The Super Bowl is set to kick off next week. As we end the 2024-25 season, it’s time to look at the draft. In the coming weeks leading up to the draft, I’ll be releasing a mock draft.
Just a note: I root for the Steelers and Giants.
1. Tennessee Titans: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The Titans hired a new GM, Mike Borgonzi. Recent reports suggest Tennessee is looking for a veteran QB. In his three years at Happy Valley, Carter dominated quarterbacks. This year, his sack total jumped by 50%. He excels in both run defense and pass rushing. He’d be a great fit.
2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
The Browns had a miserable season on both sides of the ball. In fact, Myles Garrett said he needs to see improvement or he’s out. While quarterback is a need, if Cleveland wants to keep Garrett happy, Hunter is the way to go. If the Browns use him on both sides of the ball, it would address two needs: a big-time receiver and a star defensive back.
3. New York Giants: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Am I hopeful that Ward falls to No. 3? Yes. But I also see this happening. The Giants need help at every position. Ward was stellar with the Hurricanes this year, and he also put up big numbers at Washington State. He’s great in the pocket, great on the move, and excellent at pushing the ball downfield.
4. New England Patriots: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Before the Patriots blew the top pick in Week 18, all signs pointed to them taking Hunter. Drake Maye needs a true No. 1 receiver—better than Kendrick Bourne. McMillan was tremendous with the Wildcats in their first season in the Big 12. We’ve seen young quarterbacks thrive when paired with elite receivers.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Jaguars have several defensive backs hitting free agency. They need a big name to bolster their secondary. Johnson was widely considered the best corner in the country this year. His presence could help the new era of Jaguars football get off on the right foot.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
And the match the Sanders family wanted is set. Sanders is a talented quarterback, and new head coach Pete Carroll has a history of success with rookie QBs—just look at Russell Wilson in 2012. The Raiders need a quarterback like they need air. Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew just aren’t good enough.
7. New York Jets: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Before you call me crazy, this does make sense with a new coach and a team that needs a long-term starter. Dart’s last two years at Ole Miss were incredible. The Jets have yet to announce their plans for Aaron Rodgers. If they move on, Dart could be their guy.
8. Carolina Panthers: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
The Panthers finished strong at the end of the season. Second-year QB Bryce Young showed why he was a top pick. If they want him to take the next step, Burden is the way to go. He runs fantastic routes, has great ball skills, and makes big plays.
9. New Orleans Saints: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Saints need help on offense, and Egbuka is a great fit. His elite route running can open up the passing game. Whether Derek Carr remains their quarterback or not, they need another playmaker.
10. Chicago Bears: Tyler Brooks, G, Alabama
Let’s face it—the Bears had the worst offensive line in the NFL last year. Brooks would add stability up front while filling a huge need.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
The 49ers need to add youth to their defense as they chase their sixth Lombardi Trophy. Campbell provides depth and excels in coverage. He’s the top-ranked linebacker in this draft and will thrive in San Francisco.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The Cowboys rarely make the right pick, but they desperately need a running back. Jeanty has been outstanding with the Broncos. He’d be a huge asset in both the running and passing game. The question is: Will Dallas use him correctly?
13. Miami Dolphins: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
The Dolphins need help at nearly every defensive position. Emmanwori is excellent in coverage and delivers big hits. Expect Miami to focus heavily on defense in this draft.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Jake Majors, C, Texas
Anthony Richardson had a rough year. With Ryan Kelly’s future uncertain, the Colts need to find his replacement. Majors anchored a stellar offensive line at Texas. This pick allows the Colts to run the ball more and take pressure off Richardson.
15. Atlanta Falcons: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
The Falcons’ defense was… interesting last year. Pearce is a monster pass rusher. With this pick, they save money by not having to re-sign Matthew Judon. If Atlanta wants to catch the Buccaneers, they need to generate more pressure.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State
Despite the controversy over his reaction to flag plating against Michigan, Sawyer is a beast. He was unblockable throughout the playoffs. The Cardinals had no issues scoring last season—their problem was stopping opponents.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
There’s no chance the Bengals can afford to bring back Tee Higgins. Harris would provide similar production at a fraction of the cost. Just imagine him with Joe Burrow.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Tate Ratledge, G, Georgia
The Seahawks need offensive line help as Geno Smith enters the final year of his contract. Ratledge will bolster protection up front.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas
Tampa won the division despite a slew of injuries. Chris Godwin is set to enter free agency, and Bond would be a seamless replacement.
20. Denver Broncos: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The Broncos need more weapons for Bo Nix. Warren is a star in the making. He would take pressure off Courtland Sutton and give Denver a reliable target.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
When your owner talks about getting a star quarterback, you’re picking one. Milroe is raw but has a rocket arm and mobility. He fits well in Arthur Smith’s offense. Expect Pittsburgh to go big on offense in this draft.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
Khalil Mack turns 34 this month and is set to hit free agency. Jackson would step in immediately as a run stopper and pass rusher.
23.Green Bay Packers: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
The Packers are set to have two defensive backs hit the market. Barron excelled in man coverage for the Longhorns. He’d be able to step in quickly, get on the field, and make an immediate impact.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, ECU
If you think the Packers need defensive backs, the Vikings need them even more. They have four set to hit the market. Revel has speed, strength in man coverage, and some of the best character in the draft.
25. Houston Texans: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
The Texans need another receiver to step up after injuries derailed their season. Golden brings speed, ball skills, and great hands. If they want to take the next step as a team, they need a big-time playmaker.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
The Rams’ offensive line let them down on the final drive of the season in Philadelphia. Banks would be a key addition, especially if they plan on committing to the run game.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Take everything I said about the last pick and apply it here. The Ravens need to improve their offensive line if they want to beat Kansas City.
28. Detroit Lions: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
The Lions lost almost every starter to injury last season. They’re so close to breaking through to the Super Bowl. Green would fit their scheme and contribute right away.
29. Washington Commanders: Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami
The Commanders were one of the biggest surprises of the season. Restrepo was one of the best receivers in the country. To take the next step, they need to add more weapons.
20. Buffalo Bills: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
I could say they need to draft an offensive lineman after that blitz to end their season, but the Bills are set to lose defensive linemen in free agency. Graham was outstanding for the Wolverines, and adding him could help Buffalo finally break through.
31. Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State
The Eagles have such a strong roster that I could see them trading this pick. But adding a young receiver would be a solid move.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
What do you do when you’ve been to four of the last five Super Bowls? I don’t really know—but strengthening an already strong defense sounds like a good plan.
