I’m back with one last mock draft before we finally experience the real thing. This time there are fewer trades in my predictions, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still a few surprises. As is with anything of this sort, these are simply educated guesses that could completely be blown out of the water by the real decisions of the NFL brass. So while things could look a bit different once the draft is done, based on what I know at this moment, this is how I see the first couple of rounds playing out.
Round 1
(Teams without a first-round pick: Carolina, Cleveland)
1) Chicago Bears (from Carolina) – Caleb Williams, QB, USC
I considered going off-script here and seeing how a trade-down may impact the draft, but frankly, I don’t see any reality in which the Bears don’t draft USC’s Caleb Williams. He brings with him so much promise as a potential generational talent that passing on him (and giving up the No. 1 overall pick two years in a row) would be a huge risk. Don’t get me wrong. It would be fun to see the Bears shake things up, but it’s not going to happen. Williams will be the pick.
2) Washington Commanders – Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
The Washington Commanders have been looking for their franchise QB for some time now, and with Williams off the board, they will look to North Carolina’s Drake Maye to fill that role. Maye has all the tools to become an NFL franchise quarterback and has even been compared to Justin Herbert. He is an extremely athletic prospect with a high football IQ and still plenty of room to grow. With talented pass catchers like Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson as well as the dual-threat Austin Ekeler to rely on, he should be able to develop into a reliable (and possibly special) player.
3) Denver Broncos (projected trade with New England) – Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
This is the first mock I’ve done where I have Denver moving up to secure a top 3 QB. Even with the recent news that the New York Jets are trading Zach Wilson to the Broncos, I still think this could happen. Wilson has yet to prove himself as a starting QB in this league and the Broncos will likely want to hedge their bets. Daniels has sound mechanics and, to many, represents the last of a tier at the QB position in this draft class. Sean Payton may find his ability to attack all levels of the field too much to pass up. Plus, with his mobility, the Denver offense could be a lot more creative than it was in 2024.
4) Arizona Cardinals- Marvin Harrison, Jr., WR, Ohio State
In past mock drafts I have had the Cardinals trading down and still securing a top talent at the wide receiver position, but choosing Harrison Jr. seems like the most likely option. The Cardinals will receive plenty of calls from teams looking to move up but none of the offers will be enough of a motivation to move out of the fourth spot. In Harrison Jr., they are getting one of the best WR prospects we’ve seen in recent years. Not only is he a special talent, but wide receiver is the team’s biggest need following the departures of Marquise Brown and Rondale Moore.
5) Los Angeles Chargers – Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The Chargers could easily decide that they prefer to get QB Justin Herbert more protection instead of more weapons, but they have a big hole in the wide receiver room after the departures of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and need to fill it. Some consider Nabers to be the WR1 in this draft class. I think that’s a bit of an overstatement but he is an elite prospect who will be the Day 1 WR1 for this team. Selecting Nabers would give Herbert the solid receiving option that he suddenly finds himself without.
6) New York Giants – Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
The Giants are the Giants so they could end up panicking and reaching for a QB here, but that would be an unnecessary and ill-advised move. Instead, they should focus on a position of great need: a true WR1. Both Jalin Hyatt and Wan’Dale Robinson are good, young wide receivers. Adding Odunze to the mix would not only give them someone to take up the WR1 mantle but would also make this group one of the league’s most promising wide receiver trios. With their blend of youthful talent and potential, they could become a real problem for opponents as they develop.
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7) Tennessee Titans – Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
The Titans are going to draft an offensive tackle. It’s their biggest position of need. Some think they might draft a wide receiver here, but this wide receiver class is deep, and getting an elite offensive tackle to provide some protection for their young signal-caller will be the number one priority. Tennessee’s left tackles allowed a league-high 152 pressures over the past two seasons. Alt, a three-year starter, gave up only five pressures. He is the cream of the crop in this draft class and should be a no-brainer, automatic pick for the Titans.
8) Atlanta Falcons – Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA
I’ve been a bit all over the map when it comes to the Atlanta Falcons. In my last mock draft, I had them being punished for tampering and losing their No. 8 pick. In other mocks, I had them picking Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner (which is still a real possibility.) With the addition of Kirk Cousins, drafting a defensive playmaker makes sense here. But this time it’s UCLA’s Latu. He, in my opinion, is the guy who is the most NFL-ready. He can make the biggest impact on Day 1 and give the Falcons elite talent in a position where it is sorely lacking.
9) Las Vegas Raiders (projected trade with Chicago) – J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
The more and more I think about it, the more likely it seems that the Bears will trade down from the No. 9 pick. With only four draft picks in 2024 and the top 3 wide receivers gone, trading down to accumulate additional picks makes sense. They will find a trade partner in the Raiders who are in desperate need of a potential franchise QB. McCarthy’s stock has been steadily rising in recent weeks. Someone is going to trade up for him and take a chance on his potential. That team will be the Raiders, giving up their 2024 second-round pick in the process.
10) New York Jets – Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
The Jets need offensive firepower. With the top receiving options off the board, they will take the best available weapon in Bowers. He is arguably the greatest college tight end of all time, with elite ability after the catch. Adding him to a skill position group that includes Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, and Mike Williams, as well as linking him to, future Hall of Fame quarterback, Aaron Rodgers seems like a pretty solid recipe for success.
11) Minnesota Vikings – Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
There are reports that Minnesota is not in love with any of the quarterbacks in this year’s draft class not named Caleb Williams. But they were willing to grab JJ McCarthy if he fell to them. With him no longer available, the Vikings turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball, grabbing arguably the best cornerback prospect in this year‘s draft class. Arnold has a significant amount of athletic ability and many elite traits that should make him a consistent contributor for years to come, especially in man coverage. He would be a good fit for the Vikings and would make their pass defense better on day one.
12) New England Patriots (projected trade with Denver) – Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
After adding a first-round pick in next year’s draft the Patriots could wait to address the position altogether but I think they’ll still take a chance with a young QB this year. Some analysts and experts have Oregon’s Bo Nix projected higher than Penix Jr., but I still see it the other way. Penix is a talented QB who showed out in a great final season at Washington, throwing darts at all levels of the field. It’s not a great situation for a young quarterback to go into, but if the Patriots can upgrade their other skill positions Penix Jr. could be the answer they’ve been looking for for some time.
13) Chicago Bears (projected trade with Las Vegas) – Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama
Some might’ve expected to see a wide receiver at this spot, but with the top three options gone and the Bears trading down, I believe they go a different route. This is a very deep wide receiver class and having secured a second-round pick from the Raiders I think they’ll wait on that position, instead pairing star Montez Sweat with another solid talent on the other side. The Bears’ defense was already starting to turn a corner at the end of 2023, and grabbing a top draft prospect who can help disrupt opposing quarterbacks opposite of Sweat could catapult this defense from vastly improved to elite.
14) New Orleans Saints – Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
There’s no way to sugarcoat it. The Saints’ offensive line was not good last season. They finished ranked 23rd and dealt with issues at left tackle, left guard, and right guard. While there is still some hope surrounding 2022 first-round pick Trevor Penning, Fuaga can come in and start right away at either guard position and provide an immediate spark to the run-blocking. The Saints have several needs to fill, but if they hope for their offense to take a step forward, they are going to have to get stronger up front, and selecting someone like Fuaga would be a great start to accomplishing that goal.
15) Indianapolis Colts – Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
As I see it, cornerback is the most pressing need for the Colts, so selecting Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell makes a lot of sense. It’s possible they could get swayed by the versatility of Iowa’s Cooper DeJean, but this just feels too high for DeJean. Mitchell is regarded by many to be the CB1 in this draft class. He finished as the highest-graded FBS cornerback in each of the past two seasons. He is an obvious upgrade and a solid piece to build your defensive secondary around.
16) Seattle Seahawks – Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
Each time I approach one of these mock drafts I try to get away from this pick for the Seahawks, but after finishing with the fifth-worst pass-blocking grade in the league last season, upgrading the offensive line should be a priority. They also just lost their starting left guard and starting center in free agency. Fautanu’s versatility allows him to be utilized all along the offensive line and his skill set should provide some quality pass protection. As much as I appreciate unpredictability, this pick seems like an obvious choice
17) Jacksonville Jaguars – Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
With a a pass defense that ranked 26th in yards allowed last season, the question isn’t will Jacksonville take a cornerback, but which one will they select. With Terrion Arnold and Quinyon Mitchell off the board, the decision becomes much easier. DeJean is a versatile athlete who can play cornerback, and safety, and contribute on special teams. The views on DeJean are as varied as his skillset, but he is a true playmaker, who can be a game-changer at the position if utilized correctly. He will have an immediate impact on this defense and improve what is a glaring weakness.
18) Cincinnati Bengals – Byron Murphy, DT, Texas
Following the loss of DJ Reader in free agency, the Bengals need to improve their interior defensive line. Murphy is about as good of a fit as they come. Murphy was the second-highest-graded interior defender (91.1) in college football last year. He also has elite-level strength and explosiveness off the line. These attributes will help provide more of a pass-rushing presence than you usually get from the position. The Bengals could go with a wide receiver to protect themselves against the potential departure of Tee Higgins, But that seems like a far less pressing need than improving the defensive line. So in the end, I think the smarter move will win out.
19) Los Angeles Rams – Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Admittedly, tackle isn’t the Rams’ most pressing need, but when a player with the talent of Fashanu falls to you, it’s hard to pass on them. The Rams have historically prided themselves on strong offensive lines and with an aging Matthew Stafford, making sure he’s protected could become a priority. Fashanu is toward the top of the draft class at the position and would help in both protection and run-blocking. The Rams could instead choose to focus on drafting a pass rusher after having lost one of the best to ever do it (Aaron Donald), but in the end, I think protecting Stafford will win out.
20) Pittsburgh Steelers – Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
The Steelers could also go defensive back with their first pick, but with the top defensive back gone, I think they’ll turn their attention to a deep offensive tackle class. Plus, it appears that the Steelers have been impressed with Mims. He met with them at the NFL Combine and went to dinner with head coach Mike Tomlin before his Pro Day at Georgia. Mims is a natural athlete and has a high ceiling. His stock has taken a bit of a hit due to concerns surrounding his limited experience in college. Still, earlier on, Mims was being projected inside the top 10, so if he’s still there at 20, I expect the Steelers to jump on it.
21) Houston Texans (projected trade with Miami) – Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
Currently, the Texans find themselves without a first-round draft pick. I think they will rectify that situation and continue their win-now mentality by trading away multiple picks (including their 2024 2nd) to trade up for a top-10 prospect. Even though Houston has added several defensive tackles in free agency, none of them are world-beaters, making the position still one of their biggest needs. Adding Newton to a unit that includes last year’s No. 3 pick Will Anderson Jr. would move this unit one step closer to being elite.
22) Philadelphia Eagles – Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
The Philadelphia Eagles are in desperate need of a cornerback. If they stay at No. 22 I expect them to pick Clemson’s Nate Wiggins. He was the fastest defender at the combine, although he does come with some concerns due to His slight frame. Still, he has all the tools to be a solid contributor at the next level and could (probably should) go sooner than this. Still, other teams’ losses will be the Eagle’s gain as they secure someone who can immediately add a big-play ability to their aging secondary.
23) Minnesota Vikings (from Cleveland through Houston) – Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State
For some reason when it comes to edge rushers in this draft class, Florida State’s Jared Verse continues to be overlooked, despite his body of work being better than Dallas Turner’s and rivaling that of Laiatu Latu’s. He also comes without any of the medical red flags that Latu possesses. That’s why some of my earlier projections had the Bears taking Verse at No. 9, and if they’re smart, that could still happen. But assuming Verse is still available for the Vikings to select at No. 23, they should not hesitate. Getting someone who is arguably a top-10 talent this late in the first round, especially at a position of need, does not happen very often and it would be a huge mistake for the Vikings to pass on it.
24) Dallas Cowboys – Graham Barton, OT, Duke
With Tyler Biadasz and Tyron Smith no longer on the team, the Cowboys desperately need starting-caliber talent on their offensive line. Barton played primarily at tackle at Duke but has the versatility to play up and down the line and could easily slide to center in Dallas. Barton has a thick, compact build with a low center of gravity, good core strength, and contact balance, and is great at understanding how to win leverage on defenders with positioning, pad level, and good quickness. These attributes will make him a perfect fit for a team in desperate need of an upgrade.
25) Green Bay Packers – Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Another forgotten man in this draft class is Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry. This could be partly due to concern surrounding his medicals, but assuming they come back clean he could be an absolute steal at this point in the draft. Cornerback is a major need for the Packers. Other than Jaire Alexander, every other cornerback that played for the Packers last year either wasn’t very good or was injured. If McKinstry is healthy and makes it to them, he should be the selection.
26) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have several needs but Chop Robisnon’s skillset, ability, and experience at Penn State should translate well to their defensive style of play. Last season, Robinson posted 15 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, one pass breakup, five quarterback hurries, one fumble recovery, and two forced fumbles in 10 games. While Robinson is a bit of a work in progress, he will be an immediate upgrade to their pass rush and will add much-needed depth and talent to their defensive front.
27) Arizona Cardinals (from Houston) – Darius Robinson, Edge, Missouri
I believe the preferred option would’ve been Penn State’s Chop Robinson here, but with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selecting him one pick prior, the Cardinals will be forced to pivot by selecting the versatile Darius Robinson out of Missouri. Arizona’s edge unit needs a serious upgrade. The unit has graded outside of the top 20 in each of the past two seasons, and, simply put, is lacking in talent. Robinson’s stock has been rising, largely because of his versatility. The 6-foot-5, 285-pound edge rusher has proven capable of making an impact no matter where he is placed on the line of scrimmage. After missing out on one Robinson, Darius Robinson will be a solid consolation prize.
28) Buffalo Bills – Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
Wide receiver was already going to be a position of focus before the Bills traded Stefon Diggs, but now it’s an even more pressing need. Adding Adonai Mitchell to this Josh Allen-led offense that’s without any wide receivers of note feels necessary. It would also be a great situation for Mitchell. He can immediately come in and be a primary weapon for one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Curtis Samuel and Khalil Shakir are not anyone’s idea of a true WR1. it remains to be seen if Mitchell can fit that mold, but in this offense, he’ll be given every opportunity to try.
29) Detroit Lions – Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
I don’t believe I’ve had a mock draft yet where I predict the Lions take a pass-catcher in the first round, but it makes a lot of sense. The Lions, once the bottom feeders of the NFC North, all of a sudden, are a highly competitive team with very few holes to fill. Worthy exploded onto the NFL draft scene when his 40-yard dash time of 4.21 seconds broke the NFL Combine record. By selecting Worthy, the Lions would be providing QB Jared Goff with another speedy weapon that could make an immediate impact and create problems for opposing defenses on Day 1.
30) Baltimore Ravens – JC Latham, OT, Alabama
With the Ravens trading away Morgan Moses to the New York Jets this offseason, having the opportunity to grab one of the top right tackle prospects in this year’s class would be a perfect scenario. JC Latham is also a great fit. He is big and powerful and will be an immediate upgrade for the Ravens. The identity for Baltimore is and will always be as a run-first team, so shoring up the offensive line to help create both protection and holes for quarterback Lamar Jackson as well as a newly acquired running back Derrick Henry will be a priority. Latham would be an upgrade and an immediate contributor out of the gate.
31) San Francisco 49ers – Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
At the back end of the first round, it’s a good idea to just let the draft fall to you. With the offensive line being a position of need for a team with very few of them that is precisely what San Francisco will do in drafting Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson. Powers-Johnson is the best center in this class but can slide in at guard as a rookie. It is precisely this versatility that will attract him to San Francisco. This team has always prioritized the trenches as a strength and Powers-Johnson will be a solid addition and a perfect fit for a team that will look to utilize him where needed.
32) Kansas City Chiefs – Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
In my last mock draft, I had Kansas City trading up to land “their guy.” That was, admittedly, a bold move since I see the very real probability of him falling to them at the end of round one. While McConkey’s college production doesn’t jump off the page, his film is impressive and shows a talented and efficient wide receiver with a high IQ. McConkey is a quarterback-friendly wide receiver and an all-around good athlete with no clear weaknesses. McConkey is the type of receiver that both Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes like for this offense, and with the uncertainty surrounding Rashee Rice, McConkey could be called on to produce right out of the gate.
Round 2
33) New York Giants (projected trade with Carolina) – Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
34) New England Patriots – Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
35) Arizona Cardinals – Ennis Rakestraw Jr, CB, Missouri
36) Washington Commanders – Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
37) Los Angeles Chargers – T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State
38) Tennessee Titans – Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
39) Carolina Panthers (from NYG) – Chris Baswell, Edge, Alabama
40) Washington Commanders (from CHI) – Tyler Nubian, S, Minnesota
41) Green Bay Packers (from NYJ) – Javon Bullard, S, Georgia
42) Miami Dolphins (projected trade with Houston) – Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
43) Atlanta Falcons – Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
44) Chicago Bears (projected trade with Las Vegas) – Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
45) New Orleans Saints (from DEN) – Cooper Bebe, G, Kansas State
46) Indianapolis Colts – Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
47) Carolina Panthers (projected trade with New York Giants) – Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
48) Jacksonville Jaguars – Marshawn Kneeland, Edge, Western Michigan
49) Cincinnati Bengals – Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
50) Philadelphia Eagles (from NO) – Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
51) Pittsburgh Steelers – Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
52) Los Angeles Rams – Patrick Paul, OT, Houston
53) Philadelphia Eagles – Adisa Issac, Edge, Penn State
54) Cleveland Browns – Leonard Taylor III, DT, Miami
55) Miami Dolphins – Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
56) Dallas Cowboys – Trey Benson, RB, Florida State
57) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
58) Green Bay Packers – Payton Wilson, LB, NC State
59) Houston Texans – Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina
60) Buffalo Bills – Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon
61) Detroit Lions – Bralen Trice, Edge, Washington
62) Baltimore Ravens – Brandon Dorlus, Edge, Oregon
63) San Francisco 49ers – Chris Jenkins, DT, Michigan
64) Kansas City Chiefs – Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
