As the biggest splashes of the offseason, or at least its’ pre-draft phase have passed, it is now time for everyone’s favorite exercise of the offseason. That’s right, it’s time for a Mock Draft. Here is my most recent iteration following a lot of major dominoes falling in the National Football League.
Pick 1: Tennessee Titans; QB Cam Ward, University of Miami
It seems that the Titans are poised to hold on to their pick and select their new franchise QB hopeful, with all of their recent OL moves. If the pick were going to be traded to a team like New York, it would likely have already happened. The Panthers traded for the first pick shortly after the combine in 2023 and it is not as hot of a QB class as years past. The Titans will opt for Ward, QB1 of this class to steer their franchise in a new direction, as Brian Callahan gets his swing at electing the leader of Tennessee.
Pick 2: Cleveland Browns; CB/WR Travis Hunter, University of Colorado
The Browns locked up Myles Garrett with a mega-deal, likely leading them away from Abdul Carter. And while they need a Quarterback, it is rumored that they are not high on Shedeur Sanders, especially at 2. Expect the Browns to opt for Kirk Cousins or Russell Wilson and select the best prospect in the NFL Draft at 2 to pair with Denzel Ward in the secondary and Jerry Jeudy in the receiving room.
Pick 3: New York Giants; EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State University
Similarly to the Titans, the Giants seem to be unsure of Shedeur Sanders. Maybe they take him at 3, but it seems more likely right now that they sign Aaron Rodgers and select the generational edge rusher at 3 to bolster their DL alongside Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Pick 4: New England Patriots; WR Tetairoa McMillan, University of Arizona
The Patriots hit on what they believe is a franchise QB last year in Drake Maye. They have spent all offseason building up a defense, but are lacking weapons after whiffing on DK Metcalf, Cooper Kupp and Tee Higgins. If Travis Hunter were available, he would almost surely be the pick, but here he isn’t. The Pats have OL questions, but priority #1 is a top level pass catcher for Maye. McMillan projects as WR1 in the class and gives Maye and New England the X receiver they need.
Pick 5: Jacksonville Jaguars; DL Mason Graham, University of Michigan
The Jaguars are excited about their offense with Liam Coen leading the charge and another year of Brian Thomas Jr out wide catching passes from a healthy Trevor Lawrence. But what they need help on still is defense. Particularly in the trenches. On the edge they have Travon Walker (for now) and Josh Hines-Allen. But if they can beef up their interior and pair someone with an aging Arik Armstead, the unit will improve. Graham is a complete 3-tech who can rush the passer and stuff the run. Expect him to land in Duval.
Pick 6: Las Vegas Raiders; CB Will Johnson, University of Michigan
Back-to-back Wolverine teammates go in this Mock as the Raiders opt for defense with the 6th overall selection. Johnson would be the best Corner in the class if not for Travis Hunter. Many are hearing rumors of Ashton Jeanty to Vegas, but I believe their true intentions lie with a defense lacking outside of Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins. Johnson becomes an immediate impact player on the outside for Pete Carroll, two years after he selected Devon Witherspoon at Pick 5 in the 2023 Draft with Seattle.
Pick 7: New York Jets; Tackle Will Campbell, Louisiana State University
The Jets in 2024 had an OL ranked 23rd in pass block win rate and 29th in run block win rate. This played a role in the Aaron Rodgers experiment’s failure in the Big Apple. Rodgers has been replaced by Justin Fields, who has already had his fair share of poor pass blocking. Expect the Jets to take the 6’6″ 324-pound tackle to boost their line, even with the concerns of his arm length.
Pick 8: Carolina Panthers; Safety Malaki Starks, University of Georgia
The Panthers are in a weird spot. They need to find weapons for Bryce Young, even after selecting Xavier Legette in Round 1 last year. However, they will be too late for Hunter and McMillan, and a bit too early for Matthew Golden. They have enough holes on the other side of the ball to justify going defense with the 8th pick. Carolina missed out on Jevon Holland and now will turn to Starks, a Safety with track speed and elite run defense. Starks slots into a secondary with Jaycee Horn, who just received a huge bag.
Pick 9 (Acquired from New Orleans): San Francisco 49ers; Tackle Armand Membou, University of Missouri
The Niners recently parted ways with Jordan Mason and Deebo Samuel as they gear up to pay Brock Purdy with his rookie deal coming to a close. The 49er OL could use some reinforcements for Purdy as well. Trent Williams could be in his last season, and Membou is the perfect pick. As an RT who has had teams curious about his ability to transition to the left side, Membou can start the year at RT and slide over once Williams is gone. San Fran could take a Wideout or pass rusher, but the physical potential of the seasoned SEC Tackle will prove too much to pass up on.
Pick 10: Chicago Bears; RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State University
The Bears have completely transformed their offensive interior, adding Drew Dalman, Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson. Not only will this help Caleb Williams in pass protection, but this seems to lend itself to a Running Back at 10, especially considering the formula that Ben Johnson used in Detroit with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Ashton Jeanty is the clear RB1 in the class and the thought of pairing him with Williams, Rome Odunze, DJ Moore, and Johnson is too much to resist.
Pick 11 (Acquired from San Francisco): New Orleans Saints; EDGE Mike Green, Marshall University
Green would possibly be a top 8 selection if not for potential character concerns. Even with these, the athletic profile and production are off the charts. The Saints desperately need defensive help with aging wonders all about. After re-signing Juwan Johnson at Tight End, it seems Tyler Warren won’t be a Saint. There will be a lot of edge rushers to pick from, but Green is the guy here for New Orleans,.
Pick 12: Dallas Cowboys; WR Matthew Golden, University of Texas
Golden was likely to be a first round Wideout prior to the combine, but his blazing 4.29 40 likely boosted him into the top half of the opening round. The Cowboys need reinforcements around Dak Prescott and Ceedee Lamb, and Golden is right in their backyard after attending Houston and Texas. He is an upgrade over Brandin Cooks and will be a very fun target for Dak and Brian Schottenheimer.
Pick 13: Miami Dolphins; DB Jahdae Barron, University of Texas
Similar to picks 5-6, picks 12-13 will see two college teammates drafted back to back. The Dolphins need OL help and defensive help, so it is a toss-up, but I expect them to be hesitant with Kelvin Banks and Josh Simmons. Barron is an experienced DB who could stay on the outside, play in the slot, or play Safety. His versatility will be a shot in the arm for a middling Miami defense.
Pick 14: Indianapolis Colts; TE Tyler Warren, Penn State University
Warren was seen as a top-10 pick recently, but it seems that he may be falling right to where he is most needed. The Colts have a good young WR core and could use someone defensively, but there is a glaring need at TE. Warren is an incredibly versatile weapon, and to get him at 14 would be a steal. While it’s unsure if Anthony Richardson will be the starter, whether it’s him or Daniel Jones, the Colts QB will get a big-time weapon next to Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce, and AD Mitchell.
Pick 15: Atlanta Falcons; EDGE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M University
Stewart is one of the more “prospect” D-Linemen in the class, but the physical traits are unreal. With an RAS (relative athletic score) of 9.99 (scale to 10) at 6’5″, 257 pounds, Stewart could be the game-wrecking edge rusher that the Falcons (31st in pressure rate) desperately need with an offense seemingly ready to compete if Michael Penix takes the next step.
Pick 16: Arizona Cardinals; DL Kenneth Grant, University of Michigan
Grant is being a bit overshadowed by his college running mate Mason Graham, but he is an elite nose tackle who can bring a lot to the Arizona Cardinals’ defense. With Josh Sweat added on the edge, Grant could help form a solid DL in the desert, with the NFC West suddenly more open than we have seen in recent memory. At 6’3″ 340, Grant will be huge in the run game against CMC, Kenneth Walker, and Kyren Williams