We are mere hours away from perhaps one of the wilder drafts in recent memory. With a talent group seemingly lacking with premier talent, teams throughout the draft are sure to present plenty of surprises in the next three days. There are the obvious questions: Where do the QBs go? How far will certain players rise or fall? Who will sit in the green room the longest? The answer to all these mysteries will soon be discovered.

This mock is merely an assessment of what I have seen, and what I believe teams will do on draft night, and there will be no trades throughout the first 64 picks. It’s hard to say where the trades will be this evening, since there is a lack of blue chip talent across the board, and teams are more hesitant now than ever to sell the farm on a QB they don’t have bona fide confidence with. As a result, this mock will have each team holding their own draft positions.

Enough build up. IT’S DRAFT DAY.

Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward | QB | Miami

I won’t spend too much time dissecting this selection. The Titans need a franchise quarterback. Will Levis, while exciting, is too erratic at this point in his career to be considered THE guy for Tennessee. 2nd year head coach Brian Callahan can work with a blank canvas now, and Cam Ward has battled enough adversity at this point in his football career to weather the ups and downs that come with being a top overall selection. Air McNair 2.0 has arrived in Nashville.

Cleveland Browns – Travis Hunter | WR/CB | Colorado

The Browns find themselves in a familiar spot: picking in the top five. What is unfamiliar is football’s version of Shohei Ohtani staring them directly in the face. Play Hunter wherever you’d like, and Daniel Jeremiah has stated that Cleveland’s plan is to use him primarily on offense. He’s a threat every single time he touches the ball, and can also bring stability to a defensive back room that includes an aging Denzel Ward and a struggling Greg Newsome II.

New York Giants – Abdul Carter | LB | Penn State

Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence, Bobby Okereke, Kayvon Thibadeaux(?). Now add in the next great Penn State linebacker and your front seven now looks incredibly dangerous. Reminiscent of a group that once had LT, Carl Banks, Harry Carson, and Brad Van Pelt, the Giants would employ a very good defense, at least on paper. Will they figure out the QB situation? Doubtful. But you can start building a great team by building up the trenches, as well as taking perhaps the best player in the entire draft.

New England Patriots – Will Campbell | OT | LSU

The now Mike Vrabel led Patriots have one goal now for the future, and that is to do anything and everything in your power to make sure Drake Maye succeeds. This plan started in free agency, when they acquired Morgan Moses to be their new right tackle, and receiver Stefon Diggs to be a legitimate weapon on the outside. There is still work to do in the trenches. Much has been made of Campbell’s less than ideal arm length. It shouldn’t matter too much to Vrabel. Best case scenario, you have your bookend left tackle. Worst case, the arm size becomes a factor and he’s a plug and play guard. Either way, Drake Maye wakes up tomorrow a little bit safer than he was today.

Jacksonville Jaguars – Mason Graham | DT | Michigan

I’ve seen the hype around Ashton Jeanty being the pick here. I don’t necessarily believe that Jeanty wouldn’t succeed here. He’s certainly an upgrade in that running back room. But the Jaguars need to be a much better team to warrant taking a running back in the top five. That talent should be Mason Graham. Undersized, Graham uses his technique and quick speed to be a game wrecker up front. Similar to what New York is building with Carter, Graham can be the interior presence for an edge rush that already employs Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. This should be a no brainier.

Las Vegas Raiders – Jahdae Baron | CB | Texas

Now, this is where the draft really starts. Let’s not forget who is now running the show in Vegas. Pete Carroll had a penchant for taking what he believed were his type of players early. Bruce Irvin, Jordyn Brooks, Rashad Penny, and LJ Collier are a few guys who come to mind. Carroll also made his mark on the NFL by assembling the Legion of Boom, a secondary of versatile players. The most versatile defensive back in this class (aside from Hunter, obviously) is Jahdae Baron. Line him up on the outside or the slot, it doesn’t matter. He can immediately step in Day 1 and be a starter somewhere on the field. Let’s let the Raiders and Carroll give us the first real surprise.

New York Jets – Armand Membou | OT | Missouri

I can see the Jets going a few different ways with their first selection in the Aaron Glenn/Darren Mougey regime. Tyler Warren is sitting right here after passing on Brock Bowers last year, and that wouldn’t be a bad pick. But the Jets should give themselves a chance at finally stabilizing an offensive line that hasn’t been stable since the first half of the Obama administration. Olu Fashanu, John Simpson, Joe Tippmann, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and now Membou, who at only 20 years old is the best pure right tackle in the class. Slide him in Day 1, take a tight end Day 2 (more on that later) and give the ball to Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, and Justin Fields. Ground and pound.

Carolina Panthers – Jalon Walker | LB | Georgia

Carolina needs help in a few different places, but more importantly, they need an infusion of defensive talent. Jalon Walker has the versatility to line up off-ball on first and second down, and then put his hand in the dirt or stand up on the edge on third down. After trading Brian Burns last off-season, the Panthers need to find a way to replicate what he brought to the table. A Georgia defender isn’t the worst way to go in that department.

New Orleans Saints – Mykel Williams | DE | Georgia

Much of what I just said about Carolina holds true for New Orleans, who needs help literally everywhere. Shedeur Sanders makes sense here from the outside perspective, but Sanders doesn’t do enough on his own to justify taking him here. This team needs to build up at a lot of different areas before they can be considering a quarterback. Mykel Williams can be a three-down player as a run stuffer and a pass rusher. He’s athletic enough to be on the field early, and can help a defensive line that has talent with Bryan Bresee and Carl Granderson already in the building.

Chicago Bears – Ashton Jeanty | RB | Boise State

One of probably four blue chip players in this class, Ashton Jeanty has to be what Chicago is waiting for at pick 10. New head coach Ben Johnson was brought in to make Caleb Williams life a little bit easier. They got to work in the trenches by adding Drew Dalman, Jonah Jackson, and Joe Thuney. They have DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Cole Kmet as weapons. D’Andre Swift? Not enough. Take the guy that has been compared to LaDanian Tomlinson and watch the offensive production explode in 2025.

San Francisco 49ers – Kelvin Banks Jr. | OT | Texas

The 49ers lost a lot of past production in free agency and through trades this off-season. Returning to the roster as well is aging talent, and they should look for back up plans to that aging talent. Trent Williams, although he did show up for OTAs, is entering his age 37 season. With a top 12 pick, and Kelvin Banks sitting there for San Francisco, you can take him now, play him along the offensive line at multiple positions, and slide him in to left tackle next year.

Dallas Cowboys – Tetairoa McMillan | WR | Arizona

As great as CeeDee Lamb is, he needs a running mate on the outside. Why not pair him with the best receiver in the class? Much scrutiny has fallen on the Arizona product, and perhaps for good reason. He has come out and said he doesn’t like watching film, and there are legitimate questions about his work ethic and love of the game. All that aside, a 6’4 jump ball threat with legit NFL speed and the college production to match will always be taken early and often.

Miami Dolphins – Tyler Warren | TE | Penn State

This is probably later than where Warren ends up actually tonight, but team needs has pushed him down in a bit of a slide. Miami would end that slide very, very quickly. Warren is closer to Gronk than last year’s rookie tight end phenom Brock Bowers, and has the size and physicality to help out in the run game. Tua and the Dolphins offense may be in a position where they lose Tyreek Hill, so they’re going to need help on offense. Warren provides help in a number of different areas.

Indianapolis Colts – Colston Loveland | TE | Michigan

The Colts need for a tight end has been well publicized, and with Warren likely to go first, Colston Loveland would certainly be the pick at 14 for Indy. Loveland came into the pre-draft process last year at the class’s best tight end, and for good reason. He blocks well, can run every route, and has great hands. Injuries and a drop off in QB production his final year at Michigan allowed Warren to jump him, but make no mistake about it, Loveland should be a terrific pro player.

Atlanta Falcons – Jihad Campbell | LB | Alabama

After shying away from defense in the first round last year, Atlanta desperately needs to find a defensive difference maker in 2025. Unless they plan on taking Shedeur, they should be targeting Jihad Campbell. Campbell is the best off-ball linebacker in the class, but also has the versatility to rush standing up off the edge. Atlanta definitely needs edge help, but they also need help in a lot of different areas on defense. Campbell could kill two birds with one stone.

Arizona Cardinals – Mike Green | DE | Marshall

There is a realistic chance that Mike Green walks away with the most sacks out of any rookie this season. He has the most college production, and is certainly the most pro ready to be an NFL edge rusher. He comes with questions, namely size, level of competition, and off the field character concerns. Arizona head coach Jonathan Gannon will more than likely look past those issues to make Green a Cardinal, and give some pop to an edge rush that really needs it.

Cincinnati Bengals – Will Johnson | CB | Michigan

A decent draft day slide for Will Johnson in this mock, but the Bengals would certainly be happy to have him sitting there at 17. Cincinnati, after resigning Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase to long term extensions, need to replenish a defense that is lacking talent. Johnson, much like college teammate Loveland, was pushed down on draft boards due to a fall off his last y ear at Michigan. Injuries played a part in that, but at his best, Johnson was the #1 corner in this class by a mile. He’s a Day 1 star for the Bengals.

Seattle Seahawks – Tyler Booker | G | Alabama

The Seahawks only goal should be to add O-line pieces. The question at 18 comes down to reaching for a tackle or taking the best guard in the draft. In this mock, Seattle takes Booker, a Day 1 guard and hope that the tackle comes later. Booker will now have the task of making sure Sam Darnold isn’t seeing ghosts up in Seattle.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Malaki Starks | S | Georgia

Malaki Starks is the best safety in this class. Unfortunately for him, safeties don’t get a ton of love on Day 1 of the draft. Positional value makes his ceiling more than likely pick 13 in Miami, but Todd Bowles probably wouldn’t let him get past 19. Starks could slide next to Antoine Winfield Jr. Day 1 in the Bucs defensive backfield in 2025, and allow the Tampa defense to continue to be mainstays amongst the top of the defensive rankings.

Denver Broncos – Omarion Hampton | RB | North Carolina

One of the worst kept secrets in this draft is that Sean Payton wants a running back. Many reports have indicated that he prefers Jeanty, and would like to trade up to do so. In my opinion, you could sit comfortably at 20 and take a guy with the potential to be the best running back in the class. Hampton has the three-down capability, the college production, and the burst to succeed at the next level. Couple that with a Sean Payton offense predicated on getting you the ball, and it should be happy times in Mile High for Hampton.

Pittsburgh Steelers – Shedeur Sanders | QB | Colorado

This has become a popular mock selection as of late, and it’s easy to see why. Reports of Sanders falling have been all over the place, Pittsburgh needs a quarterback, and they present a situation where they could actually be successful early with him under center. Aaron Rodgers has held the Steelers hostage all offseason, but whenever he does sign shouldn’t the Steelers from selecting the Colorado signal-caller. He could play right away, or sit and learn from Rodgers before taking over.

Los Angeles Chargers – Matthew Golden | WR | Texas

This selection would be interesting, because I believe Golden and Ladd McConkey have similar play styles. However, Golden has the burst necessary to be an over the top threat for Justin Herbert. Herbert needs more weapons around him, and re-signing Mike Williams is not a long-term solution. Golden and McConkey would be an exciting duo, and may be what this team needs to finally contend.

Green Bay Packers – Maxwell Hairston | CB | Kentucky

Hairston has risen a ton over the course of the pre-draft process. His 40 time certainly helped that (4.28 at the NFL Combine) along with his high marks in the broad and vertical jumps. Green Bay, needing some young talent on the outside at corner, could target Hairston as a potential Jaire Alexander replacement, or perhaps as a running mate to Alexander. Either way, he has the potential to be a good NFL corner.

Minnesota Vikings – Walter Nolan | DT | Mississippi

Nolan, a former number one overall recruit in the country, merely flashed in college rather than truly breaking out. But Todd McShay said it best. Traits get you a long way on the offensive and defensive line. Walter Nolan has all the traits to be a successful NFL defensive tackle. Minnesota would more than happily take the risk if is he sitting there at 24 that his elite traits translate into elite talent at the next level.

Houston Texans – Josh Simmons | OT | Ohio State

After trading away Laremy Tunsil in the off-season, they grab his replacement with the selection of Josh Simmons. If it wasn’t for his injury last season, Simmons would be going much higher. He is expected to be ready for week 1, and should be the starting left tackle in Houston if he is ready to play.

Los Angeles Rams – Trey Amos | CB | Mississippi

A quarterback like Jaxson Dart would be intriguing here, but help in the secondary is more dire. Darious Williams, Ahkello Witherspoon, and Derion Kendrick are not considered long term starting options for the Los Angeles Rams. Trey Amos has stood out in a conference like the SEC filled with top talent at wide receiver, and could be an option for the Rams in the long or short term as an outside corner.

Baltimore Ravens – Shemar Stewart | DE | Texas A&M

Shemar Stewart to me feels like a Baltimore Raven. Stewart possesses elite NFL traits as far as size and athleticism. His college production never really matched that. Character concerns have shown up as well, making Stewart a potential draft day faller, which I have him doing in this mock. Baltimore, needing an edge rusher, would be the perfect franchise to alleviate some of those character concerns and lack of production questions.

Detroit Lions – Kenneth Grant | DT | Michigan

Some of noted that Grant, not Mason Graham, could be the best interior D-lineman coming out of Michigan this year. Detroit, needing help along the defensive line, can very easily go a short way to find a potential game changer in the back-end of the first round.

Washington Commanders – Nick Emmanwori | S | South Carolina

Traits matter, and in the past testing at the NFL Combine has mattered. Nick Emmanwori, production aside, absolutely crushed the NFL Combine in terms of athletic testing. The Commanders, fresh off an NFC championship appearance, could see the athletic freak as a potential replacement for Jeremy Chinn right away.

Buffalo Bills – Derrick Harmon | DT | Oregon

Ed Oliver has been a good NFL player up to this point. He could use a little help on the interior to potentially boost his production. Harmon didn’t back down from tougher line competition in the Big 10 this year, and could easily be a Day 1 contributor in Buffalo this year.

Kansas City Chiefs – Grey Zabel | OT | North Dakota State

Joe Thuney now resides in Chicago, and Kansas City will depend on Kingsley Suamataia and the recently signed Jaylon Moore to come in and help protect the best quarterback in football. They need more help. Zabel, an FCS product, can slide in anywhere on the offensive line and be a potential mainstay in Kansas City.

Philadelphia Eagles – James Pearce Jr. | DE | Tennessee

It pained me to see my mock draft come into place, and see that the Eagles somehow came away with perhaps the most talented edge rusher in the draft. At one point, James Pearce Jr. was the number one overall player in this class. It seems like a while ago, but it is the case. Pearce Jr. has a rare blend of size and athleticism that brings a skill set that aligns perfectly with what Philly needed out Bryce Huff this year. The strong get stronger with this pick.

Round 2

Cleveland Browns – Jaxson Dart | QB | Mississippi

I see him going earlier. Look out for Rams in the back end of the first round or Cleveland, New York, or Vegas trading up.

New York Giants – Josh Conerly | OT | Oregon

They have to continue to take swings for a right tackle. Conerly has first round potential.

Tennessee Titans – Emeka Egbuka | WR | Ohio State

Egbuka should be a first round pick. His traits, production, and character will help him go far in the NFL.

Jacksonville Jaguars – Luther Burden II | WR | Missouri

T-Law needs more help. Brian Thomas was tremendous on the outside as a rookie, and Burden II can help in the slot.

Las Vegas Raiders – Jalen Milroe | QB | Alabama

Pete Carroll + Jalen Milroe would be an exciting duo in the Sin City. Look for him in the back end of the first round as well.

New England Patriots – Donovan Jackson | G | Ohio State

Vrabel grabbed his tackle in the first, and will come back to get his guard in the second from his alma mater.

Chicago Bears – Nic Scourton | DE | Texas A&M

If Scourton stays at Purdue for his last year, he’s a first round pick. An intriguing running mate next to Montez Sweat.

New Orleans Saints – Azareye’h Thomas | CB | Florida State

New Orleans betting on the potential of Thomas over Ben Morrison. A long term player for a long term project.

Chicago Bears – Aireontae Ersery | OT | Minnesota

One of my favorite players in this class. Can help at multiples areas on the offensive line and potentially play right away.

New York Jets – Mason Taylor | TE | LSU

Jets have been stuck in tight end purgatory for quite some time. Don’t be surprised if they go Warren/OT instead of Membou/Taylor or Arroyo.

San Francisco 49ers – Shavon Revel Jr. | CB | East Carolina

ACL tear prevented him from being a legit top 20 player in this class. He should do well in Saleh’s scheme in San Francisco.

Dallas Cowboys – Donovan Ezeiruaku | DE | Boston College

A bit of a fall for Ezeiruaku here. His question marks regarding his situational value allow him to slide to Dallas and be a legit third down pass rusher early on in his career, with the potential to develop into a three-down player.

Indianapolis Colts – JT Tuimoloau | DE | Ohio State

Tuimoloau has the projection of a Colts pash rusher. He reminds me a ton of Kwity Paye. He may never develop into a double-digit sack player, but has the potential to be a long term starter as a run-stuffer.

Atlanta Falcons – Landon Jackson | DE | Arkansas

Jihad Campbell in the first, Landon Jackson in the second. Atlanta continues to build their defense with athletic SEC caliber defenders.

Arizona Cardinals – Darius Alexander | DT | Toledo

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon arrived in Arizona from Philly. He brings the defensive line philosophy with him: accumulate talent all over the place. Alexander and Mike Green are a good Day 1/Day 2 pairing.

Miami Dolphins – Benjamin Morris | CB | Notre Dame

Injury concerns knock him down the board, but Morris has starter potential as a rookie, especially with the uncertainty behind Jalen Ramsey.

Cincinnati Bengals – Tyleik Williams | DT | Ohio State

Big run stuffer from the Bengals backyard. Should be an easy transition for him on a defense that needs a ton of help.

Seattle Seahawks – Princely Umanmielan | DE | Mississippi

This pick is centered around potential and potential alone. Umanmielan has those traits that make him draftable, but this is a boom or bust selection.

Denver Broncos – Carson Schwesinger | LB | UCLA

One of the better stories to come out of the draft this year, Schwesinger goes from being a college walk-on to Day 2 NFL selection.

Seattle Seahawks – Xavier Watts | S | Notre Dame

Despite a secondary full of talent, Seattle needs more help at the safety position. Watts brings an NFL ready skill tree from Notre Dame and should compete for early time.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jayden Higgins | WR | Iowa State

The Mike Evans eventual successor falls into Tampa Bay’s lap here with Higgins. His size and jump ball capability should allow him early playing time and plenty of targets moving forward.

Green Bay Packers – Jonah Savaiinaea | G | Arizona

The signing of Aaron Banks brings in a new starting guard, and Savaiinaea has the potential to work on the other side of him, or be a solid depth piece.

Los Angeles Chargers – TJ Sanders | DT | South Carolina

Joey Bosa finds himself with the Bills this season, so beefing up the defensive line will be an area of concern this draft. TJ Sanders can dominate on the inside and free up space for Khalil Mack and co. to rush the edge.

Buffalo Bills – Treyveon Henderson | RB | Ohio State

James Cook picked a bad time to hold out. Treyveon Henderson has three-down capability, and will be a huge threat in the passing game.

Carolina Panthers – Darien Porter | CB | Iowa State

Jalon Walker will help in the front 7, while Darien Porter can bring some stability to the secondary.

Houston Texans – Jaylin Noel | WR | Iowa State

With Nico Collins being the only real receiving threat for this upcoming season, grabbing a speedster like Jaylin Noel would be wise.

Baltimore Ravens – Tate Ratledge | G | Georgia

Ben Cleveland didn’t work out great in Baltimore, but maybe a new generation Georgia guard will with Ratledge.

Detroit Lions – Jack Sawyer | DE | Ohio State

This may be the most Dan Campbell pick ever. Sawyer and Grant will be instant contributors Day 1 in Detroit.

Washington Commanders – Quinshon Judkins | RB | Ohio State

An exciting weapon for Jayden Daniels, Judkins can take the Austin Ekeler role before becoming a bigger threat in 2026.

Buffalo Bills – Andrew Mukuba | S | Texas

May be a bit earlier than expected for Andrew Mukuba, but he is an exciting player to watch in the secondary. Look for Buffalo to target him or Kevin Winston earlier rather than later.

Kansas City Chiefs – Oluwafemi Oladejo | DE | UCLA

An unpolished yet explosive edge rusher, Oladejo would have the time to grow into a role in Kansas City.

Philadelphia Eagles – Marcus Mbow | G | Purdue

Mehki Becton is now in LA with the Chargers, but Marcus Mbow can be a realistic replacement early, and especially down the stretch if Tyler Steen isn’t planning out.