Mock drafts can be many things: what you think should happen; what you're hearing will happen; and, perhaps, what you'd like to happen for entertainment value. I would say this mock combines all three of those inspirations for the 32-pick projection that will undoubtedly satisfy every fan base and be met with universal approval.
Oh, and for the first time in my mock-drafting career, I'm shaking things up with a trade!
This is the direction in which things have been trending since the NFL Scouting Combine -- only more so since the Titans contingent descended on Cam’s pro day workout at Miami. The best QB in the class goes No. 1 and brings excitement back to Tennessee's offense.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH CLEVELAND BROWNS
I’ve never made a mock trade before this one, but we’ve never seen a player like Hunter, who registers as the draft's top prospect at both receiver and cornerback. It just so happens that those two positions are two of the Raiders’ biggest needs, so they aggressively move up to secure a two-for-one with this pick.
Sure, the Giants spent substantial draft capital in the trade for Brian Burns last year and the selection of Kayvon Thibodeaux at No. 5 overall in 2022. But in keeping the Eagles’ championship formula in focus, you can never have too many high-quality defensive linemen, and Carter is the best in this class.
Upgrading the offensive line and protecting Drake Maye should be of the highest priority for the Patriots. Mike Vrabel apparently isn't hung up on Campbell’s suboptimal arm length, and the LSU tackle could immediately become New England's best O-lineman.
A popular mock draft projection, this Graham-Jags pairing certainly makes sense. And it really hits home when you think about new GM James Gladstone’s background with the Rams, as he saw firsthand how L.A.’s defense was transformed by the recent selections of Kobie Turner, Jared Verse, Byron Young and Braden Fiske.
PROJECTED TRADE WITH LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
The Browns absolutely could entertain a QB here, but a game-changing RB like Jeanty would help Kenny Pickett (or, perhaps, Kirk Cousins if a trade with Atlanta comes to fruition) in the near term and ease the transition for a rookie quarterback down the road.
I thought long and hard about slotting tight end Tyler Warren here ... but kept coming back to the Lions’ model for upward mobility during Aaron Glenn's time in Detroit. In 2021, the Lions drafted OT Penei Sewell, who ultimately helped turn Detroit's O-line into one of the best units in the league, keying the team’s offensive explosion. Membou could provide a similar boost to the Jets as a player with even higher upside than Will Campbell.
The Panthers have yet to truly replace Brian Burns, and Walker is one of the most explosive pass rushers in this draft. The winner of last season's Butkus Award as college football’s top linebacker, Walker could also offer value on the second level alongside Josey Jewell and Trevin Wallace.
There’s definitely been some smoke regarding the Saints taking a quarterback in this draft. In this simulation, the second-best signal-caller in the class falls right into their lap at No. 9. At some point, New Orleans has to start planning for the future; snagging a talented prospect with a reasonable price tag at the league’s most premium position could be a coup.
EDITOR'S UPDATE: Saints starting QB Derek Carr's availability for the 2025 season is in question thanks to a shoulder injury, with the veteran considering surgery, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported Friday.
I can hear Bears fans now: "But we have Cole Kmet!!" I get it, but the value here for one of the top five players in this draft might be too much to pass up. Warren's versatile skill set could really exercise the creativity of new head coach Ben Johnson. Penn State OC Andy Kotelnicki certainly had fun utilizing the talented tight end in unique ways last season.
If not for the patellar tendon injury suffered last fall, Simmons likely would be the top tackle in this draft. With Brock Purdy’s contract extension looming and Trent Williams turning 37 in July, Simmons provides future LT security at the bargain rate of a rookie contract.
The Cowboys need a Robin to CeeDee Lamb’s Batman, and while Golden takes a back seat to no one in this receiver class, it's quite enticing to imagine the Texas product riding shotgun in Dallas. The pick also further supports the franchise's massive investment in Dak Prescott.
In the wake of Terron Armstead's retirement, Zabel could quickly become the Dolphins’ best offensive lineman. He can play all five positions, but projects more as an interior blocker in the NFL. The North Dakota State stud should be an immediate plug-and-play starter.
Johnson is a complicated evaluation: His 2024 season was abbreviated by a foot injury, and a hamstring issue has curtailed his pre-draft process. It reminds me of Derek Stingley Jr.’s situation a few years ago. Each corner had fantastic tape early in college before experiencing an injury-plagued junior season, muddying the prospect profile. Johnson could follow Stingley’s path to stardom, as the latter just earned first-team All-Pro honors.
The Falcons have essentially had a “HELP WANTED” sign on the edges since Vic Beasley randomly led the league in sacks back in 2016. Consequently, Atlanta adds the freakiest athlete in this edge-rushing class and looks to turn his elite traits into better sack production.
A fit in Jonathan Gannon’s system, Grant could offer higher upside than Michigan teammate Mason Graham, who came off the board 11 picks earlier in this exercise. The recently signed Calais Campbell would be an excellent role model for Grant in the Valley.
In case of Trey Hendrickson emergency, break glass. If the league's reigning sack king is indeed moved out of Cincinnati via trade, this is a spot where the Bengals should entertain another pass rusher, especially with Sam Hubbard having already retired this offseason. Williams is a traits-heavy prospect who needs to develop his skills in order to achieve higher-level productivity.
After investing in Sam Darnold during free agency, the Seahawks' top priority should be enhancing the new quarterback's comfortability. In a draft where many top offensive linemen are college tackles who project as NFL guards, Booker is a pure interior player who can provide what Seattle needs.
The latest in a long line of top-level 'Bama 'backers, Campbell is the best player at the position in this draft -- and he boasts premium pass-rush skills, as well. Tampa Bay gave Lavonte David another one-year deal in March; Campbell would benefit from his tutelage and give the Bucs a long-term replacement for one of the best players in franchise history.
Hampton is an aggressive, downhill back with an explosive running style. The Broncos are one of the most RB-needy teams in the league. This makes a ton of sense if the UNC product is still on the board at No. 20.
Regardless of whether the Steelers ultimately sign Aaron Rodgers, this selection could give the franchise a long-term answer at QB. Dart broke Eli Manning's record for career passing yards at Ole Miss and is in line with today's NFL QB archetype: someone who can win with his arm from the pocket while also possessing enough athleticism to make plays on the ground when needed.
The Jim Harbaugh/Michigan connection is obvious, but tight end is a need regardless -- and Loveland is well worth the pick at No. 22.
With uncertainty surrounding CB Jaire Alexander's future with the team, the Packers get a major value here in Barron, who has excelled both outside and in the slot.
With franchise fixture Harrison Smith seemingly heading into a swan-song season at age 36, this almost feels too perfect. Emmanwori is an elite athlete with the explosive skills, versatility and size to become a valuable chess piece in Brian Flores' diverse defensive scheme.
Rekindling Houston's offensive success from C.J. Stroud's rookie campaign hinges greatly on rebuilding a wall in front of the young quarterback, especially after the trade of Pro Bowl LT Laremy Tunsil. With veteran Cam Robinson signed as a one-year stopgap at left tackle, Banks could begin his Texans career at guard before eventually taking over on the blind side.
Starks did not impress with his testing numbers at the combine, but everything else in his draft profile screams future Pro Bowler. Safety doesn't feel like a screaming need for the Rams, but we're at the point where Starks' value is too good to pass up.
The Ravens could go anywhere with this pick, but after the free agency departure of utility man Patrick Mekari (who kicked into guard last season), Jackson would give Baltimore a great option as a replacement. At worst, this builds depth along the offensive line, which is what good teams do.
Finding another legitimate edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson is still on the checklist for the Lions, and nobody in major college football got to the quarterback more than Green in 2024 (SEE: FBS-best 17 sacks).
Ezeiruaku fell just shy of Mike Green with 16.5 sacks last season; fittingly, the Boston College product comes off the board right behind his Marshall counterpart in this exercise, giving the Commanders a bona fide pass-rush presence. Ezeiruaku is on the smaller side for a true NFL defensive end, but Dan Quinn will get the most out of his abilities.
Hairston has a well-rounded draft profile: He led the SEC in Interceptions in 2023, had an excellent practice week at the Senior Bowl and ran a 4.28 40-yard dash at the combine. A sticky cover corner with excellent ball skills, this Kentucky product feels like a good fit opposite freshly paid stud Christian Benford in Buffalo.
Would the Chiefs consider spending their first-round pick on a receiver for a second consecutive draft? Maybe not, but McMillan offers a body type and skill set Patrick Mahomes has never really had at his disposal. And upgrading the playmakers around No. 15 is never a bad idea.
Philly's drafting dominance along the defensive line continues with the selection of Nolen, who furthers the Eagles' tradition of stockpiling at positions of strength, reinforcing their championship formula.
