This is my only mock draft of the year. It’s not based on what I think teams should do — it’s based on what I’m hearing around the league. No trades are included.
The Titans fell in love with Cam Ward — and in their building, he’s QB1 in this class.
With a new stadium coming soon, the hope is that Ward becomes electric enough to sell out every game once it opens.
Brian Callahan gets his hand-picked quarterback, and Ward becomes the fourth No. 1 pick Callahan has worked with (Peyton Manning, Matthew Stafford, Joe Burrow, and now Ward).
Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) dives for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Folsom Field. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Andrew Berry compared Hunter to Shohei Ohtani — that alone says a lot.
The Browns could use help at both WR (opposite Jerry Jeudy) and CB (opposite Denzel Ward). Hunter gives them both.
He’ll begin his NFL career focusing on receiver, but will get mixed in on defense as well.
Elite ball skills, insane hand-eye coordination, and a rare two-way talent.
The key will be Cleveland developing him properly and deploying him in a way that maximizes his unique skill set.
Let’s preface this: I still think this could be Shedeur Sanders. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if it is.
There are people in the front office who really want him and have been doing deep work on him for months.
As for Carter: He’s a phenomenal talent — but there are concerns about a shoulder, a foot, and how he came across in interviews. Not a bad guy, just confident — and that can rub some the wrong way. Some people love it.
Still, I’m giving them Carter because he makes more sense at No. 3 from a pure talent standpoint.
If they do go Shedeur here, I’m not convinced Carter would go 4 to New England — he could fall to Jacksonville, which would be very interesting. But in this mock, that scenario is off the board.
LSU Tigers offensive tackle Will Campbell (66) in action during the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies. Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images.
If the Patriots hadn’t won that meaningless Week 18 game with Joe Milton, they’d be picking No. 1 and probably cashing in big from a trade.
Instead, they’re here at No. 4. They addressed defense in free agency. They added Stefon Diggs at WR. They signed Garrett Bradbury (C) and Morgan Moses (RT), but both are short-term solutions.
There’s a glaring hole at LT — and that’s where Campbell fits.
He only played LT at LSU. His football IQ is off the charts. He even wore LSU’s #7 patch, traditionally given to the team’s top playmaker.
He fits everything Mike Vrabel wants in terms of culture and toughness.
Worst-case scenario? You kick him inside and he becomes a perennial All-Pro guard — just like Brandon Scherff did after Washington took him at No. 5 in 2015.
The Jags are a prime trade-down team — but if they stay, don’t be shocked if they go offense.
Mason Graham made sense for a while, but he’s not loved by analytics folks, and Jacksonville is analytics-heavy.
Here’s why Tet McMillan makes sense:
OC Liam Coen worked with Mike Evans in Tampa. Trevor Lawrence thrived with big-bodied WRs like Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross at Clemson.
Tet is 6’4″, 213 pounds and built like Tee Higgins. Pair him with Brian Thomas Jr., and you’ve got your long-term WR duo.
Thomas is your Ja’Marr Chase. Tet is your Higgins.
Missouri Tigers offensive lineman Armand Membou (79) lines up against the Massachusetts Minutemen during the first half at Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Yes, Ashton Jeanty is mocked here by almost everyone. But unless your roster is 80% complete, taking a RB this high isn’t ideal roster building.
The Raiders have bigger needs and have been almost too open about their love for Jeanty. I think they want a team to trade ahead of them and take Jeanty.
Also, Spytek came from Tampa — they drafted Bucky Irving, Rachaad White, and found Sean Tucker undrafted. They know how to find backs.
Membou is a plug-and-play RT. DJ Glaze becomes the swing tackle.
Spytek saw Tristan Wirfs thrive in Tampa — Membou could be that guy for Vegas and eventually shift to LT if/when Kolton Miller ages out.
Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Tyler Warren (44) celebrates with linebacker Dominic DeLuca (0) after an interception for a touchdown during the first half against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Beaver Stadium. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Jets are one of the toughest teams to figure out — they’ve been airtight.Membou would be in play if available. Jahdae Barron would also make sense, but it may be too early. Instead, I’m giving them Tyler Warren — a YAC monster with over 100 catches last year.
Get him the ball, and he’s running through or past defenders. He’d give Justin Fields a reliable weapon who can line up anywhere.
Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jalon Walker (11) tackles Mississippi Rebels running back Ulysses Bentley IV (24) during the first half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Petre Thomas-Imagn Images.
Walker is one of the most complex evals in the class. Played both off-ball LB and EDGE.
In the NFL, he’ll primarily rush the passer — and his toolkit is legit: explosive, powerful, flexible, and smart — son of a college coach, and a North Carolina native
The Panthers have solidified their interior with Derrick Brown and Tarshawn Wharton. But Clowney and Wonnum are on expiring deals — Walker gives them a high-upside EDGE for the future.
Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. (78) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
I said it weeks ago: Banks is going to go way higher than expected. Three-year starter at LT. Some see him as a guard. Saints would see him as their LT.
Fuaga (last year’s pick) played well on the left but probably fits better on the right. Trevor Penning has been a disappointment.
Banks would help solidify the offensive line and stabilize things long-term.
Boise State Broncos running back and Heisman Trophy candidate Ashton Jeanty (2) runs for a touchdown against the Wyoming Cowboys during the first quarter at Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium. Troy Babbitt-Imagn Images.
Ben Johnson didn’t touch the RB room this offseason. We know how much he values the position — just look at Gibbs and Montgomery in Detroit.
Now Jeanty gets dropped into an offense that includes Caleb Williams, DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet, and a rebuilt OL.
Caleb + Jeanty + that weapon group + Ben Johnson? That’s scary.
The 49ers are quietly retooling their DL after moving on from Arik Armstead, Javon Kinlaw, Maliek Collins, Javon Hargrave and more in the last couple of years.
They need to get younger. Graham next to Bosa long-term would be a gift.
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Matthew Golden (2) catches a pass during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.
They could move back — but here, they stay put and add a true complement to CeeDee Lamb.
Golden is a smooth route-runner, a legit deep threat (4.29 speed), and a natural separator. He’d fit perfectly as the WR2.
I debated Will Johnson here, but Barron has risen fast. He lined up everywhere at Texas — outside, slot, box — and logged 300+ snaps at four different spots.
Won the Jim Thorpe Award and had five INTs last year.
He’s versatile, smart, and exactly what Miami needs — especially with the Jalen Ramsey trade on the horizon.
Michigan Wolverines tight end Colston Loveland (18) runs with the ball in the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The Colts haven’t taken a TE in Round 1 since Dallas Clark in 2003 — that worked out well.
They tried to trade up for Brock Bowers last year and couldn’t. Whoever the QB is — they’ll appreciate Loveland’s speed, agility, and reliability down the seam.
Marshall Thundering Herd defensive lineman Mike Green (15) celebrates after sacking Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones (1) during the first quarter at Lane Stadium. Peter Casey-Imagn Images.
Green led the nation in sacks (17) last season. Atlanta has the fewest sacks in the NFL since 2018. Green’s pass-rush ability is real — and he’s improved as a run defender too.
We thought they’d go EDGE last year. This year, they finally do.
Sep 14, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Jam Miller (26) is greeted by offensive lineman Tyler Booker (52) after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Tyler Booker is believed to be best guard prospect in this draft — a true plug-and-play player. He allowed just one sack across 950+ career pass-blocking snaps, showcasing consistent pass protection.
But it’s his run blocking that makes him an ideal fit for Arizona. With James Conner running behind him, the Cardinals’ physical, downhill rushing attack would thrive.
Booker plays with power and aggression, always looking for extra work in the trenches. He’s also highly regarded as a tone-setter and respected leader in the locker room.
Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Derrick Harmon (55) breaks past Illinois Fighting Illini offensive lineman Brandon Henderson (75) during the second half at Autzen Stadium. Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
The Bengals need defense—plain and simple. Harmon had a standout season at Oregon in his lone year with the program. With powerful hands, long arms, and an explosive ability to shed blocks, he consistently disrupted plays from the interior.
He led all FBS interior defensive linemen in quarterback pressures last season, and would instantly upgrade Cincinnati’s pass rush from the inside.
North Dakota State tackle Grey Zabel congratulates teammate cam Miller on a touchdown at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado, on Thursday, August 29, 2024.
Seattle passed on upgrading their offensive line in free agency, but help is desperately needed on the interior. Zabel has been one of the fastest risers in this draft class, checking every box from the Senior Bowl to the combine to individual workouts.
He’s extremely versatile, with starting experience at left guard, left tackle, and right tackle at NDSU, and he looked dominant at center during Senior Bowl practices. Zabel has the potential to play all five spots on the offensive line—a trait teams love.
Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Mykel Williams (13) celebrates after a tackle against the Clemson Tigers in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports.
Williams is one of the biggest wild cards in this class. He didn’t have the breakout season many expected—partly due to a nagging ankle injury—but the talent is obvious. His elite speed-to-power rush, natural bend, and explosiveness off the edge give him massive upside.
Still just 20 years old, Williams has the traits that could make him a top-10 pick, but here he lands at 19 to a Bucs team that could use him both now and in the future, especially with Haason Reddick only signed to a one-year deal.
Nov 30, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Omarion Hampton (28) with the ball as North Carolina State Wolfpack linebacker Kamal Bonner (34) defends in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Hampton has quietly been one of the most productive backs in the country, though somewhat overshadowed by stars like Ashton Jeanty and the Ohio State backfield. Over the last two seasons, he’s rushed for 3,164 yards—second only to Jeanty—and added 67 catches as a pass-catcher.
In Sean Payton’s offense, which relies on versatile running backs, Hampton could be a huge asset and take pressure off rookie QB Bo Nix. Ohio State RB TreVeyon Henderson is also in play.
Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) prepares to pass the ball in the third quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images.
The Steelers land Shedeur Sanders in this scenario. With the long-term future at quarterback still unsettled, Sanders brings upside, poise, and playmaking ability. The ideal scenario is to sit him early but he could become the face of the franchise in time.
Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant (78) tackles USC running back Woody Marks (4) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.
The Chargers lost Poona Ford in free agency and need to bolster their defensive front. Grant, who played under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, is a perfect scheme fit. He brings the size of a traditional nose tackle with the movement skills of a disruptive interior penetrator—a rare combo.
Michigan defensive back Will Johnson celebrates a touchdown after intercepting USC quarterback Miller Moss during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.
Johnson didn’t run the 40 at his pro day, and teams will have to weigh some medical factors, but the film speaks for itself. He’s a polished, physical corner with great instincts and the ability to thrive in man or zone coverage.
South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Nick Emmanwori (7) reacts after returning an interception for a touchdown during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners. Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images.
The Vikings have only four picks in the draft—the fewest of any team—so a trade down could be in play. But if they stay put, Emmanwori fills a key need at safety. With Cam Bynum gone and Harrison Smith nearing retirement, the 6’3″ safety tested off the charts: a 4.38 40-yard dash, 43-inch vertical, and 11’6″ broad jump—each among the best ever recorded for a safety.
He’s versatile and smart, making him a strong fit for Brian Flores’ complex, hybrid-heavy defense.
Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Josh Simmons (71) blocks Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Darius Robinson (6) during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports.
Houston adds offensive line depth with Simmons, a long and athletic tackle who made strides during his time at Ohio State. He has the physical tools to develop into a starting-caliber lineman on either side.
Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Jihaad Campbell (11) ready for the play during the third quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. William Purnell-Imagn Images.
The Rams continue to rebuild their defense and add an athletic playmaker in Campbell. He covers ground quickly and can develop into a versatile second-level defender.
Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Shemar Turner (5) defends in coverage against the New Mexico State Aggies during the first half at Kyle Field. Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images.
Stewart is the type of prospect you’d create in a video game: 6’5″, 275 pounds, a 4.59 40-yard dash, and a 40-inch vertical. The production didn’t match the traits at A&M, but with some coaching, he could flourish in Baltimore’s aggressive front.
Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. (76) during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
With Taylor Decker (31) and Graham Glasgow (32) nearing the end of their primes, the Lions invest in the offensive line’s future. Conerly is a technician with a love for the game that will resonate with Dan Campbell. He had a strong showing in the Big Ten title game against Penn State and looks ready to take the next step.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) scores a touchdown against the Purdue Boilermakers in the second half at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.
Overshadowed by Marvin Harrison Jr. in 2022 and Jeremiah Smith in 2023, Egbuka remains a steady, reliable receiver. He holds the all-time record for receptions at Ohio State (205) and is viewed as a high-floor, safe pick. One league source said, “He’s going Round 1. Don’t overthink it.”
Mississippi Rebels defensive back Trey Amos (9) catches the ball as he steps out of bounds over Oklahoma Sooners running back Taylor Tatum (8) during the first half. Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
The Bills moved on from 2022 first-round pick Kaiir Elam, which was a swing and a miss. They need help opposite Christian Benford, and Amos has been a rising name throughout the process. In his one season at Ole Miss, he recorded 15 pass breakups—the second-most in the FBS. Maxwell Hairston could also be in consideration here.
Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) moved from guard to tackle this season following an injury to Josh Simmons.
The Chiefs have started six different players at left tackle over the last four seasons. Jackson gives them a young, powerful option with experience across the line and the athleticism to stick on the blind side.
Oct 12, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Walter Nolen (2) reaches to knock the ball loose from LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Since Howie Roseman became GM in 2010, the Eagles have selected a lineman in the first round nine times. With Milton Williams gone, Philly reinforces their defensive front with Nolen, a high-upside talent who fits the Eagles’ philosophy of keeping the trenches stocked.
