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The NFL Draft is just 17 days away, and somehow, the closer we get to it, the murkier the picture of it all gets. Usually, as more information shines through, it somehow complicates matters as we use it to figure things out for one team before pivoting to another and asking, "Now what?"
In our latest first-round mock draft, some news over the weekend regarding quarterbacks is adding a new wrinkle to the proceedings.
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe was invited to and accepted to be in Green Bay for the NFL Draft later this month. The invitations are usually only extended to players expected to go in round one, so it has shifted people's expectations of him. We also have the constant carousel that is Jaxson Dart, which complicates picks later in round one. Despite all of it, picks at the top are starting to take shape, which we have reflected in this mock draft.
Outside of the top four picks, we let the chaos fly.
The Titans canceled their scheduled private workout with Shedeur Sanders, which leads everyone to believe Cam Ward is their guy. Ward is well-traveled, has handled adversity, and has a chance to elevate the Titans' offense behind a rejuvenated offensive line.
The Browns are not being attached to Shedeur Sanders at the number two pick, perhaps they are down the road. Right now, this team needs good football players, and one of the best ones in the class is Travis Hunter. The Heisman Trophy winner can be a fun WR2 option alongside Jerry Jeudy on offense, and on defense, he can work alongside Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II.
The team has Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns at the edge position, so they have some treasures there, so why not take a quarterback? This team signed Russell Wilson, and they seem happy with that as a win-now move to save the jobs of Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll. What could help matters is having a top-tier defense, and adding Abdul Carter to that pass-rushing group does that.
The Patriots are reportedly big fans of Will Campbell, and why shouldn't they be? No matter where they plug him in, he will be an instant upgrade for the Patriots and help Drake Maye take the next step in his development.
Liam Coen appreciates a thunder and lightning approach to his running back group. Ashton Jeanty and Travis Etienne would be one of the best running back rooms in the entire NFL, and it will take pressure off Trevor Lawrence immediately. What he did with Bucky Irving and Rachaad White in Tampa Bay could easily be achieved with these two in Jacksonville.
The team released Jack Jones on Sunday, and it now has their cornerback room looking like someone who lost their mortgage at the blackjack table down the road from the facility. Barron plays great outside in man, is reliable in zone, and finds the ball consistently. If Pete Carroll wants to win now, picking Barron to help intercept passes while Maxx Crosby creates pressures is a good start.
Quinnen Williams need a tag team partner in the worst way imaginable on the Jets defensive line. They have reliable options outside at edge rusher, but they need someone inside. Mason Graham removes double teams from the equation for both men, and he also boasts the pass-rushing chops they need inside.
The Panthers need a pass rusher in the worst way imaginable, and James Pearce Jr. ups their game in that area on day one. The Tennessee Volunteer has seen his draft stock go up and down more than anyone else's this year, but the Scouting Combine seems to have stabilized him.
Josh Simmons is coming off a season-ending injury, but the film doesn't lie, he is deserving of this top-ten spot. Simmons would be a nice upgrade from Trevor Penning at left tackle and give Derek Carr one more year to prove he could extend his stay in the Big Easy. If he doesn't, this helps stabilize the offensive line for whoever is the future quarterback for the team.
Jaquan Brisker has proven to be a capable presence in the Bears secondary, but concussions are becoming problematic. Even if he can start to be healthy, which we all hope happens, the team needs more of a presence of playmakers on defense. In a division with J.J. McCarthy, Jordan Love, and Jared Goff, you need people hovering around to make plays, and Starks does that tenfold.
Trent Williams is getting older, but as long as he remains, the left side of the line remains stable. Drafting Armand Membou does the same for the right side of the line now and gives them a potential replacement for Williams down the line.
The rumors about Mike Green and his draft stock have his draft position up and down the first round. The Cowboys lost Demarcus Lawrence in free agency, so Micah Parsons needs a partner on the edge. Green has a chance to give the Cowboys a more than promising one-two punch on the edge as Green develops alongside the All-Pro Parsons.
The Dolphins' secondary has always been the key to their success on defense. Coordinator Anthony Weaver has Miami's defense playing at an elite level, and adding Will Johnson could put it over the top. The consistent pass rush could help out Johnson as he enters the NFL and adapts to the league coming an injury where he was injured.
The Colts need as many playmakers as they can get on offense as they try and figure out what they have in Anthony Richardson. Whether it is their former top draft pick or Daniel Jones, they both would be well served to have someone like Tyler Warren to target. Not to mention, he fits all the physical traits that Chris Ballard looks for in his draft prospects.
The Falcons add a centerpiece to their defense while also sniping their division rival Bucs who draft at 19 and have been tied to Campbell. The Falcons need pass rush, which Campbell has flashed, but his presence in the middle of their defense is a priceless addition to their group.
The Cardinals' defense has been searching for an identity. They have playmakers in Budda Baker and the newly signed Josh Sweat, but they need someone on the inside. Walter Nolen brings a chip on the shoulder approach to the group while also being a reliable pass rush option in the middle.
The Bengals' defense could not have been much worse in 2024, so adding anything would be an improvement. Jalon Walker, though, gives them a dual option to play in the middle at linebacker or lineup at edge. Draft the best player available here, who happens to have positional versatility, and go from there if you are the Bengals.
One of the easier picks in this mock draft is for the Seahawks, as we give them Grey Zabel. The college offensive tackle turned interior offensive lineman can be an option for the Seahawks at either guard to center as the team looks to protect Sam Darnold.
Ezeiruaku is the reigning ACC Defensive Player of the Year for a good reason. He has some of the best pass rush ability of anyone in the college football landscape, and as a result, expectations are high as he enters the NFL. The Boston College edge rusher would be a potential long-term answer to the Bucs' pass-rushing woes.
The Broncos need to establish a run game consistently, in 2025 as Bo Nix looks to take the next steps in his development. Omarion Hampton helps him in that area, as well as providing some great pass blocking as well for him in the backfield.
No matter who is under center for the Steelers in 2024, they need to be able to play behind a more reliable offensive line. Kelvin Banks Jr. can help that department by either playing tackle or guard for the franchise as they look to find an answer to their longstanding issue at quarterback.
Like the Colts and Tyler Warren, Colston Loveland to the Chargers makes too much sense. The connection between Jm Harbaugh and Michigan is one thing, but the need at tight end is the cherry on top. Loveland moves extremely well and can be a reliable blocker, sealing the edge for Justin Herbert.
One of the best players in the draft sees his fall stop here as Tetairoa McMillan lands with the Packers to become the new favorite target of Jordan Love. The Packers have drafted several reliable options for the young franchise quarterback over the years but no one has proven to be a WR1. McMillan can be that for them, and yes, we are ignoring the fact they haven't drafted a wide receiver in the first round since Javon Walker in 2002.
This is how the Browns land Shedeur Sanders in my opinion, not by drafting him second overall. This move allows them to get a potential franchise quarterback while not splitting him from his college teammate in Travis Hunter. I think those two pairing up would make the Browns must-watch and provide a reason for optimism that they haven't had in some time.
The Texans traded away franchise left tackle Laremy Tunsil for reasons that remain unclear. That means the team needs to start working on finding a new one and that is where Conerly Jr. steps up to the plate. The Texans have a good team on paper, they just can't go into the regular season with the offensive line the way it is currently constructed.
The first "okay, what is this mock" thought you may have, but let's look at the bigger picture. Jaxson Dart has some redeeming qualities, many can agree on, but processing and seeing the game is not one of them. Who better to tap into that side of his potential than Sean McVay? They run with Matthew Stafford for the next two years before giving the top passer in Ole Miss history a chance.
Death, taxes, and the Ravens drafting defensive players who demonstrate promising traits and potential they have not reached. Stewart would be able to be added to their rotation of pass rushers to develop with the long-term potential of becoming the star along their defensive front.
Aidan Hutchinson needs a partner on the defensive line, even if the team seems content with leaving him to be the alpha. Adding Mykel Willaims, who is a project, would be easier for both parties to find success. For Hutchinson, it allows for teams to stress over a new face, while for Williams, it gives him a situation with less stress to perform right away.
Jayden Daniels has the Commanders offense humming heading into the 2025 season, but they need a long-term answer at the running back positon. Brian Robinson Jr. has been fun in the backfield, but adding someone more explosive like TreVeyon Henderson makes things more dynamic for all parties involved.
The Bills gave up on the Kair Elam experiment this offseason, so they need to find a potentially new option at the cornerback position. Maxwell Hairston tested out of his mind at the Scouting Combine, so we know he is every bit the athlete. On film, he demonstrates a knack for closing on the ball quickly, whether it is breaking up a pass or stopping a play in its tracks, both things the Bills need.
Over the weekend, Jalen Milroe accepted an invite to the NFL Draft in Green Bay meaning the league is expecting him to be drafted sooner rather than later. The Giants have the staff to get the most out of him, as well as the skill players to do it. Milroe is a project in every sense of the word, but he is one worth investing in. His dual-threat ability will bail him out of trouble more often than not while he works on his passing and becoming more reliable.
A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith have proven to be two great receiving options, but for a team with not many needs, what is one more for them? Egbuka is as safe a pick as any in the draft and would give them security for years to come at the receiver position in the event of injury or trades down the road.
The Vikings land the same player at 33 with some extra picks gathered in the process as they would of had they stayed at 24. Emmanwori steps into the role that Camryn Bynum left behind when he left for the Indianapolis Colts in free agency. He is a playmaker in the same sense that Bynum was, at a fraction of the price.
The Chiefs missed L'Jarius Snead in 2024 and must address the cornerback position in 2025. Shavon Revel is an extreme value for them here and has the potential to pay off for them big time in the upcoming season and beyond. The former East Carolina cornerback has a physical style and is a great tackler in the same style, both things Steve Spagnuolo looks for in his defensive backs.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2025 NFL Mock Draft: Four QBs go in round one, two teams trade out
Continue reading...
In our latest first-round mock draft, some news over the weekend regarding quarterbacks is adding a new wrinkle to the proceedings.
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe was invited to and accepted to be in Green Bay for the NFL Draft later this month. The invitations are usually only extended to players expected to go in round one, so it has shifted people's expectations of him. We also have the constant carousel that is Jaxson Dart, which complicates picks later in round one. Despite all of it, picks at the top are starting to take shape, which we have reflected in this mock draft.
Outside of the top four picks, we let the chaos fly.
1) Tennessee Titans - Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
The Titans canceled their scheduled private workout with Shedeur Sanders, which leads everyone to believe Cam Ward is their guy. Ward is well-traveled, has handled adversity, and has a chance to elevate the Titans' offense behind a rejuvenated offensive line.
2) Cleveland Browns - Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
The Browns are not being attached to Shedeur Sanders at the number two pick, perhaps they are down the road. Right now, this team needs good football players, and one of the best ones in the class is Travis Hunter. The Heisman Trophy winner can be a fun WR2 option alongside Jerry Jeudy on offense, and on defense, he can work alongside Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II.
3) New York Giants - Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
The team has Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns at the edge position, so they have some treasures there, so why not take a quarterback? This team signed Russell Wilson, and they seem happy with that as a win-now move to save the jobs of Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll. What could help matters is having a top-tier defense, and adding Abdul Carter to that pass-rushing group does that.
4) New England Patriots - Will Campbell, OL, LSU
The Patriots are reportedly big fans of Will Campbell, and why shouldn't they be? No matter where they plug him in, he will be an instant upgrade for the Patriots and help Drake Maye take the next step in his development.
5) Jacksonville Jaguars - Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Liam Coen appreciates a thunder and lightning approach to his running back group. Ashton Jeanty and Travis Etienne would be one of the best running back rooms in the entire NFL, and it will take pressure off Trevor Lawrence immediately. What he did with Bucky Irving and Rachaad White in Tampa Bay could easily be achieved with these two in Jacksonville.
6) Las Vegas Raiders - Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
The team released Jack Jones on Sunday, and it now has their cornerback room looking like someone who lost their mortgage at the blackjack table down the road from the facility. Barron plays great outside in man, is reliable in zone, and finds the ball consistently. If Pete Carroll wants to win now, picking Barron to help intercept passes while Maxx Crosby creates pressures is a good start.
7) New York Jets - Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
Quinnen Williams need a tag team partner in the worst way imaginable on the Jets defensive line. They have reliable options outside at edge rusher, but they need someone inside. Mason Graham removes double teams from the equation for both men, and he also boasts the pass-rushing chops they need inside.
8) Carolina Panthers - James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
The Panthers need a pass rusher in the worst way imaginable, and James Pearce Jr. ups their game in that area on day one. The Tennessee Volunteer has seen his draft stock go up and down more than anyone else's this year, but the Scouting Combine seems to have stabilized him.
9) New Orleans Saints - Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Josh Simmons is coming off a season-ending injury, but the film doesn't lie, he is deserving of this top-ten spot. Simmons would be a nice upgrade from Trevor Penning at left tackle and give Derek Carr one more year to prove he could extend his stay in the Big Easy. If he doesn't, this helps stabilize the offensive line for whoever is the future quarterback for the team.
10) Chicago Bears - Malaki Starks, SAF, Georgia
Jaquan Brisker has proven to be a capable presence in the Bears secondary, but concussions are becoming problematic. Even if he can start to be healthy, which we all hope happens, the team needs more of a presence of playmakers on defense. In a division with J.J. McCarthy, Jordan Love, and Jared Goff, you need people hovering around to make plays, and Starks does that tenfold.
11) San Francisco 49ers - Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
Trent Williams is getting older, but as long as he remains, the left side of the line remains stable. Drafting Armand Membou does the same for the right side of the line now and gives them a potential replacement for Williams down the line.
12) Dallas Cowboys - Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
The rumors about Mike Green and his draft stock have his draft position up and down the first round. The Cowboys lost Demarcus Lawrence in free agency, so Micah Parsons needs a partner on the edge. Green has a chance to give the Cowboys a more than promising one-two punch on the edge as Green develops alongside the All-Pro Parsons.
13) Miami Dolphins - Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Dolphins' secondary has always been the key to their success on defense. Coordinator Anthony Weaver has Miami's defense playing at an elite level, and adding Will Johnson could put it over the top. The consistent pass rush could help out Johnson as he enters the NFL and adapts to the league coming an injury where he was injured.
14) Indianapolis Colts - Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The Colts need as many playmakers as they can get on offense as they try and figure out what they have in Anthony Richardson. Whether it is their former top draft pick or Daniel Jones, they both would be well served to have someone like Tyler Warren to target. Not to mention, he fits all the physical traits that Chris Ballard looks for in his draft prospects.
15) Atlanta Falcons - Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
The Falcons add a centerpiece to their defense while also sniping their division rival Bucs who draft at 19 and have been tied to Campbell. The Falcons need pass rush, which Campbell has flashed, but his presence in the middle of their defense is a priceless addition to their group.
16) Arizona Cardinals - Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
The Cardinals' defense has been searching for an identity. They have playmakers in Budda Baker and the newly signed Josh Sweat, but they need someone on the inside. Walter Nolen brings a chip on the shoulder approach to the group while also being a reliable pass rush option in the middle.
17) Cincinnati Bengals - Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
The Bengals' defense could not have been much worse in 2024, so adding anything would be an improvement. Jalon Walker, though, gives them a dual option to play in the middle at linebacker or lineup at edge. Draft the best player available here, who happens to have positional versatility, and go from there if you are the Bengals.
18) Seattle Seahawks - Grey Zabel, iOL, North Dakota State
One of the easier picks in this mock draft is for the Seahawks, as we give them Grey Zabel. The college offensive tackle turned interior offensive lineman can be an option for the Seahawks at either guard to center as the team looks to protect Sam Darnold.
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
Ezeiruaku is the reigning ACC Defensive Player of the Year for a good reason. He has some of the best pass rush ability of anyone in the college football landscape, and as a result, expectations are high as he enters the NFL. The Boston College edge rusher would be a potential long-term answer to the Bucs' pass-rushing woes.
20) Denver Broncos - Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
The Broncos need to establish a run game consistently, in 2025 as Bo Nix looks to take the next steps in his development. Omarion Hampton helps him in that area, as well as providing some great pass blocking as well for him in the backfield.
21) Pittsburgh Steelers - Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas
No matter who is under center for the Steelers in 2024, they need to be able to play behind a more reliable offensive line. Kelvin Banks Jr. can help that department by either playing tackle or guard for the franchise as they look to find an answer to their longstanding issue at quarterback.
22) Los Angeles Chargers - Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Like the Colts and Tyler Warren, Colston Loveland to the Chargers makes too much sense. The connection between Jm Harbaugh and Michigan is one thing, but the need at tight end is the cherry on top. Loveland moves extremely well and can be a reliable blocker, sealing the edge for Justin Herbert.
23) Green Bay Packers - Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
One of the best players in the draft sees his fall stop here as Tetairoa McMillan lands with the Packers to become the new favorite target of Jordan Love. The Packers have drafted several reliable options for the young franchise quarterback over the years but no one has proven to be a WR1. McMillan can be that for them, and yes, we are ignoring the fact they haven't drafted a wide receiver in the first round since Javon Walker in 2002.
24) Cleveland Browns (via MIN) - Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
This is how the Browns land Shedeur Sanders in my opinion, not by drafting him second overall. This move allows them to get a potential franchise quarterback while not splitting him from his college teammate in Travis Hunter. I think those two pairing up would make the Browns must-watch and provide a reason for optimism that they haven't had in some time.
25) Houston Texans - Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
The Texans traded away franchise left tackle Laremy Tunsil for reasons that remain unclear. That means the team needs to start working on finding a new one and that is where Conerly Jr. steps up to the plate. The Texans have a good team on paper, they just can't go into the regular season with the offensive line the way it is currently constructed.
26) Los Angeles Rams - Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
The first "okay, what is this mock" thought you may have, but let's look at the bigger picture. Jaxson Dart has some redeeming qualities, many can agree on, but processing and seeing the game is not one of them. Who better to tap into that side of his potential than Sean McVay? They run with Matthew Stafford for the next two years before giving the top passer in Ole Miss history a chance.
27) Baltimore Ravens - Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
Death, taxes, and the Ravens drafting defensive players who demonstrate promising traits and potential they have not reached. Stewart would be able to be added to their rotation of pass rushers to develop with the long-term potential of becoming the star along their defensive front.
28) Detroit Lions - Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
Aidan Hutchinson needs a partner on the defensive line, even if the team seems content with leaving him to be the alpha. Adding Mykel Willaims, who is a project, would be easier for both parties to find success. For Hutchinson, it allows for teams to stress over a new face, while for Williams, it gives him a situation with less stress to perform right away.
29) Washington Commanders - TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
Jayden Daniels has the Commanders offense humming heading into the 2025 season, but they need a long-term answer at the running back positon. Brian Robinson Jr. has been fun in the backfield, but adding someone more explosive like TreVeyon Henderson makes things more dynamic for all parties involved.
30) Buffalo Bills - Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
The Bills gave up on the Kair Elam experiment this offseason, so they need to find a potentially new option at the cornerback position. Maxwell Hairston tested out of his mind at the Scouting Combine, so we know he is every bit the athlete. On film, he demonstrates a knack for closing on the ball quickly, whether it is breaking up a pass or stopping a play in its tracks, both things the Bills need.
31) New York Giants (via KC) - Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
Over the weekend, Jalen Milroe accepted an invite to the NFL Draft in Green Bay meaning the league is expecting him to be drafted sooner rather than later. The Giants have the staff to get the most out of him, as well as the skill players to do it. Milroe is a project in every sense of the word, but he is one worth investing in. His dual-threat ability will bail him out of trouble more often than not while he works on his passing and becoming more reliable.
32) Philadelphia Eagles - Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith have proven to be two great receiving options, but for a team with not many needs, what is one more for them? Egbuka is as safe a pick as any in the draft and would give them security for years to come at the receiver position in the event of injury or trades down the road.
Picks from teams outside of Round 1 that aren't present
33) Minnesota Vikings - Nick Emmanwori, SAF, South Carolina
The Vikings land the same player at 33 with some extra picks gathered in the process as they would of had they stayed at 24. Emmanwori steps into the role that Camryn Bynum left behind when he left for the Indianapolis Colts in free agency. He is a playmaker in the same sense that Bynum was, at a fraction of the price.
34) Kansas City Chiefs - Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina
The Chiefs missed L'Jarius Snead in 2024 and must address the cornerback position in 2025. Shavon Revel is an extreme value for them here and has the potential to pay off for them big time in the upcoming season and beyond. The former East Carolina cornerback has a physical style and is a great tackler in the same style, both things Steve Spagnuolo looks for in his defensive backs.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2025 NFL Mock Draft: Four QBs go in round one, two teams trade out
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