It's finally draft month, which means it's the perfect time to reveal my one and only mock draft of the year. You'll notice I didn't include any trades, but there are still some pairings that I'm sure will raise some eyebrows. Let's jump in.
Ward made his case to be Tennessee's selection with a solid pro day workout, showing Titans brass his strong arm, accuracy and playmaking ability. The Miami product would make the Titans an immediate contender in the AFC South.
Taking a QB here should not be out of the question, especially after owner Jimmy Haslam admitted the franchise's major "swing and miss" with Deshaun Watson. But building around the QB position is important, too. Carter, my colleague Daniel Jeremiah's No. 1-ranked prospect, has all the tools to thrive opposite Myles Garrett, whose presence will give the rookie plenty of one-on-one opportunities.
Despite signing veteran quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston this offseason, the Giants still need to find a long-term answer at quarterback. Sanders, a crisp and accurate passer, has the talent and moxie to become a star in New York.
The Patriots had one of the worst offensive lines in 2024, and their work on the front five is not done even after making some additions in free agency. They add the best tackle in this draft class to help keep Drake Maye upright as he attempts to improve in Year 2.
Head coach Liam Coen aims to replicate what he had in Tampa with a pair of talented receivers at the center of his offense. Joining second-year pro Brian Thomas Jr., McMillan is a big receiver (6-foot-4, 219 pounds) with the ball skills and physicality to make contested catches.
I view Jeanty as a generational player at the running back position. Knowing how much Pete Carroll's teams have relied on the run game over the years, I don't think he'll hesitate if he has the chance to land a workhorse back.
I'm guessing the Jets would be thrilled -- and very surprised -- to see the Heisman Trophy winner available here. Hunter is a generational talent with the ability to play on both sides of the ball for a team that has plenty of room for improvement at both cornerback and receiver.
Walker can be an explosive rusher off the edge for Carolina. He can win with speed, power and his athleticism. He'll be a big help to a defense that ranked dead last in 2024.
The Saints could go cornerback here (it's their biggest need), but in this scenario they aim to shore up the offensive line with Membou, who can step immediately at guard and eventually move over to tackle.
I know it would be a surprise to a lot of folks if Henderson is picked in the top 10, but he's my No. 2 RB in the draft and we saw how much success Detroit had with two running backs at the center of Ben Johnson's offense. Now the new Bears head coach adds a versatile and explosive back to pair with D'Andre Swift, giving Chicago a one-two punch in the backfield. Plus, Henderson excels in pass protection, making him an option on all three downs.
The 49ers lost a ton of talent along their defensive front in free agency, so drafting a tough, physical player who can create disruption from the interior should be a huge priority.
The Texas receiver has reliable hands and can be a YAC monster at the next level thanks to his tremendous speed. Golden, who primarily played in the slot in college, should pair well with CeeDee Lamb as a downfield playmaker for Dak Prescott.
After losing safety Jevon Holland (Giants) in free agency, the Dolphins add a physical playmaker who can play man-to-man and cover the deep middle for DC Anthony Weaver's unit.
No matter who's starting under center for the Colts this fall -- whether it's Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones -- the quarterback will need more offensive weapons. Warren is a big-bodied tight end who has a sizeable catch radius and can drag defenders for extra yards. He's also a former quarterback who made plays out of the Wildcat formation for Penn State.
The Falcons royally struggled to disrupt the quarterback last season, ranking 31st in QB pressure rate (28.1%). Green is an electric edge rusher who converts speed to power on his way to the QB. He can immediately help Atlanta's defensive front.
Kyler Murray is known for his improvisational skills, but he shouldn't always have to rely on them. Arizona must protect its franchise QB.
Regardless of what happens with Trey Hendrickson's situation, the Bengals need pass rush help. Stewart might not have the production others in this class do, but his talent and explosiveness in pursuit of the quarterback would add tremendous value to Cincinnati's defensive front.
Booker improves the Seahawks' offensive line with his consistency as a run blocker and ability to stave off interior rushers.
Campbell is a versatile defender who has the instincts and cover ability to star as an off-ball linebacker, but he can rush the passer, too. He's the type of player who could help give Todd Bowles' team that "killer instinct" the coach desires, while learning from 14th-year veteran Lavonte David.
A big, tackle-breaking rusher who'll make most of his money late in the season, Hampton gives the Broncos a Mark Ingram-type back that Sean Payton utilized to great success during his time in New Orleans.
The Steelers should not pass up the opportunity to land Dart, a traditional passer with the athleticism to work outside of the pocket. It'd be ideal for him to sit and learn behind, say, Aaron Rodgers before taking over as QB1.
Justin Herbert needs more weapons to help the Chargers take the next step, so it makes sense for Jim Harbaugh to continue building Michigan West with the talented Loveland, a big target with big playmaking ability.
With Jaire Alexander's time in Green Bay potentially winding down, the Packers select a big-bodied cornerback with the skill set to play outside and in the slot. Johnson's ball skills could help him contribute immediately.
The Vikings lost Cam Bynum in free agency but they replace him with a young, ballhawking safety in Emmanwori.
The Texans fill the void left by the Laremy Tunsil trade with an athletic tackle. I know Simmons is coming off a knee injury, but he'll be able to serve as C.J. Stroud's blindside protector for years to come.
You can never have enough pass rushers in the NFL, so the Rams take Ezeiruaku to boost an already strong front. He's relentless in his pursuit of the quarterback and should find success alongside fellow young stars Braden Fiske, Kobie Turner, Byron Young and Jared Verse.
The Ravens add a dynamic edge rusher who is physical and explosive. Pearce has the potential to make life tough for AFC North quarterbacks.
The Lions suffered a litany of injuries on defense last season, so depth has to be top of mind. They decide to add Williams, who boasts plenty of talent and confidence, to pair with Aidan Hutchinson off the edge.
The Commanders select a long, rangy cornerback who can disrupt the passing game. Thomas has plenty of room to grow, but he possesses the tools and physicality to thrive under Dan Quinn.
The Bills strengthen the supporting cast for reigning MVP Josh Allen by adding a receiver with a high football IQ, great route-running ability and the toughness to make contested catches downfield.
The Chiefs add a big, strong cornerback in an effort to help Steve Spagnuolo's secondary shut down the top offenses in the AFC. Barron might begin his career as a nickel corner but he can also play outside.
Zabel has experience at multiple spots along the O-line but could step in as a Day 1 starter at guard for Philly, replacing the departed Mekhi Becton.
