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| Cam Ward, Miami (FL) |
* Draft order determined prior to NFL Week 14 games
1. Jacksonville Jaguars
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Unless something drastic changes over the course of the next week, Travis Hunter is almost sure to take home the 2024 Heisman Trophy. That's likely to be just the beginning of the accolades for the two-way superstar after an impressive 2024 campaign, with the culmination to be him crowned as the top overall pick in next spring's NFL Draft. There remains an open question what exact role Hunter will have at the next level, but a talent like this comes along once a generation - there will be little question which direction Jacksonville goes here if they do indeed secure the No. 1 pick.
2. Las Vegas Raiders
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
There's a very real chance Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders go 1-2 when it's all said and done this next spring. Sanders has his fair share of detractors, but there's little denying the huge numbers he's put up over the course of two seasons at Colorado, and his huge arm would jolt this Las Vegas offense out of a long slumber. There's also something to be said about the fit here - Shedeur just feels like a future Raider, doesn't he?
3. New York Giants
Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
At long last, the Daniel Jones experiment is over. The Giants will undoubtedly be looking for a new franchise signal-caller to guide the franchise starting next fall, and Miami's Cam Ward fits the bill. Ward's decision to hold off on the NFL for an extra year after flirting with going pro last winter has proved to be an excellent decision, giving him more time to show off his skillset to scouts and vaulting him into Top 5 pick territory.
4. New England Patriots
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Patriots have been atrocious at drafting wide receivers in recent years but the reality is that they need to upgrade the weapons at Drake Maye's disposal. Tetairoa McMillan was a clear bright spot for an Arizona team that slipped to 4-8 this fall after their breakthrough 2023, and his jaw-dropping athleticism will make him the darling of the pre-Draft process.
5. Carolina Panthers
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Bryce Young has looked much improved in recent weeks, a reminder that young quarterbacks sometimes need time and patience to figure things out in the NFL. Who could have guessed? With that in mind, Carolina likely instead goes best player available with this year's first-rounder, and Will Johnson would offer superb value here. He isn't as flashy as Hunter at the cornerback spot, but Johnson is the type of steady, consistent defender you can build an entire defense around.
6. Tennessee Titans
Kelvin Banks, OL, Texas
The Titans have invested significant draft capital on their offensive line in recent years, but it remains a point of concern for the organization as they look ahead to 2025. Kelvin Banks makes plenty of sense here, a former blue-chip recruit who has lived up to the hype over the course of three seasons anchoring the Texas O-Line.
7. New York Jets
Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
With a new head coach and general manager taking over, the Jets are likely to look very different in 2025. Obviously that leaves plenty of questions about personnel but no matter what the Jets choose to do, they need to be more physical defensively. Enter Mason Graham, a hard-nosed, relentless interior pass rusher who set the tone for Michigan's upset of Ohio State this past weekend. He would be a steal at pick No. 7.
8. Cleveland Browns
Will Campbell, OL, LSU
Cleveland is another team that could be on quarterback watch near the top of this Draft, but I suspect the greater need for them will be along the offensive line. Tackle Jedrick Wills is set to be a free agent, and the Browns are aging elsewhere across this unit. Will Campbell can come in and help out at either tackle or guard, giving Cleveland a long-term, cheaper replacement for Wills.
9. New Orleans Saints
Abdul Carter, DE/LB, Penn State
It will be interesting to see how the Saints approach the offseason with so much money committed a roster that currently has them hanging out near the cellar of the NFC. One thing should be a certainty, however - they need to get more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Fortunately, Abdul Carter would quickly address that issue, as the Penn State edge is an instant impact defender with the versatility to fit into any defensive scheme.
10. Cincinnati Bengals
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Despite Joe Burrow's brilliance, Cincinnati finds themselves on the outside looking in of the postseason race thanks to a spotty pass defense that is among the worst in the NFL. They would love for Will Johnson to drop to them, but Georgia's Malaki Starks is quite the consolation prize. He's not your typical safety, instead blessed with elite ball skills and great coverage ability.
11. Chicago Bears
Cameron Williams, OT, Texas
Matt Eberflus is gone, do we see a renaissance from the Bears in the second half of the fall? Either way, Chicago should head into the offseason looking to continue building around Caleb Williams, and getting better on the O-Line would do just that. Cameron Williams was overshadowed at times playing on a loaded Texas line, but he's still likely a mid-first rounder himself.
12. Dallas Cowboys
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Rico Dowdle has been putting up solid numbers for Dallas as their lead back, but you still figure this is a position the Cowboys will look to upgrade this offseason. What better way to do that then by taking the prospect in the midst of one of the greatest seasons by a college running back? Ashton Jeanty could go as high as the Top 10 after his 2024 dominance, and Dallas hasn't been afraid to use draft capital at this position.
13. Miami Dolphins
Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
Injuries have doomed what was a promising season for the Dolphins, but they will still be a team to watch the rest of this season and into the offseason. Offensive line feels like the greatest need, but given how this mock draft is shaking out, I figure interior defensive line may end up being the play. Kenneth Grant formed quite the fearsome duo with Mason Graham in Ann Arbor, and goes just below him here.
14. San Francisco 49ers
James Pearce Jr., DE, Tennessee
I figure San Francisco is another team that could be in play for offensive line in the mid-first, but there's just not an available prospect that makes sense to me at this spot. Instead, San Francisco takes advantage of the fact there are still premium pass rushers on the board, including James Pearce Jr., who will likely end up going far above this when it's all said and done.
15. Indianapolis Colts
Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Indianapolis could realistically stay within the state with their first-round selection, as Notre Dame's Benjamin Morrison would make plenty of sense for a pass defense that currently ranks 27th in the NFL. A season-ending injury to Morrison could threaten to drop him to the late first or even second round, but this just feels right.
16. Los Angeles Rams
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
There's a fair chance Cooper Kupp gets dealt away this offseason and while Puka Nacua is one of the game's bright young stars, the Rams are thin at receiver behind him. Luther Burden III didn't quite have the 2024 we imagined for Missouri, but is still a game-changer who would come on and immediately make plays in this Los Angeles offense.
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina
Shoring up one of the NFL's worst pass defenses should be a top priority for Tampa this offseason. East Carolina's Shavon Revel has quietly ascended up draft boards in recent months, and now looks to be a first-round lock. Despite injuries early on this fall, Revel's long and sturdy frame has attracted the eye of NFL folks.
18. Arizona Cardinals
Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M
This is a great Draft for teams situated in this range to stock up on pass rushers, as there are several prospects likely to land in the mid-to-late first round that will offer significant value. That includes Texas A&M's Nic Scourton, who had no issues adjusting to life in the SEC this fall with the Aggies after transferring over from Purdue.
19. Atlanta Falcons
Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia
Atlanta's long-running need for pass rushers continues, despite investing heavily in the position last offseason. Fortunately, there are several options available to them at this spot, including Mykel Williams, who has improved each and every year he's suited up for the Georgia Bulldogs. Consistency has been a problem at times for Williams, but his size and ability to stop the run ensures he should make an immediate impact in the pros.
20. Seattle Seahawks
Wyatt Milum, OL, West Virginia
In much the same way pass rusher has been a perpetual need for Atlanta, offensive line has been a problem area for some time in Seattle. I like them looking at a prospect like Wyatt Milum here, a former blue-chip recruit who took a chance staying home in West Virginia, who has lived up to the hype. Milum could realistically slide inside to guard to begin his career, but I wouldn't rule him out being Seattle's long-term right tackle.
21. Denver Broncos
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Bo Nix continues to make strides under center for Denver, and this organization has to feel like adding weapons this offseason can unlock even greater things in 2025 and beyond. Receiver or offensive line could be in play, but my bet is actually at tight end, where Colston Loveland offers superb value. Adam Trautman will be a free agent this offseason and likely won't be worth his price tag - Loveland will be more productive at a lower cost.
22. Washington Commanders
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Terry McLaurin is having a career year thanks to Jayden Daniels, but the veteran needs more support around him. Washington could choose to go back to the Ohio State well here and bring on Emeka Egbuka, who made a surprising decision to return to Columbus this fall despite likely being a first or second-rounder last spring.
23. Houston Texans
Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama
C.J. Stroud is experiencing a sophomore slump, and one of the major reasons is a leaky offensive line in front of him. Houston has a chance to greatly improve the position group with this selection, and Tyler Booker offers excellent versatility and the ability to help at multiple spots.
24. Baltimore Ravens
Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Baltimore could be losing several starters from their offensive line this offseason, with the big name being tackle Ronnie Stanley. Stanley is sure to be an attractive name on the open market, so the Ravens may look to move on and instead use this first-rounder to solidify the unit. Aireontae Ersery is a brick wall at left tackle who was recently named Big Ten Offensive Linemen of the Year after a dominant campaign in the Twin Cities.
25. Los Angeles Chargers
Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
It would not come as a shock if the Chargers chose to invest in the trenches in this Draft. We all know how much Jim Harbaugh prioritizes the line of scrimmage but more importantly, Khalil Mack and Poona Ford are both set to become free agents this offseason. Walter Nolen struggled to become a consistent pass rusher in his time at both Texas A&M and Ole Miss, but he's an absolute terror when he's on his "A" game.
26. Pittsburgh Steelers
Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas
Not since 2006 have the Pittsburgh Steelers taken a receiver in the first round, but it feels like this could be the year they make the streak. The outlook for their quarterback situation is unsettled as we look to 2025, but my bet is that they'll bring back Russell Wilson and look to upgrade the weapons around him. Isaiah Bond would provide the home run hitter this offense has lacked at times, and should be a great complement to George Pickens.
27. Green Bay Packers
Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona
There's likely to be some shuffling along the Green Bay offensive line over the offseason, so look for them to take advantage of a fairly deep first-round offensive pool. Jonah Savaiinaea remains a likely first-rounder despite Arizona's struggles this fall, and his proven run blocking ability will be a perfect fit in this Packer offense.
28. Minnesota Vikings
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Minnesota's cornerback room is likely to be hit hard this free agency, so it's back to the Draft to restock at the position for a franchise that has invested significant draft capital in this position in the past. Ideally, a name like Benjamin Morrison or Shavon Revel would slide to the bottom of the first, but Jahdae Barron is the pick instead given how this mock plays out.
29. Philadelphia Eagles
Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
Jalon Walker is more likely a mid-first rounder rather than a prospect who will go near the bottom of the first, but you never know how things will shake out. If he is indeed available, the Eagles jump on the chance to add yet another impact defender out of Georgia, one who will bring immediate pass rushing ability.
30. Buffalo Bills
Tyleik Williams, DL, Ohio State
This feels like best player available territory here for the Bills, especially given how strong their roster is top-to-bottom. Tyleik Williams is a relentless interior defender who was the most impressive defensive linemen on the Ohio State roster this fall - a group that includes potential first-rounders J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer.
31. Detroit Lions
Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
Detroit's interior offensive line has been the secret sauce to their success this season, but this is a group that is aging. I love the idea of Dan Campbell and company going out and adding some beef with North Dakota State's Grey Zabel, a name that seems to be rising up draft boards in recent weeks. The multiyear starter played in a run-heavy NDSU offense and just has the looks of a Campbell type prospect.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
It's remarkable that Kansas City has had such a strong season despite lackluster play at the tackle positions. They have a chance to add real value here in Josh Simmons, who would likely be going much higher than this if not for the fact a season-ending knee injury will hurt him in the pre-Draft process.
