South Carolina

The Bengals are my team. Have been since 1990. Now that Higgins, Chase, and Gesicki are re-signed, the Bengals can address that horrid defense from last year.

The main issue was the poor play of Geno Stone and Jordan Battle last year. Injuries at CB didn't help (Dax Hill and DJ Turner) and Taylor-Britt regressed significantly but could bounce back to rookie form. All 3 were 1st or 2nd round picks recently. It seems they are going to give Geno Stone another chance at FS. The same cannot be said about Jordan Battle. He has not performed well and needs to be upgraded. Enter Nick Emmanwori.

A physical freak at SS with immense upside would help the young secondary and allow the Bengals to move on from Battle and upgrade the position. He jumped Malaki Starks, who plays FS like Stone, in my rankings back in February and just screams like the upgrade they need to get the back on track.

The other areas were plagued by injuries. Logan Wilson being out hurt more than most would admit and Pratt is too inconsistent to make an impact. He is poor man's Foyesade Oluokun with tons of stats but a ton of missed tackles, he will most likely be cut or traded for a low pick. Re-signing BJ Hill next to Jenkins with Henderson (re-signed) and Ossai/Murphy could allow the unit to get back into middle tier, which combined with the offense, could be enough to get the Bengals back in Super Bowl contention.

North Dakota State

This pick could be anything WR, TE, or G. Seattle's pick will show where Mike McDonald wants to go with this franchise. The Seahawks have their top 3 WRs in Cupp, JSN, and MVS. A 1st round pick here wouldn't have the impact it should.

Instead, I believe the Seahawks will trade down but if making the pick, they have to address to OL or TE for new QB Sam Darnold. With both 1st round TE's off the board, Seattle has two guard spots in flux and center needing an upgrade. Even though Booker is available, the Seahawks are rumored to have this pick down to McMillan (off the board) and Zabel. Zabel increased his stock at the Senior bowl and can play all 5 positions on the OL. His strength though is at guard, which Seattle is desperate to upgrade but is versatile enough to move to center, should another guard come available.

Alabama

The Bucs have always done well addressing MLB and that trend continues here with Campbell. The Bucs are rumored to be smitten with Campbell and he immediately fills a need next to Lavonte David in the same mold as him and Deion Jones.

There is talk that Campbell could slide due recent surgery but the Bucs have been all over Campbell throughout this process and wouldn't mind delaying his timeline for an elite player that most have inside the Top 10 on Big Boards.

North Carolina

Who knows what Sean Payton is going to do. I had TE for months but the Evan Ingram signing takes that off the table. Instead the offense needs to support Bo Nix. With the emergence of the WR core and strong defense, the best route is take a RB and stop the committee nonsense.

Hampton can do it all and is the #2 RB in this class. Sean Payton isn't known for having high picks in RBs because he always had one. The only time he didn't was when he took Mark Ingram at #28 in 2011 and now. Having a talented RB like Hampton, will allow the musical chair charade to end. He would bring stability to an offense that needs to continue to grow under Nix.

Note: The Broncos are feverously trying to get inside the Top 5 for Jeanty, which declares they are in need of a bell-cow RB. The drop from #5 to #20 is immense and certainly will cost a 1st next year, in addition to more, but the Broncos can afford it since they have a QB on a rookie deal, an established defense, and an emerging WR core, it will just be a matter if Jacksonville wants to drop to #20.

Oregon

The Steelers took a step forward in trading for DK Metcalf. While they like Egbuka and he would be in contention, they have focused their need on defensive line for this draft and rightfully so. Cam Heyward cannot play forever and the rest of their front 3 is average at best.

Harmon is a dream fit for Pittsburgh as he can play over Loudermilk and be mentored by Heyward until he retires. He is a 3-4 disrupter at the 5-tech in the run game and offers a decent pass rush. He is one of the few perfect fits I see in this draft.

Tomlin likes Sanders but reports are that the Front Office does not. Pittsburgh is better off trading for Kirk Cousins or holding out for Aaron Rodgers at this point in the season since they don't have a second round pick from the Metcalf trade. They can look for a successor next year in FA or the draft when they get their picks back.

Note: There is also the rumor that George Pickens could be traded today. He unfollowed the Steelers Instagram and Green Bay has been talking with Pittsburgh about acquiring him. Should he be dealt, I believe this pick will be Egbuka and they take Harmon at 23.

Michigan

The Chargers are looking to replicate Harbaugh football.

I think the signing of Tyler Conklin is being overlooked. He can be a decent TE, along with Will Dissly, for Justin Herbert. Plus both 1st round TE prospects are off the board.

One way to replicate Harbaugh football is to take another Michigan man in Kenneth Grant. Grant is the #1 NT in the draft and could go as high as #11 to San Fran. There are rumors that those inside Jacksonville preferred him to Graham at #5. Grant fills a huge need since Teair Tart and Otito Ogbonnia are their two projected starters.

Michigan

The Packers have been looking at DE's and CB's throughout this process. With the uncertainly of Jaire Alexander's future and another open spot at CB, the Packers have a huge need at CB.

Johnson would have been a Top 10 pick if not for his injured 2024 season and no running tests in the pre-draft evaluation process. Most believe it is due to the fact that he might not post a good time but the film from 23' shows he has #1 CB potential and is worth the risk at 23.

Note: The Packers are reported to be looking at WR but those reports also state that they may look at that position in round 2, true to Packers fashion, or trade for George Pickens.

Colorado

****Trade****
Minnesota trades #24 to the Giants for #34, #65, and a 2nd round pick in 26'

I hate projecting trades but this spot just screams move down. The Vikings only have 2 picks in the Top 100 and 4 overall. This could is the perfect spot for a team to come up and grab their identified player. If Shedeur slips this far, then I do think a team will want to grab him and, right now, I think the Giants have the best odds.

Giants GM Joe Schoen has been in Boulder a lot over this last year. The divide is that Schoen knows he will be canned with a bad season in 25'. He has made some boneheaded moves (extending Daniel Jones and letting Saquon Barkley walk) over his tenure and drafting a 1st round QB could give him a slightly longer leash. I believe the coaching staff is against it. They are trying to save their jobs and don't want to add anything that doesn't help them this year, which Shedeur won't sitting behind Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston.

Sanders isn't a top 10 pick on talent. I have him graded as a Round 2 QB but QB's are always over drafted for the 5th year option and the fact you need one to win the Super Bowl. Sanders is accurate and has decent arm strength. However, his progressions and pocket presence will need to be developed. All possible but he will need time. He also takes an absurd amount of sacks, 52 last year.

It will be interesting to see who wins in this push and pull between the front office and the staff but an obvious concession is letting the coaches win at #3 and the GM winning at the back end of round 1 or taking a QB at 34.

Alabama

The Texans need to continue to protect CJ Stroud. After trading away Laremy Tunsil and signing journey man Cam Robinson, the Texans still need competition at RG and RT.

Booker could go as high as 14 to the Colts but we have rarely seen guards taken that high. The Texans are rumored to be down to Banks, who won't make it past 15, and Booker. Here their patience pays off and they draft an immediate starter at RG.

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Ole Miss

Matt Stafford ultimately decided to stay in LA but this should serve as a wake up call to the Rams that their relationship does not have much longer.

Dart has a lot of Stafford traits in him and would be best served as a back up to learn McVay's system under Stafford before taking over in 26' or 27'. An incredible accurate passer, Dart just needs more NFL style reps and coaching than his last 8 years (college and HS) solely in the gun. He is a hot commodity right now with the Saints rumored to be all over him and exploring a move back into the first round to take him. That is entirely possible but the Rams could just sit and take Dart themselves with a 5 year rookie contract to build this team when Stafford retires within the next 2 years.

Georgia

The Ravens have needs at G, DL, and S. Donovan Jackson would be a good fit here but the Ravens have the ability to take the #2 S and (#1 FS) in the draft to pair with Kyle Hamilton.

Starks started the process as the draft's #1 safety but has been leapfrogged by Emmanwori due to inconsistent tape from last year. Starks has great instincts for the ball in the air but must get better at open field tackling and reaction time for the NFL.

The Ravens were the model, before the Eagles, of catching falling prospects. Starks could go as high as 13 to the Dolphins and would be great value at 27.

Boston College

The Lions need a DE opposite Hutchinson. When he went down, their defense shifted dramatically and not in a good way. They have been active in looking on the trade market and in the draft for a solution.

Ezeiruaku has been gaining steam as of late and now seems probable to go in the first round. He was 2nd last year in the FBS with 16.5 sacks in addition to winning the Ted Hendricks Award (Nations Top DE). He is being knocked due to being 6'2" and 248 lbs but he is roughly the same size as Micah Parsons. The Lions can teach run fits to make him more complete but he is a missile to the QB and will have many 1v1 opportunities opposite Hutchinson.

Ohio State

The Commanders have also been active looking at DE prospects to speed up their Super Bowl window. They have been interested in Trey Hendrickson but may opt to go to the draft for a cheaper route since they will have to eventually pay Jayden Daniels. With Armstrong and Ferrell as their two projected starters, the Commanders will address this area via trade or a falling prospect which is what I had for months here.

This pick changed due to a report I saw that stated Eckler and Robinson are both free agents after this year. Eckler doesn't have it anymore and Robinson is middle of the road at best. This is a deep and strong RB class and taking Judkins or Henderson may appeal to Washington to take the burden off Jayden Daniels this year.

Henderson is a 3 down RB and is gaining steam to be the 3rd RB selected. He won't be there at the end of round 2, as I think we see a huge run at RB here through pick 50.

Texas

The Bills could take Isiah Bond here to give Josh Allen a true deep threat. They have met with him every step of the way but his recent arrest and lack of self awareness could push him down until late day 2 or even day 3. The Bills have also been all over Landon Jackson, which is what I've had for about 1.5 months but Barron being available, who could go as high as 13 to Miami, is too good to pass up and fills a more immediate need at CB.

The Bills have Christian Benford and signed Tre'Davious White but the latter has not been the same player the past 3 seasons. Barron's strength is his versatility. He can play outside, nickel, and come down from safety, if needed (Brian Branch role). He also had a very solid year at Texas and would be a strong get at 30.

Ohio State

The Chiefs are finally having to rebuild their roster after their 2 year signing period of FA talent. This team is going to take a step back and have already started making these cuts. They will still be competitive in the AFC but now could cede supremacy to the Ravens, Bills, and Bengals.

Kelce decided to return in 2025 but at this point he is more of a name than an impact player. His 25' season was downright awful to his standards and he could be more of a part time player as the Chiefs look for his successor. Noah Gray was re-signed but they are going to want competition for him to continue to give Mahomes that safety valve that made this offense go. They could go Arroyo here, as I think he is the best fit. However, we all saw in the Super Bowl that the Chiefs have major protection issues and, with Thuney gone, they need more OL help to keep their QB upright.

Simmons would have been a Top 20 pick, if he hadn't suffered a torn patellar tendon in October. He should be good by training camp and would be good value at 31 to protect the franchise QB. That will appeal to KC as they look to upgrade this area over TE, who I think KC will look at in round 2 or 3.

Note: The Chiefs are rumored trading up for Josh Simmons at 24 in front of Houston but he falls to them here in this mock.

Ole Miss

The Eagles are here because they draft well and catch falling prospects that make huge impacts (DeJean and Mitchell just last year), very similar to what the Ravens have done for years.

Nolan should be a higher pick than 32 but has severe issues with motivation going back to his days at Texas A&M. When he is on, he can blow up plays in the backfield and reek havoc on an offensive line. The Eagles lost Milton Williams and Jordan Davis isn't a 3 down DT. Taking Nolen will allow the Eagles to continue to rush the passer from the inside out and allow him to develop slowly and increase his motivation with Carter and Davis serving as mentors.

Those falling out of round 1 of note:

Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio St.- Same as everyone else. He has a high floor but low ceiling. He never was the guy at Ohio St. but runs crisps routes and is dependable which appeals to teams. He may never be the superstar but will be a starter for 10 years, if a team has a good offensive system in place. He won't last past 10 picks in the 2nd.

Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky- Combine star but has injury issues. May be the best movement CB outside Travis Hunter but needs a good situation and coaching to be successful at this level. If the Vikings don't trade down from 24, I assume he would be the pick.

Landon Jackson, DE, Arkansas- Has all the tools to be great but is strictly a 4-3 DE. He is projected by some as a 3-4 DE but that doesn't align with his strengths as a run fitter and pass rusher. Needs more consistency but his pop plays are electric.

Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio St.- Overlooked and underrated. Jackson is worthy of a 1st round pick but I think we see a run of EDGE, CB, and RB that push him back into round 2. He could go to Baltimore at 27 but will be a starting G in this league for a long time.

Luther Burden, WR, Mizzou- My WR2 falls to the 2nd round. I think Burden can be a game changer for teams that utilize him properly (Deebo Samuel role). His poor 24' along with some quitting on plays last year will push a Top 20 talent to the top of round 2. He won't last long there.

Shavon Revel Jr., CB, ECU- The Packers or Bills could very well grab him at 23 or 30. He is coming off an injury but has the tools to be a very solid CB in this league. Could easily go round 1, if the CB run happens earlier than I project.

Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami- The Chiefs could grab him at 31 as a successor for Kelce, as he is the most natural fit outside of Warren. However, the run on CB, RB, and EDGE could push him to round 2.

Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida St- Not as high as most on him. (Mid-2 grade). He takes bad angles and give up free releases and looks to catch WRs. He got away with it in college but that could kill him in the pros.

Tre Amos, CB, Ole Miss- Great athlete just a little raw but will be gone in the top 15 of round 2.

Josh Conerly, OT, Oregon- He is going to need to get stronger. NFL defensive ends are going to bull rush him out of the league if he doesn't. His pass pro is very solid otherwise, but he is too much of a finesse player at this stage.

James Pearce, EDGE, Tennessee- Has Top 15 talent but his run support is a huge issue. If a team plans on him playing a wide 9 or 3rd down pass rusher, they will get a stud but he needs to develop as a run fitter and has off the field issues that push him to round 2.

Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame- Was a projected Top 20 pick before his injury at Notre Dame. Would thrive in a zone defense but drops to round 2 due to lack of press skills and open field tackling.