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Shedeur Sanders, No. 3 to New York |
Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
At this point in early February, it doesn't feel like there's an overwhelming favorite to go off the board first overall to Tennessee. There's been rumors the Titans could consider an edge rusher, such as Abdul Carter, or a do-it-all prospect like Travis Hunter in this spot. But at the end of the day, it's hard to imagine them trotting out the likes of Mason Rudolph and Will Levis again in 2025. Cam Ward is the type of prospect who should have a strong pre-Draft process, making him the quarterback of the future here in Nashville.
2. Cleveland Browns
Abdul Carter, DE/LB, Penn State
Cleveland is in a position similar to that of Tennessee - a team that certainly needs a quarterback, but could also choose to go best player available in this spot. Abdul Carter would offer a clear difference-maker off the edge, forming a terrifying 1-2 punch with Myles Garrett on the opposite end. He just feels like a safer selection at this point in the process rather than a swing at a Shedeur Sanders, who would likely be the other direction they'd go here.
3. New York Giants
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
This feels like the most likely scenario for the New York Giants and Shedeur Sanders - and a win for both sides. The Giants finally get their franchise signal-caller after cutting their losses with Daniel Jones, and it's a player used to be the big stage and bright lights. Meanwhile, Shedeur will get an opportunity to start right away in an offense with some nice pieces, notably rising star Malik Nabers on the perimeter.
4. New England Patriots
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
It's still not completely clear what role Travis Hunter will play in the NFL. He's not quite at the level of the other top receivers in this class, and could settle into a cornerback role full-time when it's all said and done. However, his versatility and two-way ability makes him well worth a Top 5 selection, and whether it's helping out Drake Maye on offense or shoring up the New England secondary, he'll find a way to make an impact here.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Travis Hunter understandably got a lot of the fanfare, but Will Johnson was the best cornerback in college football this past fall, even if he did miss a chunk of the season with injuries. Johnson is a technically sound, well-rounded corner who feels like he is going to have a long and productive career in the pros. He will immediate bring an edge to a Jacksonville pass defense that ranked 31st in the NFL last fall.
6. Las Vegas Raiders
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
With Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders off the board, it does feel like the Raiders wait until 2026 for a top-end quarterback prospect and instead use a short-term solution this next fall. Whoever that is will have the benefit of tight end Brock Bowers, but this Las Vegas offense could use significantly more punch beyond that. Enter Tetairoa McMillan, the clear No. 1 receiver in this class, whose freakish athleticism and jaw-dropping catch radius should make him an immediate regular on highlight reels.
7. New York Jets
Will Campbell, OL, LSU
The Jets remain in quarterback limbo as Aaron Rodgers weighs his 2025 plans. But no matter who is under center this fall, New York needs to upgrade the protection around him. Will Campbell seems to be the trending No. 1 offensive line prospect after a strong finish to the season at LSU, and he could move into a starting position right away with Morgan Moses seemingly on his way out.
8. Carolina Panthers
Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
This would be a major win for Carolina if this scenario were to occur, as they jump on the chance to upgrade their defensive line with the addition of Mason Graham. Graham could end up going much higher, as the disruptive defender is the type of interior D-Line prospect NFL teams dream about, but if he does last this long, the Panthers go best player available.
9. New Orleans Saints
Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia
The Saints have plenty of questions as they look ahead towards 2025 but perhaps none greater than their defensive line. Cameron Jordan is clearly nearing the end, and now, New Orleans will see both Chase Young and Payton Turner hit the free agent market. This Top 10 selection gives them an opportunity to add much-needed youth in the form of Mykel Williams, a twitchy end prospect who could continue to ascend draft boards.
10. Chicago Bears
Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas
Ashton Jeanty watch begins right here, as Ben Johnson could certainly look to add a weapon to bolster the Chicago ground game, but I think the Bears will end up going a more traditional route here in Kelvin Banks Jr. The multiyear starter at Texas can play tackle or buck inside to guard, and gives this line the bite they've been missing in recent years.
11. San Fransisco 49ers
Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
With Robert Saleh back running the San Francisco defense, it wouldn't come as a total shock if the Niners invest in their pass rush and give him some new weapons to work with. However, at some point, the organization has to figure out a succession plan for Trent Williams. That could very well end up being Armand Membou, who seems to be shooting up boards despite not playing in the Senior Bowl. He quietly had a very impressive 2024 playing against elite defenders in the SEC all season long.
12. Dallas Cowboys
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
This just feels like the perfect selection for both sides. Despite Rico Dowdle's strong finish to the season, it's clear Dallas needs to upgrade at the running back position if they want to be considered a contender in the NFC. Meanwhile, Ashton Jeanty gets a chance to land with an organization that has produced countless elite tailbacks, and has other offensive weapons to take the spotlight off him.
13. Miami Dolphins
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
The run on offensive linemen could certainly continue here depending on who is available, but in this context, I see Miami instead adding Malaki Starks out of Georgia. The big-play defender has been an impact defender for Georgia since the moment he stepped on campus, and he adds a real presence to this Dolphin back-end, which hasn't been the case for some time in South Florida.
14. Indianapolis Colts
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
It appears as though Indianapolis plans to run it back for one more season with Anthony Richardson under center, so it would make sense for them to continue investing in the playmakers around him. Tyler Warren is an elite tight end prospect, a player who lined up all over the field for Penn State and just made things happen. He'll help the Colts open up their playbook and get a bit creative, which could unlock something for Richardson.
15. Atlanta Falcons
James Pearce Jr., DE, Tennessee
An ineffective pass rush seems to be a perennial need for the Falcons, who ranked 31st in the NFL in sacks this past fall. Things could theoretically get worse, as Matt Judon, who finished second on the team in sacks, hits free agency. Fortunately, Atlanta is well-positioned to land an impact edge rusher with who is available at this spot. James Pearce Jr. entered the 2024 season as a real contender to be the top overall pick and he put together a strong season, ensuring he should end up somewhere in the first.
16. Arizona Cardinals
Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
Much like Atlanta, the Cardinals could use some help up front, as they struggled to get consistent pressure on opponents and were gashed against the run. Michigan's Kenneth Grant isn't a particularly flashy prospect and he was often overshadowed playing next to Mason Graham, but he's a productive, well-built interior linemen who should have a lengthy NFL career.
17. Cincinnati Bengals
Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M
Receiver could be in play here for Cincinnati given the uncertainty surrounding the future of Tee Higgins, but all three levels of the Bengal defense need help. Hiring Al Golden gives them a clear direction, but bolstering the defensive front also needs to be a priority. Shemar Stewart seems to be steadily climbing draft boards and feels like a good value play at pick 17.
18. Seattle Seahawks
Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama
In firing offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and bringing in Klint Kubiak to run the offense, Seattle is expected to be a ground-and-pound team in 2025. However, in order to make things work, they'll need more from an offensive line that struggled throughout last season. Tyler Booker gives them an elite interior linemen who should help open up major holes for Kenneth Walker III and company.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M
The Buccaneers are set to see several defensive linemen hit the free agent market this offseason, so they use pick 19 to get younger up front and add an instant impact pass rusher. Nic Scourton does just that - he made the jump from Purdue to Texas A&M this past fall and immediately became a force for the Aggies, proving to be one of the best in the SEC.
20. Denver Broncos
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
After a solid debut campaign from Bo Nix, Denver's focus this offseason will continue to be surrounding him with the right pieces. Tight end has been a problem area for some time for the Broncos, an issue Michigan's Colston Loveland would certainly solve. The sure-handed pass-catcher could play the Jimmy Graham role for Sean Payton in this Denver offense.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Luther Burden III feels like one of those prospects with a wide range of outcomes on where he falls in the 2025 NFL Draft. If Tetairoa McMillan does indeed go high, which feels likely, Burden could go in the Top 15. But depending on how things shake out, him lasting until the late first also seems like a possibility. Either way, the Steelers stop any slide from Burden here, giving this offense a gifted weapon who can pair with George Pickens on the outside.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Jalon Walker, DE/LB, Georgia
Upgrading the trenches, adding another impact receiver, perhaps investing in a corner? The Chargers could go a bunch of different routes with his selection. Without an overwhelmingly clear need, they may just choose to go best player available and add a guy like Jalon Walker. The edge rusher was inconsistent at times but dominant when he was on his "A" game, and Los Angeles will certainly find a spot for him in this defense.
23. Green Bay Packers
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Green Bay may throw a curveball in this spot, but cornerback feels like a pretty obvious need if Jaire Alexander is indeed not on this roster come 2025. This is an interesting cornerback class - it's got the big names in Hunter and Johnson, but a lot more depth than most people realize. Jahdae Barron sticks out as the reigning Thorpe Award winner who would fit in nicely in this Packer defense.
24. Minnesota Vikings
Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
Brian Flores did a really good job with a Minnesota defense that is short on star power. But, if the Vikings want to truly vie for a Super Bowl, they need to continue building up this side of the ball. Derrick Harmon was a superb one-year rental for Oregon, whose athleticism on the interior defensive line is quite the unique gift.
25. Houston Texans
Josh Conerly Jr., OL, Oregon
Part of C.J. Stroud's sophomore slump was undoubtedly caused by a poor offensive line, something the Texans absolutely must address this offseason. There are a lot of options available in the late first, but this feels like the right range for Oregon's Josh Conerly Jr., who is a more natural tackle but can also slide inside. He makes it two Ducks in a row in the late first round.
26. Los Angeles Rams
Mike Green, DE, Marshall
Despite playing in the Group of Five ranks, Mike Green has been shooting up boards as of late, and he could continue to be a riser in the pre-Draft process. Green's college production speaks for itself, as he notched an FBS best 17 sacks in 2024, but it's lightning quick first step and high motor that has NFL teams intrigued. He brings another disruptor to the Rams defensive front.
27. Baltimore Ravens
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
This certainly feels like a spot where Baltimore could land a sliding prospect, although this appears to be right around the expected range for Ohio State's Josh Simmons. Simmons had a productive career in Columbus and projects as a steady blocker on the perimeter for years to come. No matter what happens with Ronnie Stanley or the rest of their O-Line this offseason, the Ravens could find a spot for him.
28. Detroit Lions
Jack Sawyer, DE, Ohio State
Given their midseason trade for Za'Darius Smith, it's clear Detroit is looking to continue to strengthen a pass rush that lacked depth throughout the 2024 campaign. In adding Jack Sawyer, the Lions get an instant impact defender who was a sack machine throughout his time in Columbus. He likely would have been a Day One pick last year had he come out but Sawyer instead decided to stay for another season, and was rewarded with a National Title.
29. Washington Commanders
Cameron Williams, OL, Texas
A run on edge rushers in the late first is unfortunate news for the Commanders, who could certainly use another disruptor off the edge. They may choose to wait on the position at this spot rather than reach on one, instead going a traditional route and strengthening their line in front of Jayden Daniels. Cameron Williams could come right in and start at right tackle, with Brandon Coleman locked in on the left side.
30. Buffalo Bills
Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
The Bills are right there, so agonizingly close to overtaking Kansas City in the AFC. Perhaps adding another piece to their defensive front can get them there, and Walter Nolen would be a steal this late in the first. He adds youth to an aging interior D-Line and although consistency has been a problem for him, few players in this cycle have his ceiling.
31. Philadelphia Eagles
Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Lane Johnson appears set to return in 2025 despite rumors of a potential retirement, but the Eagles should look to add strengthening the tackle position in the long-term. There's plenty of value available this late in the first, but I like the fit with Minnesota's Aireontae Ersery. He had a strong Senior Bowl, and Philadelphia feels like the right spot to unlock his impressive athletic traits.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
A torn ACL robbed Shavon Revel Jr. of most of the 2024 season and not being able to participate in the pre-Draft process has been a real bummer for the East Carolina product, as he has the tools to really wow NFL scouts. Even so, Revel should still find himself in the first round thanks to his filled-out frame and elite athleticism - he strengthens the Chiefs secondary here.
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