Tennessee

I'm torn between Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker to Atlanta, but Pearce's pure pass rush skill wins out for me here. The need is simple - get to the QB and create backfield havoc.

Georgia

I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Pearce/Walker go 15 & 16 in one order or the other. Walker is a fun fit in Arizona's defense - a versatile, rangy defender who can play off-ball LB and stay on the field all 3 downs.

Texas

This pick changes if the Bengals anticipate Tee Higgins leaving town (Luther Burden). But the O-line and secondary were both very suspect in 2024, so getting one of those needs fixed here is a better use of draft capital. I think Jahdae Barron goes slightly earlier than expected, and he fills a big need here.

Missouri

TRADE! LAC gets #18 & #137 picks, 2025 draft
SEA gets #22 & #86 picks, 2025 draft
The Chargers jump the line to get a quality receiving weapon ahead of TB and PIT. The Seahawks can get a good OL/DL prospect at #22. This works for both teams.

Alabama

(from LAC in trade for #18 pick)
For years, I've mocked an IOL to Seattle only to see them go elsewhere. It's an ongoing positional need that I think they FINALLY address this year with the versatile Tyler Booker (who I think deserves to go higher than where he's ranked). Good trade back for Seattle.

Marshall

I've seen a few defensive prospects paired with TB (Morrison, Barron, etc.) but I like Mike Green in Tampa the best. The best Bucs defenses feature disruptive pass rushing from various angles - and that's Mike Green's game.

Ohio State

Egbuka to Pittsburgh feels like a good fit, as the Steelers need another WR weapon in the locker room. Benjamin Morrison is another option here, but I think the offensive woes Pittsburgh felt late last season propel a skill position pick here.

Notre Dame

Fit + need + value = Benjamin Morrison in Green Bay. (Oh, and keeping a good CB away from the equally DB-needy Vikings doesn't hurt either.)

Michigan

TRADE! KC gets #24 pick, 2025 draft
MIN gets #31 & #95 picks, 2025 draft
2 things happened to prompt this trade. One, the CBs ahead of #24 dried up for MIN. Two, Travis Kelce looked beyond washed in the Super Bowl. Overreaction? Maybe. But why not do something controversial and fun at the back end of a mock draft?

East Carolina

(from KC in trade for #24 pick)
The Vikings drop back, and pay a more sensible price for Shavon Revel. Like the other draft day trades in this particular mock, the teams that drop back end up looking good.

Ohio State

Yes, Simmons is listed as an OT - but he can kick inside to start his career and get acquainted with NFL game speed. That fills a need for Houston - chances are they'll be looking for Simmons, Membou, or Booker here.

Oregon

Back-to-back OTs named Josh. The Rams need to replace Cooper Kupp sure, but don't act like they don't already have their certified WR1 in Puka Nacua. Best O-lineman available should be the order of business for the Rams here.

South Carolina

The Ravens are the biggest draft mystery for me. They seem flush with talent, and the holes aren't glaring - I'm not sure where they go. So why not fill a need at safety with a player with huge upside that hits like a truck in the box? Nick Emmanwori has big potential if he's coached up right - and Baltimore's the spot for that to happen.

Texas A&M

It's Aidan Hutchinson and... well, we saw what happened when he got hurt. The Lions are 2-3 depth pieces away from a Super Bowl. Edge rusher is one of those positions that requires support.

Ole Miss

Much like Benjamin Morrison to GB -- fit + need + value = good pick. Nolen will likely go higher than #30, but this is where he lands in this mock, and Buffalo's quite happy about the situation.

Texas A&M

The Eagles front seven may look somewhat different in 2025, and one of their premier pass rushers will likely be gone in free agency. Enter the versatile Scourton to fill the void.