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| Abdul Carter, No. 1 to Tennessee |
1. Tennessee Titans
Abdul Carter, DE/LB, Penn State
There remains significant mystery around which direction Tennessee will go at No. 1 overall as the calendar flips to March. Cam Ward still remains a likely option but the deeper we get into the pre-Draft process, the more I get the sense the Titans go a different route. Trading down may be the most realistic but if they do stick firm here, it wouldn't surprise if they took Abdul Carter. The Penn State product has built on a strong 2024 with an impressive pre-Draft and is the clear-cut favorite to be the first defender off the board. He'll upgrade an underwhelming Titan pass rush, while the organization waits on its franchise quarterback.
2. Cleveland Browns
Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
Even before Deshaun Watson's setback in recovering from his ruptured Achilles, there was a sense that the Browns were going to start anew at the position. If the Titans do indeed take Carter, this would be a best-case scenario for Cleveland, allowing them to choose between Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders in this spot. Ward seems to be favored by the NFL world more than Shedeur, and gives the Browns the dynamic playmaker at the position they've lacked for far too long.
3. New York Giants
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
The Giants are in an interesting spot - despite being one of the worst teams in the league, they're in win-now mode after bringing back both head coach Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen. With that in mind, it's feeling likely they sign a free agent quarterback as a short-term solution and instead take best player available here - which would be the ultra-versatile Travis Hunter. We still don't know what Hunter's role will be at the next level, but he should find a way to make an immediate impact in the Big Apple.
4. New England Patriots
Will Campbell, OL, LSU
Whether an impact receiver or offensive line help, New England needs to surround Drake Maye with additional help if they want their young quarterback to succeed. Tetairoa McMillan still makes plenty of sense to me, but he appears to be sliding down boards a bit, which makes O-Line the most likely route. Will Campbell has risen up boards with a strong pre-Draft process and could realistically help out at several spots along this O-Line.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
There's nothing particularly flashy about Michigan's Mason Graham, but the defensive linemen is the type of relentless force that can immediately jolt a pass rush. He makes all the sense in the world for the Jaguars, who were run all over in 2024, and gives this interior D-Line the bite up front they haven't had since all the way back in the John Henderson days.
6. Las Vegas Raiders
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
New head coach Pete Carroll and GM John Spytek may prefer signing a veteran quarterback and using this selection to invest in their other areas of need, but I just don't see Shedeur Sanders dropping much farther than pick No. 6. There are questions surrounding Sanders and his projected fit in an NFL offense but he would certainly put fans into seats and perhaps tough love from Carroll is just what he needs to fulfill his potential.
7. New York Jets
Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
Another team with significant questions at quarterback as they look ahead to next fall, I actually think the Jets go the safe, and rather boring, route with offensive line here. That's not a knock against Armand Membou, a prospect that has skyrocketed up draft boards in recent months, thanks to his interesting blend of size and athleticism.
8. Carolina Panthers
Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia
If the Panthers want to move up the NFC totem pole, addressing their pass rush must be a top priority. Carolina managed just 32 sacks in 2024, a number that topped only New England and Atlanta in the league. Mykel Williams was inconsistent throughout the 2024 campaign, but the Georgia product has the physical tools to be a weapon off the edge, and he should get plenty of opportunity right away given Carolina's lack of depth at the position.
9. New Orleans Saints
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Saints could come away as big winners if this scenario were to hold, giving them a chance to choose between two prospects - McMillan and Will Johnson - both at need positions. McMillan, who has been widely considered the top receiver in this class since last fall, would be hard to pass up on given the lack of proven weapons in the New Orleans passing game.
10. Chicago Bears
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
As mentioned previously, Ashton Jeanty watch begins right about here, as the Bears could be enticed to add a weapon like him to join Ben Johnson's offense. But instead, I think Chicago uses this pick to further invest in an offensive line that could use further support and Kelvin Banks Jr. offers superb value here after an impressive career in Austin.
11. San Francisco 49ers
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
This almost feels unfair. Fresh off a down year, San Francisco gets a chance to add one of the best players in this draft class in Will Johnson, who could slide a bit based purely on team needs. Sure, safety is the greater need for the Niners on the back-end, but it would be hard to pass up a prospect like Johnson, who feels like he is going to have a long, productive NFL career.
12. Dallas Cowboys
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
There have been some rumors coming out of the Combine that multiple NFL teams prefer North Carolina's Omarion Hampton to Ashton Jeanty, but I'd still come out surprised if the Boise State product wasn't the first back off the board. Plus, the fit just makes too much sense here with the Cowboys, even with how strong Rico Dowdle finished the year.
13. Miami Dolphins
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Offensive line is a clear need for Miami, especially given Tua's injury history, but they may choose to go elsewhere if the top four linemen are off the board by this point. Malaki Starks gives them an immediate replacement for Jevon Holland, and the former Georgia Bulldog's versatility allows the 'Fins to be quite creative with what they're able to do on the defensive side of the ball.
14. Indianapolis Colts
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The success of Brock Bowers this past season could end up benefitting Tyler Warren and this entire tight end class. Of course, Warren is a much different prospect than Bowers, but NFL teams have to be enamored with his skillset and ability to line up all over the field. He gives this Colts offense another weapon in the passing game, perhaps helping them finally decide whether Anthony Richardson is actually the "guy" here or not.
15. Atlanta Falcons
James Pearce Jr., DE, Tennessee
An impact pass rusher has been a need for the Falcons for years at this point and investing significant draft capital at the position, it remains a major need. They'll have their choice of options at this point in the mid-first, but I struggle to believe James Pearce Jr. will drop much farther than this point. He was considered a favorite to be the top overall pick heading into this past fall and despite some off-the-field questions, he's far too talented to continue sliding.
16. Arizona Cardinals
Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
Cornerback and defensive line feel like the most obvious needs for Arizona at this juncture. They'd love if Will Johnson were to somehow drop to them but if not, I think they're just fine having their choice of defensive linemen. I love the idea of adding a disruptive interior presence like Kenneth Grant - he was overshadowed at times by Mason Graham, but there's some around the league that actually like him more than his Michigan counterpart.
17. Cincinnati Bengals
Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M
It almost has to be defense for Cincinnati in the first round, given how atrocious they were on that side of the ball in 2024. They could use support at all three levels, but bolstering their defensive front seems to make the most sense. Shemar Stewart is an intriguing prospect, a former blue-chip recruit whose college production doesn't exactly jump out at you. However, his physical tools have NFL folks enamored, and there's a chance he could go as high as the Top 10.
18. Seattle Seahawks
Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama
Offensive line has been a glaring issue in Seattle for years, and they'll almost surely use one of their earlier selections on the position group. Tyler Booker is one of the safest prospects in this class in my opinion. The Alabama guard didn't allow a single pressure all season despite the Tide's inconsistent play up front, and he's a weapon in the run game. He's the type of prospect that may never be an All Pro, but will have a productive, long career for whoever ends up with him.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jalon Walker, DE/LB, Georgia
This is likely far too low for Jalon Walker, who most have mocked around the 10-15 range, but could an injury that takes him out of Georgia's Pro Day hurt him? If he does slide at all, Tampa Bay snatches him up, as they could use a disruptor like him. They have greater needs at inside linebacker than Walker's natural edge, but he has the skillset to play all over the field.
20. Denver Broncos
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
You just get the sense Sean Payton is going to add a toy in the first round of this Draft, whether it be at tailback, receiver, or even tight end. Luther Burden III would certainly be tough to pass up, but Michigan's Colston Loveland would have a chance to come in and see immediate snaps at tight end. His sticky hands and blocking prowess allow him to be used in a variety of ways by Payton and crew.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Matthew Golden was one of the big winners of the Combine, as his blazing fast 4.29 40 time caught the eyes of everyone in Indianapolis. Interestingly enough, Golden's speed has never been his only selling point - teams have long adored his crisp footwork and elite route running. I think he's going to surprise some people how high he goes, and the Steelers need more beyond George Pickens on the outside.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Even after a decorated career in Chapel Hill, it's been the pre-Draft process that has helped Omarion Hampton rise into first-round consideration. He could challenge Ashton Jeanty as the first tailback off the board, and the Chargers feel like the right fit. He gives Jim Harbaugh and company a workhorse who fits their downhill running scheme.
23. Green Bay Packers
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
This feels like almost too good of a fit for Green Bay given Jaire Alexander is likely out the door, and we all know the Packers like to throw curveballs come Draft Day. But, it would just be too difficult for them to pass up a player like Jahdae Barron, fresh off a monster season with the Longhorns. He could certainly go far higher, so this is tremendous value at 23.
24. Minnesota Vikings
Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
Walter Nolen is an excellent example of what makes the NFL Draft so difficult. In terms of pure talent, he's one of the best players in this class and when he's "on" he's the type of player that can change entire games. Yet, Nolen never quite lived up to the hype at either Texas A&M or Ole Miss, and you always wonder whether a player that's been a man amongst boys throughout so much of his playing career will translate. All that being said, this is great value for the Vikings, even if they have greater needs in the secondary.
25. Houston Texans
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Rehabbing from a knee injury that cost him Ohio State's National Title run has Josh Simmons likely locked into the late first, which is great news for Houston. They have to jump at the opportunity to add a well-rounded blocker like him at tackle, who could start opposite of Laremy Tunsil.
26. Los Angeles Rams
Mike Green, DE, Marshall
Even though he didn't do a full workout at the Combine, Mike Green has been ascending boards for some time now, and 26 could end up being far too low. His lightning quick first step was a major reason why he racked up an FBS best 17 sacks in 2024, but he has a rounded skillset for the pros. With all that being said, there are some serious off-the-field questions here, and we all know that can have a major impact come Draft Night.
27. Baltimore Ravens
Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
Grey Zabel has been a winner throughout the pre-Draft process, first shooting up boards after a dominant showing at the Senior Bowl. He has a good chance to find himself going in the late first given how offensive line-needy this Draft is, and Baltimore could certainly invest in him at this spot. Zabel played primarily left tackle at North Dakota State, but could move inside to guard in the pros.
28. Detroit Lions
Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M
His physical gifts don't jump out at you like his former A&M teammate Shemar Stewart, but Nic Scourton is too good of a prospect to fall outside the first round. He was incredibly productive at both Purdue and Texas A&M, and offers a long, slithery pass rusher off the edge. Scourton will give opposing blockers something to focus on beyond Aidan Hutchinson, in turn opening up plenty of opportunities for both of them.
29. Washington Commanders
Donovan Ezeiruaku, DE, Boston College
This would have been the perfect spot for a falling Luther Burden III prior to Washington acquiring Deebo Samuel over the weekend. Instead, the Commanders turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball and draft Donovan Ezeiruaku, yet another name trending up at the right time. The twitchy edge rusher has an abundance of moves he can deploy to sneak around blockers, thanks to his size at under 250 pounds.
30. Buffalo Bills
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
The Bills don't have a lot of huge needs, but the safety position is one of that could be upgraded. Damar Hamlin could be gone this offseason, and neither Taylor Rapp nor Cole Bishop feel like true difference-makers. The rangy Nick Emmanwori out of South Carolina is the type of punishing defensive back that could add much-needed ferocity to this back-end.
31. Kansas City Chiefs
Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
Yet another team with needs along the offensive line, Kansas City could be eager to move up depending on who is available later on in the first. If they don't, Josh Conerly Jr. out of Oregon is a fine consolation prize - he's most likely a tackle at the next level, but there's some thought he could also help out at guard if needed, giving the Chiefs more options.
32. Philadelphia Eagles
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
The reigning Super Bowl Champion Eagles can simply sit back and have their choice of a falling prospect in this scenario. That could end up being Jihaad Campbell based purely on team need, which would be a major win for Philadelphia. They may not be able to afford bringing back Zack Baun and Campbell could be an upgrade anyways, becoming the first linebacker taken in the first round by the Eagles since 1979.
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