F.L.G. 2025 NFL Mock Draft

Welcome to the 2025 edition of my annual Fantasy Law Guy NFL Mock Draft!

Last year’s version and the 2023 version hit on eight team-player matches and identified 28/32 first-rounders, yet they failed to match the success of previous years. NFLMockDraftDatabase.com graded my 2024 F.L.G. NFL Mock Draft as the 90th most accurate mock among 1,401 expert mock drafts. 

The results of the last two years have been unsatisfactory after four consecutive years of my final mock draft finishing inside the Top 20 among expert mocks, per NFLMockDraftDatabase.com. 

My 2022 F.L.G. NFL Mock Draft ranked 19th/1,379 experts:
https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/mock-drafts/2022/final-scores

My 2021 F.L.G. NFL Mock Draft ranked 2nd/1,312 experts:
https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/mock-drafts/2021/final-scores

My 2020 B.E.S.T. NFL Mock Draft ranked 6th/501 experts: 
https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/mock-drafts/2020/final-scores

My 2019 B.E.S.T. NFL Mock Draft ranked 1st/477 experts: 
https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/mock-drafts/2019

You can view my entire 10-year Mock Draft History, links to my previous mocks, and how those mocks compare to experts in the industry by scrolling down through the charts HERE. As always, one primary objective for this exercise is to MINIMIZE THE SURPRISES on draft night for readers, which is why I include a “Short List” of prospects for each pick. The fewer times you say, “Wow, I did not see that coming!” after reading this mock, the better I feel I did my job. The Short List can also be used to bet on the Draft. My 2024 Final Mock Draft listed the correct pick as an option for that team on 24/32 “Short Lists.” 

IMPORTANT NOTE: This Mock Draft is an evolving mock draft that will be updated almost daily up until the NFL Draft on Thursday, April 25, 2024! 

This method is more efficient and favorable to readers because news and information are constantly being gathered throughout the draft process, affecting predictions. Especially considering the speed at which the betting market shifts, a fluid document that updates regularly is far more actionable than posting a separate mock draft each week. 

Thorough (extremely intense and verbose) explanations for each pick will be added here leading up to the draft. See last year’s 2024 F.L.G. Mock Draft on this site, for example, for a view of the finished product.

I’m also on Twitter @FantasyLawGuy and would love to hear your takes on the draft! 

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(Last Updated: 4/24/2025)

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Round 1
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  1. TEN – Cam Ward (QB – Miami) – 1
  2. CLE – Travis Hunter (CB – Colorado) – 2-4
  3. NYG – Abdul Carter (ED – Penn. St.) – 2-4 
  4. NE – Will Campbell (OT – LSU) – 4-7 
  5. ***[TRADE]*** CHI – Ashton Jeanty (RB – Boise St.) – 5-10
  6. LVR – Kelvin Banks (OT – Texas) – 6-14 
  7. NYJ – Armand Membou (OT – Missouri) – 6-14       
  8. CAR – Jalon Walker (ED – UGA) – 7-15 
  9. NO – Mason Graham (DT – Michigan) – 5-13 
  10. ***[TRADE]*** JAX – Tyler Warren (TE – Penn. St.) – 7-14  
  11. SF – Walter Nolen (DT – Ole Miss.) – 11-32 
  12. DAL – Matthew Golden (WR – Texas) – 12-26 
  13. MIA – Jahdae Barron (CB – Texas) – 13-29  
  14. IND – Colston Loveland (TE – Michigan) – 14-26   
  15. ATL – Mykel Williams (ED – UGA) – 8-16 
  16. ARI – Tyler Booker (OG – Alabama) – 9-26 
  17. CIN – Shemar Stewart (DL – Texas A&M) – 11-32  
  18. SEA – Grey Zabel (iOL – N. Dakota St.) – 13-28 
  19. TB – Jihaad Campbell (LB – Alabama) – 14-32 
  20. DEN – Omarion Hampton (RB – UNC) – 20-29
  21. PIT – Emeka Egbuka (WR – OSU) – 16-32 
  22. LAC – Kenneth Grant (DT – Michigan) – 16-32  
  23. GB – Tetairoa McMillan (WR – Arizona) – 10-23 
  24. ***[TRADE]*** NYG – Jaxson Dart (QB – Ole Miss.) – 9-32 
  25. HOU – Donovan Jackson (OT – OSU) – 24-32
  26. LAR – Josh Conerly Jr. (OT – Oregon) – 25-32 
  27. BAL – Malaki Starks (S – UGA) – 13-27  
  28. DET – Derrick Harmon (DT – Oregon) – 16-32   
  29. WAS – Maxwell Hairston (CB – Kentucky) – 23-32
  30. BUF – Will Johnson (CB – Michigan) – 6-32 
  31. KC – Josh Simmons (OT – OSU) – 14-31
  32. PHI – Donovan Ezeiruaku (ED – Boston College) – 19-32   
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1. TENNESSEE TITANS - Cam Ward (QB - Miami)
  • Considerations: Cam Ward
  • Team Needs: 
    • QB, ED, WR, CB
  • Team Analysis: This pick is established.
2. CLEVELAND BROWNS - Travis Hunter (WR/CB - Colorado)
  • Considerations: Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter, Shedeur Sanders
  • Team Needs:
    • QB, RB, DB, iOL
  • Team Analysis: GM Andrew Berry sounds enamored with Hunter as a generational dual-threat. The Browns plan to utilize him primarily at WR, which is a major need. Hunter is one of the premier talents in this class and is one of the best pure athletes to come out in years. The team will look toward Rd. 2 to select a franchise QB. I think the team will be in on Shedeur Sanders if he falls far, which is now expected by many.
3. NEW YORK GIANTS - Abdul Carter (ED - Penn. St.)
  • Considerations: Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter
  • Team Needs: 
    • QB, WR, OL, CB
  • Team Analysis: Carter is one of the top two talents in this draft class. Although pass rusher is not a pressing need immediately, seeing as the Giants have invested in the position (Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux), the team could be souring on the latter, and edge rushers are a premium position in the NFL. In a weak QB class, the Giants will look to address QB in Rd. 2. The team has done a ton of homework on QB Shedeur Sanders, but there are reasons to believe they are high on Jalen Milroe and Jaxson Dart as well.
4. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS - Will Campbell (OT - LSU)
  • Considerations: Abdul Carter, Travis Hunter, Will Campbell, Jalon Walker, Ashton Jeanty, Armand Membou
  • Team Needs: 
    • OL, WR, CB
  • Team Analysis:

    The Pats drafted Drake Maye 3rd overall last April and failed to protect their franchise QB investment as a rookie. Part of this failure was due to unfortunate injuries decimating the O-Line. New England’s 5 starters made only 51/85 possible starts (32nd) last season, grading out as the least healthy unit from a possible starts standpoint last season. While NE did bring in RT Morgan Moses and C Garrett Bradbury, there remains a lot to be desired, especially on the left side of the OL. Enter LSU’s Will Campbell, who most evaluators believe may be suited as a left guard in the NFL, but some, including HC Mike Vrabel on record, believe Campbell is a left tackle. Campbell would help either way, and new HC Vrabel will be sold on Campbell’s passion for football, starting experience, and leadership. There’s also the connection between Campbell and respected Pats OL Coach Doug Marronne, who recruited Campbell out of high school. Tony Pauline reported that the team spent an incredible amount of time with OT Armand Membou since the NFL Combine, but there have been far more connections to Campbell here, so he is expected to be the pick… One surprise selection could be ED/LB Jalon Walker, who coaches rave about from a football leadership standpoint. Albert Breer, who has long been connected to NE and Vrabel specifically, has mentioned several times in his column that Walker fits this program’s philosophy to a tee. Thus, if NE pivots from the Campbell chalk, Walker would be my best guess.

***[TRADE]*** 5. CHICAGO BEARS - Ashton Jeanty (RB - Boise St.)
  • Jaguars Considerations: Travis Hunter, Will Campbell, Ashton Jeanty, Mason Graham, Tetoiroa McMillan
  • Jaguars Team Needs:
    • CB, iOL, DT, WR
  • Jaguars Team Analysis:

    New GM Gladstone says the team is looking for “intangibly rich” characters who “elevate the ecosystem.” That means I’m looking for that here as well. DT Mason Graham has been linked to Jacksonville throughout the process. The pairing makes sense because Graham is a passionate player, and DT is a need having lost DTs Ledbetter and Robertson-Harris. Graham was even seen in a Jaguars T-shirt working out a week before the draft. The fit also is logical given the history of GM Gladstone working with the Rams, who drafted similar linemen recently based on production as opposed to athletic traits. In fact, Gladstone specifically stated he will not be prioritizing raw athletic tools (like his predecessor Trent Baalke did to a fault at times). This led many to believe the team would be very open to selecting Graham, who was a great player in college but does not possess the natural athleticism of most top 5 picks… However, in the days leading up to the draft, the tide is turning toward offense, with many rumors leading us to believe that RB Ashton Jeanty or WR Tetoiroa McMillan could be the pick. This could be an elaborate smoke screen to get a team like the Bears to move up and make a play for Jeanty. However, the interest could be sincere as well, with new HC Liam Cohen’s background as an offensive guru. Cohen played a major role in revitalizing Baker Mayfield and allowing the Tampa Bay offense to flourish. He could see Jeanty as an even better version of Bucky Irving, or he could see Tet McMillan as his new Mike Evans. In either scenario, as Bryan Broaddus puts it, the Jags just want to score more touchdowns, and the current RBs, along with TE Brenton Strange, and WRs2-3 as Dyami Brown and Parker Washington simply are not going to cut it as a skilled position group behind Brian Thomas Jr.… Another player who fits the “intangibly rich” description is ED/LB Jalon Walker. Although less of a need, his character and leadership have been notably admired by every team he comes in contact with… Ultimately, it’s tough to tell whether the Jags will go offense here for stick with the previously popular DT Mason Graham, and I’m pretty confident the building itself is divided on this as I type this a few days before the Draft, but right now there is not a lot of clarity. Though, if the Pats surprise and bypass Will Campbell, I would expect Campbell to be the pick here due to positional need and his “rich intangibles.”

6. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS - Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT - Texas)
  • Considerations: Will Campbell, Ashton Jeanty, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks Jr., Mason Graham, Jalon Walker
  • Team Needs:
    • CB, WR, RB, OL, DT, LB
  • Team Analysis:

    New HC Pete Carroll and OC Chip Kelly have been on team establish the run for decades now and considering Geno Smith is the stopgap QB, it’s safe to say priority #1 is getting the ground game going. This could be by way of OL first and then RB or vise versa. It’s worth noting that the RB depth chart is abysmal, with Raheem Mostert as the projected starter. Mostert and Zamir White are entering contract years. For these reasons and more, RB Ashton Jeanty has been logically connected to the Raiders throughout the draft process. Carroll has invested in RBs high in the draft, but he also has drafted OL high, as has GM Spytek, who emphasized the trenches during his time in Tampa working under GM Jason Licht. Along the O-Line, RG Parham and LT Kolton Miller are entering contract years. In fact, Miller has seem disgruntled having not opened up contract negotiations with the team. The inability to re-sign him would make OL arguably a bigger need on paper than RB at a more premium position. Therefore, we cannot rule out OTs Armand Membou or Kelvin Banks. This would allow the Raiders to upgrade OL and address RB in Rd. 2, perhaps with OSU RBs Judkins or Henderson. There was an interesting part of a press conference leading up to the draft wherein Pete Carroll told GM Spytek to “be careful” answering a question about Jeanty. This led to more speculation that Jeanty will be the pick. However, it’s tough to read too much into it, considering Carroll has a history of “playing games” with the draft lead-up (see L.J. Collier draft hints)… One wildcard to the Jeanty vs. OL debate could be if DT Mason Graham is bypassed by the Jaguars at pick 5. Graham has had a quiet pre-draft process, but Albert Breer noted that Graham would fit the character/competitior part of the new program to a tee. Moreover, the Raiders have a need at DT behind Christian Wilkins. It’s worth noting that Graham went to Michigan like part-owner Tom Brady and GM Spytek, so they may have more intel on him… ED/LB Jalon Walker is another defensive option. The Raiders failed attempt to sign Pats LB Christian Ellis is evidence that the team is looking to improve at off-ball LB. Walker’s pass rush ability as a situational rusher could be dangerous across from Maxx Crosby, where Tyree Wilson could kick inside on pass downs. Teams are enamored with Walker’s leadership, so he’s a nice pick for a new regime.

7. NEW YORK JETS - Armand Membou (OT - Missouri)
  • Considerations: Will Campbell, Kelvin Banks, Armand Membou, Tyler Warren, Mason Graham, Jalon Walker
  • Team Needs:
    • OT, WR, TE, DL
  • Team Analysis:

    I’m looking for a “football culture” pick here. New HC Aaron Glenn comes in and is all business. He’s the type of coach who will prioritize character and passion over talent in most cases. He’s old school and tough, and I expect this pick to represent what he stands for in order to send a message about the organization as a whole. There are a number of different ways the Jets can go here, but if we’re trying to find a cultural fit who addresses a need, then RT may be the play. The team drafted Olu Fashanu in Rd. 1 last year to play LT, but RT is wide open to completely solidify this O-Line, which I imagine is a major priority for Glenn and co. Therefore, both Armand Membou and Kelvin Banks are proper fits. Although Banks played LT in college, I’ve heard good things about his character and leadership, which may align more with Glenn’s philosophy… Staying on offense, another player who can help the offense block is actually TE Tyler Warren. The Jets are pretty weak at WR outside of Garrett Wilson, so Warren can provide stability as a blocker and a pass catcher. Warren is also a passionate and mature player. He’s been linked to the Jets throughout this process, and the depth chart is barren there following the departure of TE Conklin. Even the current TEs on the roster – Smartt, Ruckert, and Yeboah are FAs in 2026. It’s tough to tell whether pick 7 is too rich for a TE. It’s possible Glenn does not care about value, however… Defensively, the D-Line is the biggest area of concern. The team lost DTs Kinlaw and Thomas. EDs Clemons and Johnson are entering contract years. Although boosting the offense is more of a priority, coach Glenn may fall back to his defensive ways, especially if a player like DT Mason Graham is available… Late in the process, CB Jahdae Barron has been linked to the team, noting he is a similar player to Glenn (re: smaller sized DB, plus tackler and leader who plays passionately).  

8. CAROLINA PANTHERS - Jalon Walker (ED - UGA)
  • Considerations: Jalon Walker, Mason Graham, Mykel Williams, Tetairoa McMillan, Tyler Warren
  • Team Needs: 
    • ED, WR, OT
  • Team Analysis:

    GM Morgan has made it abundantly clear that he wants to address defense, specifically starting with the front 7. CAR was 29th in sacks (1.9 per game). Some interviews with Kay Adams have shed light on the team’s genuine interest in Jalon Walker. Walker likes the Panthers staff, and it sounds like HC Canales likes Walker. Walker is from Salisbury, North Carolina. Carolina wants strong character in the building during this rebuild, and Walker provides this. CAR did enough in FA to make their DT unit formidable, but a lot is lacking at ED. Walker will be popularly mocked here throughout the industry, and it’s an extremely sensible selection. At this point, I think Carolina is simply praying Walker will be available at 8… IF Walker is not available, things get interesting. GM Morgan, in a pre-draft presser, alluded to being open for business to trade down if things shake out a certain way. That’s probably because there is a substantial drop-off until their next options. I would guess one of those options is ED Mykel Williams, who has great character and length and is only 20 years old, but there are concerns about the lack of production, making him rich for pick 8. Still, he fits a position of need, and several beat writers for Carolina have noted the team’s interest in the UGA product. A dark horse for this pick, if Walker is taken beforehand, in my opinion, is TE Tyler Warren. I say this is my opinion because it doesn’t seem to be shared by most, but I think Carolina would prefer Warren as a weapon for Bryce Young over a WR like Tet McMillan, who is a more popular pick among the Panther fan base. I see Warren as a more likely selection than McMillan because he brings something different to the offense, and the team just feels like it invested in WR recently in Legette. GM Morgan implied such in his recent presser.

9. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS - Mason Graham (DT - Michigan)
  • Considerations: Mason Graham, Ashton Jeanty, Kelvin Banks, Jalon Walker, Mykel Williams, Tyler Booker, Tyler Warren, Josh Conerly Jr., Jaxson Dart, Tetairoa McMillan
  • Team Needs: 
    • WR, LG, CB
  • Team Analysis:

    Relying on Nick Underhill has proven successful, and he’s been in on Tyler Warren as a potential fit here. Warren adds a different element to the offense than Juwan Johnson, and the Saints aren’t exactly stacked at WR, so 2-TE personnel could be effective, along the lines of the cliché “security blanket for young QB” narrative. Warren is seen as a sure-thing, and amid a multi-year rebuild out of salary cap hell, the Saints just need to hit on a blue-chip player, seeing as it’s been over a decade since the last time the team has picked inside the top 10. If the Saints take the best-player-available route at Pick 9 and look to draft a QB later (moving back into Rd. 1, the 2nd round, or even next year), another BPA option could be OT Kelvin Banks. Banks was a LT in college, but many scouts believe he can play multiple positions along the O-Line in the NFL, including left guard or right tackle. LG is important because there’s a vacancy there, and that’s where Banks could start immediately. RT is important because Trevor Penning is entering the final year of his contract, and Banks could be his replacement in 2026. I also wouldn’t rule out playing Banks at LT and shift Fuaga to RT, a spot many evaluators he was more naturally suited for in the NFL. Regardless, Banks solidifies the O-Line and provides flexibility there. Kellen Moore comes from DAL and PHI, two spots that prioritized O-Line. OT Armand Membou is another name to watch here, but I’ve heard more Banks steam for the Saints than Membou, possibly because Membou is more of a right tackle exclusively. Either could be available at 9. Fall back OL options include OG Tyler Booker and OT Josh Conerly, both of whom the Saints have been linked to late in the process, including Conerly by Underhill… One other offensive player the Saints probably have graded higher than Warren and Banks is RB. Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty is comparable to Alvin Kamara and even named Kamara as a player he grew up watching and modeling his game around. There’s also the Boise St. connection with Jeanty and new HC Kellen Moore, who played at Boise St. Although I do not expect Jeanty to be available at Pick 9, I have a hard time seeing the Saints pass on him if he is, making him somewhat of a sleeper for this pick… WR Tet McMillan is another long shot. Although I think TE Tyler Warren is rated higher on the Saints board than WR Tet McMillan, I do think the Saints see McMillan as WR1 because he provides a big body and physical red zone skillset that WRs Olave and Shaheed do not have. Olave and Shaheed are both entering contract years. I think McMillan will be in play if Jeanty, Warren and Banks, along with some notable defenders like Walker and Graham, are all not available. In other words, I only see McMillan as an option if the board falls a certain way… Defensively, it’s pretty clear that the Saints have shown interest in a pair of UGA pass rushers – Jalon Walker and Mykel Williams – the latter of whom is expected to be available for Pick 9. Williams has great length and is young (20) with great character reports from a prominent football program, all things GM Loomis will value. This is probably Cam Jordan’s last year, but seeing as the Saints just paid EDs Chase Young and Carl Granderson, along with drafting Foskey in Rd. 2 recently, I expect the team to prioritize Walker over Williams. Walker can be used as a situational pass rusher, but he’d likely play as a stand-up LB for New Orleans. Demario Davis is entering a contract year and may retire. Walker has incredible character and leadership traits and would be viewed as Davis’s successor. I think the Saints are hoping that Carolina passes on Walker, but it seems unlikely at this point. Another player I believe the Saints would pounce on if available is DT Mason Graham. DT is less certain than DE for NO, with several rotational-caliber players but no studs. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Saints have Graham and Walker as Top-6 players on their board. A dark horse defender here would be CB Will Johnson. CBs Lattimore and Adebo departed, and Alontae Taylor is a free agent after this season. Will Johnson has the size needed for the position, and although I think the Saints will knock him for not providing athletic testing due to injury, it is at least worth noting that Daniel Jeremiah mentioned that DC Brandon Staley can be very persuasive in the draft room, and Johnson fits his zone-based defense perfectly… What about quarterback?!?! From what I’ve heard, the Saints are unlikely to take one here at pick 9. This doesn’t mean they are interested in the class, and it doesn’t preclude them from taking a QB in round 2 or even trading back into Rd. 1 to take one. I believe the team has a late-first round grade on Shedeur Sanders, who many Saints fans will be clamoring for at pick 9. Simply put, and somewhat ironically, I don’t think Sanders possesses the upside or ceiling from an athletic standpoint to warrant this selection. GM Loomis heavy on the RAS (relative athletic scores) and has shown a huge propensity for prioritizing prospects with athletic traits and high ceilings. This is one reason I believe the Saints have Jaxson Dart higher on their board than Shedeur Sanders. The Saints didn’t send much to Sanders’ Pro Day, and they have not brought him in for a 30 visit. This is atypical for your future franchise QB. Furthermore, I don’t really think Sanders fits Kellen Moore’s offense particularly well. While Sanders’ strengths are clear – accuracy and quick processing – they don’t exactly jive with Moore’s offenses in Dallas and Philly, where Prescott and Hurts utilized mobility often. Dart can move and also throws downfield often, two staples of Moore’s offenses. If I had to guess which QB the Saints would take at 9, my guess would be Dart, but I’m simply not sold they execute that here with this pick. Despite Carr’s injury, the Saints probably do not feel their hand is forced, like they MUST take a QB at 9. In fact, I’m wondering if the Carr injury even moves the needle at all. Why would it? Everyone in WHODAT Nation knew that this was Carr’s last season with the team, and he wasn’t the answer for the future. Moreover, everyone also knows the Saints weren’t winning the Super Bowl this year with Carr as its starter. I’d argue even the Saints knew that, so why would Carr’s injury affect anything at all? In either situation – whether Carr started this year or not – the Saints wanted a QB of the future to start in 2026. That doesn’t have to be at Pick 9, and technically it doesn’t even have to be in this draft class. Perhaps the team wants to see what they have in Rattler in this new offense and go from there, even if that leads to picking a QB high in next year’s draft. This is not a 1-year rebuild. That all being said, I’m not completely ruling out a QB at Pick 9; I’m just not fully buying it. I think a sharper prediction is the Saints trading back into Rd. 1 if Dart slides into the 20s past PIT, or even taking Sanders if he falls into the 2nd round. I also wouldn’t rule out Tyler Shough or Jalen Milroe in Rd. 2. Ultimately, I do think the team will take a swing on a QB in this draft, but right now I don’t think that swing is at pick 9. A dream scenario for this team would be to secure a safe, blue-chip prospect like Jeanty, Walker, Graham, Warren, or Banks at 9, and follow that up w/ a developmental QB like Dart who HC Moore can work with next year with the expectation he takes a big leap in 2026.  

***[TRADE]*** 10. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS - Tyler Warren (TE - Penn. St.)
  • Bears Considerations: Ashton Jeanty, Mason Graham, Tyler Warren, Kelvin Banks, Mykel Williams, Armand Membou … TreVeyon Henderson
  • Bears Team Needs: 
    • ED, RB, DB
  • Bears Team Analysis:

    All signs point to Chicago coveting Ashton Jeanty, and I strongly believe he’ll be the pick if available. I’d go one step further and suggest Chicago may make a play to move up ahead of the Saints and even the Raiders to secure Jeanty. The team has two 2nd round picks this year. If the team can’t get their paws on Jeanty, I expect Chicago to take Mason Graham or Tyler Warren if available. If not, I think the Bears would explore a trade down situation, potentially targeting Kelvin Banks or Mykel Williams. I’m not buying the narrative of reaching for a non-Jeanty RB like Omarion Hampton here, though it’s worth noting this will be mocked by several pundits. I won’t rule it out, but my intel leads me to believe the Bears prefer TreVeyon Henderson due to his ability to pass protect (which RB coach Eric Bieniemy likes) and hit explosive plays a la Jahmyr Gibbs (which HC Ben Johnson likes). I don’t think he’s in play at pick 10, but he’s a sleeper if the team can trade down.

11. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS - Walter Nolen (DT - Ole Miss.)
  • Considerations: Kelvin Banks, Armand Membou, Mykel Williams, Walter Nolen, Shemar Stewart, Will Johnson, Tyler Warren
  • Team Needs: 
    • OL, DT, ED, CB
  • Team Analysis:

    The 49ers have a lot more pressing needs than usual. Let’s begin with the O-Line, where LT Trent Williams is 36 and nearing retirement. The team also lost starting LG Banks in FA and backup OT Moore. RT McKivitz is a FA in 2026. All of this makes Armand Membou and Kelvin Banks major players for this pick… Defensively, new DC Saleh has a history of prioritizing D-Line, wanting an extensive rotation and depth. The team lost ED Floyd and DT Collins, who played 600+ snaps. DTs Hargrave, Davis, and Givens also departed, leaving a gaping hole at DT. On paper, DT is arguably the most significant need on this roster. However, pick 11 does not seem like the ideal spot to plug the hole, as most DTs would be considered major reaches here. I’m hearing some Walter Nolen and Kenneth Grant buzz here, but I think it’s more likely the 49ers trade down or get aggressive in Rd. 2 to acquire either one. Albert Breer made a strong case for Nolen here, arguing he fits DC Saleh’s scheme perfectly, but the team will have to be OK with his character. The fact that’s a scheme fit, a major position of need, and considering San Fran’s level of desperation being higher than meets the eye, I could see Nolen being the surprise pick here. In Rd. 1, I think Mykel Williams is another option in order to address ED, specifically Floyd’s loss. Josh Norris pointed out that 49ers DL coach has been enamored with the traits of ED Shemar Stewart. He’s a cleaner fit from a character perspective than Nolen and provides Saleh with the traits of an extremely athletic D-Lineman to mold. It’s worth noting here that this regime has trusted HC Shanahan’s ability to draft and develop OL later who fit his zone blocking scheme. This front office also does not have a history of taking CB high, so DL may be the most logical play… Cornerback is also problematic, though. The team has a solid NCB, whom they recently paid, in Lenoir. SF needs boundary CBs, and Will Johnson, by most accounts, is a strong scheme fit here. He should be near the top of their short list for this pick. SF has hosted OT Banks, EDs Green and Williams, and DT Nolen on 30 visits.

12. DALLAS COWBOYS - Matthew Golden (WR - Texas)
  • Considerations: Ashton Jeanty, Jalon Walker, Matthew Golden, Tetairoa McMillan, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart
  • Team Needs: 
    • ED, WR, CB, RB, iOL
  • Team Analysis:

    The Cowboys want to get more explosive and have little weapons outside of CeeDee Lamb. The word “explosive” was specifically used in an interview by new HC Schottenheimer. Ashton Jeanty is explosive, and this is probably the floor for the Texas high school product, a pick that would unquestionably bring star power to Jerry World. Needless to say, I think he’ll be the pick if available. Most DAL beat writers assume Dallas would bypass RB in Rd. 1 in a deep class, and I think this includes passing on Omarion Hampton, though several have him mocked here. At WR, the explosive comment would seem to suggest the team is looking for what Matthew Golden brings to the table as opposed to Tet McMillan, whose skillset may be more redundant with Lamb’s and Mingo’s. Golden flashed 4.29 speed at the Combine and could open up the offense. What’s interesting is that most teams seem to view these WRs as picks in the early 20s, but WR has been so popularly mocked to the Cowboys despite obvious needs on defense that it seems leaked. The Cowboys typically draft players with whom they have hosted on a “30” visit, so that’s a priority for me when it comes to mocking a player here. Luckily, Dallas has met with both McMillan and Golden. They have also met with WR3 and WR4 in this class, Emeka Egbuka and Luther Burden… Outside of WR, DAL has met with OT Kelvin Banks, a local product who could immediately slide in at guard and eventually take over tackle for RT Steele. Both OGs Smith and Jones are entering contract years, and the unit as a whole is a shell of its former elite self. It doesn’t seem like the pick will be on the defensive side despite needs at CB and ED, but It’s worth noting they have hosted EDs Mykel Williams and Shemar Stewart. The latter went to Texas A&M.

13. MIAMI DOLPHINS - Jahdae Barron (CB - Texas)
  • Considerations: Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks, Will Johnson, Jahdae Barron, Mykel Williams, Walter Nolen
  • Team Needs: 
    • DT, ED, OG
  • Team Analysis:

    I would be pretty surprised if this pick did not address the D-Line, O-Line, or secondary because Miami is so depleted at those positions that they have kind of forced their hand here. LT Terron Armstead retired, but the main holes are along the interior. Newly acquired OG James Daniels only played 3 games last season, and RG Eichenberg needs to be replaced. Kelvin Banks is a zone-blocking fit for this offense who would immediately start at guard. I’m not sure if Tyler Booker has the movement necessary to play in this scheme, but the ‘Fins are lacking leadership, which Booker has… The D-Line has been decimated this offseason, losing EDs Ogbah, Bell, and Bowser, leaving only Chop Robinson and Jaelen Phillips. Phillips is entering a contract year and is coming off his second season-ending surgery after missing most of last season. The team also lost DTs Calais Campbell and Da’Shawn Hand. Campbell was a team captain and leader. Ideally, the Dolphins would be able draft a versatile DL who could help at multiple spots. It’s unclear if they like Mykel Williams, but I’d assume he’s an option for this pick given the need. GM Greir has taken quite a few risks on players with medical concerns. This may be another reason they won’t shy away from CB Will Johnson, who was often injured in college. Johnson played under DC Wink Martindale at Michigan, who was Miami DC Anthony Weaver’s first DC in Baltimore. Johnson also plays outside corner, and this is paramount considering Jalen Ramsey’s trade request and Kendall Fuller’s departure. Both of Miami’s outside CBs would be gone. It seems like CB may have surpassed DL as the team’s biggest need. I strongly believe Miami prefers CB Will Johnson here, but if he’s gone, the team may consider reaching on CB Jahdae Barron despite concerns about his size and reach.

14. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS - Colston Loveland (TE - Michigan)
  • Considerations: Tyler Warren, Kelvin Banks, Colston Loveland, Shemar Stewart, Tyler Booker, Jihaad Campbell
  • Team Needs: 
    • OL, TE, S, ED
  • Team Analysis:

    GM Ballard is a HUGE RAS guy, so I’m excluding athletes who did not test well – Specifically, I’m looking for 9.0+ RAS athletes. The one exception I’ll make is for TE Tyler Warren, who I believe the Colts covet, based on multiple reports (Tony Pauline and others) and the fact that the Colts were rumored to be targeting Brock Bowers last April before he was swiped. Simply put, if Warren is available at Pick 14, I strongly believe he’ll be the pick. Assuming he’s not, TE Colston Loveland could be an alternative, although I’m a little wary that Loveland is recovering from a shoulder issue that prevented him from testing. It’s possible he is medically flagged by teams, including the Colts that will want to see his athleticism charted. I won’t rule him out, but I can’t help but wonder if their attraction to Warren is at least based on his ability to block for a bad O-Line. Outside of TE, I’m looking at secondary, O-Line, and D-Line. The Colts signed CB Charvarius Ward, and CB seems pretty set, but safety is a different story. S Nick Cross is a FA in 2026, and S Blackmon (1,000+ snaps) departed in FA. Some teams may have S Malaki Starks graded higher than Nick Emmanwori, but I’d bet GM Ballard likes Emmanwori (9.9+ RAS) higher because his measurables and athleticism were literally off the charts. This is probably his ceiling… Arguably more pressing are the holes along the O-Line. This unit was riddled with injuries, in which the starters only made 57/85 possible starts (31st). Moreover, the team was unable to re-sign C Ryan Kelly or RG Will Fries. Replacements haven’t been added. In addition, both OTs – LT Raimann and RT Smith – are FAs in 2026. In short, this O-Line is extremely problematic, so I have to assume Kelvin Banks (9.0 RAS) is a major player here. Tyler Booker would be a departure from Ballard’s reliance on premier athletic testing, thoug it’s worth noting that he is a scheme fit for a run-first, power blocking scheme. The Colts could pivot to D-Line if the right OL is not available. There are many expiring contracts along the D-Line, even if it’s not a pressing need in 2025. EDs Ogbah, Paye, Lewis, and Ebukam are entering contract years, leaving only Latu under contract after this year. The top DL athletes here are Shemar Stewart and Mykel Williams. Ballard has not worried about a lack of college production in years past, as he believes taking homerun swings on coachable traits… The last remaining position vacancy (arguably outside of QB) is linebacker, where E.J. Speed (1,000+ snaps) departed, leaving an opening alongside Zaire Franklin. New DC Lou Anarumo will want players who fit his new scheme, and Jihaad Campbell is a do-it-all LB who can help with pass rushing and is a 9.0+ RAS athlete. However, considering Ballard is on the hot seat, and the Colts need to make the playoffs this year, I’m not sure they will be patient enough to pick him seeing as he may miss most of the season recovering from a torn labrum.

15. ATLANTA FALCONS - Mykel Williams (ED - UGA)
  • Considerations: Jalon Walker, Mykel Williams, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks, Mike Green, Jihaad Campbell, Malaki Starks
  • Team Needs: 
    • ED, DT, DB
  • Team Analysis:

    Falcons have finished last or near last in all pass rush metrics (including sacks) for each of the past FOUR seasons. Last season, ATL finished 31st in sacks per game. The team was reportedly highly interested in Laiatu Latu before pivoting to Penix. The Falcons used all 45 Combine meetings on defenders, and GM Fontenot stated he wants a bigger and more physical D-Line. Our best bet should be on ATL finally addressing the D-Line here. EDs Judon, Carter, Smith-Williams, and Harris departed, along with stud DT Grady Jarrett and DT Fox, and the Falcons only signed Leonard Flloyd to a 1-year-deal, leaving only he and Ebiketie at ED, both of whom are FAs in 2026. Yeah, this DL is depleted, and it was already bad last season. Historically, GM Fontenot emphasizes quality character, age (prefers younger prospects in Rd. 1), length, and production. I would assume the emphasis on character rules out Walter Nolen and James Pearce, while the emphasis on production rules out Shemar Stewart, though all play crucial positions of need. I was told by a Falcons source not to include Mike Green in that group, as the team apparently does have Green on its board, and there’s a scenario in which he could be the pick. Green has some character concerns but fits a position of need, and the team was high on ED Latu last year; it was reported Latu would have been the pick if not for Penix. This shows that the team is clearly looking to upgrade ED, so we’ll leave Mike Green as an option for now. Jalon Walker fits the mold of exactly the player the Falcons would want and need, but they’d have to trade up ahead of Carolina (at least) to get him. Mykel Williams is 20 and has great length that this regime should appreciate, but the production is scarce. Nevertheless, I think Williams is high on ATL’s board. I also imagine S Malaki Starks (a local favorite Georgia native and Georgia Bulldog) is high on their board considering the team lost S Justin Simmons (1,000+ snaps). CB Will Johnson would be a nice BPA option and is a scheme fit. Offensively, the only area I could see ATL addressing is OL. The team lost its starting center in FA, and RT McGary is a FA in 2026. I’d bet this team is high on both RT Armand Membou and LT Kelvin Banks, high enough to the point where either is an expected selection if available, especially if Mykel Williams is off the board.

16. ARIZONA CARDINALS - Tyler Booker (OG - Alabama)
  • Considerations: Mykel Williams, Jahdae Barron, Derrick Harmon, Kenneth Grant, Jihaad Campbell, Mike Green, Shemar Stewart, Tyler Booker
  • Team Needs: 
    • DL, OL, LB, WR
  • Team Analysis:

    HC Jonathan Gannon comes from Philly, an organization that prioritized D-Line in a major way. Arizona signed DTs Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell and drafted DT Robinson in the 1st round last year, but less is clear at ED despite signing Josh Sweat. There is little behind Sweat and Zaven Collins. ED Mykel Williams makes the most sense here. Reliable beat writer Mike Jurecki mentioned that Arizona “should” pick DL with 2 of their first three picks and OT with the other, and he’s been consistent in the team being high on Williams. Even though DT is a great strength than ED, work may not be done there either. A DT like Derrick Harmon he would bolster the pass rush as well. Many mockers will not slot Harmon this high, but my read of this situation is that teams view Harmon in higher regard than the media/fans. Per Jurecki, a sleeper along the D-Line for this pick could be NT Kenneth Grant, who can bring something different than the DTs currently on the roster. I don’t get the vibe that Arizona is as in on EDs Shemar Stewart or Mike Green, but they should be available for this pick… OT is definitely a need considering the injury issues last season – the starting OL made 58/85 possible starts last season. In addition, RT Jonah Williams and key reserve Kelvin Beachum are FAs next offseason. There is a vacancy at RG where RGs Hernandez and Colon have departed. Albert Breer mentioned OG Tyler Booker as an option here, though this is likely near his ceiling. This is probably Kelvin Banks’s floor… Beat writer Chuck Harris reported that Arizona was extremely high on LB Jihaad Campbell. It’s worth noting Arizona was depleted at LB this offseason, losing LBs White, Davis-Gaither and Barnes, only signing Mack Wilson Sr. Campbell is questionable at best for the start of the season, but there is a huge need here, and I bet Gannon likes that he can serve as a situational blitzer or pass rusher. 

17. CINCINNATI BENGALS - Shemar Stewart (DL - Texas A&M)
  • Considerations: Mike Green, Mykel Williams, Walter Nolen, Shemar Stewart, Derrick Harmon, Malaki Starks, Nick Emmanwori, Jahdae Barron
  • Team Needs: 
    •  DL, DB, iOL
  • Team Analysis:

    I don’t know how anyone can watch Joe Burrow’s elite 2024 season, see that the Bengals didn’t even make the postseason, and say, “I think we need offense.” In other words, despite needs at iOL (LG Volson, C Karras, and RG Cappa are all entering contract years), this pick feels like it has to be a defender, so I’m keeping it that simple. All areas of defense CAN be improved, but I can’t shake this Joe Goodberry tweet, where he listed the Bengals top 4 needs as followed: DT1, DT2, DE1 (if Trey Hendrickson is traded), and DE2. Goodberry is as reliable as it comes for covering Cincinnati’s draft, and even ignoring Hendrickson’s trade plea, both he and ED Ossai are entering the final years of their contracts. Goodberry predicted DT Derrick Harmon would be the pick in March, though DraftGuyJared (another Cincy beat) countered that the team has not drafted a DT in Rd. 1 in the past 30 years, arguing the team doesn’t value the position much; he predicted ED Shemar Stewart there. ED Mike Green should land near this pick, and Cincinnati may turn more of a blind eye to some allegations than other teams. ED Mykel Williams also should land near this pick, making him an option. Todd McShay mentioned that the Bengals like to draft from elite programs that are on a run of success (UGA, OSU, etc.)… With secondary deficiencies – losing CB Hilton, S Bell + CBs Hill Taylor-Britt, and S Stone all entering contract years – we cannot ignore the possibility of a DB like Will Johnson, Jahdae Barron, Malaki Starks, or Nick Emmanwori. Starks would be my best guess among the DB bunch. I’m going to side with D-Line, though.

18. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS - Grey Zabel (iOL - N. Dakota St.)
  • Considerations: Grey Zabel, Colston Loveland, Malaki Starks, Matthew Golden, Emeka Egbuka, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Jihaad Campbell
  • Team Needs:
      • OL, TE, S
  • Team Analysis:

    The Seahawks are forming a new identity on offense, overhauling the previous scheme under new OC Klint Kubiak and changing QBs to Darnold, so my initial instinct is to project offense with this pick. Simply put, the team needs players who fit the new zone-blocking scheme. GM Schneider had previous neglected the iOL, and he notably retracted his statement from last year, which claimed that iOL are overdrafted and overpaid. In Kubiak’s scheme, movement and athleticism is prioritized, which makes me question whether Tyler Booker is a fit here. Daniel Jeremiah mentioned Grey Zabel is a perfect scheme fit. Zabel has versatility at all five spots along the O-Line, which is essential for a team whose starters made only 60/85 possible starts (29th), and whose starting tackles are both FAs after this season. He’ll be a strong candidate here even if most teams grade him in the 20s. Zabel has strong character reviews too, which the Seahawks tend to value highly. Beat writer Rob Staton stated the Seahawks will gravitate toward high character players such as Tyler Warren, Colston Loveland, Emeka Egbuka, Matthew Golden, Tyler Booker, Malaki Starks, and Donovan Ezeiruaku. It’s worth noting that S Nick Emmanwori has met with the team twice, including a Top-30 visit, but Staton says he does not see this as a fit due some football maturity issues. TE Noah Fant is entering a contract year, and a move-TE is pretty important in Kubiak’s offense, so I expect the team to be very in on Colston Loveland, maybe more so than Emeka Egbuka, who seems a little redundant with JSN and newly acquired Cooper Kupp. If I had to pick a defender here, I’d go with Starks because S Bryant is a FA in 2026, and the team lost S Jenkins, who actually played 500+ snaps as a third safety despite missing 4 games. In other words, based on usage and the DC’s history in BAL, this defense prioritizes the safety position.

19. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS - Jihaad Campbell (LB - Alabama)
  • Considerations: Malaki Starks, Jihaad Campbell, Jahdae Barron, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Will Johnson
  • Team Needs:
      • ED, LB, S
  • Team Analysis:

    This is a team where I’m mocking them a defender regardless because the offense seems invested in and relatively set. The Bucs back end was pretty bad last year, and S Whitehead departed, while CB McCollum (1100+ snaps) is a FA in 2026… According to Daniel Jeremiah, GM Licht values college production, and I’ve noticed GM Licht emphasizes finding the “right person,” first (as opposed to “right player”). Accordingly, I’m looking for players who fit both criteria at the two major positions of need on defense: secondary and defensive end. I like the fits of S Malaki Starks, CB Jahdae Barron and ED Donovan Ezeiruaku for those reasons. Additionally, LB Jihaad Campbell fits like a glove because LBs David and Walker are both entering contract years. Campbell could learn under David, who will likely retire next year, and not be rushed into playing time (Campbell’s torn labrum jeopardizes first half of the season), before eventually thriving as David’s successor in defense where Todd Bowles prioritizes athleticism at LB.

20. DENVER BRONCOS - Omarion Hampton (RB - UNC)
  • Considerations: Omarion Hampton, TreVeyon Henderson, Colston Loveland, Derrick Harmon
  • Team Needs:
      •  RB, DL
  • Team Analysis:

    I’m relying a lot on Benjamin Allbright as my source for Denver. According to Allbright— this pick will be “tougher” to predict this year. (he knew the Broncos were taking Nix). I noticed this was the second time he uttered those exact words: “tougher.” This time, however, he reposted a Jordan Schultz Hampton tweet that described his “toughness” soon after. After decoding the message, he stated that his only concern was that Hampton may not be available. To me, this implied that Denver is indeed in on him. Allbright went on to say that he did not think DEN would trade up for Hampton. I asked if they would consider an alternative RB in Rd. 1, such as TreVeyon Henderson, or if they’d pivot to D-Line like Derrick Harmon. He stated both are options for Rd. 1. He then answered someone else’s questions regarding Tet McMillan and Malaki Starks, and stated that he did NOT think DEN would be considering those players. This was the second time he reiterated that Denver is not looking to address WR in Rd. 1, so I’m not expecting that either. RB is a bigger need in Denver than WR anyway; it’s the biggest need on the entire roster. Henderson makes sense because Payton has repeatedly mentioned that he wants his “joker” role to be played by a TE or RB. The team signed Evan Engram, but that is not a long-term solution. Henderson excels in the receiving game, which has been historically important in a Sean Payton offense… Denver is in range for DT Derrick Harmon, and it’s worth mentioning not only because Allbright singled him out as someone the team could be interested in, but also because DT is a sneaky need here. DTs Zach Allen, Franklin-Myers, and Roach are entering contract years.

21. PITTSBURGH STEELERS - Emeka Egbuka (WR - OSU)
  • Considerations: Jaxson Dart, Jalen Milroe, Shedeur Sanders … Derrick Harmon, Omarion Hampton, Matthew Golden, Emeka Egbuka, Nick Emmanwori
  • Team Needs:
    • QB, RB, CB
  • Team Analysis:

    The Steelers pick got much more interesting when Colin Cowherd reported that the Steelers were planning to draft QB Jalen Milroe with pick 21, following GM Khan and HC Tomlin dining with Milroe one night during Alabama’s Pro Day. Cowherd argued that team felt the need to get a “special” QB to compete with the dynamic QBs in the AFC. Lending creedence to the idea are the facts that the Steelers do not have a 2nd round pick (where Milroe was initially projected), and Milroe’s invitation to attend the NFL Draft. Many (including me) believe that the NFL’s invitation and Milroe’s acceptance implies that some teams have a first round grade on Milroe. It sounds like the Steelers are one of those teams. That doesn’t mean he’ll be the pick, but it’s worth mentioning because Tomlin and co. have a history and reptuation throughout the mock draft community of telegraphing their first round picks. The Steelers do not hide interest, and they almost always meet with their eventual first round pick, often multiple times. Thus, I’m really only considering players here who have met with the team via a 30 visit. Obviously, the Steelers need a QB seeing as their current starting QB is Mason Rudolph, and if it’s not Milroe with this pick, it could be Sheduer Sanders or Jaxson Dart. The team has done extensive homework on this QB class, and all three of those top prospects have had 30 visits with PIT. Although Sanders has the most clout among them, I’m not sure he fits Arthur Smith’s offense as well as Dart. In fact, I’m betting Dart is their preferred option among the three, though I have no sources to substantiate that; it’s merely speculation based on scheme fit. What’s interesting is that I could see any of those 3 QBs being the choice here, and I could even see PIT bypassing QB here, although I consider that less likely… If PIT goes in a different direction, the players the team has shown interest in include RB Omarion Hampton, WR Matthew Golden, DT Derrick Harmon, and S Nick Emmanwori. Working backward and addressing the latter first, it’s worth noting the Steelers tried to sign SS Jeremy Chinn last offseason, and both S Elliott and Thornhill are FAs in 2026. As for DT Derrick Harmon, he’s seen as an ideal scheme fit in this defense. DT Cam Heyward is 35, and there is not behind he and Benton. T.J. Watt’s recent unrest doesn’t help. Offensively, the team has shown interst in WR Matthew Golden, which seems odd after paying DK Metcalf big money, but I think if the team selected Golden, George Pickens would probably get moved. Pickens and WR3 Calvin Austin are entering contract years, so Golden makes sense from that perspective. Finally, RB Omarion Hampton seems like a great fit because of Arthur Smith’s reliance on a successful running game, not to mention Tomlin and the Steelers’ propensity for a conservative “old school” football approach (re: establish the run, play great defense). Tomlin has rode bell cows and is not shy about investing in the run game, both via RB and OL. Hampton seems like an ideal complement to Jaylen Warren, who is probably suited to be an effective 3rd down back as opposed to getting the bulk of the work like Hampton can. Ultimately, there are a lot of directions the Steelers can go. I’m expecting them to prioritize QB (my best guess is Dart), but if they have other QB plans, I think they’ll go BPA out of the specific players mentioned above.

     

22. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS - Kenneth Grant (DT - Michigan)
  • Considerations: Colston Loveland, Tetairoa McMillan, Matthew Golden, Kenneth Grant, Derrick Harmon, Will Johnson
  • Team Needs:
    • ED, DT, WR/TE
  • Team Analysis:

    The Chargers have brought four players in for “30” visits expected to go in the top 40 picks: WRs Matthew Golden and Tet McMillan, and TEs Colston Loveland and Mason Taylor. It’s pretty clear that priority #1 is finding a pass catcher. Loveland made the first visit to LAC, and that seems like a perfect pairing not only because of the Harbaugh-Michigan connection, but also because Harbaugh offenses have utilized the TE position so extensively both in the NFL and in college. In short, TE is a critical component of his offenses, even more so than WRs, so adding a dynamic pass-catching TE like Loveland makes too much sense. I do not believe a one-year deal with Tyler Conklin affects this pick… I’d bet the Chargers are interested in both WRs Golden and McMillan if either are available. Josh Palmer departed, and there is little behind Johnston and McConkey. Golden adds an outside speed element to the offense that could open up the running game, while McMillan gives Herbert that nice physical presence. It seems like LSU TE Mason Taylor may be a fail safe if the board doesn’t play out well, but I’d only imagine he’s the pick in a trade down scenario if the top-2 WRs and top-2 TEs are not available, along with a couple of Michigan defenders whom Harbaugh may love. One of those is CB Will Johnson, who could slide in the draft because injury problems prevented him from testing, and teams are concerned about his 2024 tape a lack of speed, along with needing to pigeon hole him in a zone defense. There are a handful of reasons Johnson may fall, but I would expect any slide to end with Harbaugh here. More likely is the availability of Michigan DT Kenneth Grant, whom I believe Harbaugh would be extremely enticed to take, even if the pass catchers are available. To put it kindly, there are massive holes along this D-Line following the losses of ED Bosa and DTs Ford and Fox. Many of the players expected to play starters’ snaps in a rotation – EDs Khalil Mack (35), Bud Dupree and DTs Hand, Ogbonnia, Tart, and Jones – are all FAs in 2026. This means that the Chargers only have ONE single D-Lineman who played more than 200 snaps last season signed through 2026. One. If LAC wasn’t showing so much interest in pass catchers throughout the pre-draft process, I’d almost assume their hands were tied, and they’d have to go D-Line here. That may be the case. Albert Breer suggested as such, tweeting that he’s not allowed to bet this stuff, but if he could, he’d bet the Chargers take Grant. Using the same logic (minus the Michigan connection), DT Derrick Harmon is extremely viable here if available at 22.

23. GREEN BAY PACKERS - Tetairoa McMillan (WR - Arizona)
  • Considerations: Tetairoa McMillan, Maxwell Hairston, Derrick Harmon, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Matthew Golden, Emeka Egbuka
  • Team Needs:
    • WR, DL
  • Team Analysis:

    The Packers have a type; they are notorious sticklers about drafting players who hit certain athletic testing and measurable thresholds. Luckily, a slew of quality beat writers help identify “Packer Types,” as Peter Bukowski puts it. This aids mocking because we can essentially eliminate players who do not test. Furthermore, lately the Packers are tending to visit with their eventual first round pick (the 30 visits are mattering more than they used to for this organization), so I’m tracking that here too. Notably, GB has met with the top 3 WRs in this class. While it’s true that GB has not selected a WR in Rd. 1 in the last 20+ years, I think there is evidence that suggests a departure from that historical trend. First, I can’t shake this comment that Packers RB Josh Jacobs gave at the end of the year. He was asked what he thinks the Packers should do in the offseason, and he said the team needs to get a real legitimate #1 WR. This is important because it’s a very candid response (kind of throwing shade at the current WRs on the roster), and it’s from the team’s star player last year. However, none of that matters near as much as what happened next. Not only did GM Guntekunst say he was not bothered by Jacobs’ public plea for a top-tier WR, but somewhat implied that he’s not wrong.  GB’s WRs have talent but were not consistent, and Christian Watson cannot seem to stay healthy, so it’s tough to rely on them. It’s no surprise the team is interested in opening up the offense after trotting out an extremely conservative offense last season. While GB has hosted Tet McMillan, Matthew Golden, and Emeka Egbuka on “30” visits, I believe McMillan is the apple of GB’s eye. First, he fits the Packer prototype at WR better than the others, who are a little slight in regard to measurables. Second, GM Guntekunst was reportedly the only GM who traveled to McMillan’s Pro Day. And third, most teams have him as the top WR on their boards, yet he may be available here if a team like Dallas does not take him because there are not a lot of WR-needy teams in the teens. If McMillan is not available, I wouldn’t be surprised if GB goes in a different direction. A couple of D-Linemen stand out here, namely ED Donovan Ezeiruaku, who played for Packers DC Jeff Hadley in college, and DT Derrick Harmon, who beat writer Peter Bukowski seems to believe is the perfect Packers pick here. The D-Line needs to be addressed after a very underwhelming year in regard to pressuring opposing QBs. ED Enagbare and DT Wyatt are FAs next offseason… Cornerback is another position the team could stand to upgrade. GB is expected to move on from Jaire Alexander, and while the CB room is OK, adding a talented player like Maxwell Hairston, who meets the Packers’ athletic thresholds and is a hometown kid, makes some sense.

***[TRADE]*** 24. NEW YORK GIANTS - Jaxson Dart (QB - Ole Miss.)
  • Trade Analysis: The Vikings are incentivized to move down because of their lack of draft capital (only 4 picks, the fewest in the NFL Draft). Minnesota’s GM has a history of moving down as well… The Giants, a more desperate franchise by far, move up to take their prized franchise QB. Based on HC Brian Daboll’s history developing Josh Allen, I think the Giants are looking for more upside.
  • –
  • Vikings Considerations: Jahdae Barron, Derrick Harmon, Grey Zabel, Malaki Starks, Nick Emmanwori, Donovan Jackson
  • Vikings Team Needs:
    • CB, S, LG
  • Vikings Team Analysis:

    Secondary is a concern here because the team lost CBs Gilmore and Griffin, and safeties Harrison Smith and Josh Metellus are in contract years. Smith is expected to retire after this season. DC Brian Flores requires his defensive backs to tackle well, so S Nick Emmanwori and CB Jahdae Barron fit in well here. It would be naïve not to include S Malaki Starks as a consideration here too… Left guard is the other spot that could stand to be upgraded. The Vikings did a good job plugging holes at C and RG, but we cannot rule out a player like Grey Zabel here. Zabel is a great fit for a zone blocking scheme, per scouts, so I think he’s in play here. Along these same lines, Donovan Jackson makes a ton of sense too… The other player I have heard the team is interested in is DT Derrick Harmon, though this one is less apparent from a needs perspective having recently signed Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave… It’s worth noting that the Vikings only have 4 picks, which is the least draft capital in the NFL, so this could be a prime trade up spot for another team to acquire a QB, while the Vikings move down a few spots and recoup selections.

25. HOUSTON TEXANS - Donovan Jackson (OT - OSU)
  • Considerations: Kelvin Banks, Tyler Booker, Grey Zabel, Emeka Egbuka, Derrick Harmon, Donovan Jackson, Josh Conerly Jr.
  • Team Needs:
    • OL, DT
  • Team Analysis:

    Initially, WR Emeka Egbuka was popularly mocked here because of the need at WR (Tank Dell likely out for the 2025 season, and Stefon Diggs departed), along with the OSU connection with QB C.J. Stroud. That pairing made a ton of sense, although many have pivoted to O-Line after what transpired in free agency. It’s less about the WRs the Texans added – Christian Kirk, Braxton Berrios, and Justin Watson – and it’s more about the O-Line overhaul. The Texans let go of 3 starters, and they are expected to have 4/5 new starters along an O-Line that led to Stroud’s regression last season. Albert Breer reported that the overhaul was based on a lack of leadership within the unit. He even mentioned in the article that LT Laremy Tunsil, whom they shockingly traded, was a good guy but more of a quiet leader, and the Texans wanted more vocal leadership. That’s an odd thing to report if it weren’t true, and my instant reaction was to find a vocal O-Line leader for this pick. It didn’t take long to land on Tyler Booker, who by all accounts, is an incredibly vocal leader who holds teammates accountable.  Booker is a logical fit here for several other reasons, too. Caserio also has a history of drafting players from major football programs. Specifically, GM Caserio has never drafted a player from non-Power 5 Conference. Moreover, 40% of picks come from OSU, Alabama, LSU, Michigan. Tyler Booker played for Alabama. GM Caserio is well-connected with Nick Saban and the Alabama program. Booker may fall due to a lack of athleticism and movement, but he is better suited for the new offense in Houston. For these reasons, I think Booker is the team’s preferred O-Lineman in this range. Although the team added LT Robinson, LG Tomlinson, RG Ingram, and backup OT Brown, the team is still missing a long-term starter or two. Or three. Guards Tomlinson and Ingram are entering contract years. Notably, NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein, who is very plugged in with the Texans, pivoted from WR Egbuka here in his Mock 1.0 to O-Line in his next two mocks. In a Q&A session on Twitter explaining his mock, Zierlein said he was considering Booker, Donovan Jackson, Grey Zabel, Josh Conerly, or Derrick Harmon. However, it’s his omission of Josh Simmons (OSU) that stood out because it more or less confirms that the Texans are prioritizing leadership and high character players, while many teams are having concerns with Simmons in those regards. I’m not considering Simmons an option for this pick despite how talented he is. Grey Zabel has position flexibility and is a good leader, per scouting reports. However, I’m less inclined to include him as a top-end option because of the aforementioned Caserio preference for big schools. Zabel went to North Dakota State. Donovan Jackson (OSU) and Josh Conerly (Oregon) are probably safer bets. It’s also worth noting that Zierlein included DT Derrick Harmon in his considerations, which stood out because he was the only non-offensive lineman. He also did not include WR Emeka Egbuka. However, draft insider Tony Pauline stated that from what he’s heard, Egbuka will not get past the Texans at 25. Egbuka is also see as a great leader with high character, so the interest checks out. Overall, I stand torn between mocking Egbuka or Booker for this pick.

26. LOS ANGELES RAMS - Josh Conerly Jr. (OT - Oregon)
  • Considerations: Matthew Golden, Colston Loveland, Jahdae Barron, Josh Simmons, Grey Zabel … Jaxson Dart, Shedeur Sanders
  • Team Needs:
    • TE, RT, LB, CB
  • Team Analysis:

    Reliable beat writer Jourdan Rodrigue said the focus this offseason is on offense, WR, RT, and TE, despite the presence of RT Rob Havenstein and TE Tyler Higbee. Both are entering contract years. However, the presence of Havenstein this year could allow more time for Josh Simmons to recover from his injury which is expected to sideline him for some portion of 2025. Simmons, one of the most talented OTs in this class, could then be healthy and ready to start in 2026. Rodrigue recently mocked Simmons there, which is relevant and persuasive seeing as she pinpointed pass rush as the Rams’ focus last offseason before they drafted DE Jared Verse in Rd. 1. Other OTs expected to be available for this pick include Josh Conerly Jr. and Donovan Jackson… Rodrigue also listed TE as a focus, so I think Colston Loveland would be an ideal selection here. It was reported that the Rams were trying to jockey for position to draft TE Brock Bowers last year, signaling their desire for a “move” TE like Loveland… Defensively, there are several expiring contracts next offseason among the secondary, including CB Durant, S Curl, and S Lake, all of whom played 800+ snaps last season. This fact makes CB Jahdae Barron live for this pick. We could see another CB here, but he’d be my best bet of their top-rated CB who may be available in this range… I can’t help but wonder if the Rams are a dark horse destination for QB Shedeur Sanders. Matt Stafford (37) is basically on a year-to-year contract, and McVay has shown he can work with a pocket QB. Sanders would also get to play indoors with two solid WRs and a solid OL. Overall, it’s a strong set up a QB McVay may consider as the most accurate and best processor in the class. Sanders could benefit playing behind Stafford before starting in 2026. A lot of the same logic applies to Jaxson Dart here, albeit with different skillsets. The Rams quietly hosted Jalen Milroe on a 30 visit as well.

27. BALTIMORE RAVENS - Malaki Starks (S - UGA)
  • Considerations: Malaki Starks, Tyler Booker, Shemar Stewart, Donovan Ezeiruaku
  • Team Needs:
    • OG, ED, CB
  • Team Analysis:

    The Ravens have had a nice history of showing patience and allowing a top-rated player to fall to them, and this year could be much of the same. Two players who come to mind on that theory are OG Tyler Booker and S Malaki Starks. Kyle Hamilton is entering the final year of his contract, and the team just signed CB Awuzie to bolster the secondary, but it’s only a 1-year-deal. Starks would help complete the setup there. It’s pretty easy to envision him as a Raven… An arguably more pressing need is at guard, specifically left guard, which remains open for competition. The Ravens have had a nice Alabama pipeline in the past, and it would be logical for Tyler Booker to land here as a plug-and-play option who the team covets due to his leadership and passion for football. OSU OG Donovan Jackson fits the mold here too, minus the Alabama… Speaking of Alabama, another player who could fall in the Ravens’ lap is LB Jihaad Campbell due to medicals. The Ravens do not have any pressure to play him early with Roquan Smith and Simpson there, but it’s worth noting the team lost depth LBs Harrison and Board… GM DeCosta specifically mentioned D-Line as an area the team needed to improve, though he commented on the depth in the class. I want to remark on the contract situations across the D-Line. EDs Van Noy (34), Oweh, and Ojabo, as well as DT Travis Jones, are all FAs after this season. D-Line is a major need. The team has hosted EDs Donovan Ezeiruaku and Shemar Stewart on “30” visits.

28. DETROIT LIONS - Derrick Harmon (DT - Oregon)
  • Considerations: Grey Zabel, Tyler Booker, Derrick Harmon, Kenneth Grant, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Donovan Jackson, JT Tuimoloau
  • Team Needs:
    • ED, DT, OG, WR
  • Team Analysis:

    As Lions beat writer Jeff Risdon puts it, we want to target players who are “cut from the Lions’ cloth.” Accordingly, I’m looking for high-character players who have a known and established passion for football. For this reason, I’m ruling out talented but character-questioned EDs James Pearce, Walter Nolen, and Mike Green, for better or worse. I’m sticking with D-Line or O-Line, though. The positions of need are important here because although the Lions have gone against the grain in the past few years, they are a few players away from championship contention, and their built-to-win-now timeline may place extra emphasis on team need. The needs are simple: D-Line and offensive guard. Along the D-Line, contract years are prevalent. EDs Hutchinson, Paschal, and Muhammad are FAs in 2026, along with DTs Reader, Onwuzurike, and Lopez. Moreover, NT Alim McNeil tore his ACL in December and may not be ready to start the season. It’s pretty easy to assess D-Line as the team’s primary need, not to mention all their injuries and struggles on the defensive side of the ball last season. It’s tough to project offense here, considering the way they went out in the playoffs: allowing 45 points to Jayden Daniels’ Commanders at home. Some D-Linemen I could see the Lions drafting include DT Derrick Harmon, DT Kenneth Grant, and ED Donovan Ezeiruaku, in that order. I’m betting the Lions really like Harmon a lot. One sleeper DL for this pick is JT Tuimoloau, as he provides coveted inside-outside versatility on the D-Line… On offense, the main issue is an open guard spot following RG Zeitler’s departure, which is amplified by a team that prioritizes the O-Line as a foundation, like the Lions. Some guards who could fall here include Tyler Booker and Grey Zabel, which I’m sure the Lions would be excited about, knowing their character, toughness, and leadership. Donovan Jackson is another option to slide in at guard, but that’s more of a projection.

29. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS - Maxwell Hairston (CB - Kentucky)
  • Considerations: Omarion Hampton, Emeka Egbuka, Jihaad Campbell, Nick Emmanwori, Donovan Ezeiruaku, TeVeyon Henderson, Mike Green, Nic Scourton
  • Team Needs:
    • WR, ED
  • Team Analysis:

    There are more holes on defense than offense, so that should be the lean here. Edge rusher is one area of concern after the departures of Fowler Jr. and Ferrell. Wise Jr. is entering a contract year. The Commanders had a “30” visit with Donovan Ezeiruaku, putting him in play… The team had cornerback issues, but I’ll consider those moot for now after trading for Marshon Lattimore and signing Jonathan Jones, even though Jones and CB Igbinoghene are entering contract years. I think it’s more likely the Commanders would address safety if Nick Emmanwori is available. Dan Quinn brought SS Jeremy Chinn in, and he lost his prized box safety, whom has not been replaced. Emmanwori makes sense from that perspective… Along similar thinking, HC Quinn has been involved in prioritizing off-ball linebackers heavily. This could be a landing spot for LB Jihaad Campbell if he falls due to medicals. The presence of Bobby Wagner for one more season will buy time for Campbell to recover from his torn labrum, which is expected to sideline him for the first half of this season. I like the logic there… Offensively, I could see WR Emeka Egbuka being the play here. Deebo Samuel is only signed through 2025 and is a FA next offseason, as is Terry McLaurin. Egbuka would work well for Jayden Daniels in this offense playing in the slot with McLaurin opening up things on the outside. Speaking of opening things up, a running back upgrade could be well utilized. There have been several quotes from GM pressers indicating the team needs a more “complete” RB, leading me to believe that Omarion Hampton or TreVeyon Henderson are legitimate cnadidates for this pick if they last.

30. BUFFALO BILLS - Will Johnson (CB - Michigan)
  • Considerations: Malaki Starks, Kenneth Grant, Maxwell Hairston, Nick Emmanwori, Trey Amos, Shavon Revel 
  • Team Needs:
    • CB, S, WR
  • Team Analysis:

    Despite the WR room feeling unfinished and RB James Cook’s disgruntlement over his contract, defense gets the nod for this pick. The Bills signed a lot of free agents along the D-Line, but there are some players entering the final years of their contracts, including ED Epenesa, ED bosa, ED Toohill, DT Jones, and DT Ogunjobi. Suddenly, the D-Line doesn’t look nearly as deep after this season. This means that D-Line should still be on the table here, especially a unique DT like Derrick Harmon or Kenneth Grant… More pressing than DL is the secondary, where CB Benford and Jackson, as well as safeties Hamlin and Lewis are free agents at the end of this season. S Malaki Starks and Nick Emmanwori would make predictable selections if available. At CB, the Bills have done a ton of homework, particularly on CBs Trey Amos, Shavon Revel, and Maxwell Hairston. My assumption is they prefer Hairston among the trio, but any of the three would not surprise. As it stands, CB2 is the biggest hole on the Bills’ roster.

31. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS - Josh Simmons (OT - OSU)
  • Considerations: Josh Simmons, Josh Conerly Jr., Shemar Stewart, TreVeyon Henderson
  • Team Needs:
    • DT, OG, ED, S 
  • Team Analysis:

    The Chiefs lost the Super Bowl in large part because they could not protect franchise QB Pat Mahomes. The focal point should be rectifying that situation, especially considering Andy Reid has been such a proponent of building through the trenches over the years. I don’t think the Chiefs are done after signing LT Jaylon Moore in free agency because a vacancy at LG following LG Thuney’s departure still exists. It’s also unclear if RT Jawaan Taylor will play for KC beyond this season. Therefore, I could see the Chiefs drafting an OT here. Essentially, the Chiefs do not get the chance to select great talent at LT, picking in the 30s each year, so the team may ignore the flaws of a player like Josh Simmons (meds, character) to swing for an elite tackle. I have a hard time believing the Chiefs would pass on Simmons if available. Josh Conerly Jr. or Donovan Jackson are fall-back options the team could feel comfortable with… Defensively, the greatest need is at DT where there is not much at all behind stud Chris Jones (30). DTs Tillery and Pennel are entering contract years. It doesn’t help that ED Karlaftis and Omenihu are as well. Overall, this D-Line could use some bolstering, but all of this is secondary to protecting Mahomes.

32. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES - Donovan Ezeiruaku (ED - Boston College)
  • Considerations: Walter Nolen, Shemar Stewart, Donovan Ezeiruaku, James Pearce, Mason Taylor, Josh Conerly Jr., Maxwell Hairston, Trey Amos
  • Team Needs:
    • S, WR3, ED, OL 
  • Team Analysis:

  • The Eagles have a Super Bowl roster, affording them the luxury of taking talented players who may fall due to character or medical concerns; they can also afford to go BPA instead of focusing on a position of need like most teams. That being said, reliable Eagles beat writer Jimmy Kempski has identified D-Line as the spot the Eagles seek to address in Rd. 1. The team lost ED Sweat and Graham, along with DT Milton Williams. DT Jordan Davis is entering a contact year. Some potential fits include Walter Nolen, Shemar Stewart, Donovan Ezieruaku, James Pearce, and Nick Scourton. I’m excluding Mike Green from this last because GM Howie Roseman is on record saying domestic violence is a non-starter, so even allegations may preclude Green. It’s worth noting PHI has had “30” visits with Ezeiruaku, Scourton, and Stewart, though I’d expect Nolen to be the pick if he’s actually available here… The secondary is another area that needs some new blood. CB Adoree Jackson was only signed to a 1-year-deal, while the team lost S C.J. Gardner-Johnson. S Reed Blankenship (1,000+ snaps) is entering a contract year. This puts players like S Nick Emmanwori, CB Maxwell Hairston, and CB Trey Amos in play. Philly has met with the latter two… Finally, TE Mason Taylor has been suggested by Daniel Jeremiah to be a “back half of the first” player. Jeremiah is tight with some connects in the Eagles front office, and the Eagles are reportedly shopping TE Dallas Goedert. Taylor could be a safe selection to close out Rd. 1. 

—
First Five Out:
  1. TreVeyon Henderson (RB – OSU)
  2. Mike Green (ED – Marshall)
  3. Shedeur Sanders (QB – Colorado)
  4. Nic Scourton (ED – Texas A&M)
  5. Nick Emmanwori (S – S. Carolina)

 – Nick Guarisco (@FantasyLawGuy)

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