All of the big names in free agency have signed, which means it’s time for another mock draft. I’ve continued to scout prospects through free agency, and though the board is ever-changing, it’s becoming clearer. This mock is a mixture of team need, consensus player rankings, and my own big board.
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Picks 1-8
The Will Levis experiment comes to an end as the Titans select their QB of the future.
The Browns brass convinced Myles Garrett to return to the team with $40 million a year and some hope. A new franchise QB feels like the right pick here.
With egg still on his face from Saquon Barkley, and now missing out on the top 2 QBs of the class, General Manager Joe Schoen elects to bring in a new uber-talented face of the franchise.
Offensive tackle or a trade back is at play here, but Mike Vrabel can’t pass up Abdul Carter, who some consider the best player in the draft.
The Jaguars can go many directions with the 5th overall pick, but shoring up the defensive line with the best player available is a no-brainer here.
Ashton Jeanty will be in consideration, but in a deep RB class, an outside receiver to complement Brock Bowers is a more immediate need.
The Jets are in dire need of an improved culture. Warren is the tough, hardworking type of player they will be targeting going forward. He immediately gives Justin Fields an easy target and will help out in the run game as well.
The Carolina Panthers finally got the offense going under Bryce Young in 2024. There are a lot of holes to fill on this roster, and a game-changing edge rusher fills a big need for the Panthers’ defense.
Picks 9-16
Shemar Stewart’s off-the-charts combine raised his stock into the top 10. The Saints select the raw talent to learn under the tutelage of veteran Cameron Jordan.
With the additions of Jonah Jackson, Joe Thuney, and Drew Dalman, the Bears have fortified their weak offensive line and are ready to win now. Ashton Jeanty gives Chicago the bell cow back and power run game they have been longing for.
Will Johnson and several edge players are in consideration here, but the 49ers elect to improve their offensive line, which struggled in 2024. Membou can improve their line immediately at guard or right tackle.
Kelvin Banks is a tackle by trade, but he could excel at guard as well. He helps the Cowboys protect Dak Prescott better and will re-establish a run game under new Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer.
With left tackle Terron Armstead‘s future up in the air, the Dolphins prepare by drafting the athletic Will Campbell. He’ll start at guard for now and then move to tackle once Armstead decides to hang it up.
The Colts pick Jihaad Campbell at No. 14, enhancing their defense with his athleticism and multi-role potential.
Trade with Atlanta Falcons
After their offensive line struggled in 2024, the Texans traded their lone bright spot, left tackle Laremy Tunsil, to the Washington Commanders for four total draft picks. Houston uses their surplus of picks to move up and select their left tackle of the future.
The Cardinals add a big-time playmaker to work the inside part of the field and help open things up for Marvin Harrison Jr., who lined up outside on 74% of pass plays in 2024.
Picks 17-24
The Bengals need to strengthen their trenches to compete in the AFC North. Grant eats up blockers and has rare athleticism for his size.
The Seahawks started a full rebuild on offense. Booker dominates in the run game and can hold up the center of the pocket for new QB Sam Darnold.
Head Coach Todd Bowles has been loud about needing to get to the QB without blitzing. Pearce is an NFL ready pass rusher who can produce 10+ sacks immediately.
Although the Broncos signed Evan Engram, offensive mastermind Sean Payton will have no issue producing targets for this game-breaking rookie.
Even though he produced the third-highest grade of his career (90.3) in 2024, Cam Heyward will be 36 by the time the season starts, and a replacement needs to be groomed along the defensive line.
Will Johnson probably won’t make it this far, but if he does, its a perfect match. Jim Harbaugh fills a position of need with a player he won a National Championship with.
The Packers select the best player available, which happens to fill a need.
The Vikings signed DTs Jonathon Allen and Javon Hargrave in free agency, but both are on the wrong side of 30. Nolen is a raw talent who can learn behind the veteran defenders, and his attacking style fits Brian Flores‘s defense.
Picks 25-32
Trade with Houston Texans
Atlanta trades back to improve on their four 2024 draft picks. They address one of their many needs drafting the Georgia Bulldog, who can set the edge and get after the passer.
The Rams have a hole at guard and an aging right tackle in Rob Havenstein. Zabel could start at guard right away then move to tackle once there is an opening.
Jalon Walker feels like a Baltimore Raven. There may be no better place for him to reach his full potential and find his true position on an NFL defense.
Defensive line is a need, but it’s a deep class, and the Lions won’t reach on one. They take the best player available and get a versatile playmaker on the back end.
Washington was 15th in pass rush rating per PFF. That simply is not good enough for Dan Quinn. Ezeiruaku can produce immediately for the newly contending Commanders.
Hairston is an undersized, speedy corner who works best with his eyes on the QB. He’ll excel in Buffalo’s defense as its a near perfect fit.
Alexander is an extremely raw, extremely talented prospect who can learn from one of the league’s best interior defenders in Chris Jones.
Howie Roseman loves his lineman. Nic Scourton is a big edge who can line up anywhere along the defensive line.