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Hello one and all and welcome to MOCK DRAFT 3.0! I am of course the self proclaimed Draft "Expert," and I am incredibly excited for you to join me on this mock draft journey today!
Before we really get into it I would like to quickly apologize, as this mock draft is coming out a week later than what I was initially planning. Due to the USMNT playing in the 2025 Nations League I focused most of my attention creating content for that. After sitting through and watching them finish fourth in a tournament that they've never lost in, I can only apologize.
Now that that's out of the way, I am really excited for you all to read through this mock draft, as it is probably my favorite one up until this point! With that being said in this mock draft you will find two quarterbacks, two running backs, three wide receivers (including Travis Hunter), two tight ends, four offensive tackles, two interior offensive linemen, three defensive tackles, seven edge rushers, five corners (including Travis Hunter), and two safeties!
We are getting closer and closer to the actual draft with each passing day! April 24th cannot get here soon enough!
With all that being said, I Logan Blackman, the once again self proclaimed Draft "Expert" am proud to present to you MOCK DRAFT 3.0! Enjoy!
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1. Tennessee Titans - Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
If recent reports are to be believed, per Daniel Jeremiah the 'expectation' is that Miami quarterback Cam Ward will be going to Tennessee with the first overall pick. Though I had the Titans taking Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter in my last mock draft, I think the smartest thing Tennessee could do is draft Ward here at one. Given the seemingly chaotic relationship between former second year quarterback Will Levis and head coach Brian Callahan, it would make all the sense in the world for the Titans to move on with a new quarterback. Ward could potentially provide the organization with their first true franchise quarterback since Steve McNair. Sure the likes of Vince Young, Marcus Mariota, and Ryan Tannehill had their moments, no one considered them to be true top dogs at the position, Ward could potentially give them that. The top quarterback in this year's class (according to me), Ward can make so many plays for you at the position. Sure he may not be like Jayden Daniels in regards to pure athleticism (not many are) but his ability to make plays off script is truly second to none in this class. With that, when he's forced to scramble outside the pocket or make off platform throws Ward is as cool as they come, rarely letting the pressure get the best of him, as last season he totaled 17-touchdowns to just three interceptions while completing 70% of his passes with a passer rating of 128.5 against the blitz. That being said, there are times Ward can get caught trying to play hero ball, which is something that doesn't usually work all too often. Thankfully for the Titans, that can be improved upon. Ward has a fantastic arm and loads of experience, lining up for the likes of Incarnate Word, Washington State, and Miami (FL) while setting the all time career NCAA passing touchdown record (158). His arm talent, athleticism, and calmness under pressure make him the ideal prospect for the Titans here with the first overall pick.
Other(s) - Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State; Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
2. Cleveland Browns - Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
To be 100% honest, I have absolutely no idea what the Cleveland Browns are doing with this pick. Obviously I don't really know what each and every team is doing throughout the draft, but the Browns are a team that could really alter the course of the entire draft. On one hand, drafting Penn State's Abdul Carter would give them a fantastic young edge to pair with the recently re-signed Myles Garrett, giving them a potentially lethal pass rush going forward. On the other hand, the Browns could go ahead and draft Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, as his playing style would suit head coach Kevin Stefanki's offense really nicely. Putting it rather lightly, Cleveland's quarterback history a completely and utter mess, even more so following the whole Deshaun Watson trade debacle. Since trading for the former Texans quarterback, the Browns have trotted out the likes of Jacoby Brissett, Jeff Driksel, Joe Flacco, PJ Walker, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Jameis Winston, and most recently Bailey Zappe, that's only since 2022. So again, whichever player they end up chosing here at two could well and truly alter the entire course of the NFL draft. Things would arguably be a lot smoother if the Titans ended up drafting Carter at one, as the Browns would most certainly select Miami's Cam Ward here with the second pick. Ultimately since I don't really know anything, the best I can do is follow the most recent report (which could be complete bullshit) and say the Browns move for the former and take Carter here with the second overall pick in the draft. Throughout the season, Carter constantly demonstrated why he was the best pass rusher in college football. Wearing the number 11 jersey that was made famous by LaVar Arrington and current rival Micah Parsons, Carter terrorized quarterbacks to the tune of 12-sacks and 68-total tackles (which ranked fourth on Penn State) with 23.5-tackles for loss, good for best in the nation. Playing with one arm against Notre Dame, Carter was constantly in the backfield, causing quarterback Riley Leonard a ton of problems throughout the game. Carter's explosiveness and power around the edge make him a scary opponent whether he's got his hand in the dirt or he's in a sprinters stance. Like I brought up before, adding someone like Carter to a defensive line that already features a future Hall of Famer in Myles Garrett would give them a potentially lethal pass rush. Being in the AFC North, a division that can boast two of the league's top four quarterbacks, adding Carter could be a nice step in helping them get back to winning-ish ways (NOTE: Deion Sanders' former teammate Bill Musgrave is the new QB coach, could mean nothing, could also mean everything).
Other(s) - Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado; Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
3. New York Giants - Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Out of all the picks in the draft, the New York Giants pick here at number three could be the most highly anticipated pick of the night. Now obviously if the Browns end up selecting Shedeur Sanders at number two this pick won't be as interesting, but if the draft ends up playing out like this everyone's eyes will be glued to their TV screens to see what the Giants do here at number three. Prior to free agency starting the Giants biggest need was clear, find a quarterback. These past couple seasons have been marred by inconsistencies at the position, whether that be in overall play or in who was ultimately lining up under center. This whole thing came to the forefront last offseason, as star running back Saquon Barkley signed with the rival Eagles in free agency, which stems from the fact that the organization chose to pay quarterback Daniel Jones rather than the former second overall pick. With Barkley nearly breaking Eric Dickerson's single season rushing record, and with Jones getting cut after being benched, many rightly came to the conclusion that the Giants messed up big time (which was pretty much the sentiment after they signed Jones in the first place). So again, New York needed to find a new starting quarterback, or in this case quarterbacks as they went out and signed Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson just three days apart. With those two signing, some out there now believe that the Giants may move in a different direction, selecting someone like Travis Hunter here at three. Though that could wind up being the case, I still think New York should move for a quarterback, as both Winston and Wilson are only signed to short term deals. With Wilson on a one year deal and turning 37 in November, I still think drafting Shedeur Sanders to be the teams longterm answer at quarterback is the right move at this point in time. Previously mentored by Tom Brady, the former seven time Super Bowl champ has spoken very highly of the former Colorado signal caller, praising him for his work ethic, accuracy, and toughness. As for the latter, I don't know if there's a tougher quarterback in this class than Sanders. Sure the dude has been criticized for holding on to the ball too long in the pocket, but even outside the pocket he's taken some serious shots, most notably against the Kansas Jayhawks back in late November. Sanders may not be the same athlete as Cam Ward in regards to making plays off script but he can make every single throw on the field, being able to fit the ball into tight windows with pressure barreling down on him. Despite him being right handed, Sanders throws with a lot of accuracy when rolling out to his left, as he is one of the more accurate quarterbacks in the draft when it comes to throwing on the run. He can make damn near every throw on the field and I think would be a very solid addition to the Giants quarterback room, giving them a hopeful longterm option at the position. Much like the Jets with Sam Darnold, despite having two veterans on the roster, I again think drafting Sanders at three is the best move for the organization. Sanders' aforementioned work ethic, accuracy, and toughness make him the ideal quarterback for the Giants here with the third overall pick (apparently the Giants 'love affair' with Sanders is one of the worst kept secrets in football, time will tell of course).
Other(s) - Mason Graham, DL, Michigan; Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
4. New England Patriots - Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
For a much different reason, the New England Patriots will be another team to keep a close eye on as the NFL Draft approaches. The reason I say that is because the Patriots could really upset a good portion of their fanbase depending on what they do with this pick. That being said so far this offseason I would say the Patriots have done a fairly decent job at rebuilding their roster under new head coach Mike Vrabel, signing the likes of Harold Landry (Tennessee), Carlton Davis (Detroit), Morgan Moses (New York), Robert Spillane (Las Vegas), Milton Williams (Philadelphia), and most recently Stefon Diggs (Houston) to three/four year deals. They also brought in Garrett Bradbury (Minnesota) and Mack Hollins (Buffalo) on two year deals to further get their roster ready for next season. The main goal this offseason was to build a nice supporting cast for rookie quarterback Drake Maye, and though they still need to add some pieces I'd say they've done a pretty solid job. Looking at what they added and/or what they didn't add, the main need for New England remains clear, the offensive line is still in desperate need of addressing. Sure they again brought in Morgan Moses from the Jets to a three year deal but the dude recently turned 34 and missed games last year due to injury. Not only that but his signing alone did not fix the massive gaping holes along the offensive line, as the left tackle position still needs addressed. Though there is a very good and strong chance they end up taking either Will Campbell or Armand Membou, I just have a somewhat hard time believing they'd pass on Colorado's Travis Hunter with the fourth pick in the draft. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner is an absolute menace on either side of the ball, racking up over 1,000-yards receiving and 14-touchdowns with four interceptions this past season. The main questions surrounding Hunter is where do you play him? Depending on who you ask you may get a different answer, though reports coming out of the Combine suggest that the New England Patriots consider Hunter to not only be the draft's number one corner, but the draft's number one receiver as well. New head coach Mike Vrabel joked about jawing back and forth with Hunter about playing both ways, stating, 'you're not the only one that played two ways. There are some other guys that have done this too.' No matter what position suits him best, the fact of the matter is that Travis Hunter will make plays, which is why I think the Patriots take him here at four. Arguably the most explosive player in the draft, Hunter will be a threat wherever he goes and whatever side of the ball he's on. His speed and pure athleticism make him an absolute match-up nightmare on both sides of the ball, which is why again I don't feel like he'd fall much further than New England here at four. Drake Maye needs help on offense, and I'm sure second team All-Pro selection Christian Gonzalez would love a partner on defense, Hunter would just check so many boxes for the talent hungry Patriots. Pairing Hunter with the aforementioned Stefon Diggs on the outside would give them a very solid one-two punch for the young Maye.
Other(s) - Will Campbell, iOL/OT, LSU; Armand Membou, iOL/OT, Missouri
5. Jacksonville Jaguars - Armand Membou, iOL/OT, Missouri
This pick may surprise some people out there, as I'm assuming many of you expected to see Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham come off the board here to Jacksonville with the fifth pick in the draft. To be honest, it feels kind of weird not picking Graham here. Widely considered to be far and away the draft's best interior defensive line prospect, Graham would fill an immediate hole along the Jaguars defensive line. With the likes of Arik Armstead in the middle with Josh Hines-Allen and former number one overall pick Travon Walker (who could potentially get traded) already there, Graham would slot right in next to Armstead and give them one of the better defensive lines in the league. That being said, I have seen some reports that suggest Graham could fall down the board a little further than expected due to his measurables, which may not seem like that big a deal to some out there but to teams picking within the top five, that could mean a whole lot. Though again it could mean absolutely nothing as Graham's tape would make you think he's too good to pass up, but I think Jacksonville may address the trenches on the opposite side of the ball with this pick, as new general manager James Gladstone has stated, 'now, beyond it in terms of personnel, we are going to start with the front. That is going to make a lot of things easier on the offensive operations as a whole and we are going to make sure we address that not only in free agency but in the draft and beyond. And then help to continuing get weapons that he (Trevor Lawrence) will feel comfortable with and tossing it up to.' Though the Jaguars have starting capable tackles in the form(s) of Walker Little and Anton Harrison, I think Missouri's Armand Membou may ultimately be the pick here at number five. A right tackle in college, Membou would be an ideal selection to fill the need at either tackle spot. Despite him not possessing the 'prototypical' size most teams look for in an offensive tackle at 6'3" 325 lbs. (which leads some to think he could kick inside to guard) Membou's arm length mixed with an explosive get off and power make him a dominating presence along the offensive line. Again, powerful in the run and explosive when dropping back into pass protection, Membou has all the traits you'd look for in a guard or a tackle, regardless of his size. Recently turning 21, the dude's ceiling is arguably the highest out of the draft's top offensive linemen. Young, athletic, powerful, and versatile, for a team with needs along the offensive line, you could do a lot worse than selecting Membou here with the seventh overall pick. His showing at the Combine really put some people on notice, and I think he could very well be the first tackle off the board.
Other(s) - Will Campbell, iOL/OT, LSU; Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
6. Las Vegas Raiders - Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Once again I have the same player going to the same team in mock draft 3.0 as I did in mock draft 2.0. Lazy? Maybe, but I think that these picks are very likely to happen (at least at this point in time). After trading for former Seattle Seahawk quarterback Geno Smith, the Raiders draft day needs become a little more clear. With arguably their biggest need off the board, Vegas can turn their attention to building around the guy they seemingly intend to sign to a long term deal (especially as well after re-signing Maxx Crosby). Though wide receiver is a pretty massive need for the silver and black, with Pete Carroll in as head coach, with his background in running the football, I have a hard time imagining that they'd pass on Boise State's Ashton Jeanty here with the sixth overall pick. The dude was an absolute electric factory while in college, finishing this past season with a whopping 2,601-yards and 29-touchdowns while helping the Broncos secure the three seed in the first ever 12-team Playoff. Though he didn't come away with the Heisman Trophy, Jeanty came closer than anybody to break Barry Sanders' all time single season rushing record, finishing 27-yards short of football immortality. Though he may not be the biggest back in the draft (5'9" 215 lbs.) his ability to bounce off tacklers and all around toughness is truly second to none in this class, forcing 126-missed tackles while averaging a pretty insane seven yards per carry. Though his numbers in the pass game may not be insanely impressive, Jeanty is still a more than capable receiver out of the backfield, making him a threat in almost every aspect of the offense. With the resurgence of the running back position in the NFL, this pick seems like far less of a reach than it would have maybe three or four years ago. With Carroll being a defensive minded head coach who will want to re-establish the run, and with GM John Spytek looking for a running back with 'great instincts, great vision, and hard to bring to the ground,' I think Jeanty would tick all the necessary boxes for Vegas here at six, giving them a true difference maker on the offensive side of the ball.
Other(s) - Will Campbell, iOL/OT, LSU; Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
7. New York Jets - Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The New York Jets are one of the more interesting teams in the draft this year. After two seasons of 'Aaron Rodgers ball' (more like a season and four plays) the Jets decided to cut ties with the former league MVP, along with the people who ultimately brought him in, firing both general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh. All things considered, the Aaron Rodgers era in New Jersey was a complete and utter failure, with some in the national media crowning them as Super Bowl contenders before last season started. Ultimately the Jets finished with a 5-12 record, and they are hoping that Detroit Lions defensive coordinator and former player Aaron Glenn along with general manager Darren Mougey can come in and get the best out of this team. Despite getting rid of Rodgers, the Jets haven't been all too busy so far this offseason, though they did bring in the likes of Andre Cisco (Jacksonville), Chukwuma Okorafor (New England), Josh Reynolds (Jaguars), Brandon Stephens (Baltimore), and Justin Fields (Pittsburgh), who signed a two year $40-million contract and who will presumably be the team's starting quarterback going into camp (unless they wind up with Shedeur Sanders). Glenn and Mougey still have some holes to fill, and though Okorafor could fill an immediate need at right tackle, that's still an area that'll need to be addressed at some point during the draft. To me, Missouri's Armand Membou would have been the perfect prospect to take here at seven, but with him off the board I'm actually going to have the Jets address another need here by drafting Penn State tight end Tyler Warren with the seventh pick in the draft. Same pick as the last mock draft, Warren would provide not only that but would also boost up the rest of the offense with his overall play. As a guy who finished seventh in the Heisman Trophy race, Warren did a mixture of everything while playing in Happy Valley. I'm not exaggerating, the dude even lined up at center and caught a touchdown on the same play this past season against USC (a game where he caught 17-balls for 224-yards and a touchdown). Whether you want him to put his hand in the dirt as a traditional tight end, line him up in the slot, as an H-back, or even as a wildcat quarterback, Warren will add so much to your offense. At 6'6" 257 lbs., Warren totaled 1,233-yards receiving with eight touchdowns, with 700 of those yards coming after the catch. He may not be an absolute burner but defenders just can't handle him, his size makes him a match-up nightmare both before and after the catch as defenders just can't match up with him on the outside. For the Jets who are in need of a re-boot on the offensive side of the ball, Warren would give them a reliable for Fields or whoever else lines up under center next season.
Other(s) - Will Campbell, iOL/OT, LSU; Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
8. Carolina Panthers - Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia
Again, much like mock draft 2.0 I have the Carolina Panthers selecting Salisbury, North Carolina native Jalon Walker here with the eighth pick in the draft. Now, this isn't just a 'welcome home' pick by any means as the Panthers desperately need more playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. Sure Derrick Brown will be coming back from injury and Jaycee Horn just signed a nice four year $100-million contract but they still need more, and Walker is a player that can wear multiple different hats on the defensive side of the ball. As I brought up in mock draft 2.0, I think Walker's ability to play either as a linebacker or an edge rusher could really suit the Panthers on defense, especially after cutting Shaq Thompson after 10-years with the team. Though not necessarily the biggest at 6'2" 245 lbs., for what Walker 'lacks' in size he makes up for in pure speed and power in either getting after the quarterback or dropping back as a spy. The dude is just so explosive (probably the most explosive in this class) which allows him to get past blockers with ease, picking up three sacks in Georgia's week eight win against Texas. Not only that, but his side-to-side movement and his quick change of direction allows him to be effective in the run game as well. He just makes so many plays, and if the Panthers want to improve their defense they could do a lot worse than selecting Walker here at pick eight.
Other(s) - Mason Graham, DL, Michigan; Shemar Stewart, DL/EDGE, Texas A&M
9. New Orleans Saints - Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Like I have talked about in every mock draft up until this point, the New Orleans Saints are just devoid of young and exciting talent on both sides of the ball, even while having players such as Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave on their roster. With the latter only appearing in eight games last year due to concussions, adding someone like Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan or Texas' Matthew Golden would make a ton of sense for them, especially with the organization bringing in former Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore in to serve as the team's new head coach. Another area he could want to address is along the offensive line, as longtime starter Ryan Ramczyk turns 31 before the Draft and has contemplated retirement on more than one occasion (keep Will Campbell in state?). Usually when an offensive guy comes in they want to try and build up that side of the ball, but with the Saints ranking third to last in total defense, bottom six in passing defense, and bottom two in run defense, I think it's safe to say they may need to address the defensive side of the ball here at nine. Though I could see them going after someone to eventually replace the soon to be 36-year old Cameron Jordan, I think re-signing Chase Young may keep them from addressing that need at this point in the Draft. To me the Saints need more help in the secondary, especially after losing corner Paulson Adebo to the New York Giants. After hiring former Texas Longhorn assistant Terry Joseph to serve as the team's pass game coordinator, I think they could go in a familiar direction and select Texas' Jahdae Barron here at nine. A player whose name keeps rising up draft boards, I think selection of Barron would be more than just drafting a familiar face. The reigning Jim Thorpe Award winner, Barron was the main cog in one of the nation's top defenses in regards to total and passing yards allowed per game that also led the nation in interceptions (as a team they had a nine to 22 touchdown to interception ratio). Able to line up anywhere in the secondary, Barron's mixture of athleticism/quickness and reaction time made him one of the best corners in the country. He's so anticipatory using his eyes to know exactly where the quarterback is going with the ball. He may not be the biggest defender out there (5'11" 200 lbs.) but he's an excellent playmaker who would make a massive difference wherever you line him up on defense. With corner arguably being the team's biggest need, they could do a lot worse than drafting Barron here.
Other(s) - Will Campbell, iOL/OT, LSU; Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
10. Chicago Bears - Will Campbell, iOL/OT, LSU
The Chicago Bears have been a busy team so far this offseason, completely re-shaping the offensive line by signing center Drew Dalman (Atlanta) to a three year $42-million contract and trading for the likes of Jonah Jackson (Los Angeles) and Joe Thuney (Kansas City), giving up 2025 sixth round pick (202) and a 2026 fourth round pick in return. They've obviously made some big moves along the defensive side of the ball as well but the offensive line was the team's biggest area of concern going into the offseason, as rookie quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked a league leading 68-times this past season. Though I really like the moves the Bears made in order to protect the aforementioned Williams, I still think there is work to be done as I'm not necessarily the biggest believer in Braxton Jones as the long term answer at left tackle, especially since he is in the final year of his contract and has played just 23 of a possible 34-games across the past two seasons. I know there will be some people out there who hope Chicago drafts Ashton Jeanty or one of the top edge options, but I have a hard time believing that the Bears would pass on LSU tackle Will Campbell if he were to be available at pick number 10. Though his arm length may be in question, I again think Campbell is the draft's top tackle prospect. At 6'6" and weighing in at 323 lbs., Campbell has started at tackle for the Tigers since 2022. Since that first season in Baton Rouge the dude has given up just two sacks (886-total snaps, 557-pass blocking snaps, two sacks), boasting great footwork, technique, and athleticism to mix with his big frame. Solid in pass protection and a finisher in the run game, Campbell would make a massive difference along the trenches, adding another piece to a completely rebuilt and vastly offensive line. Along with the others, I believe Campbell would make Caleb Williams a very happy man (Mason Graham would be insanely tough to pass on, but I think Johnson wants to continue to fortify the offensive line).
Other(s) - Mason Graham, DL, Michigan; Shemar Stewart, DL/EDGE, Texas A&M
11. San Francisco 49ers - Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
I don't know about you, but this would by far be the most shocking pick in this year's draft. Not only does Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham not go to the Jacksonville Jaguars at five (which is borderline consensus at this point), but he also falls out of the top 10 entirely, landing in the waiting and grateful arms of John Lynch and the San Francisco 49ers. Again, this would be an absolute shocker if this scenario plays out on draft day, as there are other teams inside the top 10 that could also use a player like Graham along their defensive line. Teams like the Raiders, Jets, Panthers, and Bears (who did do some decent spending along the defensive line) could all use him, but there are a couple reasons of why a player as good as him could slip a lot further than he should on the board. Firstly, and this could wind up being a big ole nothing burger, his measurables aren't the greatest. At the Combine, Graham came in weighing 296 lbs., which apparently was 24 lbs. below what most teams were expecting, while his 32" arms place him in the 12th percentile for the position (per PFF). Another area that could hurt him is the fact that he didn't end up testing, only taking part in the bench press while at the combine, though he did say he will be taking part in his workouts at his pro day (which unfortunately has not happened yet). Now, this all could be yet another example of teams, scouts, and executives completely overthinking a prospect, as Graham's tape at Michigan shows that he should be considered as one of the top four or five players in this class, one that should definitely not be falling out of the top 10. But again, other team's loss is the 49ers gain, as Lynch has shown a tendency to target the defensive line early on in the draft, taking the likes of Solomon Thomas (2017), Nick Bosa (2019), Javon Kinlaw (2020), and Drake Jackson (2022) since taking over as general manager in 2017. The Niners need some re-enforcements on the defensive side of the ball, especially after they lost or got rid of the likes of Charvarius Ward (Indianapolis), Dre Greenlaw (Denver), Talanoa Hufanga (Denver), Javon Hargrave (Minnesota), Maliek Collins (Cleveland), and Leonard Floyd (Atlanta), the latter move I assumed meant they'd sign Joey Bosa from Los Angeles. Graham would fill an immediate need along their defensive line, as at 6'3" 320 lbs. (listed), Graham causes massive problems for interior offensive linemen, using his size, power, and technique to blow past them in both the run and pass game. He may have only finished the regular season with three and a half sacks (two coming in one game) but he will always make plays along the defensive line. Like I mentioned before, this could just be another example in a long list of top level players who teams over thought in the draft process. Graham is one of the best players in the draft and if he fell to San Francisco here at 11, I think we could be in some trouble.
Other(s) - Will Johnson, CB, Michigan; Shemar Stewart, DL/EDGE, Texas A&M
12. Dallas Cowboys - Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Once again, the Dallas Cowboys have had a pretty interesting offseason. From not allowing the Chicago Bears to speak to Mike McCarthy before firing him and promoting offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, to then making no real 'signings of intent' so far this offseason, all things seem to be in order down in Dallas. The only real big move they've made so far is signing defensive tackle Osa Odighizuma to a new four year $80-million contract. Other than that sure they've re-signed a couple players to two/three year deals, but their new signings they've made have been underwhelming as usual, with only one of the seven new additions signing on for more than a season (Solomon Thomas, two years $6-million). Like, the last time Dallas signed a free agent from another team for over $6-million annually was Greg Hardy, all the way back in 2015. Again, it's just been a typical offseason for the Cowboys. That being said, for what Dallas lacks in free agency they seem to make up for in the draft, as most of their top players were drafted by the organization. Prior to free agency many out there would have liked to see Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty go to Dallas here at 12, but after signing the likes of Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams (plus him not being available) makes me think they'll address another area of need on offense. With wide receiver Brandin Cooks signing for the Saints this offseason, the only true option opposite of CeeDee Lamb would probably be Jalen Tolbert. The Cowboys need more weapons on the outside, and though I assume some (if not most) out there would have him going higher than this, I'm going to have Dallas select Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan here with the 12th pick in the draft. Compared a lot to the likes of Mike Evans and Drake London, at 6'5" 212 lbs., McMillan is a match-up nightmare for most corners who try to guard him. His size mixed with his body control and great hands allow him to high point balls while out muscling the smaller corners. He may not be an absolute burner, but he still can create some late separation from defenders with his long strides. He's a physical receiver who finished third in the nation in receiving yards despite playing for a rough Arizona team (though I like Noah Fifita). Again, he's a big bodied and physical receiver who just makes going up and getting it look effortless. I think McMillan would be the perfect compliment to Lamb, giving Dak a nice big bodied target to give the Cowboys one of the better wide receiver duos in the league.
Other(s) - Matthew Golden, WR, Texas; Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
13. Miami Dolphins - Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
For the past two mock drafts I've had the Dolphins selecting Texas tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. here with the 13th pick. Though the need for more offensive line re-enforcements in Miami is very much needed, especially with question marks surrounding Terron Armstead's future with the team, I think the signings of Larry Borom (Chicago) and James Daniels (Pittsburgh) could make the Dolphins potentially look in a different direction with their first pick in the draft. Not saying those guys are necessarily world beaters or anything, but I think the need(s) along the offensive line may be addressed a little later in the draft, if that makes sense. To me, the next biggest need on the team lies at the safety position, as both starters from a year ago (Jevon Holland (New York) and Jordan Poyer) are no longer on the team. Sure they signed the likes of Ifeatu Melifonwu (Detroit) and Ashtyn Davis (New York), but with the former playing just 37-games throughout his four year career and the latter only really having one year as a starter, safety is a spot where they should still look to address in the draft. With that all being said the choice here really comes down to two options, Georgia's Malaki Starks or South Carolina's Nick Emmanwori. Two SEC products, two different skill sets. Starks is a very fluid and versatile player who can line up as a nickel or a deep lying safety, possessing quick feet and great ball instincts especially on deep routes. Emmanwori on the other hand is an absolute physical specimen. Standing at 6'3" and weighing 220 lbs., the dude is an athletic freak who has been compared to the likes of Seahawk great Kam Chancellor (ironically coached by the same guy who coached Chancellor at Virginia Tech). You can't really go wrong in my opinion, just a matter of taste. With the Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver coming from Baltimore with Kyle Hamilton, and assistant defensive backs coach DeShawn Shead once sharing a secondary with the aforementioned Chancellor in Seattle, I think Miami may wind up taking the South Carolina product here with the 13th pick in the draft. Like I mentioned before, Emmanwori is an absolute athletic freak, tearing up the NFL Combine while scoring a perfect 10.00 RAS (Relative Athletic Score) at strong safety, free safety, corner, and even wide receiver, while also scoring a 9.87 at linebacker. Registering a 4.38-40 and a 43" vertical, at 6'3" 220 lbs. Emmanwori is someone that can wear multiple hats on the defensive side of the ball. The dude is a really effective tackler in the open field, making him a tough presence to block in the run game. In the pass game he shows excellent instincts and ball skills, bringing in six interceptions across the past two seasons with two pick sixes coming coming against Kentucky and Oklahoma last season. Overall the dude is just an insane playmaker from the safety position, able to cause disruptions in both the pass and run game. The Dolphins need help at safety, and I think Emmanwori's skill set could fill that hole in the secondary.
Other(s) - Kelvin Banks Jr., iOL/OT, Texas; Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
14. Indianapolis Colts - Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Like I've brought up before in previous mock drafts, the Colts main offseason priority is rather simple, try your hardest to get the absolute best out of quarterback Anthony Richardson. Sure Indianapolis may have some holes on the defensive side of the ball, but again the main focus for the organization for at least this upcoming season is to get the best out of former fourth overall pick Anthony Richardson. As a fan of the player, this past season was wildly frustrating, and I hope the Colts do continue to try and develop him to be their longterm quarterback. I'm not done with Anthony Richardson, and I think this draft will be important for his longterm development. Though Penn State's Tyler Warren would be the ideal pick here for the Colts in the first round I still think they can go ahead and draft a tight end with this pick, which is why I have them taking Michigan's Colston Loveland with the 14th pick in the draft. Though he may not be as massive as Penn State's Tyler Warren, Loveland possesses great awareness and quickness at the position, working well in space and is able to make plays with the ball after the catch. Able to line up in-line or in the slot, Loveland is a match-up problem for most defenses from a receiver stand point. He may not be the most impactful blocker, but he can get the job done when asked to. I think he'd be an excellent addition to the Colts who again would receive a massive boost of production from the tight end spot by adding him to a pretty depleted tight end room. General manager Chris Ballard has talked about wanting/needing more productivity from the position and I believe Loveland would give the Colts exactly that. I know I sound like a broken record but I want to keep reiterating it, Indianapolis needs to continue to try and get the best out of their young quarterback, no matter how frustrating things may be at this point in time. Though again Loveland is not Tyler Warren, you could do a whole lot worse than selecting him here with the 14th pick in the draft.
Other(s) - Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama; Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
15. Atlanta Falcons - Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
It seems like we ask the same question every single year when it comes to the Falcons, will they actually use a high value draft pick on an impact defender? With Terry Fontenot as the GM, Lord knows. Since he's come in as GM, Atlanta has used all of their 'premium' draft picks on skill position players on the offensive side of the ball, selecting the likes of Kyle Pitts, Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and most recently Michael Penix Jr., the latter coming after signing Kirk Cousins to a four year $180-million contract that same offseason. Though they are as unpredictable as it comes, I think it's finally time Fontenot and co. actually address the defensive side of the ball with their first pick in the draft. Despite edge rusher being their most pressing need (when is it not?), I'm going to have Atlanta go in a slightly different direction, taking Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell with the 15th pick in the draft. Self proclaimed 'Mr. Can-do-it-al'l and 'Swiss Army Knife,' Campbell would add another element to the Falcons defense. Though again he was recruited as an edge rusher, Campbell has turned himself into one of the best off-ball linebackers in the country. Widely praised for his leadership and versatility, made 112-tackles while also totaling five sacks this past season at Alabama. He is a tough tackler who explodes in the run game while also having the wherewithal to drop back into coverage in the pass game. He does absolutely everything you want from the linebacker position, with his speed, explosiveness, and range making him one of the hardest players to game plan for (also registered a 4.52-40 and a 10'7" broad jump). Praised for his leadership, I think Campbell would be the perfect addition to the Falcons on the defensive side of the ball. Linebacker may not be their most pressing need on paper going into the draft, but with the amount of plays Campbell can make on the defensive side of the ball you could really do a whole lot worse. I think Campbell would be an excellent addition to the Falcons defense, offering them a fantastic 'do everything' player here at 15.
Other(s) - Will Johnson, CB, Michigan; Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
16. Arizona Cardinals - Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Call me crazy, but at this point in time it wouldn't really surprise me if the Arizona Cardinals made the Playoffs this upcoming season. I mean, I don't think that's an insanely crazy shout as the team did start the season off 6-4 before losing five of their final seven games to finish 8-9. This team has some talent, they just needed to sure up some of their 'weaker' areas this offseason and so far they have done that, bringing in starting caliber players like Dalvin Tomlinson (Cleveland) and Akeem Davis-Gaither (Cincinnati) before swinging for the fences by bringing Josh Sweat (Philadelphia) on a four year $76.4-million contract. With Zaven Collins leading the team in sacks last year with five, adding someone like Sweat is a massive move in the right direction for the defensive side of the ball. Now, as nice as those pieces are the defense will still need to be addressed throughout the draft, namely along the interior of the defensive line and in the secondary, most notably at corner. Though someone like Kenneth Grant from Michigan could be a viable option here with the 16th pick, with head coach Jonathan Gannon having a background as a defensive backs coach I'm sure he's going to want that area more secured this upcoming season. With that, I'm going to give Arizona Michigan corner Will Johnson here with their first round selection. Johnson, standing at 6'2" and weighing 202 lbs., boasts the ideal size teams look for in the modern NFL corner. Extremely instinctive and reactive, Johnson reads quarterback's eyes better than most at the position, being able to break and make plays on the ball with ease. With both interceptions from this past season being returned for touchdowns, Johnson is also able to make plays with the ball in his hands, making him just that much more dangerous. A nagging toe injury could hurt him a little bit, which would make him an absolute steal if he fell to the Cardinals midway through the first round. Compared by some to former Eagle and former player under Gannon James Bradberry, Johnson would be an excellent addition to the Cardinals secondary, giving their playoff chances a nice little boost.
Other(s) - Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan; Grey Zabel, iOL/OT, North Dakota State
17. Cincinnati Bengals - Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
The Cincinnati Bengals made a couple of interesting moves this offseason, all involving some of their star players. They kicked off this offseason by telling reigning sack champion Trey Hendrickson that he could speak to other teams from around the league about potential trade opportunities. Shortly after that announcement, his edge rushing partner Sam Hubbard announced his retirement, leaving Cincinnati in a very precarious situation in regards to their defensive line. Now there could still be hope in regards to keeping Hendrickson, as both Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett both signed extensions this offseason after reportedly being involved in trade talks. That being said I don't know how realistic re-signing or extending Hendrickson would be as they gave massive extensions to both Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, with the former now being the highest paid non-quarterback in league history. I don't know about you, but extending Higgins kind of surprised me. I'm not doubting his importance or how good of a player he is, but wouldn't it have been smarter to trade Higgins for a boat load of picks then re-sign Hendrickson? Time will tell of course, but it looks like Hendrickson will be the odd one out this offseason, meaning Cincinnati has two holes to fill at the edge rusher position. At 17 Cincinnati are pretty sport for choice, and though I thought about Georgia's Mykel Williams, I ended up going with Marshall's Mike Green as the Bengals first round selection. Though he put forth a dominant season for the Thunder Herd last time out (registering a national leading 17-sacks), Green didn't really start making top-20 noise until this past week at the Senior Bowl, notably blowing up potential first round selection Josh Conerly Jr. in one-on-one drills. Along with his impressive production, Green is insanely explosive coming off the line, converting speed to power once he gets out of his stance. He's able to blow past tackles in the pass game while also holding his own against the run, showing excellent effort, showing off his work rate as he just refuses to stay blocked. Though he isn't coming from a monster program, and though he's not the biggest, Green is one of the top edge rushers in this draft and could give the Bengals and new defensive coordinator Al Golden a real threat along the defensive line (would be the first Marshall player taken in the first round since Chad Pennington in 2000).
Other(s) - Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama; Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
18. Seattle Seahawks - Grey Zabel, iOL/OT, North Dakota State
I know this may seem a little straight forward at this point in time, but the Seattle Seahawks could be one of the more interesting teams to watch during this year's draft. Yes, the most obvious and most glaring hole on the roster comes along the offensive line, even more so after free agency as they didn't necessarily improve upon an already struggling unit. That being said there are some other needs they could address here with this pick, as wide receiver is one that could really stand out like a sore thumb. After cutting franchise legend Tyler Lockett and trading DK Metcalf to Pittsburgh, Seattle has a little hole at wide receiver. Sure signing Cooper Kupp was a nice move, but his injury history and his position (which is the same as Jaxon Smith-Njigba) make me think the need for a big bodied wide receiver could be the move here should someone like Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan be available. Though I think there's a scenario where he is available, at this point in time I think he'll be off the board a few picks before Seattle's name gets announced by the commissioner. With that, I think the Seahawks do ultimately turn their attention back to the offensive line, especially after Laken Tomlinson signed with Houston this offseason. With head coach Mike Macdonald being a defensive minded guy, he'll want to put more of an emphasis on establishing the run game. I mean hell, they fired first year offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, as the offense became pretty one dimensional with the passing attack really carried the rushing attack, with the latter ranking in the bottom five. To help improve the rush attack Seattle has to establish more of a presence along the offensive line, which leads me to think that North Dakota State's Grey Zabel could be the perfect fit for them here at pick 18. Though a tackle in college, Zabel took reps at both guard and center while at the Senior Bowl, dominating in one-on-one drills and being named the overall practice player of the week in a poll from all-32 NFL teams. Obviously playing for the Bison Zabel is going to be one of the better run blockers in this class, but in pass protection he shows quick feet while absorbing oncoming pressure from pass rushers (allowing one sack on 453-passing blocking snaps last season, per PFF). Great at using his hands and finishing blocks, I think Zabel would be a very nice addition to the Seahawks offensive line. His length may raise some concerns about his future at tackle, but again he's more than capable at kicking inside to guard or center, giving Seattle a nice option at any position across the offensive line.
Other(s) - Tyler Booker, iOL, Alabama; Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
I don't know about you, but I am actually very intrigued to see who the Tampa Bay Buccaneers target with their first round selection this year. I say that because the most obvious pick for them would be Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell, as legendary linebacker Lavonte David is only on a one year deal and turns 36 next January. Though that would again be the most obvious pick, based off recent reports it doesn't seem likely that Campbell will be available for the Bucs to select here at pick 19. This is why again I say that this pick will be interesting as Tampa could really go in a couple different directions here, as there aren't really any glaring needs going into the draft. At face value edge rusher would probably be their most pressing need, as though they did sign Haason Reddick from the Jets this offseason, the dude only started two games while totaling one sack following four straight seasons of 11-or more sacks. He's an absolute monster when he's on the field, but how will he fair after basically sitting out all of last season? Time will of course tell, so it wouldn't shock me if they moved for someone like Boston College's Donovan Ezeiruaku with this pick. Though I think that's a likely option, I think Tampa may look to address another area of their defense here, mainly in the secondary as they are moving on from safety Jordan Whitehead. With him gone the Bucs have a pretty decent sized hole at the safety spot next to Antoine Winfield Jr., which is why I'm going to have them selecting Georgia's Malaki Starks here with their first pick in the draft. Though he may not have had the production many were expecting from him this past season, Starks can give you a little bit of everything on the defensive side of the ball. One of the more versatile players in the draft, Starks has rotated between both safety and nickel in his time at Georgia. As a player who can make tackles in space and cover both the underneath routes and follow the deep ball, Starks would give any defensive coordinator a nice little weapon in the secondary. With the aforementioned Whitehead gone, adding someone like Starks would give them that extra boost in the secondary. A versatile playmaker who can wear multiple hats on the defensive side of the ball, Starks would be an excellent addition to Tampa's defense.
Other(s) - Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College; Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
20. Denver Broncos - Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
As I talked about in my previous mock draft, head coach Sean Payton is looking for someone to potentially fill that 'joker' role on the offensive side of the ball, which is either a running back or a tight end. Speaking on the latter, prior to free agency one could see the Broncos targeting Michigan tight end Colston Loveland with their first pick in the draft, as starter Adam Trautman totaled just 188-yards receiving and two touchdowns while only registering 13-catches on 22-targets last season, second on the team to TE2 Lucas Kroll, who registered 19-catches on 23-targets. Though I guess it wouldn't shock me if they still went with Loveland, I think the addition of Evan Engram (who signed a two year $23-million contract) will ultimately get them to turn their attention to the other position I brought up when discussing the 'joker' role, running back. With Javonte Williams signing with the Cowboys, the Broncos don't really have that true 'bell cow' in the backfield, which is why I think they'll take another North Carolina back in the form of Omarion Hampton here with the 20th pick in the draft. Standing at 6'0" and weighing 221 lbs., Hampton posted a pretty remarkable 4.46 in the 40-yard dash along with a 38" vertical and a 10'10" broad jump. Though impressive, apart from his Combine performance Hampton put up consistently great numbers while in college, posting back-to-back 1,500+ yard seasons (1,504 and 1,660) while also registering 15-touchdowns in each of those seasons. For as big as he is, Hampton can hit the edge and burst up field with great speed, making oncoming defenders miss while in open space. Along with his speed Hampton possesses a good amount of power, hitting the hole without really a second thought. He also shows skills as a pass catcher, being very effective out of the backfield, averaging 9.8-yards per reception last season. All in all I feel like Hampton checks most of the boxes for what Sean Payton is looking for in a running back. I think Hampton's Combine performance all but secured his spot in the first round and if he makes it to this pick, I don't know if I see the Broncos passing on him.
Other(s) - Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State; Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
21. Pittsburgh Steelers - Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
I don't know about you, but I'll be paying very close attention to what the Pittsburgh Steelers do come draft night, as some recent reports are suggesting that this could be the start of the Jaxson Dart sweepstakes. Though those are the reports, I just don't necessarily know if I think that could happen at this point in time. Do the Steelers need a quarterback? Of course, both of last year's starters are gone and the the only two quarterbacks currently on the roster are Mason Rudolph and Syklar Thompson, neither are starting caliber options. They have also been heavily linked with signing former Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers this offseason, with recent reports suggesting that the organization had him in for a six hour meeting. All in all, the Steelers will end up with a new starting quarterback in some capacity this offseason, just at this point in time I don't know if it will be the Ole Miss prospect. I could wind up being very wrong, but that's how I'm looking at it at this point in time. Other than quarterback wide receiver was considered a massive need prior to free agency, as the team eventually traded for Seattle's DK Metcalf, who they ended up signing to a new five year $150-million contract. So to me, their original top two needs are off the board (again, for now) which leads me to believe that they may turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball with this pick. With that being said, I'm going to have the Steelers address the trenches and draft Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant with the 21st pick in the draft. A player who Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh once described as a 'gift from the football gods,' Grant is best against the run and the short passing game, as he shows a nice willingness to not give up on the play as his effort is one of his better traits. He may not be as evolved as a pass rusher as he is a run stopper, but Grant has a very high ceiling that should see that side of his game develop in time (that being said, he did register 6.5-sacks across the last two seasons). Though most, if not all of the national attention was on his line mate Mason Graham, Grant can definitely hold his own as one of the draft's top tackle prospects. His power, quickness, and effort are traits that the Steelers covet along the defensive line, giving Pittsburgh a nice presence in the middle of their defense and an eventual replacement for the legendary Cameron Heyward (and an outgoing Larry Ogunjobi).
Other(s) - Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss; Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
22. Los Angeles Chargers - Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
The Chargers could do a couple different things here with the 22nd pick in the draft. On one hand they could look to retool a defense that finished as the league's top scoring defense. With the likes of Joey Bosa (Buffalo), Morgan Fox (Atlanta), and Poona Ford (Los Angeles) all leaving in free agency, the defensive line and the edge rusher position could very well be addressed with this pick, even after signing Da'Shawn Hand to a one year contract. Though I think that could be an option should the right player come available, I think the main goal for the Chargers this offseason was/is to surround Justin Herbert with more weapons on the offensive side of the ball. Though they lost Joshua Palmer to Buffalo this offseason, they were able to bring back former first round pick Mike Williams, tight end Tyler Conklin, and running back Najee Harris, which are all fairly risk free additions. That being said, the Chargers offense was held to under 17-points seven times (including the Playoffs) this past season so more weapons should still be atop the priority list. Though I'm sure Harbaugh would have loved to take his former Michigan tight end Colston Loveland with this pick, with him going off the board to Indianapolis at 14, Los Angeles can turn their attention to Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden here with the 22nd pick in the draft. After posting a pretty ridiculous 4.29 in the 40-yard dash at the Combine, Golden has been a name that has started to rise up draft boards. Though not the most physically demanding receiver at 5'11" 191 lbs., Golden is one of the most technical receivers in the draft, constantly showing off great instincts and toughness from the position. Lining up a decent amount in the slot while at Texas, Golden wracked up 987-yards receiving and nine touchdowns en-route to the College Football Playoff semi-final. He has a nice combination of quickness mixed with his aforementioned toughness/strength that allows him to not only create separation but also allows him to break through tackles as well. A very confident receiver (shown by his nonchalant one handed catch against Ohio State), Golden would give quarterback Justin Herbert another fantastic weapon on the outside to pair with Ladd McConkey. Compared to former Steeler wide out Santonio Holmes, Golden would be an excellent addition to the receiving room here in the first round (though he could be long gone by this point).
Other(s) - Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon; Shemar Stewart, DL/EDGE, Texas A&M
23. Green Bay Packers - Shemar Stewart, DL/EDGE, Texas A&M
For the past couple mock drafts I had the Green Bay Packers selecting Texas corner Jahdae Barron with the 23rd pick in the draft. Though I think corner is still a big time need for the Packers going into the draft, I just don't necessarily think it's feasible for them to select Barron at this point in time (barring a trade up the board). With Jaire Alexander's future seemingly always in question, I'm sure corner will be a position they address more than once throughout the draft, just doesn't seem likely at this point in time to be in the first round. Another position of need for Green Bay could come at the receiver position, as even running back Josh Jacobs said, 'I love our receivers, but we need a proven number one guy.' Whether that means draft one in the first round remains to be seen, as again we hear every single year that the Packers haven't draft a receiver in the first round since they took Javon Walker back in 2002. As much of a need as that may seem, history suggests that they will probably go in a different direction. If we're basing this pick on recent draft history, Green Bay has seemed to target toolsy and athletic players on the defensive side of the ball. Players like Lukas Van Ness (13, 2023), Quay Walker (22, 2022), Devonte Wyatt (28, 2022), Eric Stokes (29, 2021), and Rashan Gary (12, 2019) all seem to fit that mold. With general manager Brian Gutekunst using three first round picks on SEC players since 2021, I think the player that checks all those boxes would be Texas A&M's Shemar Stewart. Though there's a very solid chance he's long gone by this pick, I think he fits what the Packers tend to look for in early round prospects. After posting rather ridiculous numbers at the NFL Combine (registering a perfect 10.00 RAS (Relative Athletic Score)), Stewart has been a name that has been rapidly rising up draft boards and if I'm being honest, we shouldn't be too surprised. Though he didn't put up insane production this past season, Stewart is one of the most athletically gifted defensive linemen in this class. Despite the four and a half sacks in three seasons at A&M, Stewart still generates a lot of pressure from the defensive line, using his explosiveness and long arms to drive offensive linemen back into the quarterback. He's far from the finished product but his ceiling is ridiculously high, which is why he's perfect for the Packers. Putting on a great displays at both the Senior Bowl and the aforementioned Combine, Stewart definitely has scouts on notice. At 6'6" 290 lbs. (weighed 267 at the Combine), Stewart would add a versatile piece to the Packers defensive front as his speed and power would make him a real threat and an ideal pick for Green Bay here at pick 23 (again, he could be long gone by this point).
Other(s) - Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss; Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
24. Minnesota Vikings - Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Much like their division rivals in Chicago, the Minnesota Vikings have been fairly busy so for this offseason, brining in the likes of Jonathan Allen (Washington) and Javon Hargrave (San Francisco) to sure up the defensive line while also addressing the offensive line by bringing in Ryan Kelly and Will Fries both from Indianapolis. They were also able to re-sign Theo Jackson, Aaron Jones, and Byron Murphy while also re-working Harrison Smith's contract. Sure they lost the likes of Camryn Bynum and Sam Darnold, but I'm excited to see how the Vikings continue to attack the offseason, trying to prove that last year's 14-3 record wasn't a fluke. Though all those aforementioned moves were nice, there still are some holes on the roster, mainly on the defensive side of the ball and most notably at corner and safety. As I brought up before, they were able to re-sign/re-work the contracts of Jackson and Smith, but losing a player like Bynum isn't easy, who signed a four year $60-million contract with the Colts this offseason. With Smith turning 36 back in February I think it would make a lot of sense for the organization to take someone like South Carolina's Nick Emmanwori here at pick 24. But in a recent article from the Athletic, Alec Lewis wrote, 'in reflecting on the 2022 draft, Adofo-Mensah has admitted that safety is among the most difficult positions to evaluate. Missing on another at the top of a draft would leave little wiggle room.' Though Emmanwori may be the best player available, I'm going to have Minnesota select Kentucky corner Maxwell Hairston here with the 24th pick in the draft. At 5'11" 183 lbs., Hairston put forth a very solid showing at the Combine, posting a 4.28 in the 40 while also registering a 39.5" vertical and a 10'9" broad jump. That being said, this pick isn't solely based on him Combine performance though, the dude can play. Obviously playing with a lot of speed, Hairston is very fluid and very smooth in coverage, able to turn with vertical routes with ease as well as sit and react to the receiver's break while in off coverage. Though his production wasn't insane this past season due to injury (only appeared in seven games) the dude did register five interceptions with two pick sixes in 2023, making him a real threat to house it with the ball in his hands. Along with his coverage skills Hairston is effective in the run game as well while also being used in getting after the quarterback. I think he would be an excellent addition to the Vikings depleted secondary, giving them a potential lock down corner in a division filled with good quarterback play and solid weapons.
Other(s) - Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss; Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State
25. Houston Texans - Kelvin Banks Jr., iOL/OT, Texas
Long story short, the Houston Texans need to protect quarterback CJ Stroud much better than they did this past season. The second most sacked quarterback in the league, Stroud took somewhat of a step back in his second season with the team. Obviously there are a lot of different factors that go into said step back, but to me the main reason for that comes along the offensive line. Sure losing the likes of Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell to major knee injuries didn't help anything, but when you're getting sacked eight times in a singular playoff game, something has got to change up front which is something Houston has done a lot of so far this offseason. So far they've traded the likes of Laremy Tunsil to Washington and Kenyon Green to Philadelphia, while replacing them with the likes of Trent Brown (Cincinnati), Ed Ingram (Minnesota), Cam Robinson (Minnesota), and Laken Tomlinson (Seattle). Though they traded for Ingram, the other three were signed to just one year deals, meaning that they should be far from done addressing the offensive line this offseason. So, here at 25 I'm going to have them select an in-state product in the form of Texas' Kelvin Banks Jr.. Someone whose draft stock is seemingly all over the place, Banks went from being a potential top 10 pick to nearly falling out of the first round entirely. Though his stock is slipping a little bit, Banks can offer the Texans explosiveness and athleticism from the tackle position. An ever-present at left tackle while at Texas, since 2023 Banks has played 1,043-pass blocking snaps while allowing just two sacks and three total quarterback hits. Though he made 42-starts at left tackle while playing in Austin, some out there anticipate Banks to kick inside to guard, as his power and aforementioned athleticism make him a difficult player to go up against. A team captain, Banks would add a lot to Houston's offensive line that is still in desperate need of help, despite all the moves they've made so far this offseason. Whether he lines up at guard or tackle, if available, Banks would be a very nice addition to the Texans offensive line, hopefully keeping pressure off of Stroud for the years to come.
Other(s) - Tyler Booker, iOL, Alabama; Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
26. Los Angeles Rams - Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
If we're looking at potential first round landing spots for Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, this would be one of the places I could see him winding up. Though quarterback Matthew Stafford agreed to re-structure his contract this past offseason, the former Super Bowl champ turned 37 back in February, and he's not looking to get younger any time soon. Dart, a USC product before transferring to Ole Miss, would be a very nice longterm option for McVay and co. at the quarterback position. That being said, taking a peek at the Rams recent draft strategy I think they'd rather focus their attention on the defensive side of the ball, at least that's how I'm seeing it now. Players like Byron Young, Kobbie Turner, Jared Verse, and Braden Fiske have all made pretty significant impacts since coming into the league, accelerating the Rams apparent 'rebuild' a lot sooner than most expected. Much like the Kansas City Chiefs, I could really see the Rams continuing to invest in young talent on the defensive side of the ball, as they still have a some needs on that side despite their successful drafting in recent years. Last season, Los Angeles ranked in the bottom 10 in regards to total defense while ranking in the bottom half in regards to passing and rushing defense. Despite re-signing corner Ahkello Witherspoon to a one year deal, corner is still a pretty big need for the Rams going into this season, which is why I have them selecting another Ole Miss product in the form of Trey Amos here at pick 26. Standing at 6'1" and weighing 195 lbs., Amos has the prototypical build most teams are looking for in corners. An extremely fluid and smooth athlete, Amos matches up well with whoever you throw opposite of him. Though he may not be the twitchiest, he is an excellent reader of the game and shows great ball skills when it's thrown his way, breaking up 13-passes this past season at Ole Miss. After posting an impressive 4.43-40 at the Combine, many out there are starting to consider Amos a borderline lock to go day one of the draft. Despite he playing five seasons of college football at three different schools (Louisiana, Alabama, Ole Miss), Amos has the tools teams look for in corners. Fluid and smooth, Amos would give the Rams a nice option at the cornerback position here at pick 26.
Other(s) - Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss; Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State
27. Baltimore Ravens - Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
The Baltimore Ravens could really go any direction with their first pick in the draft, as offensive line, cornerback, safety, and defensive tackle could all go down as the team's 'top' need going into the draft. At face value the offensive line would seem to be their biggest need, as though they re-signed Ronnie Stanley to a new three year $60-million deal, this past season was the first time he had ever started every single game in a season. Mind you, he was drafted in 2016. As great of a tackle as he is, can you fully count on him to stay healthy for an entire season? I guess we'll have to wait and see if last year was a fluke or not in regards to his health. Apart from him though Baltimore did lose Patrick Mekari to Jacksonville this offseason, leaving a hole open at the guard spot. As important as those positions as, I feel like the Ravens may look to strengthen their defense here in a first round, as they should look to re-tool a defense that was massively inconsistent throughout all of last season. Though Baltimore finished second from the bottom in regards to passing defense, the Ravens identity has long stood along the defensive line, which is an area where they could use some new blood, especially with Michael Pierce retiring this offseason. Though I wouldn't be shocked if they went in another direction, I think Oregon's Derrick Harmon could be an excellent addition to Baltimore's defensive line. At 6'4" 313 lbs., Harmon has a very strong upper body while being quick and disruptive from the interior. Against the pass, Harmon uses quick hands to penetrate the line and apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks, totaling five sacks with 39-hurries and 10.5-tackles for loss. Though he put up good numbers against the pass, Harmon is a better run defender, as he handles double teams well and is able to shoot the gaps with his aforementioned quickness to disrupt teams in the run game. A big bodied lineman who absorbs blocks and can make plays in the backfield utilizing his quickness Harmon's skill set would be a nice fit for the Ravens. He has some things to work on (mainly his pad level) but overall for a team that needs help along the defensive line. He would be an ideal player to insert in the middle of the defense next to Nnamdi Madubuike and Travis Jones.
Other(s) - Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College; Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State
28. Detroit Lions - Tyler Booker, iOL, Alabama
Much like I said in my last mock draft, I think it's important to look at which schools general managers target more than others when it comes to the draft. A somewhat overlooked factor, I think looking at a general manager's draft history is important in figuring out how they will attack upcoming drafts. Looking at Brad Holmes' time with the Lions, he has used 'premium' picks on Alabama products in three of his four draft classes up until this point, selecting the likes of Jameson Williams (12, 2022), Jahmyr Gibbs (12, 2023), Brian Branch (45, 2023), and Terrion Arnold (24, 2024). Obviously this doesn't mean that he'll target only Alabama products with early round draft picks, but again, I think it's an important thing to note. In my last mock draft I had them taking Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell. Though linebacker isn't necessarily the biggest need for the Lions in the draft, when was the last time they listened to any of us when it comes to the draft? Though I think Campbell would be a nice option for Detroit regardless of positional need, I now find it very unlikely that he'd be available for the Lions to select unless they make another Jameson Williams esq. trade up the draft board (went from 32 to 12). With that being said, the two main areas of concern for the Lions come in the trenches, whether that be on the offensive or defensive line. With how many injuries the Lions suffered on the defensive side of the ball last year it'd make sense to target either an edge rusher or a defensive tackle here, but with them losing starting guard Kevin Zeitler to Tennessee in free agency, I think taking another Alabama product in the form of Tyler Booker would make a lot of sense here at pick 28. At 6'5" 325 lbs. Booker allowed zero sacks in 13-starts for the Crimson Tide this past season. Dominant in pass protection using his strength and movement to hold off opponents while also using good speed and quickness given his size to get to the second level in the run game, Booker would be someone who could make an instant impact in Detroit. An absolute physical specimen who loves to flatten people, if the Lions want to continue to build their dominant presence up front, they could do a lot worse than selecting Booker here at 28. A quote machine like Detroit's head coach, Booker stated that he makes, 'guys not love football anymore.' Seems like a pretty natural fit to me.
Other(s) - Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College; Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
29. Washington Commanders - Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
The Washington Commanders had two pretty big needs going into this offseason, both coming on the offensive side of the ball. This past season rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels put up some ridiculous numbers as the team made it all the way to the NFC Championship game, where they ultimately got shit stomped by the eventual Super Bowl winning Philadelphia Eagles. Now, the main thing for Washington is to make sure last seasons impressive 12-5 record and post season run were not a fluke. As of right now, at face value they've done a good job at filling some of those aforementioned needs, trading for 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel for a 2025 fifth round selection (147) and Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil (plus a 2025 fourth round pick) for 2025 third and seventh round picks along with 2026 second and fourth round picks. Both players fill immediate needs for the team but as for Samuel, I wouldn't be shocked if Washington indeed moved for more receivers in the draft. That being said I don't know if they'll go that direction here in the first round, as I'm sure head coach Dan Quinn will want to fill some holes on the defensive side of the ball, whether that be at corner or edge rusher. Though some may argue corner is a bigger need, I think Marshon Lattimore can keep them at bay in the first round, at least in the first round. As for edge rusher the Commanders lost Dante Fowler Jr., who ended up signing with the division rival Cowboys fresh off of a 10.5-sack season, which led the team. As of right now their starting edge rushers are Clelin Ferrell and Dorance Armstrong, who in fairness did finish third on the team in sacks with five. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't be too confident if I had to start Ferrell every week, which is why I'm going to have them move for Georgia's Mykel Williams here at pick 29. At 6'5" 265 lbs., Williams is extremely explosive and uses his speed and power to get around the edge to get after the quarterback. For being as big as he is, Williams also shows a lot of bend in his play, rarely seeing him get beat at the line of scrimmage. Out of all the players in the draft Williams may have one of the highest upsides, which should excite people despite only putting up five sacks this past season (with two coming against Texas in the SEC Championship game). Coming from San Francisco, I'm sure general manager Adam Peters would love a traitsy player like Williams falling to him at pick 29. Though he could go a whole hell of a lot sooner, I don't think Washington will do much complaining and take him here without a second thought.
Other(s) - Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College; Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
30. Buffalo Bills - Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
This pick may come as a surprise to some people out there, but if recent reports are to be believed Arkansas' Landon Jackson is very much in play for the Buffalo Bills here with the 30th pick in the draft. The Bills have had a fairly interesting and relatively active offseason, whether that be signing players in free agency or re-signing key players to new longterm contracts. So far, the Bills have signed the likes of Joshua Palmer (Los Angeles), Michael Hoecht (Los Angeles), Larry Ogunjobi (Pittsburgh), Dane Jackson (Carolina), and Joey Bosa (Los Angeles), though the likes of Hoecht and Ogunjobi will be suspended for the first six games of the season due to violating the NFL's PED policy, which is far from ideal if you ask me. Buffalo also was able to re-sign some key players in the form of Khalil Shakier, Gregory Rousseau, Terrel Bernard, and most notably, Josh Allen. Like I said, it's been a relatively active offseason for Buffalo, despite them not making any real flashy moves. Despite all those players coming in, the Bills still have some pretty big needs along the defensive line and in the secondary, especially again with Hoecht and Ogunjobi's suspensions. Part of me thinks that they will address the secondary here in the first round, notably at corner as they traded away former first round pick Kaiir Elam to Dallas and have yet to re-sign Rasul Douglas (if that's still on the cards) and haven't made any real moves to address the position apart from re-signing Dane Jackson, who will only be a backup option. But, the Bills defensive line was rough this past season, as there was hardly any push at the point of attack. Though adding Bosa will help improve their pass rush (if he can stay healthy), the Bills do a lot of rotating along the defensive line, which makes me believe someone like Landon Jackson could be a real option here at 30. Standing at 6'6" and weighing 264 lbs. (listed at 6'7" 280 lbs.) Jackson put forth an excellent showing at the NFL Combine, registering a 4.68-40, a 40.5" vertical, and a 10'9" broad jump, with the latter two being the best and second best numbers posted by edge rushers. Though he put up great numbers in Indianapolis, Jackson is a versatile defensive lineman who can cause problems both from the inside and the outside with his athleticism, length, and power, driving back tight ends and offensive linemen with relative ease. Always playing through the whistle, Jackson's relentlessness sees him fight through blocks and make plays in the backfield, good against both the pass and the run (registering 13-sacks across the past two seasons). Compared by some to Maxx Crosby coming out of college, Jackson's size, work rate, and athleticism makes me think he could be a target for Buffalo in round one. With the Bills needing to improve their defensive line, Jackson could fill a immediate need for the Bills here at 30.
Other(s) - Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss; Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State
31. Kansas City Chiefs - Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
If Josh Simmons is available, I think this is easily one of the most straight forward picks in the draft. If you were fortunate enough to watch this past year's Super Bowl, the Chiefs offensive line was absolutely dismantled by the Eagles relentless pass rush, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes getting sacked six times throughout the course of the game. Now, the Chiefs have made some moves so far this offseason to address the woes along the offensive line, signing Jaylon Moore from San Francisco while also placing a non-exclusive franchise tag on Trey Smith. Sure they traded Joe Thuney to the Bears for a fourth round pick (which surprised me), but he'll be 33 in November and was shunted out to tackle for a decent amount of time last season. Though I can get behind the signing of Jaylon Moore, that fact is that he's only started 12-games throughout his four year career. That mixed with Jawaan Taylor being a walking penalty makes me think that offensive tackle is still very much an option here at 31. Like I mentioned before, if Josh Simmons is available the Chiefs have to take him. As I've stated in previous mock drafts, if it weren't for a season ending injury against Oregon back in October, Simmons may very well be considered as the draft's top tackle prospect. An athletic tackle that shows excellent footwork, Simmons is very consistent from the tackle spot. Formerly a right tackle at San Diego State, Simmons made the transition to the left side look effortless prior to his aforementioned injury. He's great in pass protection and is able to use his athleticism to get to the second level and drive defenders back in the run game. There's no doubt in my mind that he could go much higher than this, but for now (once again) I'm going to have the Chiefs taking him here at 31, which I'm sure they'd be more than fine with.
Other(s) - Donovan Jackson, iOL/OT, Ohio State; Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
32. Philadelphia Eagles - Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
Switching it up a little bit here with the final pick of mock draft 3.0. In the previous two mock drafts, I had the Philadelphia Eagles selecting Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. with the final pick in the first round. Though I still think that is still very much an option, as Pearce is one of the more gifted edge rushers in this class, part of me feels like the Eagles will turn their attention to a different area along the defensive side of the ball. Now, I don't really think you could go wrong with any position here, as Philadelphia has needs at defensive tackle, edge rusher, and in the secondary at safety, as they lost the likes of Milton Williams (New England) and Josh Sweat (Arizona) in free agency and traded CJ Gardner-Johnson to Houston for guard Kenyon Green. With the aforementioned Sweat leaving in free agency, and with the retirement of franchise legend Brandon Graham, edge rusher may still be the team's top need going into April's draft. Though I'm sure they'll think long and hard about drafting Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen here I still think the Eagles will end up selecting an edge rusher, and though Tennessee's James Pearce Jr. is still a very viable option, this time I'm going to have them select Boston College's Donovan Ezeiruaku here with the 32nd pick in the draft. Despite putting up some pretty ridiculous numbers this past season for the Golden Eagles, Ezeiruaku stock really started to trend upwards after his week at the Senior Bowl, impressing teams in one-on-one drills with his use of speed and ridiculous bend to get around offensive tackles. Though not the biggest at 6'2" 247 lbs., Ezeiruaku totaled 16.5-sacks (second only to Marshall's Mike Green) and three forced fumbles as he was named a Consensus All-American. The Senior Bowl brought him to a more to a national stage, but Ezeiruaku's aforementioned speed and bend were on display a bunch while in college, possessing great length and an excellent burst off the line of scrimmage, meeting blockers as they get back to depth. His defending against the run may need some more fine tuning, but his athleticism and length would give Philadelphia a dangerous defender off the edge. Much like Nolan Smith before him, if they let him learn and develop him right, the Eagles could select another fantastic player with a pick that he should not have been available for.
Other(s) - Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss; James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Positions Drafted
Quarterbacks - 2
Running Backs - 2
Wide Receivers - 3 (including Travis Hunter)
Tight Ends - 2
Offensive Tackles - 4
Interior Offensive Line - 2
Interior Defensive Line - 3
EDGE Rushers - 7
Linebackers - 1
Cornerbacks - 5 (including Travis Hunter)
Safeties - 2
Just Missed Out (20)
*alphabetical order by position
Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
Donovan Jackson, iOL/OT, Ohio State
Darius Alexander, DL, Toledo
Alfred Collins, DL, Texas
Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
T.J. Sanders, DL, South Carolina
Tyleik Williams, DL, Ohio State
Oluwafemi Oladejo, EDGE, UCLA
James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State
Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State
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