Eric Edholm 2025 NFL mock draft 1.0: Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders to New York! A top-five tight end?

I think this Penn State product is either going first or second overall. It really felt like Chad Brinker's "generational talent" comment boiled down to one of two players: Carter or Travis Hunter.

The top two teams picking in this draft both need a quarterback, but I still suspect the Titans and Browns will take a similar approach: grab the best player available. There are other ways to find a QB, but there is only one Hunter.

I still need more time to percolate on whether Ward could be the Year 1 savior, à la Jayden Daniels, but the Giants probably feel compelled to pull the trigger here if they don't go the veteran-QB route.

Bigger holes elsewhere, perhaps, but I suspect the Patriots address many of those in free agency and come into the draft less burdened by need. Graham feels like a foundational piece for Mike Vrabel.

We're still waiting to see who'll take the GM reins in Jacksonville, but I can imagine new head coach Liam Coen wanting to support Trevor Lawrence with a do-it-all threat at tight end, even if selecting Warren in the top five feels a tad rich to me.

Pete Carroll blows up the draft! Why not? When everyone else is having trouble slotting Jeanty lower, I'll give him to the coach he was meant to play for.

I'm not buying the "Sanders at No. 1" talk, and I thought about sliding him down further (to the Steelers?), but then I remembered the Jets don't really have a QB. Maybe it doesn't happen, but this pairing would be ... interesting.

Bryce Young needs weapons, true, but Walker's burst, bend and play style are perfect for a defense that regressed in 2024 and could use more juice up front.

I don't quite view the big-bodied McMillan as top-five material, even in this WR1-starved draft class, but he'd check a lot of boxes for the Saints' offense.

He might get dinged for the arm-length thing. I couldn't care less. I'd love to see Campbell at tackle, but he could be a four-position starter as a rookie.

It's too bad we didn't get to see him at the Senior Bowl; for a snapshot of Membou's talent, throw on the South Carolina game. He controlled some excellent defensive linemen in that November tilt.

This might not get Cowboys fans jazzed, but Dallas could have to move forward without longtime cornerstone Zack Martin. The team has enjoyed success finding draft replacements on the line.

The Dolphins head into this offseason with two likely openings on the offensive line, so let's figure they fill one with a free agent and the other with the thickly built Banks, who could start early. The Texas product might never be special, but he has higher-floor traits.

I love Emmanwori's game and think he can rise through the draft process, even if he might be asked about the "miscommunication" over exiting the Gamecocks' bowl game at halftime.

With Matthew Judon and Lorenzo Carter set to hit free agency, a screaming need becomes even more necessary in Atlanta. Stewart isn't a true edge bender, but he's a long, strong, athletically blessed pressure player to aid the front.

This defense needs help at multiple spots. Williams and 2024 first-rounder Darius Robinson could be a strong duo for Jonathan Gannon's unit to build around.

It would be a hollow gesture to fire the defensive coordinator and then not help out his replacement with more armaments, especially up front. If Ezeiruaku keeps acing the pre-draft process, I could see him possibly going this high.

Mike Macdonald had a very LB-dependent system in Baltimore and could be fascinated by this versatile playmaker's toolbox of skills. Campbell, who will be 21 for his entire rookie season, has a high, high ceiling.

If the Bucs move on from impending free agent Chris Godwin, they'll likely want to add a little more firepower at receiver. Golden essentially can play the Godwin role.

It would spice up the AFC West a bit if Sean Payton were to snipe Jim Harbaugh's former tight end at Michigan. Denver needs weapons, and Loveland could be a special one for Bo Nix.

I don't believe Johnson is the top-10 lock some seem to think he is, with the big corner facing injury and speed questions ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine, but his skill set could bolster Pittsburgh's secondary.

Ashton Jeanty isn't the only enticing RB in this class. I think Johnson could be a warhorse in Greg Roman's offense eventually, assuming the Chargers will seek more reliable backfield options, with J.K. Dobbins hitting the market this offseason. Dobbins had his moments in 2024, but health will always be a question for him.

I don't think Green Bay would hesitate to go offensive line in Round 1 for a second straight year, even if the cornerback need feels glaring. Simmons would be a good fit for what the Packers seek in blockers.

Another high-energy disruptor would only make Brian Flores' defense more dangerous. The Vikings could use more depth up front.

The Texans should add multiple blockers this offseason, and Zabel -- who played all over the offensive line for the Bison -- showed at the Senior Bowl that he can be a strong anchor, likely inside.

Jackson goes three picks after the injured teammate (Josh Simmons) he replaced so ably during Ohio State's national championship run, moving from left guard to left tackle when the Buckeyes needed help on the blind edge. He's a multi-positional blocker who deserves a shot at playing OT in the NFL at some point.

I could see Savaiinaea stepping in at either guard or tackle if the Ravens can't keep the O-line intact this offseason. He has heavy hands, elite mass and a pretty high floor as a prospect.

I was both pleased and irritated that DJ and Bucky each mocked Green to the Lions, because it just feels perfect right now. He has a Lions-y intensity and can be worked into the rotation early.

Washington needs as many impact defenders as it can find, and edge rusher is high on the priority list. Pearce is a leggy, loose rusher with some burst.

I'm sure the Bills will look hard at the cornerback options, too, but they also need reinforcements up front. Grant is a massive body who can be groomed to eventually take DaQuan Jones' spot.

I suspect Burden won't go as high as some believe he will, but his Deebo Samuel-like skill set would work for the Eagles in between A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

Thomas created a little buzz on Day 1 in Mobile and fits the mold of a corner who can thrive in Steve Spagnuolo's press-man-heavy system.