The NFL regular season has officially come to an end and the first 18 picks of the draft are locked in. This mock is the first one with set picks and this gives us a clearer picture of how the draft could look in April. Remember to follow my X account, @jvertDraft for more.
1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
The Titans are back in the QB market after seemingly being out of it for a few weeks when Will Levis was playing well but after he came back down to earth the Titans ended up as the worst team in the NFL and landed the first overall pick. Rumor has it the Titans “love” Cam Ward which this early in the draft cycle is likely just smoke but if at all true we could see this pick become reality in April. Ward should fit well as a playmaker and distributor in Brian Callahan’s offense and with a few more playmakers around him this offense could flourish.
2. Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
The Browns are definitely a huge player in the QB market but with Cam Ward gone and Shedeur Sanders being the only first round caliber QB left on the board, the Browns are in a tricky spot. They’re in this position because I have a very hard time believing that Deion or Shedeur himself will accept playing for the Browns and will likely force himself to New York. Regardless, the Browns are heading straight into a full rebuild whether they like it or not and adding a player like Abdul Carter to play opposite of or replace Myles Garrett if he decides to leave will help their team immediately and in the future.
3. New York Giants: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The Giants brain trust of Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen desperately need to select a QB in this draft and he needs to play well if they have any chance of being employed this time next year and their best shot at a QB will probably be either trading up or hoping Shedeur forces his way past the Browns. Shedeur has a very high floor and has experience playing in multiple offenses and should help bolster their passing attack and help the development of their young star receiver, who happens to already have a relationship with Shedeur Sanders. If Shedeur plays as well as a lot of pro ready guys tend to as rookies, he could save Daboll and Schoen’s careers in New York.
4. New England Patriots: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Number 4 overall seems like the floor for where Travis Hunter will go in the draft and that’s because he is a tailor made fit for 2 of the Patriots biggest needs. Being able to land a stud corner alongside Christian Gonzalez and filling a need at receiver in specific packages would be a huge addition for them. In my opinion, if a team wants Travis Hunter bad enough their going to have to jump New England to land him.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, IDL, Michigan
The Jaguars have holes across the entirety of their defense and none bigger than their need for help on the interior of their defensive line. Mason Graham provides the Jaguars with a stud run defender and pass rusher in the middle of their defense and would give the Jaguars one of the top end talents in the draft. Graham’s mix of skills would be a welcomed addition to any defensive line and the Jags are the lucky team in this mock.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Raiders worst nightmares came true when they landed a pick outside of QB territory and barring a trade they will likely be stuck with a bridge QB and a late round flyer. That being said, if they do stay at 6 they have a multitude of other issues to address and one of the biggest is cornerback. Will Johnson should be available at 6 despite probably being the best player in the entire draft due to value at other positions and the fact that he dealt with a lot of injuries in 2024. Johnson may not be the quarterback that the Raiders and their fans want but he will be a slam dunk pick when fans look back at it a few years down the road.
7. New York Jets: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Jets are tumbling back down the mountain towards another rebuild and the return of Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams seem unlikely which means their back where they started 2 years ago with no QB and no receivers alongside Garrett Wilson. With no QBs left and a new staff having a longer leash than most, they will be able to wait on picking their franchise QB until next year when there are more options to choose from. Selecting Tetairoa McMillan at 7 will help boost the ceiling of this offense and pair seamlessly alongside Garrett Wilson.
8. Carolina Panthers: Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M
The Panthers played relatively well down the stretch and Bryce Young seems to have turned the corner and looks like the franchise QB they thought he’d be when they drafted him number 1 overall. One of their biggest issues was their inability to rush the passer on defense. Drafting Scourton at 8 will give Carolina a versatile piece on their defensive line and should help increase their production when it comes to getting after the passer.
9. New Orleans Saints: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
The Saints offensive line has been an issue for multiple years now and being able to add another young piece to that group would be a very good selection for New Orleans. According to a lot of league sources some teams prefer Will Campbell as a guard rather than a tackle and despite my view that he will be perfectly fine at tackle in the NFL. In this scenario, Campbell plays guard for the Saints and helps build a good duo on the left side of the o line with last year’s first round pick, Taliese Fuaga.
10. Chicago Bears: Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia
The Bears roster actually doesn’t look too bad on paper and with a new coaching staff they could be much improved next season. The biggest hole they have is at the edge rusher spot opposite of Montez Sweat. Jalon Walker has been a force for Georgia all season and his speed and athleticism combination will be much appreciated by the Bears and their defense. Walker will provide a much needed boost to the Bears pass rush.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Kelvin Banks Jr, OT, Texas
The 49ers offensive line was a big issue for them this year and injuries and bad play across the entire unit was a big reason they had a very disappointing season. Trent Williams should be back next season after missing a lot of the back end of the season and 3rd round pick Dominick Puni looked like a future star so there is reason for them to be hopeful. Aside from Williams and Puni, San Francisco has 3 replaceable players in that room. Drafting Kelvin Banks at 11 could fill multiple holes on their line. Banks has the flexibility and talent to fill in at a guard spot or right tackle while preparing to succeed Trent Willams as Brock Purdy’s blindside protector.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Ashton Jeanty is the most intriguing player in the entire draft because it is truly a mystery where he will end up going at the top end of the first round. In my opinion, number 12 to the Cowboys is his floor, I don’t see a scenario where Jerry Jones passes on such an electric player at a position of need. Yes, the Cowboys do have holes at other premium positions but Dallas is always at their best when their offense has a true talented workhorse running back and Ashton Jeanty fits the bill. Jeanty will improve the floor of this offense from day 1 and make Jerry a ton of money in jersey sales.
13. Miami Dolphins: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
The Dolphins have had issues up front for a number of years and because of this their offense has been very inconsistent and unreliable when games get close. Terron Armstead is their most talented guy up front but he’s getting up there in age and his best football is likely behind him. It is unclear if he will be back with the Dolphins or if he’ll even be playing football again next season. Last season they selected Patrick Paul to be his replacement but they still need another tackle and Aireontae Ersery would fill that role very well. Ersery has elite size paired with elite athletic ability which the Dolphins will love in their offense.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Malaki Starks, Safety, Georgia
The Colts secondary has been a weak spot of their team for a few years now and without a cornerback super deserving of this spot they are able to turn and pick the top safety and one of the best players in the class. Malaki Starks is an elite, versatile playmaker in the back end of any defense and will help the Colts greatly against the pass immediately as a rookie.
15. Atlanta Falcons: James Pearce Jr, Edge, Tennessee
The Falcons had a pretty disappointing season in 2024 with most fans expecting the squad to be in the playoffs. Things are looking up for Atlanta after Michael Penix’s promising end to the season but they need to address their lack of a pass rush. For years Atlanta has tried to fill those spots with aging veterans who haven’t panned out. At 15 they are able to land a player like James Pearce who had a great year rushing the passer down the stretch. He is still developing as a run defender but he will still be able to provide an immediate impact as a pure pass rusher for Atlanta.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Kenneth Grant, IDL, Michigan
The Cardinals took big steps in 2024 and were much more better than a lot of people thought they’d be, but they still have holes at all levels of their defense. Kenneth Grant’s athleticism and run stopping skills are going to be highly coveted in the first round and the Cardinals would be a perfect team for him to display his skills and help the team early on in his career. Selecting Grant will continue the Cardinals infusion of youth into their front seven.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The Bengals have definite holes on their defense but, at this point in the draft there isn’t a true answer for them and there’s no reason for them to force a pick. The Bengals offense could look very different in 2025 with the contract of their second receiver, Tee Higgins, coming to an end and without a lot of cap space to spare they may not be able to retain him. They can replace him with a talented player at a different position like Tyler Warren. Warren has a unique combination of size and athleticism and he would be a welcomed addition to the Bengals passing attack.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama
The Seahawks still have some holes on their offensive line despite spending some resources to improve the line. At 18, picking a guard might not be a sexy pick but Tyler Booker possesses all the tools and skills to be a first round pick and a long-term starter at guard for a team at the next level. Selecting Booker would give the Seahawks a true stud on the interior of their offensive line which is dying for more youth and talent.
19. Houston Texas: Cameron Williams, OT, Texas
The Texans biggest issue this season was their issues up front and because of their issues on the offensive line there was a dip in production from their franchise QB, CJ Stroud, and the offense as a whole. The Texans moved their previous starting right tackle, Tytus Howard in to guard and have been playing rookie, Blake Fisher at right tackle. I don’t think Fisher would stop the Texans from taking a talented player like Cameron Williams in the first round. Williams has an extremely high ceiling and could play tackle or guard for the Texans and help boost their offensive line play exponentially.
20. Denver Broncos: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
The Broncos made the correct selection last offseason when they took Bo Nix at number 12 overall and it looks like Sean Payton has found his franchise QB. In order to keep Nix’s development on track it is important for the Broncos to add more weapons for Bo Nix. Luther Burden is an explosive playmaker with the ball in his hands and his talent is warrants a much higher pick than 20 but his lack of production this season may push him down the board a little. Burden would bring a much needed dynamic aspect to Denver’s offense.
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
The Buccaneers are a very talented team and it looks like they have a solid hold on the NFC south for the foreseeable future but they still have some holes at very important positions that they need to address if they hope to win a Super Bowl. Their biggest need is at edge rusher, and outside of Yaya Diaby they don ‘t have much young talent in that group. Mike Green is not yet a name on the draft wish list of most fans but once we get into the heart of the pre-draft process he will fly up draft boards because of his elite tools and skill set he possesses at such a young age.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
The Steelers need help at wide receiver but at 22 I don’t see a guy who is clearly deserving of a selection this high so in this scenario they go in a different direction. The Steelers defense is still as productive as ever, but the interior of their defensive line lacks some talent and the leader of that group Cam Hayward isn’t getting any younger. Picking a versatile, skilled athlete like Shemar Stewart to fit into that rotation and develop as a player would be very beneficial for Stewart and the Steelers.
23. Los Angeles Rams: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
The Rams corner group is bad to put it plainly. Adding more talent and youth to their group is paramount this offseason. Benjamin Morrison is easily a top 15 talent in the draft but his hip injury could slide him down team’s draft boards and give the Rams an opportunity to select him. Morrison can play in any scheme and would be an instant starter for the Rams and help their young core of defense take the next step.
24. Green Bay Packers: Shavon Revel, CB, Eastern Carolina
It doesn’t seem very likely that Jaire Alexander will be back in Green Bay next season if that’s the case they have nothing at corner next season. Despite Shavon Revel’s injury he is the next best available corner in the first round and would be an immediate impact player for the Packers. Revel fits the size and athleticism profile that the Packers usually look for and could quickly develop into the Packers best corner.
25. Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
The Chargers were one of the bigger surprises of the 2024 season and they have a shot to make some noise in the playoffs and here at 25 they have a chance to add another playmaker to their offense. Jim Harbaugh is extremely familiar with Colston Loveland and will be able to use him to improve their pass game with another young game breaker. Loveland’s 2024 season was less than ideal with Michigan’s QB issues and injuries ruining his production but he’s still very worthy of a first round selection. Loveland would be Justin Herbert’s security blanket and with a QB that talented, Loveland could have a Bowers level rookie campaign.
26. Washington Commanders: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
The Commanders have had a hole at both tackle spots for a long time and they should prioritize that spot in free agency or the draft. Josh Simmons played like a top half of the first round draft pick to start 2024 before losing the remainder of his season with a knee injury. The exact injury hasn’t been disclosed yet but the speculation is that he suffered a torn ACL. When teams dive into the injury it’s likely that he’ll slide slightly in the first round and potentially land with the Commanders and fill one of their tackle spots for a long time.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Princely Umanmielen, Edge, Ole Miss
The Ravens need help at edge rusher because relying on Kyle Van Noy to be their most productive pass rusher isn’t a smart move for the Ravens. The Ravens have taken stabs at the edge rusher spot a lot over the last few years but none have panned out so far. Picking a talented pure edge rusher like Princely Umanmielen could be big for Baltimore. Umanmielen has been consistently productive throughout his stints at Florida and Ole Miss and would bring much needed juice to the Ravens pass rush.
28. Minnesota Vikings: Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
The Vikings are potentially losing both of their starting outside corners, Byron Murphy and Stephon Gilmore. It’s probably unlikely that they are able to retain both so they may need to replace one during the draft. The Vikings have taken a lot of corners in later rounds of the draft and most have not worked out so it is time for them to use a premium pick on a player at that position. Darien Porter is poised to be a big riser during the pre-draft process because of his big frame and athletic profile. He also has great man coverage skills which will make him a great fit in Brian Flores’ defense, that is if he isn’t poached to be a head coach for a different team.
29. Buffalo Bills: Walter Nolen, IDL, Ole Miss
The Bills roster has a pretty loaded roster but they do lack young talent at some positions, including the interior of their defensive line. Walter Nolen has always been one of the more talented physical players in college football but had issues putting it all together until this season at Ole Miss. Nolen’s athleticism and strength is elite and as he develops as a technician he will keep getting better and better and become a very valuable member of the Bills defense for multiple years.
30. Philadelphia Eagles: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Eagles have been tryin to find a dependent slot receiver and 3rd option in their receiving core by making multiple different moves. The Eagles drafted Ainias Smith and traded for Jahan Dotson in order to try and fill that void. The Eagles have a very deep roster and if Emeka Egbuka were to be available late in the 1st round they would be hard pressed not to pick him to perfectly fit the role they’ve been looking for.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Conerly, OT, Oregon
The Chiefs let Orlando Brown Jr walk in free agency 2 seasons ago and have tried multiple different players at that spot to fill the void but none have worked so far. Josh Conerly played very well for Oregon this year and may have played himself into the first round. The Chiefs will likely take another shot at landing a franchise tackle and Conerly is a very realistic option for them.
32. Detroit Lions: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Detroit has a very complete roster but they do have some issues at edge rusher and some depth concerns at LB. Jihaad Campbell is an extremely talented player who has experience a both edge rusher and LB. His primary position is LB which isn’t the major concern for the Lions defense but as we have seen from the Lions previous drafts under this regime is that they aren’t concerned with positional importance but more concerned with the talent of the players they’re picking. One thing that Jihaad Campbell has shown is that he’s a tremendous player.
