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The NFL free agency frenzy is just a few days away, meaning we’ll have a realistic outlook on what NFL GM’s plan to do with this year's draft very soon. We try to get one pre free agency mock out a year to highlight prospects that had a good winter and get a feeler out there for what we perceive as 1st round talents. This Mock was done in an alternate pick format with no trades, meaning Ryan Mobley took care of the odd numbered picks and Vincenzo Sciaqua picked for the even numbered teams.
#1 Pick - Tennessee Titans
Abdul Carter - EDGE - Penn St.
Abdul Carter capped off a monster 2024 season with a dominant performance throughout the college football playoff. The stress fracture in his foot is concerning but their president of football operations was adamant that they will not be passing up on a generational talent this April. He brings versatility, flashing the tools to be an instant double digit sack producer with the ability to stop the run consistently. Titans snag a premiere talent at #1.
#2 Pick - Cleveland Browns
Travis Hunter - WR/CB - Colorado
The Browns need good players just as much as they need a franchise QB. We still don’t know if the Browns front office think Ward or Sanders can be that uplifting talent so for this Mock we have the Browns going with the best available player in Colorado Athlete Travis Hunter. He goes to a place that can try him out on both sides of the ball right away and can fill some major needs on both Defense and Offense for Cleveland.
#3 Pick - New York Giants
Cam Ward - QB - Miami
This is a no trades Mock draft and Cam Ward ending up 3rd overall is a great indication of this format, the good news is he is 100% in play for the Giants this April regardless. Ward has separated himself as the top available Quarterback in this year's draft after a massive year at Miami where he finished 4th in Heisman voting. His sense of control/calm in the pocket and ability to utilize different arm angles will fit right in with today’s NFL.
#4 Pick - New England Patriots
Will Campbell - OT - LSU
With Mike Vrabel calling the shots in New England Will Campbells toughness and physicality seem like the perfect fit. Campbell had a great career in Baton Rouge only giving up 5 sacks over 2.550+ snaps. His football IQ and fundamentals jump out on tape and even if they kick him inside to guard he projects to be an All-Pro level protector for 2024 First Round Pick Drake Maye.
#5 Pick - Jacksonville Jaguars
Mason Graham - IDL - Michigan
Out of the top 5 picks the Jaguars feel like the hardest to pin down. If you’d asked us last week, Mason Graham felt like a no doubter, but after letting go of two of their top weapons in Christian Kirk and Evan Engram a pass catcher feels like a real possibility at #5. Nevertheless they go with the best player on the board here. Mason Graham might not have the measurables that GM’s look for in a top pick but he has the production and positional value. The NFL has seen a swarm of importance put on interior disruptors and Graham fits that mold.
#6 Pick - Las Vegas Raiders
Ashton Jeanty - RB - Boise St.
The Raiders would have liked to see Graham or Campbell fall to 6 but they pivot to the best offensive weapon left on the board in Boise St. star Ashton Jeanty. Despite some solid play on the Raiders OL last year the run game was abysmal and bringing in a player who rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 TDs while boasting a 7.7 yards per carry will help a ton. John Spytek and Pete Carroll have said they wanted to emphasize the run game and this would be a great way to do so.
#7 Pick - New York Jets
Shedeur Sanders - QB - Colorado
Shedeur in New York just feels right. The Jets are obviously in need of a new leader under center and feel like the odd man out in free agency outside of potentially landing Justin Fields. Shedeur facilitated a dangerous offense last year with his elite processing skills and quick release. He can extend plays if needed to and has a clear control of the middle of the field with pressure in his face.
#8 Pick - Carolina Panthers
Tetairoa McMillan - WR - Arizona
The Panthers seemed destined for another highly drafted Quarterback but Bryce Young played great over the second half of the season despite some less than desirable talent around him. Going out and surrounding Young with some viable pass catchers will help him take that next step and with a big bodied receiver with great hands like Tet McMillan sliding down to 8 this should be a no-brainer.
#9 Pick - New Orleans Saints
Will Johnson - CB - Michigan
The Saints have an astounding amount of needs and are still in what feels to be never-ending cap hell. After trading away Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo set to hit free agency, they’ll need a running mate with Kool-Aid McKinstry. If it weren’t for injury trouble Will Johnson would be viewed as a top 5 talent. His 6’2 frame and high football IQ help him dominate the outside, bullying receivers to the boundary and providing sticky coverage. The down field speed concerns are real but he’s too smart of a player for that to be a major concern.
#10 Pick - Chicago Bears
James Pearce Jr. - EDGE - Tennessee
The Bears have already started overhauling their OL and with the expectation that they are going to continue that with some veteran options in Free Agency, they take the shot on James Pearce Jr. JPJ came into 2024 as the consensus #1 overall pick for 2025 but had a down year causing him to slip a little bit. Pearce Jr tested very well at the combine and even though his 2024 season wasn’t like his 2023 campaign, there is a ton of talent there and I don’t see him slipping that far.
#11 Pick - San Francisco 49ers
Armond Membou - OL - Mizzou
Armond Membou took the world by storm last week at the combine with his loud 40 yard dash and 97th percentile broad jump. He’s been flying up draft boards since. Most media members are convinced he can play anywhere on the offensive line, with extreme upside at both right tackle and as a guard. Bottom line is he’s an excellent athlete that passes off stunts with ease and explodes in the run game. Membou going in the top half of the 1st round shouldn’t surprise anyone.
#12 Pick - Dallas Cowboys
Matthew Golden - WR - Texas
Matthew Golden is arguably the biggest riser post combine after he ran a 4.29 40 yard dash. The former Texas receiver is a gifted athlete who can open up the offense in Dallas. He’s a great Red-Zone option and is a very sound route runner who separates with ease. Getting Dak another weapon and taking some of the eyes of CeeDee Lamb is exactly what that Dallas offense needs.
#13 Pick - Miami Dolphins
Kelvin Banks Jr. - OT - Texas
With Terron Armstead mulling over retirement and Mike McDaniels feeling desperate to find long term protection for Tua, All American Kelvin Banks Jr. slipping to #13 would be a dream come true. Banks was the prized piece for a very good offensive line over at Texas, starting 42 games and logging over 2,700 snaps for the Longhorns. His athleticism is at the top of the class, proving time after time that he can get to the next level in the run game. He will be freshly 21 for April’s draft and provide a ton of upside from the jump.
#14 Pick - Indianapolis Colts
Tyler Warren - TE - Penn St.
This feels a lot like the Brock Bowers situation last season. Tyler Warren the football player is a top 10 talent but he will get pushed down a little due to his position. The Colts would be ecstatic if they were able to end the slide and give Anthony Richardson (or whoever they bring in to compete for the job) a versatile pass catcher who will also help a ton in the run game. Warren has all the tools to become the next all around great TE. The Colts still have a decent way to go on offense but Warren is such a dynamic player that you can’t pass up on in today's NFL.
#15 Pick - Atlanta Falcons
Mykel Williams - EDGE - Georgia
In a draft class loaded with talent on the defensive line one of the highest ceilings belongs to Mykel Williams out of Georgia. He is raw as a pass rusher but possesses the ability to line up anywhere with a freaky blend of power and athleticism. Watching his tape you’ll quickly see the pass rush repertoire is limited, he makes up for it with a vicious burst at the point of attack. As cliche as it's gotten, Williams demonstrates a very high motor and can get off blocks to impact the run game as well.
Pick #16 - Arizona Cardinals
Walter Nolen - IDL - Ole Miss
The Cardinals defense isn’t necessarily bad but they need more playmakers up front who can disrupt in both the pass and run game. Walter Nolen is a smooth mover for a player of his size (6’3 / 305) and with his quickness off the ball and his overwhelming strength he was consistently wreaking havoc in the backfield. In a division as competitive as the NFC West Arizona needs to get better in the trenches and Nolen could be the start of it.
Pick #17 - Cincinnati Bengals
Shemar Stewart - DL - Texas A&M
Outside of an offensive lineman we’ll name a little later, it’s hard to find another player who had a better draft cycle than Shemar Stewart. He dominated at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, showcasing his unique frame and athleticism. The guy is 6’5 / 257 lbs with a 40 inch vertical and sub 4.6 40 yard dash. Cincinnati is going to need help all over the defensive line after Sam Hubbard retiring and Trey Hendrickson filing a formal trade request.
Pick #18 - Seattle Seahawks
Jihaad Campbell - LB - Alabama
We think the Seahawks find their Geno Smith replacement in Free Agency. So while a guy like Jaxson Dart could be in play here, we decided that Mike Macdonald goes out and gets his defensive signal caller in Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell. Campbell is a true sideline to sideline athlete with a quick trigger and great athleticism. The Offenses in the West are still very good and adding Campbell to a defense with some good young pieces can help speed up the rebuild Seattle is heading to.
*DK Got traded to Pittsburgh seconds before this was posted but we assumed he was out the door anyway
Pick #19 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Emeka Egbuka - WR - Ohio St.
The Bucs are going into another year with a new offensive coordinator, and with Chris Godwin set to test free agency a top-end slot receiver is in play. Here we have them going with a national champion that features a strong route tree and 4.3 speed. Emeka Egbuka held down the slot for the Buckeyes in 2024, finishing the year with 12 TD’s and over receiving 1,100 yards. His ability to work the middle of the field and extend plays after the catch would pair perfectly with Baker and co.
Pick #20 - Denver Broncos
Luther Burden III - WR - Mizzou
Bo Nix had a great rookie season so why not go out and get him a shifty receiver who can open up the offense even more? Burden’s shown the ability to be an effective YAC producer and can separate better than most in this class. After a very successful career at Mizzou that saw him rack up 2,263 receiving yards on 192 catches with 21 TDs he lands with Denver with hopes of getting even more out of Bo Nix.
Pick #21 - Pittsburgh Steelers
Jahdae Barron - CB - Texas
Another Texas All-American finds himself off the board a little later than most would expect. Truth be told when we were going through this mock we both felt like Barron could be in the top half of the 1st round. He’s extremely versatile in the secondary, with the ability to play at a high level on the outside, in the slot, or even in the “centerfielder” role if needed. His high football IQ makes him a force in zone coverage, and his press skills on the outside are extremely impressive given his frame. Barron is a piece every team can use from the jump.
Pick #22 - Los Angeles Chargers
Colston Loveland - TE - Michigan
There’s the obvious Michigan connection here but the Chargers need players who can catch the ball and Loveland does just that. The Chargers had a great year this past season but they can’t rely on the run as much as they did, they have to get Herbert some weapons and Loveland's Athleticism and hands are the perfect fit in Harbaugh’s offense.
Pick #23 - Green Bay Packers
Jalon Walker - LB/EDGE - Georgia
Jalon Walker’s draft stock is all over the place. I’ve seen him as high as #6 to the Raiders and to some not worthy of a 1st round grade. Personally, that drastic range of evaluation comes from his measurables and indifference on where he’ll play at the next level. To me, in today’s NFL that versatility to get after the QB and seamlessly drop back in coverage should be coveted. His closing speed and ability to sift through the madness with power and leverage makes him a great asset in the run game. It’s easy to say he’s raw as a pass rusher but his speed and bend can be game changing.
Pick #24 - Minnesota Vikings
Derrick Harmon - DT - Oregon
The Vikings defense was a huge reason why they had a 14-3 season and adding a player like Derrick Harmon to that group seems unfair. Harmon has a chance to crack the top 20 but slides to Minnesota at 24 in this mock, giving Brian Flores another disruptive, high motor player on his defensive line.
Pick #25 - Houston Texans
Tyler Booker - OG - Alabama
The Texans offensive line limped into the postseason last year. With turmoil within the WR room combined with a promising young QB, developing a strong line has to be a focal point for Houston this offseason. Tyler Booker is widely regarded as one of the top true offensive guards in this class. He had over 2,000 snaps on the line at powerhouse Alabama and is set to turn 21 just a week before this year's draft. He is an elite pass protector with great length, showcasing the ability to anchor and use leverage to his advantage. Booker didn’t have the best combine performance, but his power and length should certify him as a first round guy.
Pick #26 - Los Angeles Rams
Josh Simmons - OT - Ohio St.
Simmons is coming off a season ending knee injury leading to his mini slide in this mock but LA scoops him up with hopes of him becoming the Right Tackle of the future. Simmons is a very tough and athletic big man who gets up to the second level quickly and will lay the boom on whoever is in his way. If he was healthy coming into the Draft Process we would have seen him come off the board as a top 15 pick
Pick #27 - Baltimore Ravens
Malaki Starks - S - Georgia
The Ravens are in a unique spot here, they could use a plethora of help on the defensive side of the ball, most notably with a pass rusher or a stud in the secondary. With Marlon Humphry likely finding himself as a cap casualty, we chose the latter and went with the best player still available. Malaki Starks is an elite tackler that makes an impact in the run game with exceptional instincts. His ball skills are great for a safety, was a consensus All-American, and has the physical playstyle you love to see in a 1st round DB.
Pick #28 - Detroit Lions
Mike Green - EDGE - Marshall
We expect the Lions to try to add a couple Edge Rushers in free agency but with Mike Green falling in 28 there’s no reason to pass on him here. Green led the FBS with 17 sacks in 2024 and showed a quick first step along with a deep pass rush bag that makes him even harder to block. While Green is still a raw prospect the Lions are able to take a chance on his high level traits to pair him with Aidan Hutchinson.
Pick #29 - Washington Commanders
Kenneth Grant - DT - Michigan
With the Commanders letting go of longtime starter Jonathan Allen, improving their interior defensive line will be a priority this offseason. Kenneth Grant is one of the most physically imposing players you’ll find in this class. That being said his measurables surprised some at the combine, coming in about 10-15 pounds lighter than expected. His pass rush toolbag is impressive, blending power and finesse with an elite swim/rip move. As a run defender he can take on two blockers and disrupt zone schemes.
Pick #30 - Buffalo Bills
Nick Emmanwori - S - South Carolina
Nick Emmanwori is as athletically gifted as they come. Heads started turning at the combine after he clocked in at 4.38 in the forty while measuring in at 6 '3, 220 pounds and also jumping 43 inches. A great coverage safety with the ability to come up and stuff the run is exactly what the Buffalo Bills secondary needs.
Pick #31 - Kansas City Chiefs
Grey Zabel - OL - North Dakota St.
As mentioned earlier, Grey Zabel had an insane pre-draft cycle, dominating at the Senior Bowl. He was a stone wall throughout the different practices and drills, elevating himself to one of the top lineman available and a solid option on the IOL. He will get some small school criticism, but his tape shows STRONG hands with the ability to redirect defensive lineman and boogie in the run game. The Chiefs just traded away Joe Thuney and have begun resigning other valued pieces. I fully expect them to attack the offensive line in this year's draft.
Pick #32 - Philadelphia Eagles
Landon Jackson - EDGE - Arkansas
The Eagles stick with what works and grab another play to plug into their defensive line. They are going to move on from Josh Sweat and Bryce Huff so grabbing Jackson at 32 gives them another long and freakish athlete. Jackson plays the run very well and has the quickness to seal the edge quickly and brings some juice as a pass rusher.
Written by: Vincenzo Sciaqua & Ryan Mobley
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