Miami

For a time, it appeared that Tennessee might prioritize a top-tier talent like Abdul Carter instead of a quarterback. However, the consensus now strongly suggests that the Titans are set to target a signal-caller with their first pick in the draft—specifically, Cam Ward. While Ward may not possess the polished skillset typical of a No. 1 overall selection, Tennessee has little choice but to move on from Will Levis following their league-worst passing grade in 2024. Although Ward struggles with accuracy, he offers unmatched potential within this quarterback class and is progressing along a promising path to becoming a solid NFL starter.

Colorado

It’s hard to imagine a scenario where the Browns don’t select a quarterback with this pick. Deshaun Watson’s career, marred by off-field scandals, injuries, and poor on-field performances, appears to be over in the NFL. With a front office desperate to atone for the Watson debacle, Cleveland is poised to bite the bullet and select the only remaining first-round-calibre quarterback. Sanders remains this writer’s top choice at the position due to his poise, accuracy, and toughness. While he’s unlikely to develop beyond a mid-tier NFL starter, his pro-ready passing ability could provide the much-needed turnaround this franchise is searching for.

Penn State

According to Charlie Campbell, the Giants seem unenthused by the top two quarterbacks and could consider Abdul Carter if the draft begins with back-to-back QB selections. Additionally, while Russell Wilson is no longer a top-tier player, he remains capable enough to provide New York with a higher floor in 2025, potentially allowing them to delay addressing the quarterback position for another year. Carter is a force off the edge, boasting outstanding production during his first full season as a rush linebacker. Though slightly undersized as a full-time pass rusher, his exceptional football intelligence and athleticism make him a strong candidate to reach All-Pro potential, especially in New York’s 3-4 defence alongside Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux.

Colorado

"While offensive tackle Armand Membou fits the Patriots’ urgent needs, it’s hard to imagine them passing up on reigning Heisman winner Travis Hunter at No. 4. Hunter is a generational two-way talent whose elite athleticism and intelligence enable him to excel as both a cornerback and wide receiver at a Pro Bowl level (note: the Patriots did sign Carlton Davis to a 3 year deal, so perhaps they use Hunter more as a WR. Teams remain divided on his best position, but starting him as a full-time cornerback while utilizing him for impactful receiver snaps may maximize his unique skillset. Regardless of his role, Hunter’s versatility and talent make him a potential franchise cornerstone for the next decade, addressing New England’s desperate need for star power.

Missouri

Projecting Jacksonville's draft is no easy task. While Mason Graham is often mocked to the Jaguars, his status as a non-elite defensive tackle with athletic concerns makes a top-5 selection unlikely. Will Johnson also seems to be falling out of contention. Despite addressing the offensive line in free agency with Mekhari and Hainsey, neither feels like a long-term solution, and both Walker Little and Ezra Cleveland, despite their extensions, are upgradeable. Armand Membou has surged up draft boards as the likely OL1 of this class. His combine performance was not just extraordinary but historic, placing him alongside Trent Williams and Tristan Wirfs as an elite athletic specimen. Coupled with arguably the best offensive line tape of 2024 and his rare four-position versatility, Membou presents a strong case as a top-5 prospect

Boise State

While the debate over selecting running backs in the top 10 remains contentious within the draft community, the success of recently highly drafted RBs has reignited its viability. Ashton Jeanty, however, is far from an ordinary running back. A candidate for the top prospect in the class, Jeanty stands out as an extraordinarily dominant runner with elite field vision, exceptional catching ability, and a knack for breaking tackles. His rare skillset means than Jeanty likely ends up a top-5 running back for the forseeable future, and one expects him to becomea game-changing force at the next level.

Penn State

The Jets boast talent across the roster, but Justin Fields' career revival hinges on adding another reliable target beyond Garrett Wilson. Tyler Warren, coming off a stellar 2024 season, stands out as a rare tight-end prospect with top-10 potential. Widely regarded as one of the draft's premier players, Warren has been frequently linked to New York. As a receiving tight end, Warren delivered elite production, showcasing his ability to be a dynamic offensive weapon. While his blocking may not reach elite levels, he projects as a functional to solid in-line blocker, adding versatility to his game. For the Jets, Warren could be the perfect addition to elevate their offense and provide Fields with a much-needed weapon.

Georgia

Given the Panthers’ league-worst pass rush, selecting an edge rusher seems highly likely. While James Pearce Jr. could be an ideal Brian Burns replacement, his significant character concerns have been widely reported and may cause him to slide down the draft board. Enter Mykel Williams, who, after a strong pre-draft process, becomes the next-best option in this mock. Williams is the latest 'toolsy' Georgia edge rusher, boasting a solid physical skillset and significant upside, even if his college production doesn’t match that of a top-tier draft prospect. A strong run defender, Williams has the potential to outperform his collegiate career at the pro level. Despite playing through injuries in 2024, he still managed to record 5 sacks.

LSU

The Saints made strides in 2024 with Taliese Fuaga’s solid rookie campaign and Trevor Penning’s improvement, but their offensive line still needs reinforcement to better protect Derek Carr. Will Campbell is an intriguing prospect—exceptionally talented with a high NFL floor—but likely limited to guard due to his arm length, which measured between 32.5 and 33 inches at the combine and pro day. On the field, Campbell is undoubtedly a top-10 caliber player. However, college tackles transitioning to guard in the NFL, like Peter Skoronski and Alijah Vera-Tucker, often slide out of the top-10 due to the lower positional value of pure guards compared to tackles. Regardless, Campbell’s addition could stabilize an inconsistent offensive line and allow the Saints to capitalize on the draft’s deep EDGE and DT talent pool in Day 2.

Michigan

Chicago's significant investment in their interior offensive line this offseason likely rules out another OL selection here. Instead, the Bears have the opportunity to target a top defensive talent or perhaps a sliding Ashton Jeanty. In this scenario, they strengthen their defensive line with Kenneth Grant, this writer's top interior defensive lineman.

While Mason Graham enjoys a higher reputation among the draft community, Grant's superior athleticism, dominant run defense, and improving pass-rushing skills make him a standout prospect. His impact goes far beyond the stat sheet, showcasing traits that could elevate him to one of the NFL's premier defensive tackles. Graham may offer a safer Day 1 option, but Grant's potential to develop into a game-changing force aligns with the Alim McNeill mold, making him an enticing choice for Ben Johnson and the Bears' defensive front.

Michigan

San Francisco’s defense struggled immensely this season and suffered a significant exodus of talent before the 2025 free agency period, leaving only Nick Bosa as a starter along their defensive line. With the defensive tackle position particularly vulnerable, Mason Graham emerges as a sensible choice. While not without flaws, Graham is an ultra-consistent prospect who excels as both a stout run defender and a disruptive interior pass rusher. His average athleticism and build likely position him as a mid-first-round pick (11-20 range), but for a team urgently needing reliability, Graham’s high floor makes him an excellent fit.

Arizona

The Cowboys have long relied on CeeDee Lamb as their offensive centerpiece, but the lack of a strong complementary receiver has left their passing game one-dimensional. Addressing this need, they capitalize on Tetairoa McMillan's perceived speed concerns and a draft class heavy on trench talent to secure him as a high-end No. 2 option. McMillan brings a skill set reminiscent of Drake London or Mike Evans, combining size, physicality, and contested-catch ability. He stands out as one of the safer prospects in this draft, offering both a high floor and an impressive ceiling. In this writer's view, McMillan is the only wide receiver in this class, aside from Travis Hunter, with true WR1 potential—a move that could elevate the Cowboys' offense to new heights.

South Carolina

The Dolphins face numerous defensive needs and opt for the best player available to fill the void left by departing free agent Jevon Holland. Regardless of positional value, Nick Emmanwori stands out as one of the premier talents in the 2025 NFL Draft. A towering safety with exceptional coverage skills, ball-hawking ability, and remarkable athleticism—highlighted by his standout NFL Combine performance—Emmanwori has all the tools to excel at the next level. His impressive tape, elite physical traits, and the demand for talent at his position make him a strong candidate to be selected within the top 20 picks. For Miami, Emmanwori could be a cornerstone addition to their defense.

Alabama

The Colts' offensive line, a significant strength in 2024, took a hit in free agency with the loss of their starting center and guard to the Minnesota Vikings. While Tanor Bortellini is expected to step in at center, selecting Tyler Booker at No. 14 could solidify one of the NFL’s best interior offensive lines. Though a power guard like Booker might not bring the flashiness of a Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland pick, his reliability and upside make him a standout option. Regarded as one of the safest prospects in this class, Booker combines immediate "plug-and-play" ability with Pro Bowl potential. For what its worth, Charlie Campbell has reported that the Colts really like Tyler Booker.

Georgia

The Falcons' focus on quarterbacks in the 2024 draft left their pass rush, which produced just 31 sacks last season, unaddressed. Improving this unit is crucial in the upcoming draft. Jalon Walker, a highly athletic prospect, has been linked to Atlanta but raises questions due to his undefined position. Seen as more of a tweener than truly versatile, Walker might excel as a sub-package pass rusher but lacks polish for a full-time role. His potential as an inside linebacker is promising, though it requires time and development. Walker’s success as a pass rusher hinges on a 3-4 defensive scheme, with Raheem Morris' system in Atlanta appearing to be an ideal fit for his skill set.

Michigan

The Cardinals find themselves in an enviable position here, selecting purely based on "Best Player Available" (BPA) and landing a CB1-caliber talent in Will Johnson. While he remains a strong candidate to be drafted in the 6-10 range, concerns about his play speed have reportedly caused hesitation among teams, potentially leading to a slide on draft day. For Arizona, this is a Christian Gonzalez-type scenario—a gifted, solid starting cornerback whose value might be underestimated by teams picking ahead. Johnson would instantly elevate the Cardinals' secondary, becoming the best cornerback on their roster and a potential cornerstone for their defense.