Here we are again getting close to the NFL draft.   We had a lot of fun with it last year hitting our best bet in JJ McCarthey over 5.5 for + money.   Every year we seem to find value, and I hope to keep that going.  In saying that, this draft as a whole feels a little bit more anticlimactic than previous years.   There are only a few shoe-ins at the top, and I feel like most teams are going to draft for need.  I also do not see a lot of trades happening because more teams should want to move down and get more picks, then teams are willing to move up.   Some positions are weak at the top yet deep as a whole like quarterbacks, running backs, offensive lineman and cornerbacks.  I must say that I disagree with some of the consensus on these players as usual, but that doesn’t mean that the general managers of these teams will.   The format of my article remains the same at what I think that teams “should” do and what I think teams will do at their draft position.  This year in round one, we only have 1 quarterback and 1 running back.  We also have 7 offensive lineman, 9 defensive tackles/edge rushers, 3 safeties, 2 linebackers, 2 tight ends, 5 cornerbacks, and 2 wide receivers.  Let’s see how the draft pans out!

Best Bet:  Total 1st round RBs under 2.5 -155 – .5 stars (DK)

ROUND 1

1. Tennessee Titans

Who they should pick: Shedeur Sanders QB – Shedeur had some of the best numbers last season.   Last year, he had the 2nd best pass EPA with low leverage plays downweighed in college football.   Shedeur was 4th in total passing yards and had a nice 37/10 touchdown to interception ratio.   Sanders was 1st in completion percentage at 74% which was amazing based on an average of 8.7 yards per attempt.  The biggest reason that Sanders is the top QB prospect is that in a class with no real standouts, he has the highest floor out of all of his competition.   Just being the son of a super star like Deion shows how he has operated under the most pressure to be great.  I also do not think that Deion will let him fail in the NFL which makes me comfortable selecting him over the other quarterbacks in this class.   Let’s face it.  Nashville needs a star on their team.   Cam Ward may not be it.

Mock Pick:  Cam Ward, QB, Miami.  It is very possible that we see the Titans blow another top draft pick on a potential bust.  If they don’t draft Sanders, I would trade down myself.    Cam Ward ranks number 20 in adjusted completion percentage, which isn’t bad, but it’s also not elite.  He only ran a 4.87 in the forty.  Ball security remains a concern, particularly when extending plays he had eight fumbles in 2024 despite improved pocket awareness.  Sometimes Cam relies too heavily on arm talent, throwing off back foot rather than resetting feet when pocket gets muddy.  This could be a formula for more interceptions in the next level.   I personally would rather pick Sanders or Carter at the first spot.

2. Cleveland Browns

Who they should pick:  Travis Hunter CB/WR – Being that the Browns are in quarterback hell, they probably should pick the best player available and then pray to got that DeShaun Watson decides to play like he did his first two years.

Mock Pick:  Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado.  I think the Brownies get it right, but I look at Hunter as more of a cornerback coming into the NFL.   There are two options with this unicorn.  Start him ad wide receiver, and play slot corner and come in mainly on third down passing plays, or start him at corner and have him play slot receiver.   The rowns have Newsome and Ward at their corners, so they will probably go with the first choice even though sportsbooks are putting Hunter as a cornerback.

3. New York Giants

Who they should pick:  Shedeur Sanders – The Giants dumped Danny Dimes after paying him.   Russell Wilson is ok, but not good enough to sniff the playoffs with their brutal schedule.  Maybe they get 1st pick of the litter next season, but

Mock Pick:  Abdul Carter, OLB/Edge, Penn State

I don’t hate this pick at all.   Carter is a transcending pass rusher that will at least help against power teams like the Eagles and Commanders.   I assume this pick would mean that this team might have eyes for next year’s Arch Manning or LaNorris Sellers.   Either way, this team needs a quarterback.

4. New England Patriots

Who they should pick:  Will Campbell OT –  Trade down, but if not, the New England Patriots had the worst offensive line in football.  Protecting rookie Drake Maye has to be a priority, and they did not do a good enough job of that in free agency.  It would be an utter embarrassment for them to go any other direction.  In saying that, the Patriots will TRY to trade down as there are 2 or three solid offensive tackles to get.

Mock Pick:  Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Being that I usually do not predict trades, I think Will Campbell gets the nod here, but I will say that the Patriots will try to trade down as there are a few good offensive tackle prospects rated closely together.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars

Who they should pick: Tyler Warren TE –  The Jaguars can go with pretty much the best player available.   I normally would say go trenches as they need to improve both the offensive and defensive lines, but Tyler Warren is such a stud and the Jaguars do not have a tight end.   Defensive Tackles are actually pretty deep in this draft.   I would grab one in the second or trade up later back into the 1st.

Mock Pick:  Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

Ok, maybe they will stick with picking Mason Graham like some mock drafts suggest, but I am going to throw this out there as I think the Jaguars could be setting up a smoke screen so nobody jumps ahead of them to get their guy.   They also may trade back and be forced into Warren if Graham gets drafted anyways.

Jaguars 1st pick TE +1700 – .25 stars (DK)

6. Las Vegas Raiders

Who they should pick:  Kelvin Banks OT/G – The Raiders need a lot, but why would they not want to protect Geno here.   Kelvin is versatile and can move around the offensive line quite well.   At 6-5 315 lbs, he can move quickly enough against the top pass rushers in the NCAAF league.   Banks only gave up 3 sacks in 42 games.

Mock Pick:  Kelvin Banks, OT/G, Texas

The Raiders were last in rushing, but Tom Telesco will be smart enough to know that it isn’t the running back who decides this as much as it is his offensive line and coaching.   Kelvin Banks is versatile and can move into right tackle or even Guard if need be.  Draft analysts are wishing that it will be Ashton Jeanty, and they are trying to make it happen, but taking a risk on a guy who played against the worst defenses in college football isn’t my idea of smart.

Kelvin Banks top 10 pick +170 – .25 stars (FD)

7. New York Jets

Who they should pick: Armand Membou, OT – For the Same reasons that I called out for the Raiders.  The Jets had a poor offensive line and they need a right tackle.  The Jets actually were not that bad on the offensive line, but this team is also quite stacked at many of the other positions.

Mock Pick:  Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

Dare I say the Jets get it right?   This team lost Morgan Moses to a division rival, and they need to replace that right tackle so Justin Fields has nobody to blame.  Shedeur Sanders is also a solid option, but then it puts Justin Fields right back in the prove it or lose it campaign which last season was a pretty bad look for him.   The Jets are still taking Cap hits on Aaron Rogers.

8. Carolina Panthers

Who they should pick:  Jalen Walker LB – The Panthers need everything, but grabbing the best linebacker from Georgia isn’t a terrible Idea.  Had they not signed two defensive Tackles in the free agency, I might have leaned more in that direction.

Mock Pick:  Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia

The Panthers had the worst defense in the league.  Jalon’s an explosive off ball linebacker who can rush the passer and get into pass coverage.  As a starter for the Bulldogs, Walker accumulated 6.5 sacks last season looks great.  His speed at 4.5 40 is what this Panthers team really needs on defense.  He will be their leader.

9. New Orleans Saints

Who they should pick:  Shedeur Sanders QB – As stated earlier, Shedeur had some of the best numbers last season.   Last year, he had the 2nd best pass EPA with low leverage plays downweighed in college football.   Shedeur was 4th in total passing yards and had a nice 37/10 touchdown to interception ratio.

Mock Pick:  Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Even if Derek Carr didn’t just come up with a shoulder injury last week, I still would want the Saints to draft Sanders.   This kid is a competitor.  He may be rough around the edges yet as he holds on to the ball much too long, but hopefully coach Kellen Moore, who was an ex NFL quarterback, can fix some of these issues.   A star is born for the Saints.

10. Chicago Bears

Who they should pick:  Josh Conerly OT – The Bears could go a few different directions here, but they really need more offensive line production and depth.  I just do not trust Braxton Jones.   Now that the interior of the line is fixed, trade down or draft OT Josh Conerly from Oregon.  The kid is a solid offensive tackle, and he proved it all season keeping Dillon Gabriel clean in the pocket.

Mock Pick:  Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Stupid is what stupid does according to Forest Gump, and at this point I still can’t trust the Bears to not fall for the glamour.   Jeanty played on a good power 5 type team in a terrible defensive football conference.   He was exposed when he played Penn State.

11. San Francisco 49ers

Who they should pick:  Will Johnson CB – The 49ers lost a lot of dudes in free agency.  I honestly do not know how they can keep going like this.   Had there not been four offensive lineman off the board, I would have said to go with one.   Since the best true cornerback is there, might as well grab Will Johnson.

Mock Pick:  Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

The 49ers are a smart organization.  With CB Charvarius Ward now gone, this team needs to worry about the pass.  Will is big at 6’2 and has great ball instincts accumulating nine interceptions over his last two years.  The 49ers only had 11 interceptions last year.

49ers 1st pick CB +310 – .25 stars (FD)

12. Dallas Cowboys

Who they should pick: Tyler Booker G – Dallas needs some serious help on their offensive line.   Especially when you look at Dak Prescott and all of the injuries that he has sustained.  This unit ranked 25th on pro football focus’s end of season rankings.  Zack Martin retired, meaning this team is in dire need to replace that guard production.

Mock Pick:  Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

Dallas has always been known for flash before substance.   This is a terrible pick as I do not think that Dak will have the time to throw the ball to either him or Lamb for the 2025 season.   There is a chance that they wise up being that Lamb, Turpin and Tolbert are there.

Bet:  Cowboys 1st pick offensive line +500 – .25 stars

13. Miami Dolphins

Who they should pick:  Mason Graham DE – The Dolphins could go a lot of directions here, but I think that they will replace Calais Campbell, Da’Shawn Hand, and Emmanual Ogbah (who still isn’t signed).  Graham Played defensive Tackle in a 4-3 scheme in college, but can get to the quarterback and clog gaps.

Mock Pick:   Mason Graham, DE, Michigan

I think that the Dolphins get it right here and pick a defensive end to go with their 3-4 scheme.   Graham is a beast of a defensive lineman who shut down Ohio State’s run game.  His scouting report says that he can play anywhere on the defensive line.   Mason can get to the quarterback when needed.

14. Indianapolis Colts

Who they should pick:  Shemar Stewart DE – The Colts lost Dayo Odeyingbo to the Bears, but this team could literally draft anywhere.  Lots of mocks have them picking a tight end, but what good is it if your quarterback stinks?   DE Samsung Egbukam will be back after his Achilles injury, but he can’t be trusted.   I would go defensive end here.

Mock Pick:  Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

This is a make-or-break year for Anthony Richardson (and/or possibly Daniel Jones), Indy has to get more playmakers in its offense. Loveland has the stretching ability to make big plays down the field, and he has the 6-foot-6 size to post up in the red zone.  In saying this, why not just use Mo Alie-Cox?   What are you doing with Jelani Woods who was injured, yet a pretty high draft pick a few years back?   I do not like this.

15. Atlanta Falcons

Who they should pick:  James Pearce Edge (LEO) – Pearce was a great pass rusher at Tennessee.  His elite get-off and bend profile perfectly for today’s pass-happy NFL, where his ability to threaten the edge will command attention from day one.

Mock Pick:  Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M

Being that the Falcons ranked 31st in sacks last season, I think that they look to beef up the pass rush.   Shemar was a 4-3 defensive end in college, but he can play defensive tackle with his size and still rush the passer.   The Falcons signed Leonard Floyd in the offseason, so I think that they instead beef up more of the interior pass rush rather than the outside edge.

16. Arizona Cardinals

Who they should pick:  Jahdae Barron CB – The Cardinals went WR and DE last year, so I think that they go CB and the DT in the second round this year.  Barron is a slot corner who can tackle extremely well.   4.39 speed and good size fits right in the NFL.

Mock Pick:  Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

The Cardinals could go a number of different ways as they could use linebacker, DT, WR and offensive line.  They already improved the run defensive by bringing back Calais Campbell, Dalvin Tomlinson and Josh Sweat.  I just think that they will want to beef up the corners as that spot has more value at the top.

17. Cincinnati Bengals

Who they should pick: Jihaad Campbell, LB – The Bengals need to pay Hendrickson what he wants and go from there.  They can’t afford to lose him.  If they do, they will need to replace him.   For now, linebacker is very weak.  Even with the Oren Burks signing, this team needs a leader at that position.

Mock Pick:  Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

The Bengals middle linebacker Germaine Pratt requested a trade.  I am not sure if they grant him that, but it is time to start to develop the next guy.   Jihaad Campbell is solid.  He ran a 4.52 fourty yard dash and can defend the pass as well as rush the quarterback.   He can play all three downs as he is also a run stopper.   The only knock against him is that he needs to add some weight.

18. Seattle Seahawks

Who they should pick:  Josh Conerly OT – Josh Conerly is a big man.   The Seahawk’s offensive line ranked 31st on pro football focus.  Conerly should be able to play right tackle or be versatile enough to move to any position.  His sophomore campaign saw him allow just one sack across 540 pass-blocking snaps, earning All-Pac-12 honorable mention honors while helping quarterback Bo Nix to a conference Player of the Year season.

Mock Pick:  Josh Conerly, OT, Oregon 

The Seahawks get it right.  Sam Darnold cannot perform well unless he has a clean pocket.  Seattle addressed their defensive end, wide receiver and special teams needs in free agency.  I also like Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson some here if Conerly is gone.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Who they should pick:  Nick Emmanwori S – The Bucs are a good team, and they could go a lot of directions in this draft.   They could use an Edge rusher, offensive line and linebacker.   They also greatly need Safety now that they are not resigning a declining Jordan Whitehead.   Why not pick the best safety in this draft!   Nick Emmanwori is tall, fast and excellent.  Emmanwori had 83 tackles, two passes broken up, and four interceptions, with two returned for a touchdown.  At 6’3 running a 4.38 fourty is rare.   

Mock Pick:  Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

Emmanwori is the best safety in this draft and it isn’t even close.  I think that Tampa makes a smart decision here.  Last year, the Bucs gave up lots of a lot of explosive plays in the passing game.   Emmanwori will team up with Antoine Winfield to shut that down.  

20. Denver Broncos

Who they should pick:  Tetairoa McMillan WR – TMac is the best wide receiver in the draft.   He’s big at 6’4 and is a Tee Higgens type prospect that can make a huge impact right away.  This kid has sticky hands and can fight off the best cornerbacks in the NFL.  I had Tmac my number 1 receiver for over a year now.  

Mock Pick:  Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona  

Many folks are saying that Denver should draft a running back, but if you know Sean Payton, he doesn’t usually favor that position over others.   The Broncos do not have a 3rd wide receiver that is any good after Sutton and Mims.   The Broncos will be very good this year in the red zone.  I think they wait on running back until the second or third rounds.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers

Who they should pick:  Tyler Booker G – The Steelers had bad injury luck on the offensive line, but that also means that they could use some better depth.  Tyler Booker is a big man who can play anywhere on the offensive line.  Booker was dominant in 2024. He is a true power run blocker who can regularly knock defenders back and push them out of his gap.

Mock Pick:  Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Reading the tea leaves, the Steelers are looking for more defensive line depth.  They have Kenneth Gainwell to backup Jaylen Warren at RB, so that shouldn’t be a priority.  The big question is if Aaron Rogers is signing with this team.  If he isn’t then anything can happen including a quarterback in the first round.   I would wait until the second as I am not sold on Jaxson Dart.   Grant is a run clogger and excelled at Michigan in big games.  He also can get to the quarterback.

22. Los Angeles Chargers

Who they should pick:  James Pearce OLB/Edge – I am guessing that LA will try to trade down.  In saying that, the Chargers parted ways with Joey Bosa freeing up some cap space.  They will need to replace some production and some depth.  James Pearce was an absolute force at Tennessee and should fit in just fine.

Mock Pick:    Alfred Collins, DE, Texas

Harbaugh will make the smart choice.  He isn’t a flashy guy and will try and clog the trenches.   Last year, LA was bad against the run allowing a 4.7 yards per rush which ranked 26th in the league.   Collins should be able to help clog it up and this I feel is a fine pick as well if they do not trade down or go with Pearce.

23. Green Bay Packers

Who they should pick:  Shavon Revel Jr. CB – The Packers are looking to trade Jaire Alexander, and I agree with it.   He complains a lot and is hurt all of the time.   It’s time to improve the cornerback position so that the Pack doesn’t get torched by the Lions amongst others.   This kid is a beast.  Tall, fast and has great ball instincts.  Unfortunately, he tore his ACL in September, but he was looking great before it happened.   He did visit Green bay and the team though a few weeks back.  at 6’4 with a 4.4 fourty, he is worth the first round play.

Mock Pick:  Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

GM Brian Gutekunst just does not pick WRs in the first round of the draft.  The Packers play it safer by picking Ben Morrison from Notre Dame.  In 2023, Morrison notched 31 tackles, three interceptions and 10 passes defended. He had a fantastic performance against Ohio State, helping to limit Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. 

24. Minnesota Vikings

Who they should pick:  Xavier Watts S – The Vikings are stacked at many positions, so they really could pick whomever they please.  I think that they need to go for a guy who led their team to the championship game in Xavier Watts.  This team lost Camryn Bynum to free agency, so this pick does make a ton of sense.  

Mock Pick:  Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Lots of folks are linking Malaki Starks to the Vikings.  I am fine with it as his measurables are very close to what Xavier Watts, I am just thinking Watts has better instincts than Starks in the passing game.

25. Houston Texans

Who they should pick:  Josh Simmons OT – The Texans need to protect Stroud.  They traded Laremy Tunsil to Washington and signed Cam Robinson from the Vikings.  They have to consider injuries to the offensive line and Josh Simmons is coming back from an injury he suffered late into the season at Ohio State.   

Mock Pick:  Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Stroud was sacked 52 times last year.   Josh Simmons has played both right and left tackle positions in his days at San Diego State and Ohio State.  He did not allow a sack all season before his injury at Oregon.   AT 6’5 317 lbs, Josh ran a 5.15 fourty and plays smart football on the field.  He can also move into guard at some point if needed.

26. Los Angeles Rams

Who they should pick:  Trey Amos CB – The Rams could go in many directions here, but Trey Amos was a shut down corner over in Alabama and in South Carolina.  Since losing Jalen Ramsey, the Rams stunk at this position.

Mock Pick:  Derrick Harmon, NT, Oregon – I think that the Rams will try to beef up their defensive line so that Jared Verse can run more freely.   Derrick Harmon is fast for over 300 lbs running a 4.95 fourty.  Harmon is also a big reason that Oregon’s defense was able to stop the run in most of the game that were played.

27. Baltimore Ravens

Who they should pick:  Xavier Watts S – Last year, Xavier was the best safety in college football.   He has the instincts to jump routs and the strength to punish running backs who break through to the second level.  

Mock Pick: James Pearce OLB/Edge

The Ravens got burned last year on some deep plays, but don’t get me wrong, this is how they play defense.   They could go safety here, but I but I think that they care about getting to the quarterback.  Pearce ran the fastest fourty at the combine for his position at 4.47 seconds.  The 6’5″, 243-pound edge defender brings a rare combination of length and explosiveness to the field.

28. Detroit Lions

Who they should pick:  JT Tuimoloau DE – The Lions defensive line was decimated last year.   JT is a beast who can play the edge in a 4-3 defense while tossing offensive tackles to the side.  This kid had 12.5 sacks last year.  He is big at 265 lbs running a 4.62 Fourty.

Mock Pick:  Tyler Booker, G, Georgia

The Lions could go a lot of directions here.  They however lost Kevin Zietler to free agency, and I think that they will want to continue to have the best offensive line in football.  Booker was amazing in 2024. He is a true power run blocker who can regularly knock defenders back and push them out of his gap.  He was also excellent in pass protection. 

29. Washington Commanders

Who they should pick:  Jack Sawyer DE – Jack Sawyer is a football player.   If you watched him in the college football playoffs, you can see that he has great instincts and size.  Some say that he is too much in between a down lineman and an edge linebacker.  He can actually do both, and the commanders greatly need a run stopper as well as someone who can get to the quarterback.   Jack can do both.

Mock Pick:  Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia – I think the commanders will be dazzled by the five star recruit from Georgia.   He was injured some last year, but finished with 21 tackles, five sacks and two forced fumbles.   I prefer Sawyer myself.  

30. Buffalo Bills

Who they should pick:   Darian Porter CB – Porter switched from wide receiver to cornerback late in his career, but at 6’4, 200 lbs, this kid ran a 4.30 fourty at the combine.   He has the size to jump for balls and the speed to keep up with Tyreke Hill.   This would be a great pick.

Mock Pick:  Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

The Bills need a few positions, but since they covered Defensive End with the Joey Bosa signing, I think that they go corner here.   Maxwell Hairston isn’t as tall as porter, but he clocked the fastest 40 time at 4.28 in the combine.  Maxwell has good instincts and can find the ball.  He is a little small, but plays bigger than his size.   Hairston demonstrates exceptional closing burst to the football.   When the ball is in the air, he gets to it.  

31. Kansas City Chiefs

Who they should pick:  Grey Zabel OT/G/C – This kid from North Dakota State can play any position on the offensive line.   He is a massive 6’6 312 lbs with an estimated fourty time of 5.2.   Even though he played in division II, this kid’s size, speed and strength translates well to the NFL.  

Mock Pick:  Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota

I think that the Chiefs may try and trade down and draft Ersery later.  I picked him because he visited the Chiefs organization in person, and is graded pretty high from some of the scouts.  

Chiefs 1st pick OL +105 – .5 stars (FD)

32. Philadelphia Eagles

Who they should pick:  T.J. Sanders DT – The Eagles are stacked and can do pretty much what they want.   After losing Milton Williams to free agency, I think that they draft more depth at the defensive tackle position.  

Mock Pick:   T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina

The Eagles lost Josh Sweat as well as Milton Williams.  Brandon Graham is unsigned.   I think picking a defensive tackle is a no-brainer here, and TJ sander sis a beast who last year had four sacks and 51 tackles. He showed some dangerous interior pass rush ability while the knowhow to free up linebackers to stuff the run.