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The primary week of free company has come and gone and it went a great distance towards altering what was truly the primary rendition of this mock draft. We went again to the drafting board over the weekend and I believe we’ve bought it in an excellent place following the plethora of occasions that occurred over the past eight or 9 days.
Earlier than something new and loopy occurs earlier than I’ve time to hit “publish” on this monster, let’s go forward and dive in!
1.) Tennessee Titans: QB Cam Ward, Miami
The Titans want a constant participant on the quarterback place in the event that they ever wish to get again to competing within the AFC. They keep at No. 1 and take the most effective quarterback within the draft. There’s so much to like about Ward’s calm and collectedness within the pocket which retains him able to make performs out of construction when the time arises.
2.) Cleveland Browns: EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State
Myles Garrett signed again with the Browns in order that’s not less than one huge drawback solved for the Browns this offseason. The opposite entails who shall be throwing passes for the group this season, however all reviews and rumblings appear to level to a veteran being signed (Russell Wilson anybody?)
With that in thoughts, the Browns stick right here at No. 2 and land the draft’s prime defensive prospect in Carter to pair with Garrett. If one facet of the ball has to hold the vast majority of the load for the Browns in 2025, it would as nicely be the protection which might have one of many scariest move rush duos within the league with Garrett and Carter.
3.) New York Giants: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
This isn’t a very sturdy quarterback class and that certainly has helped Sanders’ inventory this draft season. He’s bought a fantastic head on his shoulders, he competes with a brief reminiscence, and he’s at all times prepared to fulfill the second. I view Sanders as a low-floor quarterback with upside if he lands in the proper scenario. Is that scenario the present iteration of the Giants? I don’t imagine so, however the G-Males want a QB they usually get the subsequent finest after Ward right here.
4.) New England Patriots: WR/CB Travis Hunter, Colorado
The Patriots as soon as had a fantastic defensive participant who additionally discovered a option to rating touchdowns on offense (I believe he is likely to be their head coach now?) they usually get one other participant with the identical upside however x1,000,000. The 2024 Heisman Trophy winner comes off the board to New England, which wants assistance on either side of the ball, they usually get the extravagant Hunter to assist get the ball again for second-year QB Drake Maye. How a lot he actually finally ends up enjoying on offense stays to be seen, however that is nice worth for a group that desires to bounce again rapidly to competitiveness beneath Mike Vrabel.
5.) Jacksonville Jaguars: DT Mason Graham, Michigan
The Jaguars don’t want a quarterback, edge rusher, or one other participant at a premium place in order that they get to take the most effective participant obtainable in Graham. The previous Wolverine is a wrecking ball within the center who makes use of his wrestling background to toss and throw would-be blockers at will en path to disrupting quarterbacks within the pocket. This transfer doesn’t instantly flip them round, nevertheless it’s a fantastic place to begin beneath the brand new regime.
6.) Las Vegas Raiders: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
The Raiders will not be in line to land a very impactful quarterback on this yr’s draft in order that they pivot to a different participant who might even have a large impression on the offense in 12 months 1. Jeanty is the most effective operating again on this class and the Raiders would like to see him paired with a veteran quarterback signed in free company. That may very well be Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson, each of whom would love at hand the ball off to Jeanty.
7.) New York Jets: EDGE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
New head coach Aaron Glenn will wish to maintain his edge rusher group as one of many roster’s finest place teams so I’ve him taking a shot at Stewart, one of many NFL Mix’s finest testers.
The manufacturing wasn’t there for Stewart in 2024 (1.5 sacks) however his athletic testing was corresponding to that of Myles Garrett when he got here out of the identical program. New York already has each Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald, however each good to nice protection wants not less than three impactful edge rushers to verify they’re at all times getting after the quarterback at a excessive degree each week.
8.) Carolina Panthers: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
Bryce Younger began to take a step in his improvement following his benching and now the Panthers really feel a bit rejuvenated about his future prospects. In the event that they wish to maintain his needle pointing upward, they should give him a real No. 1 receiver and that’s not going to be veteran Adam Thielen or Xavier Legette anytime quickly. The 6’4 McMillan has an elite catch radius and the physicality to be the Panthers’ new X receiver. He’ll make life a lot simpler for Younger whereas the 2 develop collectively within the years to come back.
9.) New Orleans Saints: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
Former Chargers and Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is now the pinnacle coach of the Saints and that leads me to imagine he’ll look to instantly enhance the Twenty first-ranked offense. Having a twin risk operating again in Alvin Kamara and a budding receiver in Chris Olave is an effective begin, so let’s go forward and spherical out that grouping with the draft’s prime tight finish in Warren. Mr. All the things from Penn State might study a factor or two from Taysom Hill, a man who’s been doing precisely that in New Orleans for the previous seven years.
10.) Chicago Bears: S Malaki Starks, Georgia
The Bears have stuffed a variety of wants so far in free company, together with inside offensive linemen and edge rusher. These strikes enable them to seize the draft’s prime security right here in Starks.
The previous Bulldog is a great and savvy defensive again with high-level processing. He’s lower his enamel for 3 seasons as a starter in Athens and that may certainly enable him to hit the bottom operating in Chicago. He’ll problem the getting older Kevin Byard for the beginning spot in 12 months 1.
11.) San Francisco 49ers: CB Will Johnson, Michigan
Now that Robert Saleh is again as their defensive coordinator, anticipate the protection to take a leap again in direction of the latest commonplace in San Francisco. Getting the draft class’ finest pure cornerback again is an effective place to begin as Johnson falls simply exterior the highest 10 to the Niners.
Johnson is extraordinarily assured in his off-man and zone expertise the place he can exhibit his elite instincts for locating the soccer. Saleh could should make him extra snug in delivering in run help, however total the Niners needs to be more than pleased getting who many imagine to be the highest cornerback within the draft after Hunter.
12.) Dallas Cowboys: WR Matthew Golden, Texas
The Cowboys completely should proceed giving Dak Prescott the right weapons to throw to as it will possibly’t at all times be ONLY CeeDee Lamb each yr. Dallas signed operating backs Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders to assist construct a good backfield however the receiver remains to be so lackluster. Behind Lamb, Prescott’s prime choices are Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin, the group’s return man.
Golden offers Prescott with an possibility who may help take the highest of the protection and threaten YAC over the center on intermediate routes. His velocity will pressure extra eyes off of Lamb, opening up extra throwing lanes than he was capable of finding through the 2024 season.
13.) Miami Dolphins: OT Will Campbell, LSU
I’m not the largest fan of forcing nice school tackles to play guard attributable to size questions or any nit-picky measurement of some form. The factor is, no matter Campbell’s sub-33” arms, I simply suppose he’d be one hell of a guard. He’s bought all of the bodily skill on the planet to play wherever he needs on the road, however I believe he might have a Zack Martin-type profession ought to he find yourself transitioning inside.
Campbell might do so much worse opening up the A and B gaps for a runner like De’Von Achane, as nicely.
14.) Indianapolis Colts: S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
After the present he placed on at this yr’s mix, I wouldn’t be shocked within the slightest to see Emmanwori go a lot increased than anticipated to a group who has fallen in love along with his mixture of dimension, velocity, and athleticism. At 6’3 and 220 kilos, he’s bought the skillset to thrive close to and across the field whereas additionally with the ability to maintain his personal on the again finish in two-high appears.
New Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo deployed the undersized Akeem Davis-Gaither (6’2, 228) because the weakside run-and-chase backer within the Bengals’ 4-3 protection, and that’s simply the place I might see Emmanwori spending most of his time as a member of the Colts.
15.) Atlanta Falcons: CB Jahdae Barron, Texas
The Falcons land this yr’s Jim Thorpe Award winner (nation’s prime defensive again) and a First-Workforce AP All-American midway by the primary spherical. The 5’11, 194-pounder performed primarily within the slot for the Longhorns and was a disruptive pressure who used his notable physicality to smother quick to intermediate routes thrown his method.
His man protection expertise nonetheless go away a bit to be desired as he struggles to maintain related at prime of route stems. Coincidentally, Barron didn’t check within the agility drills on the mix and it’s a must to suppose he could have been making an attempt to cover his largest shortcomings with that transfer.
Nonetheless, he’s a really good defender with a fantastic sense for route combos. He’ll be a fantastic choose for a zone-heavy group just like the Falcons.
16.) Arizona Cardinals: DT Derrick Harmon
Harmon is one in all my favourite prospects on this draft as a disruptive, high-motor defensive deal with that instantly offers juice to a entrance seven. He’s actually gifted in a single bodily trait, however he’s total an especially strong participant with one of many increased flooring at his place.
The one-year star for the Oregon Geese posted 10 tackles for loss and 5 sacks en path to being named a Second-Workforce All-American in 2024. He makes use of his 6’5, 313-pound body nicely to swallow gaps and maintain his floor towards down blocks hoping to scrub him out.
17.) Cincinnati Bengals: DT Walter Nolen
That is an fascinating a part of the draft as a result of each the Cardinals and Bengals need assistance alongside the inside of the line of defense and these gamers might go back-to-back in no matter order the Cardinals desire. It might go Harmon-Nolen or Nolen-Harmon and I might not be shocked.
On this mock, the Bengals find yourself taking Nolen after Harmon comes off the board one choose earlier than. The previous Ole Miss defender wants to shine him sport additional to grow to be extra constant down-by-down, however his largest flash can’t assist however suck you in. He’s a hiccup away from making a unfavourable play, however that aggressiveness can, and can, come again to chunk him at instances.
18.) Seattle Seahawks: OG Tyler Booker, Alabama
The Seahawks like their backfield duo of Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet so it’s comprehensible they’d wish to add gamers who might assist increase their dashing totals as quick as doable.
Enter Booker whom, regardless of a really underwhelming mix efficiency, remains to be the highest guard prospect. The Seahawks shouldn’t ask him to get on his horse in exterior or extensive zone typically, however he’ll be a people-mover in hole schemes from Day 1.
19.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
The Bucs signed former Dolphins linebacker Anthony Walker to pair with Lavonte David in the midst of their protection however that shouldn’t cease them from discovering an extra improve on the second degree. Campbell is an explosive athlete with the vary to run sideline to sideline. He’ll match nicely into the id of this Tampa Bay unit.
20.) Denver Broncos: Mykel Williams, Georgia
The Broncos wish to maintain their protection elite and which means ensuring they’re not missing within the move rush division. Williams is a prolonged, bodily imposing edge rusher who will pair nicely with budding star Nik Bonitto.
21.) Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Shavon Revel, East Carolina
The Steelers misplaced Donte Jackson in free company and wish to seek out one other strong starter reverse Joey Porter Jr. They signed a 34-year outdated Darius Slay in free company, however they’ll have to discover a younger participant to assist spherical out their Prime 3 on the place and to verify they’ve somebody able to go when and/or if Slay retires following the 2025 season.
22.) Los Angeles Chargers: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
Jim Harbaugh will get a Michigan man at an enormous place of want. The Chargers want a difference-maker at tight finish to enhance Will Dissly’s regular sport in two tight finish units. The group might search for a guard or operating again right here to pair with Najee Harris, however the worth of getting an elite pass-catcher with familiarity into the tradition of the Chargers is simply too good to move up.
23.) Inexperienced Bay Packers: DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan
The Packers have to get extra out of their defensive lineman and an excellent place to begin is including a freakishly-strong participant like Grant. At 6’3 and 332 kilos, he’s a a literal home with dynamite beneath the muse. He’ll take in double-teams at a excessive fee which might enable the likes of Rashan Gary and Kenny Clark to hopefully be extra impactful on a snap-to-snap foundation.
24.) Minnesota Vikings: S Xavier Watts
The Vikings misplaced Cam Bynum in free company and might want to discover a younger starter on the again finish who can spend a yr studying subsequent to Harrison Smith, the veteran returning to Minnesota on a one-year deal. Watts can play in single-high appears, within the field, and within the slot as a bonafide playmaker for a secondary.
25.) Houston Texans: OT Kelvin Banks, Texas
The Texans land a prime prospect from their yard within the huge Banks. The previous top-10 recruit out of highschool gained nearly each accolade he might following his standout 2024 season, together with being named a consensus All-American and winner of the Lombardi Award, given to the nation’s prime offensive lineman.
At 6’5 and 315 kilos, Banks would instantly slide in to the beginning left deal with spot following Laremy Tunsil’s commerce to the Commanders. He’s bought the perfect purposeful power to lock down edge rushers who attempt to win the nook and the basketball ft to remain on prime of sudden inside counters.
26.) Los Angeles Rams: OT Armand Membou, Missouri
Rams proper deal with Rob Havenstein is 32 years outdated and the Rams could wish to get forward of schedule by drafting a backup who might problem him for the beginning job instantly. Membou deserves to go increased on this draft, however the way in which the board fell on this mock has the Rams in a fantastic place to draft a participant at a premium place.
27.) Baltimore Ravens: EDGE Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
The Ravens can’t have the getting older Kyle Van Noy beginning at edge rusher for an excessive amount of longer, in order that they seize a troublesome and rugged edge participant right here in Scourton to pair with Odafe Oweh. Scourton is NFL-ready with a well-muscled body and a sophisticated software field as a move rusher. He additionally simply screams “Raven” to me and coincidentally they land him right here late within the first.
28.) Detroit Lions: EDGE Mike Inexperienced, Marshall
The nation’s prime sack artist with 17 in 2024, Inexperienced has been one of many largest risers of your complete draft season so far. His 22.5 tackles for loss had been additionally good for second within the nation, as nicely. The previous member of the Thundering Herd has actually spectacular bend and he confirmed that at this yr’s Senior Bowl by two practices earlier than bowing out for the week to begin again on coaching forward of the draft.
With the Lions anticipating Aidan Hutchison to return to the sphere with a vengeance in 2025, they’d love to have the ability to pair him with one other explosive move rusher on the opposite facet, particularly after they launched veteran Za’Darius Smith.
29.) Washington Commanders: EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston Faculty
Ezeiruaku seemingly parlayed a robust week on the Senior Bowl into a possible choice on this yr’s first spherical. At a premium place, guys forward of him will go quick which might pressure groups to begin getting their man earlier than the expertise drops off a cliff after the primary and second tiers.
We don’t gained’t know his 40 time till his professional day, however Ezeiruaku posted glorious agility numbers with a 6.96 within the three-cone drill and a 4.19 within the quick shuttle. These numbers try after seeing his fast twitch and explosive first step on movie. The 2024 Ted Hendricks Award winner (nation’s finest defensive finish) posted a career-high 16.5 sacks this previous season, good for second most within the nation. After releasing defensive deal with Jonathan Allen on Friday, the Commanders would love to instantly add one other impression participant up entrance.
30.) Buffalo Payments: CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
Hairston earned himself some cash at this yr’s mix with a 4.28 40 time to go together with a 39.5-inch vertical leap. These numbers seemingly will bump him into the underside of the primary spherical and there’s seemingly not a greater spot for him to go late on Day 1 than to the Payments.
Buffalo is prone to transfer on from Rasul Douglas, who struggled in 2024. They may additionally take into account a defensive lineman in the event that they like one sufficient to take them right here, however Hairston’s worth is far more in keeping with the choose and consensus rating in comparison with reaching for a defensive trench participant.
31.) Kansas Metropolis Chiefs: OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State
The Chargers signed former 49ers left deal with Jaylon Moore to an enormous deal in hopes he’ll be their long-term starter at left deal with. I didn’t like that deal within the slightest and it mustn’t cease them from taking a shot at one of many draft’s finest tackles, both. If both of them hit, you’ve nonetheless constructed your depth up, which is one thing that was examined fairly a bit all through your complete 2024 season.
If it wasn’t for an harm that lower his season quick, Simmons might have been thought-about the highest deal with within the draft. That’s not dangerous in any respect for a group selecting second-to-last on Day 1.
32.) Philadelphia Eagles: EDGE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
Even after profitable the Tremendous Bowl, the Eagles’ luck continues to roll as they’ve one of the vital athletically gifted edge rushers within the draft fall to them at No. 32. Pearce blazed a 4.47 within the 40-yard sprint at 6’5 and 245 kilos. That’s particular for a man who shall be chasing quarterbacks as part of one of many prime defenses within the NFL from this previous season.
At one level final yr, Pearce was mocked because the No. 1 total choose within the draft. That’s how a lot hype this man had after recording 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in 2023. These numbers took a slight step again to 7.5 and 13, respectively, and scouts nonetheless really feel like he wants so as to add mass and power for the subsequent degree. Nonetheless, that is nonetheless one other luxurious choose for the reigning Tremendous Bowl champions.
