complement to Myles Garrett (though all of those players except for McGuire are on contract years, so a pick there would not go amiss). Linebacker and corner can both be strong, conditional on the health of key players Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who is still recovering from a major neck injury in 2024, and Denzel Ward, who had two concussions last season and now six over his NFL career. Rising free agents at both spots (LB Jordan Hicks, CB Greg Newsome II) challenge the depth, however.
Other than that, the Browns need everything.
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That’s the bad news — here’s the good news. With two third-rounders and a whopping four sixth-rounders, the Browns have one of the league’s deepest war chests this April. The name of the game: Make tons of picks. No trading up, no spending future capital — just draft, draft and draft some more. Securing Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter, my top player in the class, would set them up for success.
OK, maybe one trade-up for a developmental quarterback. The Browns hold the No. 33 pick, which will give them control of the board on Day 2 — but as Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) or Tyler Shough (Louisville) lingers at the end of Day 1, rival teams could trade back up into the first round to leapfrog them for their desired passer (along with the precious, cost-controlled fifth-year option on his contract). If Cleveland must move up into the 20s to secure Dart or Shough, it’s a defensible move.
After grabbing Hunter and a potential franchise quarterback, the Browns should overload on offensive picks. Their entire interior offensive line is in a contract year, their running back room is one of the weakest in football and even if Hunter plays 100% of his snaps at wide receiver, they could use another player behind him and Jerry Jeudy. If any quarterback is going to develop in Cleveland — one selected this year, or one selected in future drafts — it will inevitably be on better offensive bedrock than is currently rostered.
Cincinnati Bengals
Picks: Nos. 17, 49, 81, 119, 153, 193
The Bengals have a worrying number of needs. Every starting cornerback job is up for grabs. Outside cornerback Dax Hill, who tore his ACL in Week 5, looks like he’s going to kick into the nickel spot since veteran slot Mike Hilton remains unsigned. Cam Taylor-Britt should occupy one outside position, but he had a tumultuous 2024 campaign that included two benchings. DJ Turner, who stepped in for Hill before going on IR with his own injury, played quality ball at the other outside spot but needs to prove it over the course of a season.
The problem is that all of those players — Hill, Taylor-Britt and Turner — were early selections in recent drafts. Players the Bengals need to develop. The same is true of defensive tackle, where 2024 Day 2 picks Kris Jenkins Jr. and McKinnley Jackson (who flashed a bit at the end of last season) simply must rise to the challenge of increased snaps. Neither corner nor defensive tackle should be removed from early-round consideration for Cincinnati, but it sure would be nice to dedicate picks to positions without as much young talent in the hopper.
Two positions stand out. The interior offensive line could use a boost, as veteran journeymen Cody Ford and Lucas Patrick are expected to fight for the starting right guard spot after Alex Cappa was released. Donovan Jackson (Ohio State) or North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel (North Dakota State) — options at No. 17 — would likely win that job in camp and offer a much higher ceiling. Not for nothing, but center Ted Karras and left guard Cordell Volson are both on contract years. The Bengals have not drafted an interior offensive lineman since snagging Volson in the fourth round in 2022, so the time is nigh to reinvest.
Cincinnati also needs to target an edge rusher with an early pick. Joseph Ossai is back on a one-year deal to split snaps with 2023 first-rounder Myles Murphy opposite star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, but Hendrickson has only one year remaining on his deal and could be traded this offseason. The Bengals remain unprepared to buttress Hendrickson with a solid complementary rusher and are nowhere near prepared if he leaves.
I’d like to see the Bengals ride with their young defensive backs and address guard early — either Zabel or Jackson would earn a thumbs-up from me. If a great pass rusher falls in the first round, that’s fine too — they can get starting guards on Day 2, such as Marcus Mbow (Purdue). A dedicated nickel corner who could keep Hill on the outside would be swell in Rounds 3 and 4 — think Jacob Parrish (Kansas State) or Caleb Ransaw (Tulane).
And we didn’t even touch linebacker depth or tackle depth. Egads!
Pittsburgh Steelers
Picks: Nos. 21, 83, 123, 156, 185, 229
Don’t look now, but T.J. Watt is turning 31 this season and on the final year of his deal. Cameron Heyward is 36 next month and has two years left on his extension. The cornerstones of the Steelers’ long-dominant defensive line are getting up there.
There’s good young talent in the hopper — Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig and Keeanu Benton are ready to do their parts. But adding another high-impact first-rounder on the defensive line, especially on the interior, would shore up the Steelers’ strength while providing a rosier future. Derrick Harmon (Oregon) is a perfect fit here, and No. 21 is where the range should begin on Kenneth Grant (Michigan) and Walter Nolen (Ole Miss).
The Steelers don’t need to go defensive line this early, however, which opens the possibility for a few other positions. Running back is on the table with Omarion Hampton (North Carolina), a potential three-down bruiser who can break off a big play. Cornerback is possible, as neither Darius Slay Jr. and Brandin Echols were signed to deals that imply starting jobs without competition. And, of course, quarterback is on the table.
Independent of the Aaron Rodgers courtship, the Steelers must invest in a developmental quarterback. Mike Tomlin’s neglect of the position has gone from impressive to flagrantly limiting. If Pittsburgh does not take a quarterback in the first round, it must wait until the third round (or execute a substantial trade-up), as the team’s second-round pick belongs to the Seahawks courtesy of the DK Metcalf trade.
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Of the three quarterbacks I consider reasonable picks at 21, Tyler Shough (Louisville) is the best stylistic fit for Arthur Smith’s offensive system. Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) does have a wonderful go route/back-shoulder ball in his bag, which fits nicely with Metcalf and George Pickens‘ play style at receiver. And Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) is simply the best prospect of the three. I can talk myself into — and out of — each selection, but I lean Sanders, even if the Steelers have to move in front of the Seahawks (No. 18) to secure him.
The grade on the Steelers’ draft hinges on where they draft a quarterback, and if they have to trade up for him. Otherwise, a developmental defensive lineman and an early-down back to pair with Jaylen Warren are the objectives.
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans
Picks: Nos. 25, 58, 79, 89, 166, 236, 241
The Texans’ offensive line was one of the worst units in football last season, ranking 22nd in pass block win rate and 31st in run block win rate. There were communication issues, procedural penalties and bad effort. The Texans spent much of this offseason cleaning house — left tackle Laremy Tunsil, left guard Kenyon Green and right guard Shaq Mason are all off the roster, taking with them over 2,000 snaps to fill. Houston has plugged those gaps with internal promotions and quick veteran Band-Aids — Cam Robinson, Laken Tomlinson and Ed Ingram. But there is not a spot along the line at which a first-round pick would not win the starting job.
As such, the Texans should throw bodies at the problem. The most immediate need is competition at right tackle for Blake Fisher, a 2024 second-round selection who struggled mightily when thrust into the starting lineup. Josh Simmons (Ohio State) and Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon) should go near Houston’s pick at No. 25, and both would be Week 1 starters — either at right tackle, or over Robinson at left tackle if Fisher takes big strides in his sophomore camp.
Houston should immediately chase a Round 1 offensive line selection with a Day 2 offensive line selection, either targeting a developmental tackle (Robinson is on a one-year deal) or competition on the interior. With Jonah Savaiinaea (Arizona), the Texans could hit both birds with one stone, as Savaiinaea was an All-American at guard before bouncing to tackle, where he had to play on both sides last season.
Also on the Day 2 list is a potential starting receiver, as the depth chart behind Nico Collins looks bleak with Tank Dell‘s expected absence following his gruesome knee injury in December. Christian Kirk, again one of those veteran stop-gaps, is on the final year of his deal.
A couple other sneaky targets: A developmental tight end would be nice, as Dalton Schultz‘s contract is cuttable after the 2025 season. Rotational running back should also be a priority in this deep class: Joe Mixon isn’t getting any younger, and Dare Ogunbowale could be improved upon as the third-down back.
Two picks in the top 100 on the offensive line. That’s the only thing I’m looking for to give the Texans an A.
Indianapolis Colts
Picks: Nos. 14, 45, 80, 117, 151, 189, 232
The last tight end to produce at least 800 receiving yards in a season for the Colts was Dallas Clark in 2009 — I remember watching it in middle school. Since then, only Jacob Tamme, Coby Fleener (twice), Jack Doyle and Eric Ebron have ever cleared 600 receiving yards for Indy — most recently in 2018. That’s right: In the last six years, the best receiving season from a Colts tight end was Doyle with 448 yards in 2019. Thirty-two other teams have had at least one tight end with a 500-plus-yard season since 2019, and I do mean 32 — the league’s 31 other teams, and the Oakland Raiders, who did it with Darren Waller in 2019 before relocating.
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So when every mock from now until next Thursday sends Tyler Warren (Penn State) or Colston Loveland (Michigan) to the Colts, that’s why. The board lines up nicely for the Colts, as their pick at No. 14 is right in the range for those two star tight ends. Short of tight end, they don’t need too many starters, so long as they feel good about the plan of 2024 fourth-rounder Tanor Bortolini and 2024 third-rounder Matt Goncalves stepping into the starting center and right guard spots, respectively. I like what I saw from both players and would be willing to pass on a Round 1 guard.
But in Round 2? I’d love a guard/tackle swing player, as right tackle Braden Smith is looking for a bounce-back season with only one year remaining on his contract. Aireontae Ersery (Minnesota) moves and plays like a Chris Ballard offensive lineman, though he’s likely just a tackle in Indianapolis’ system. Marcus Mbow, who started his career at right guard at Purdue before moving to right tackle, has more of the positional versatility the Colts are looking for — and he could be available in Round 3, whereas Ersery would be a Round 2 selection.
I’d also wager that Ballard, ever an investor in his pass rush, will make a decently early pick on the edge. Dayo Odeyingbo left in free agency for the Bears, and with him left 745 snaps. 2024 first-round pick Laiatu Latu waits in the wings, of course, but all three of Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam and Tyquan Lewis are on contract years. I could see the Colts snagging James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee) if he falls out of Round 1, which is looking increasingly likely; Landon Jackson (Arkansas), who tested out of this world, also strikes me as a good developmental edge prospect for Indianapolis.
Don’t sleep on the QB3 spot for the Colts, which is currently occupied by 2024 undrafted free agent Jason Bean. An Anthony Richardson–Daniel Jones camp battle might bear no fruit at all, leaving the door open for an early Day 3 pick to steal some reps. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if Indianapolis is the team for Will Howard (Ohio State).
Jacksonville Jaguars
Picks: Nos. 5, 36, 70, 88, 107, 126, 142, 182, 194, 221
The Jaguars’ edge duo of Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker is too good for their line play to be as poor as it is. The culprit is defensive tackle, where a series of veteran moves over the past few years (Roy Robertson-Harris, Folorunso Fatukasi, Arik Armstead) all failed to have meaningful impact. The most likely path to a needle-mover at defensive tackle is the No. 5 pick, where Mason Graham (Michigan) could go. I’d like that pick for the Jaguars just fine, but they should investigate trading down. The defensive tackle class is pretty strong at No. 36 as well, should they miss out on Graham.
I like Jacksonville’s cornerback room better than most — Jarrian Jones, who performed delightfully as a rookie nickel corner, should transition well to the outside as free agent acquisition Jourdan Lewis takes his natural slot spot. If a corner the Jaguars like falls to them at No. 36, that’s fine too. But I have my eyes on linebacker, where Devin Lloyd is approaching a contract year and Foyesade Oluokun is approaching his age-30 season. Carson Schwesinger (UCLA) would be an excellent pick at the top of Round 2 as a high-ceiling coverage linebacker to replace Lloyd in 2026 and beyond.
The Jaguars could improve along the offensive line and at tight end, but their free agent moves at those respective positions have crowded the depth chart. There’s room for a developmental tackle on Day 2, but in an excellent tight end class, signing both Johnny Mundt and Hunter Long behind Brenton Strange feels like an error. Are the Jaguars going to carry four tight ends on their 53-man roster? Draft a Day 2 guy and move off of Strange? It’s a missed opportunity.
With an extra third-round pick, I’d love to see the Jaguars take a big Day 2 swing on a receiver — maybe even with a trade-up. Dyami Brown is on a one-year deal, and behind him, neither Parker Washington nor Gabe Davis stirs the drink for me. With Brian Thomas Jr. in hand, finding a dynamic running mate to take advantage of his gravity will likely be a priority for the new coaching staff and front office — just ask Liam Coen what calling plays for Chris Godwin and Mike Evans in Tampa Bay was like, or how easy it was for GM James Gladstone to build around Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua in Los Angeles.
Jack Bech (TCU) is reminiscent of Kupp and Godwin in usage, so he’d be a perfect fit. Kyle Williams (Washington State) projects to the slot in the NFL, where his quickness can shine, but he has enough skill against press coverage that he can moonlight outside. A starting defensive tackle, starting receiver and potential starter at linebacker — that’s my priority list for Jacksonville.
Tennessee Titans
Picks: Nos. 1, 35, 103, 120, 141, 167, 178, 188
OK, so you’re drafting Cam Ward. What next?
Edge rusher is the biggest position of need on the Titans’ depth chart. Harold Landry III was released, leaving Arden Key as the primary incumbent rusher with Dre’Mont Jones and Lorenzo Carter as free agent reinforcements — nothing to write home about there. We typically preach offensive investment for teams with rookie quarterbacks, but the Titans already have a strong offensive line and can add secondary pass catchers later. I could see them keeping James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee) in-state with the No. 35 pick, though I’d prefer a player with better three-down potential, like JT Tuimoloau (Ohio State).
If the Titans do pass on edge rusher for a WR2, it’s an understandable instinct. A Brian Callahan spread-style offense with a quick-release passer such as Ward needs multiple receivers who can create separation, and while Calvin Ridley is the incumbent WR1, it’s worth noting he turned 30 last year. Tennessee must get young receivers into the hopper. At No. 35, Jaylin Noel (Iowa State) is a perfect fit with Ward — quick enough to separate fast in the short game, and a reliable deep ball tracker with easy speed on the downfield shots. At a round discount, you can likely get Kyle Williams (Washington State) to fill a similar mold. The Titans might also favor a big-bodied safety blanket who can win over the middle of the field, in which case Jayden Higgins (Iowa State) and Elic Ayomanor (Stanford) are good targets.
After addressing WR and Edge, the Titans should consider adding competition at linebacker, as all five of their leading snap getters from last season — Kenneth Murray Jr., Ernest Jones IV, Jerome Baker, Jack Gibbens and Luke Gifford — are on different teams. Free agent Cody Barton fills one starting spot, but the other is up for grabs. Danny Stutsman (Oklahoma) and Jeffrey Bassa (Oregon) are highly experienced players with NFL traits.
Starting Edge, WR2, starting linebacker. Oh, and Cam Ward. That’s the plan.
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
Picks: Nos. 20, 51, 85, 122, 191, 197, 208
If the Broncos get running back Omarion Hampton (North Carolina) at No. 20, I’m going to write irresponsibly optimistic things about their 2025 season. I love an offense that returns all five starting offensive linemen, has an emergent WR2 in Marvin Mims Jr. behind Courtland Sutton and mostly kept 101-level schemes on Bo Nix‘s plate in his rookie season — imagine what he looks like with another offseason under his belt. They just need a three-down back, and Hampton should make it to their pick. I grade him as a clear Round 1 player and potential Pro Bowler. It would be one of my favorite selections of the entire draft, sight unseen.
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If the Broncos fill the RB need early, another secondary pass catcher should become the main priority. There’s plenty of room in the wide receiver rotation behind Sutton and Mims, and the contractual commitment to free agent tight end Evan Engram is really only one season, so he shouldn’t preclude them from an early investment in the position. Bowling Green’s Harold Fannin Jr., a highly unique TE at his best with touches near the line of scrimmage, feels like a player Sean Payton would enjoy coaching. The No. 85 pick is right about where he should go.
Denver should consider offensive tackle depth, as both Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey are over 30, and that offensive line has become such a strength that building depth could turn it into a self-perpetuating machine. Linebacker is also a bit more fragile than the Broncos would like, with injury concerns at both starting spots between Alex Singleton and Dre Greenlaw. I’d also float the idea of a challenger at center with incumbent starter Luke Wattenberg, but it’s not a great year for centers.
Three-down back. A secondary pass catcher or two. Fliers on the offensive line and at linebacker. Get in, we’re going to go win a playoff game.
Kansas City Chiefs
Picks: Nos. 31, 63, 66, 95, 133, 226, 251, 257
The Chiefs struggled with depth at three positions last season: left tackle, wide receiver and cornerback. The hope is the cornerback issue is solved by free agent acquisition Kristian Fulton, but the departures of defensive tackles Tershawn Wharton and Derrick Nnadi have sprung a new leak in the depth chart. They lost nearly 1,000 snaps at defensive tackle and added only Jerry Tillery on a one-year deal in relief.
The good news is the end of the first round is a nice spot to get a defensive tackle in this class. Derrick Harmon (Oregon) would be the dream of all dreams, but the Chiefs likely represent his floor at No. 31. (I wouldn’t mind a small trade-up, a la the Xavier Worthy deal last year, to go get him.) Otherwise, Kenneth Grant (Michigan) is a space-gobbling nose tackle with pass-rush upside, and Walter Nolen (Ole Miss) is a slippery penetrator with run-defending upside. Pick your poison.
I could also see the Chiefs addressing either the left tackle or left guard spot in Round 1. Jaylon Moore‘s two-year, $30 million deal is not nearly big enough to prohibit them from snagging a starting left tackle, should they believe in a player like Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon) or Josh Simmons (Ohio State). Similarly, while there’s internal excitement about 2024 second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia starting at left guard in Joe Thuney‘s shoes, he played only one game there last season and is not a sure bet. Donovan Jackson (Ohio State) is a scheme fit and would be a home-run selection.
If the Chiefs don’t add an offensive lineman in Round 1, I’d hope to see them go tackle on Day 2 anyway, just to get insurance behind Moore. Charles Grant (William & Mary) is one of the most exciting small-school prospects, and GM Brett Veach has not shied from dipping into those schools with middle-round selections (Joshua Williams, Khalen Saunders). Tight end looks like a big need, with Travis Kelce turning 36 this season, but I’m interested to see what 2024 fourth-round pick Jared Wiley has to offer, so I wouldn’t rush to make a selection. Getting a rotational running back is more urgent to me. RJ Harvey (UCF) plays like a Chiefs back — they could snag him on Day 2 — and Cam Skattebo (Arizona State) would be great on Day 3.
Early, I’d like to see a starting defensive tackle and a player to contend somewhere along the left side of the offensive line in 2025. Later, give me that depth back and throw a pick at receiver as well, just as insurance on the health of Hollywood Brown and Rashee Rice.
Las Vegas Raiders
Picks: Nos. 6, 37, 68, 108, 143, 180, 213, 215, 222
One of the biggest needs on the Raiders’ roster is running back, and they will (almost certainly) have Ashton Jeanty (Boise State) available at No. 6. Can they possibly say no?
They can, because the biggest need on the roster is cornerback, and Will Johnson (Michigan) is staring them down — he might even be available with a small trade-back, if that suits their fancy. As Nate Hobbs walked in free agency and Jack Jones was released earlier this month, the Raiders are expected to start Jakorian Bennett, Decamerion Richardson and Darnay Holmes at their three corner spots right now. Ideally, both a potential starting outside corner and starting nickel are added in the first three rounds of this draft.
That mission hardly leaves much room for a running back pick — if Jeanty is the selection at No. 6, the Raiders must double-dip on Day 2 in the defensive backfield. The good news is the second day of the draft is rife with starters in the secondary. Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina) has prototypical traits for a Pete Carroll corner, as does Darien Porter (Iowa State) at the Round 3/Round 4 turn. Nohl Williams (Cal) and Jacob Parrish (Kansas State) can both play the physical game required from NFL slots, while still bringing impactful coverage ability.
Should Jeanty not be the pick in Round 1, the guiding light for the Raiders’ RB approach should be this question: Can this prospect take 300 touches in his rookie season? Not everyone is built for it. Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State) at the top of Round 2 would be my dream target, as a reunion with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly would make his transition seamless. Kaleb Johnson (Iowa) and Damien Martinez (Miami) could be Round 3 options.
I like the Raiders’ build on the offensive line better than most (go watch you some DJ Glaze film), so I’d prefer to attack WR2 and linebacker before addressing the offensive front. With Jakobi Meyers and tight end Brock Bowers both highly reliable as short and intermediate receivers, the Raiders should swing big for a pass catcher who hits home runs. Day 3 targets include Chimere Dike (Florida) and Isaac TeSlaa (Arkansas). At linebacker, any quick player with coverage ability would pair nicely with veteran signing Elandon Roberts. Jeffrey Bassa (Oregon) and Smael Mondon Jr. (Georgia) are the names to watch here.
I need to see Vegas add a three-down running back and double-dip in the secondary. There are too many needs to address for the Raiders to have a perfect draft, but those are my nonnegotiables.
Los Angeles Chargers
Picks: Nos. 22, 55, 86, 125, 158, 181, 199, 209, 214, 256
The Chargers were one of the losers in free agency, as the lack of good pass catchers to hit the open market precluded them from elevating their receiver room. Both tight end and receiver are a need, and with the No. 22 selection, I could only abide passing on those two positions if a true steal were remaining on the board. I’m talking cornerback Will Johnson (Michigan) or edge rusher Jalon Walker (Georgia).
Ideally, the Chargers get one of the top two tight ends (Penn State’s Tyler Warren or Michigan’s Colston Loveland, the latter of whom played under coach Jim Harbaugh in Michigan) and add a receiver on Day 2. Ladd McConkey is at his best on intermediate breaking routes, so finding a receiver with the size to play outside and the vertical ability to stretch the defense is the goal. Jayden Higgins (Iowa State) scratches those itches, if you can stomach the similarities between Higgins and Quentin Johnston out of college. Tre Harris (Ole Miss) might be available 30 picks later and can do much of the same.
The return of pass rusher Khalil Mack for his age-34 season is exciting — he’s a leader in the room and still playing well — but his age and the departure of Joey Bosa make developing a starting edge rusher a big priority. JT Tuimoloau (Ohio State) reminded me of Tuli Tuipulotu on film and would be able to find early-down work as a rookie. Still, the Chargers can swing higher on pass-rush upside given the year of development their rookie will have. Oluwafemi Oladejo (UCLA) and Nic Scourton (Texas A&M) are two high-caliber athletes who should be available in late Round 2/early Round 3, and L.A. has plenty of capital (four sixth-round picks!) to trade up for one.
The only outstanding need for the Chargers is at defensive tackle, where last year’s top two snap getters — Poona Ford and Morgan Fox — both left in free agency. The Chargers deployed a heavy rotation in 2024, and will invariably do so again, so they should focus on bigger needs earlier while adding to the rotation when the board falls their way. Tackles in Jesse Minter’s defense must be highly versatile — able to line up at different positions and play multiple techniques. For their needs, I like Joshua Farmer (Florida State) on Day 2 and Aeneas Peebles (Virginia Tech) on Day 3.
The nonnegotiable is multiple pass catchers with at least one early pick. Sprinkle in some help along the defensive line, and the Chargers are golden.
