1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
Within the past few months all the momentum has shifted to Cam Ward being selected first overall. The Titans have made it very clear that they will be taking a quarterback. Tennessee needs a ton of help, with many holes throughout the team. Ward will have a handful entering the league with a poor receiving core led by a 30-year-old Calvin Ridley. The Titans have spent a pretty penny to improve their O-Line this offseason. Combining a revamped O-Line with a athletic dual-threat quarterback could lead to some excitement down in Nashville. Tennessee has swung and missed on several quarterback prospects throughout the past decade. Hopefully Ward doesn’t join that crew.
2. Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Cleveland has struggled during the Deshaun Watson era, and it looks like it’s time to move on. Shedeur Sanders is my number one quarterback in the draft, in which I believe he has more upside than Cam Ward. Sanders has the composure and confidence you would want from a young QB entering the league. The Browns have a stigma of being a poverty franchise and are in need of a difference maker. Sanders’ arm talent, ability to extend plays and personality could help change the culture over in Cleveland.
3. Carolina Panthers (Via Trade w/ NYG): Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
Abdul Carter is probably the safest pick in the draft. With both quarterbacks being selected 1 and 2, I have the New York Giants trading down to the eighth pick, bumping Carolina to the third pick. Carolina would get a steal at the third pick, selecting Abdul Carter. Carter, who is the overall best talent in the draft, would slide right into the struggling Panthers defense. Ironically, coming out of Penn State, he shows many flashes of Micah Parsons. Carolina could use a versatile talent like Carter that can make an impact on day one.
4. New England Patriots: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
If you’re going to take a skill position early in the draft, Travis Hunter is your guy. I know the question will be, what side would he play? That’s a great problem to have because Hunter is that talented on both sides of the ball. If the Patriots would like to add Hunter to fill out their receiving core along with their recent signing, Stefon Diggs, that would be lethal. There’s a fair assessment that Travis is a better DB with his instincts, footwork and gifted hands. There’s a real possibility that Hunter could be top five in either position a couple years down the road.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
With the fifth pick, there should be nobody else that Jacksonville is considering other than Mason Graham. The Jags interior was one of the worst in the league last year. They didn’t help their case with free agency either. Graham is by far the best defensive tackle in the draft and could really be a difference maker for a struggling Jaguars team.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Las Vegas added a complete game changer in Brock Bowers during the 2024 NFL Draft. Why not add another? The Raiders had some of the worst production in the league from their backfield last year, and are in need of a player of Ashton Jeanty’s caliber. There are many positions for improvement on the Raiders roster but with the signing of Geno Smith, a star of a tight end Brock Bowers, and an explosive back in Jeanty, Vegas could see themselves heading in the right direction.
7. New York Jets: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
The Jets encountered many offensive line troubles throughout the season with many injuries derailing their potential. With New York signing Justin Fields this offseason, they will most likely be looking for reinforcements to protect him. Will Campbell is a perfect fit for the Jets. Campbell was the best tackle in the country wreaking havoc in Baton Rouge. He could be the missing piece for this offense.
8. New York Giants (Via Trade w/ CAR): Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
If the Giants trade back, they could go many ways with this pick. There could be a world where Sanders is still available at the eighth pick. Assuming that he is off the board by this point, New York should grab Will Johnson. New York’s secondary struggled for most of the 2024 season. After picking up Jevon Holland from Miami and adding Will Johnson in the draft, the NY defense could show as a threat in the NFC East.
9. New Orleans Saints: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
The New Orleans ninth pick in this year’s draft is the most intriguing selection. The Saints have some decisions to make, especially at the quarterback position. There’s a chance that the Saints reach and select Jaxson Dart, like Atlanta selected Michael Penix Jr. at 8 last year, but that’s very unlikely. Derrick Harmon is the selection here for New Orleans as they tighten up their defense providing more help for Chase Young.
10. Chicago Bears: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
For a 5-12 team, Chicago has great upside potential. If Armand Membou slides into their hands at the 10th pick, this would be a dream come true for this offense. The Bears have a great receiving core, and talented young QB that is only going to get better. Throw Membou on that offensive line, Chicago can make some noise in a tough NFC North.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
The 49ers had a rough free agency, losing many key pieces that had them in the Super Bowl just two seasons ago. With Nick Bosa still playing at a very high level, it’s time San Francisco goes out and gets him some help. Jalon Walker would be a huge addition for this 49ers defense. The pressure Walker provides is what is needed to keep the 49ers competitive in the NFC West.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Dallas could use a lot on the offensive end. In recent months the traction for Ashton Jeanty has slowed down for the Cowboys, with many mocks having Jeanty being selected within the top 10. With a thin receiver core of just CeeDee Lamb, Tetairoa McMillan is a safe pick at this point of the draft. McMillan will give the Cowboys another playmaker on offense while also providing relief for Lamb.
13. Miami Dolphins: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
It’s almost guaranteed that Miami will be going with a cornerback after moving on from Jalen Ramsey. Barron just came off of an impressive year at Texas, capturing the Jim Thorpe Award. The secondary down in Miami is desperate for a new piece and Jahdae Barron could be that guy.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Tyler Warren is coming off an amazing season at Penn State, solidifying himself as the best tight end prospect in this year’s draft. The 6’6, 260 pounder has the total package. He’s no traditional tight end either, running a 4.68 40 yard dash and has the hands of a wide receiver. Warren would be the ideal pick here for the Colts, adding one of the best talents in the 2025 NFL Draft.
15: Atlanta Falcons: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
The Atlanta Falcons were able to finish 8-9 with a mediocre team last season, just missing the playoffs. Penix Jr. so far has shown glimpse of being the next franchise quarterback for Atlanta and Bijan Robinson is already a top five running back in the NFL. With that being said, they need to go defense. Getting an edge rusher in Mykel Williams that can cause an immense amount of disruption to an offense would be big time for this Falcons defense.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Arizona was a surprise last year, falling one game shy of a positive season. The addition of Marvin Harrison Jr. during the 2024 draft created a whole new offense for Kyler Murray. Selecting a tackle with the talent of Kelvin Banks Jr in the first round would be ideal for the Cardinals and give Murray some more time to get the ball out.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
The Bengals need to draft strictly on defense. It’s no secret that Cincinnati can score the football but can’t get a stop to save their life. Malaki Starks coming from the Georgia defense is a very skilled and versatile safety. He has the ability to be thrown at both strong and free safety, while also being able to play nickel corner. Starks wouldn’t solve all of the defensive struggles for the Bengals but it would be a significant addition.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
With all of the top offensive linemen being selected prior to the 18th pick, I think Seattle will go a different path and improve their wide receiving core. Golden would be an absolute steal at this point of the draft. Pairing Golden up with Cooper Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba would make Sam Darnold’s job much easier and make Seattle’s offense a true threat throughout the league.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
Tampa Bay is sitting pretty well with a very well balanced roster. Baker Mayfield has had no issues sparking offense with the weapons he has. This is where I think the Bucs go with a defensive athletic freak in Shemar Stewart. Stewart provides a ton of pressure and is the type of pass rusher that will concern many offensive lines.
20. Denver Broncos: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Omarion Hampton is the clear number two running back prospect. The Broncos have a weak running back room and could use another option with an emerging Bo Nix over in Denver. The Broncos were a complete surprise last season and have officially entered their Bo Nix era. Omarion Hampton is the obvious choice for Denver as they are trying to make a playoff push and compete in the AFC.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Pittsburgh is in need of a quarterback with Mason Rudolph being their current QB1. Dart is one of the more interesting prospects in this draft. Nobody has any clue where he will land, with many conflicting beliefs of whether Dart is a first or second round pick. With the Steelers current quarterback room, I don’t see why they wouldn’t go with Jaxson Dart later in the first round. Pittsburgh traded for a star wide receiver this offseason in DK Metcalf, so why not take a chance on Dart?
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
If Colston Loveland falls to the Chargers at the 22nd pick, there’s no doubt that Jim Harbaugh will take the tight end from Michigan. Loveland would have much more hype around his name if there wasn’t a guy named Warren in this year’s draft. Justin Herbert over performed with his offense last year. Adding Loveland as another target would make a major impact on the Chargers offense.
23. Green Bay Packers: Trey Amos, CB, Mississippi
With an injury prone Jaire Alexander and never knowing when he’ll be on the field, the Packers should go with a cornerback. Trey Amos is a fast twitch corner that is very versatile. Amos provides a future to the secondary in Green Bay as well a safe option if Alexander were to be sidelined once again this season.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Minnesota is sitting in a fantastic position going into the 2025 season. There’s not many spots on this roster that need to be filled. Safety is a position that the Vikings can improve in and by drafting Nick Emmanwori, the Minnesota defense can become very deadly.
25. Houston Texans: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
One of the downsides of the highly anticipating Texans offense from last year was their pass protection. C.J. Stroud didn’t have the time in the pocket that most other top quarterbacks did. Hence why his numbers took a dip during his sophomore year. Houston will add some protection for Stroud by selecting an impactful Josh Simmons out of Ohio State.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Jihaad Campbell pairing up with Jared Verse could be a game changer for the Rams. Remember, Los Angeles was a few plays away from defeating the Super Bowl champion, Philadelphia Eagles. With the Rams bringing back Matthew Stafford, they are looking to capitalize now before the Stafford era is over.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
The Baltimore Ravens have been in the mix to make it out of the AFC for the past couple years. Lamar Jackson and their offense are a Super Bowl caliber offense. I believe the defense is a few players away from. Drafting a corner like Maxwell Hairston will improve their pass coverage and provide more aid when having to face the top quarterbacks in the AFC.
28. Detroit Lions: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
The Lions have been real avid to add another edge rusher alongside Aiden Hutchinson. Mike Green is one of the more skilled edge rushers in the draft but has doubts at times coming out of Marshall. Adding Marshall can make this pass rush very dangerous.
29. Washington Commanders: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Washington needs to capitalize in the Jayden Daniel era. With Daniels being under contract through the 2028 season, the Commanders should go all in and select a talented receiver in Emeka Egbuka. An Ohio State WR is one of the safest picks in recent draft history, so why not give Jayden Daniels another threat? Scary Terry, Deebo and Egbuka could make a statement this season, possibly being the best receiving core in the NFL.
30. Buffalo Bills: Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
Buffalo needs to tighten up their secondary. The Bills have shown that they can match up with any team in the NFL, and Josh Allen is a certified baller. The Bills pass defense has struggled, especially against other top teams in the league. Go out and grab a cornerback like Azareye’h Thomas and maybe that can be a missing piece to getting Buffalo over the hump.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
For a team that has just appeared in the Super Bowl, the Chiefs should be somewhat worried. Kansas City’s offensive line folded in the Super Bowl, but many of the top linemen will be gone by this point. This is where the Chiefs go for a pass rusher in Donovan Ezeiruaku. In a draft that is loaded with edge rushers, I think K.C. will hop on the bandwagon and add one to their defense.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
We all know that Philly doesn’t necessarily need another receiver, but would we be surprised if Howie Roseman did it? Roseman is known for selecting the best available, whether that’s at a position that is a need right now or not. If Luther Burden III is still on the draft board with the last pick in the first round, there’s a good chance the Eagles elevate their offense to a notch that no other team could reach.
All stats from ESPN as of April 17.
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