My first mock of this draft cycle comes at an interesting time.
We just completed the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine ... and now we're hurtling toward the start of free agency. Prospect stocks and team needs remain fluid. Lotta moving parts. But one thing that will remain the same in this simulation is the draft order, as I'm not including any trade projections in my first go-around. That's not to say this mock lacks spice. I have quarterbacks flying off the board. And I'm giving the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, his second gift of this month.
But enough preamble -- let's get to it. Here is my initial forecast for Round 1 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Tennessee has all the options with the No. 1 overall pick. In this scenario, second-year head coach Brian Callahan channels his Cincinnati days, seeing in Sanders some of the same qualities Joe Burrow possesses.
Ward has been on quite the upward trajectory -- going from Incarnate Word to Washington State to Miami -- and the quarterback-starved Browns bank on that continuing in Cleveland.
The last time the Giants went all in on a QB from Ole Miss, it worked out pretty well. I know people have not been projecting Dart to go this high, but New York has a screaming need at the position. After passing on Michael Penix Jr., J.J. McCarthy and Bo Nix in last year’s draft, the G-Men might not feel like they can sit back and wait this time around.
The Patriots need blockers and weapons on offense to help second-year QB Drake Maye, but they just cannot pass on an edge rusher many have as the top prospect in the entire draft class.
The Jaguars could use Hunter full-time on either side of the ball. How would they ultimately decide to deploy him? I'm guessing it'd primarily be on offense first.
New head coach Pete Carroll would be exuberant about this pick. Graham is a force who can pair with Christian Wilkins on the interior while freshly PAID edge rusher Maxx Crosby hunts on the outside.
Leading up to the 2024 draft, there was plenty of chatter that the Jets could take TE Brock Bowers with their top selection, but they opted for OT Olu Fashanu. Now, Tyler Warren is available. The Jets could pounce on the tight end, but I see them once again opting for the bookend blocker. Campbell would significantly improve Gang Green's offensive line from the right tackle position, giving the team a talented young set of OTs to build around.
Carolina traded away two-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns last March ... and finished the 2024 season tied for 29th in sacks. The Panthers need Walker to be their next Burns.
The Saints could definitely take a top cornerback here, but in this rundown, new head coach Kellen Moore happily gets some help up front for Cam Jordan, the eight-time Pro Bowler who turns 36 this summer.
The Bears are already getting aggressive in the rebuilding of their offensive line, and that work continues in the draft. With Banks at left tackle and 2023 first-round pick Darnell Wright at right tackle, they have their bookends on the O-line for the next decade.
Big production at Marshall combined with excellent work during Senior Bowl practices lands Green with the Niners, who welcome back Robert Saleh as their DC.
The Cowboys selected Ezekiel Elliott in the top half of Round 1 in 2016, and he was an immediate force. History repeats itself here.
Highly thought of prior to the NFL Scouting Combine, Membou is now in consideration to be the first offensive lineman selected following a very strong showing in Indy. He would be a Day 1 starter for the Dolphins. He could begin his career at guard in Miami, but he’d eventually be an offensive tackle.
Truly a "do it all" type of player -- and exactly what QB Anthony Richardson needs to speed up his development as QB1 for the Colts.
Every year, I predict the Falcons will take an edge rusher in Round 1. I'm finally getting the message that prediction is ill-fated. So, Atlanta drafts a corner in this scenario. Johnson pairs with A.J. Terrell to form a tremendous duo at CB.
Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis would have immediate use for Grant inside, putting the gargantuan DT next to last year's No. 27 overall pick, Darius Robinson. With 2023 second-round edge rusher BJ Ojulari returning from injury, Arizona's front could quickly become imposing.
The Bengals fortify their defensive line and add to their pass rush with the ultra-athletic Stewart.
Nolen can be very disruptive. That was on display this past season at Ole Miss and during Senior Bowl practices.
He's Mike Evans Lite in size, stature and play style. McMillan fits into the Bucs' scheme perfectly.
Emmanwori put on the show of shows at the combine, but he also has excellent game tape that justifies the Broncos dreaming of him emulating Steve Atwater and Justin Simmons in the Denver secondary.
The Steelers have a need at running back with Najee Harris hitting free agency, but the defense needs help, too. Barron projects nicely as a future starter opposite Joey Porter Jr.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh has no problem going back to his Michigan roots for good football players. Loveland certainly fits the bill.
A left tackle at Ohio State, Simmons can play multiple positions on the offensive line, helping Green Bay keep QB Jordan Love upright.
The Vikings will have to stop some high-powered rushing attacks in the NFC North if they're going to compete for the division title again. Harmon can help Minnesota control the line of scrimmage.
I think he's a clone of another former Ohio State wideout, Seattle's Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Houston needs a receiving threat to help WR1 Nico Collins, with Stefon Diggs hitting free agency and Tank Dell recovering from a second consecutive season-ending injury. Not to mention, Egbuka caught passes from C.J. Stroud at OSU.
Zabel can play any spot on the offensive line, but he starts out on the interior for the Rams. Alabama guard Tyler Booker could also get a long look from Los Angeles here.
Baltimore's mantra is "Play like a Raven." This Tennessee prospect, who blew up the combine, fits that to a Power T.
Lions GM Brad Holmes will make sure that his lines are taken care of, and Jackson will look good in Honolulu Blue.
The Commanders' receiver room could be undergoing an enticing makeover, with the trade for Deebo Samuel being the first move. Golden would be a tremendous addition, fitting well alongside Samuel and WR1 Terry McLaurin.
This could easily be an offensive weapon to help reigning MVP QB Josh Allen or a player to bolster the back end on defense (like Georgia's Malaki Starks), but the Bills' defensive front could use the help, too. Ezeiruaku can be a double-digit sack guy in the NFL.
Something that became abundantly clear in last month's Super Bowl: Kansas City's offensive line needs addressing, especially at the left tackle position. Conerly helped himself at the combine.
Recent history has shown that no matter where the Eagles pick in the draft, they find great prospects, continue to develop them and ultimately unleash them on the NFL to great effect. Yes, I know Philadelphia just re-upped LB Zack Baun. But the value here for Campbell -- a tremendous player with a versatile game -- is just too good. He'll flourish under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
