With draft day just one day away, we're coming at y'all with our final mock draft, complete with trades! As we've mentioned numerous times, it's a pretty wide open board after Tennessee picks, which should provide a few fun surprises come tomorrow night. As of today, this is how we see things going:
1. Tennessee Titans: QB Cam Ward- Miami
Definitely not the best player in this class, but the Titans lock up (arguably) the best quarterback of the bunch. It's a potentially franchise-altering pick for a team starved of quarterback talent since the unlikely Ryan Tannehill renaissance. If Ward can deliver on the hype, it'll help kickstart Tennessee's push to conquer one of the weaker divisions in football.
 |
| Photo: Adrian Kraus/ AP |
2. Cleveland Browns: WR/CB Travis Hunter- Colorado
While this appears to be a popular spot for QB-needy teams to trade up, there doesn't seem to be enough hype around Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart to warrant the price this move would command. So the Browns get a guy who'll immediately help on both sides of the ball, particularly in their receiver room, where it's Jerry Jeudy or bust right now. Cleveland was heavily connected to Abdul Carter early on, but it seems Hunter's now become the apple of their eye.
3. New York Giants: EDGE Abdul Carter- Penn State
The G-Men are a real wildcard here, with a ton of needs and some really good options available to fill them. But with Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll each on the hot seat, they need a guy who can immediately contribute rather then a project, and with Hunter going at #2, Abdul Carter is the best impact guy available. Putting Carter opposite of Brian Burns will have the Giants wreaking havoc in opposing team's backfields while freeing up Kayvon Thibodeaux to be moved for more draft capital. More on that later...
4. New England Patriots: OT Will Campbell- LSU
Despite a growing interest in Armond Membou after some freakish combine results, the Patriots have always loved Will Campbell here at #4. Their offensive line needs a massive boost to help Drake Maye continue his development, which the tackle from LSU can surely provide. It remains to be seen if he can stick on the left side in the pros, but Campbell's going to be a dog wherever the Patriots plug him.
5. TRADE- New Orleans Saints: QB Shedeur Sanders- Colorado
Saints receive pick #5, Jaguars receive picks #9, #71, #93, 2026 1RP
Our first big move of the draft! If you watched New Orleans last season, outside of the first two weeks, you know there were few less-inspiring teams. Derek Carr is boring, getting older, and might not even be healthy enough to suit up this year-- leaving Kellen Moore with the Spencer Rattler/Jake Haener QB platoon...again. Gross. Instead, the Saints mortgage a tolerable amount of their future to leap frog Las Vegas and New York and bring in a guy who they could start at their discretion. A foundational piece for Moore's tenure.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: OT Armond Membou- Missouri
Looks like John Spytek's son may be moving out... While Ashton Jeanty's the sexy pick for Las Vegas, even he would struggle to get going behind their terrible offensive line. Armond Membou isn't necessarily a lock to start at left tackle in the pros, but he'd surely shine on the right side or the interior-- both spots the Raiders need help. In a deep running back draft, Spytek makes a prudent move by building up the trenches.
7. New York Jets: DT Mason Graham- Michigan
A nightmare scenario for New York, with the top two tackles coming off the board before them at seven. Rather than reach for Kelvin Banks Jr., we've got them taking a premier defensive tackle in Mason Graham. The Michigan alumni is a certified game wrecker who'll help solidify their pass rush and run D next to Quinnen Williams.
8. Carolina Panthers: EDGE Mykel Williams- Georgia
Carolina's run defense was absolutely pathetic in 2024, and watching Graham's name get called right before their pick will surely leave a pit in their stomachs. With no willing trade partners, they'll pivot to Mykel Williams, an elite run stopper off the edge with plenty of potential to develop into a formidable pass rusher.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars (From NO): TE Tyler Warren- Penn State
Really solid start to this draft for Jacksonville, scooping up three extra picks and landing a bona fide weapon in Tyler Warren. Liam Coen desperately needs pass catchers, with the team moving on from Evan Engram and Christian Kirk this offseason. That also puts Tetairoa McMillan in play here, but Warren's clearly the better player and should quickly become Trevor Lawrence's safety blanket.
10. Chicago Bears: RB Ashton Jeanty- Boise State
Chicago did an outstanding job loading up on the offensive line over the last few months, more then addressing their biggest need while freeing them up to go BPA at ten. That's undeniably the running back from Boise State, who should help provide balance and explosiveness to this Bears offense. If Caleb Williams can click, look for this group to make a massive leap.
11. TRADE- Miami Dolphins: OT Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas)
Dolphins receive #11 pick, 49ers receive picks #13, #98, #116, 2026 3RP
The surprise retirement of Terron Armstead really forces the Dolphins' hand here, resulting in a jump from 13 to 11 with San Francisco-- who are also on the market for a new offensive tackle. The former Longhorn probably fits better at right tackle than left, which works perfectly for Miami and their left-handed quarterback.
12. Dallas Cowboys: WR Tetairoa McMillan- Arizona
Finally, a receiver off the board! CeeDee Lamb is excellent, but he needs some help on the outside. The Cowboys have burners in Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin, but a big body X like McMillan would really round this group out. Dallas sits tight at 12 and winds up with arguably the top wideout in the bunch.
13. San Francisco 49ers (From MIA): LB Jihaad Campbell- Alabama
After a massive exodus of talent this offseason, it simply made sense for San Fran to move down a little in the draft and acquire some more picks. They'll still end up with a blue chip talent in Jihaad Campbell, who newly-resigned defensive coordinator Robert Saleh will be able to deploy all over the front seven. Campbell's got an elite motor, with the skillset to get after the passer or drop back into coverage-- a vintage Saleh chess piece.
14. Indianapolis Colts: TE Colston Loveland- Michigan
Indy may miss out on the TE1 of this class in Tyler Warren, but scooping up Loveland is a pretty solid consolation prize. The former Wolverine could stand to improve his blocking, but is as pure a pass catcher as you're going to find at the position. He's a surefire weapon in the receiving game who'll be a three-down contributor before long.
15. Atlanta Falcons: LB Jalon Walker- Georgia
Not sure the Falcons' have ever been able to boast a formidable pass rush, bringing this perpetual issue to the forefront yet again. They'll be keeping it in state for this pick, taking the uber-athletic linebacker from UGA off the board. Walker's more than capable of getting after the quarterback, while providing plenty of versatility at linebacker. Should be a nice chess piece down in the ATL.
16. Arizona Cardinals: CB Will Johnson- Michigan
Arizona could go a number of directions here, but a prototypical corner like Will Johnson is simply going to be too much for Jonathan Gannon to pass on. He didn't put together his best tape last year at Michigan, but all the physical tools are there for Johnson to become a dominant pro. Expect him to start immediately on the perimeter for the Cards.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: CB Jahdae Barron- Texas
After giving massive contracts to Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins this offseason, Cincy has to try and fix their defensive issues in the draft. With Trey Hendrickson appearing more and more likely to stick around, the Bengals address the secondary with Jahdae Barron. The Texas product should slide right into a starting role for a team that was absolutely atrocious versus the pass in 2024. Tall order for the kid, but plenty of talent to deliver.
18. Seattle Seahawks: OT Josh Simmons- Ohio State
Seattle's put an emphasis on building up their offensive line over these last few drafts, but the results haven't always been stellar. After dishing out big money to bring in Sam Darnold under center, it becomes even more of a priority, as he plays substantially better when he's able to work comfortably from the pocket. That leads us to Josh Simmons, one of the premier talents in the trenches this class has to offer. There's some injury concerns, and he draws a few too many flags, but there's few who can match his mean streak and versatility. At worst, he's a top tier guard that can bump outside in a pinch.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: EDGE Shemar Stewart- Texas A&M
Tampa's pass defense was pretty bad last season, but a big part of that was their inability to get after the quarterback. With Shemar Stewart and James Pearce Jr. still on the board, the Bucs have their pick of two athletic projects off the edge. We've got them going with the former here, opting for potential rather then production by selecting the former Texas A&M Aggie.
20. Denver Broncos: WR Emeka Egbuka- Ohio State
Many pundits have Omarion Hampton coming off the board here, but there's enough juice in that Denver backfield to have them overlook running back in round one. Getting a bona fide plug and play WR2 to pair up with Courtland Sutton's definitely a way to help fast track Bo Nix's impressive development, really rounding out the Mile High receiving core.
21. TRADE- Philadelphia Eagles: EDGE James Pearce Jr. Tennessee
Eagles receive #21 pick, Steelers receive picks #32, #96, #161, 2026 3RP
A slight overpay perhaps, but Howie Roseman's going to get what Howie Roseman wants. With Josh Sweat headed to Arizona, the Eagles pass rush is suddenly a little lacking, at least on paper. Insert James Pearce Jr., whose got every athletic trait you want in a guy coming off the edge. The Tennessee alum is raw but would clean up with Jalen Carter forcing quarterbacks out of the middle of the pocket. Small price to pay to retain their defensive identity.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: WR Matthew Golden- Texas
Despite a few flashes last season, it's clear that Quentin Johnston is not the WR2 Los Angeles needs to get over the top. Matthew Golden offers a very similar, yet highly superior, skillset to Johnston and would immediately slot in as the go-to deep threat for Justin Herbert in this offense. Dude's an absolute burner who'll keep defenses honest while opening up more room underneath for Ladd McConkey to cook.
23. Green Bay Packers: OT Grey Zabel- North Dakota State
This just feels like a Green Bay first round pick here-- a big dude who played college football in the Midwest and can offer some positional versatility. Some may say this is kind of a reach at 23, but Zabel's exactly the kind of selection we've come to expect from the Packers. Look for him to start on the interior before possibly earning a spot at right or left tackle.
24. Minnesota Vikings: DT Kenneth Grant- Michigan
Safety or guard is definitely in play here for the Vikings but it's going to be hard for them to pass on the behemoth that is Kenneth Grant. When he's at a good playing weight, there's few guys who can disrupt the game like Grant. He's gigantic, strong and technically sound, wreaking havoc in the trenches. If the team can help him maintain his conditioning, his upside as a three-down lineman is undeniable.
25. Houston Texans: OT Josh Conerly Jr.- Oregon
CJ Stroud would likely take the blame for his dramatic sophomore slump, but nobody was going to thrive behind the piss-poor offensive line Houston had to trot out each week. They've since traded Laremy Tunsil and Kenyon Green away, who weren't great but were better then the depth behind them. It's going to be another brutal season for Stroud if this selection is anything other than an offensive lineman. With the board falling the way it is, Conerly Jr. probably has the most upside of anyone remaining.
26. TRADE: New York Giants (From LAR): QB Tyler Shough- Louisville
Giants receive #26 pick, Rams receive pick #65, a 2026 5RP and Kayvon Thibodeaux
Splash! After going with the clear BPA at #3, the Giants just couldn't keep themselves out of the back end of round one. Despite spending a nice chunk of change on Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston this offseason, it's clear neither are the long-term fix in New York. But it does create a wonderful bridge opportunity for someone like Tyler Shough to learn the nuances of the league before being thrust into a starting role. The Louisville product boasts a big arm and prototypical frame, providing the G-Men with a worthwhile project.
27. Baltimore Ravens: S Nick Emmanwori- South Carolina
Baltimore cut ties with former safety Marcus Williams this winter, opening up a hole next to Kyle Hamilton. Nick Emmanwori would be a fascinating replacement for Williams, giving the Ravens two massive, freakish athletes to work with on the back end of the defense. The former Gamecock needs to improve his consistency, but with Hamilton next to him to help out, no reason to think he wouldn't. They could be an absolutely menacing duo.
28. Detroit Lions: DT Derrick Harmon- Oregon
The thought of a pairing Aidan Hutchinson with a young, athletic edge rusher is certainly tempting, but Detroit will instead roll with Derrick Harmon on the interior line. With Alim McNeill set to miss the beginning of the year, the Lions would greatly benefit from Harmon clogging up running lanes. The fact that he can get after the QB too is simply an added bonus.
29. Washington Commanders: S Malaki Starks- Georgia
Washington has to be kicking themselves for taking Emmanuel Forbes over Christian Gonzalez a few years ago...despite the blunder, they still managed to put together a really respectable pass defense last season. Putting a dog of a strong safety on the back end should help this group take the next step forward-- and Malaki Starks is a dog.
30. Buffalo Bills: EDGE Mike Green- Marshall
Bringing in Joey Bosa this offseason will definitely help Buffalo get after the quarterback, but passing up a raw talent like Mike Green is something Brandon Beane's going to have a hard time doing at #30. Green needs some coaching and acclimation to the pro game, which he'll be able to get with the Bills. The upside is undeniable, adding a speed element to the pass rush that they currently lack.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: DT Walter Nolen- Ole Miss
Chris Jones isn't going to be there forever, so why not find him a good running mate to learn from until #95 calls it a career. Walter Nolen's incredibly disruptive on the inside, in the run and pass game. At worst, him and Jones will be interchangeable, but the two could really develop into a fearsome interior tandem if Nolen quickly catches on.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers (From PHI): QB Jaxson Dart- Ole Miss
After trading their second rounder for DK Metcalf, the Steelers wisely recoup some draft capital by trading down and still end up with their guy at the end of the first. This gives the team a 5th year option for Dart while making the pick feel a little less like a reach. We're assuming he'll be competing with Aaron Rodgers for the starting spot, possibly buying him some time to acclimate to the speed of the pro game. But if not, at least Pittsburgh has supplied him with ample weapons to work with.
Best Remaining: RB Omarion Hampton, OL Donovan Jackson, EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku, CB Shavon Revel Jr., CB Trey Amos
------
@Choppinglines
*I own no rights to any images found in this blog
Comments
Post a Comment