Round one
#1 Las Vegas — Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado)
Tom Telesco has always been a ‘best player available’ GM. For that reason, he might stick to his guns and select Mason Graham or Travis Hunter and target someone like Sam Darnold at quarterback instead. However, he could be mandated to take a quarterback here. Deion Sanders will have a big say and he and his son are said to have spent considerable time studying Tom Brady, now part-owner of the Raiders, in preparation for his NFL career. I’m not sure Shedeur warrants the #1 pick but I can imagine an arrangement where ‘Coach Prime’ and Brady work to create an environment which would satisfy all parties.
#2 NY Giants — Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado)
The Giants don’t force a quarterback here because nobody warrants the pick and instead they sign Sam Darnold to a three-year contract. They look to combine a Baker Mayfield-style addition with a younger QB later on. That enables them to go for Hunter, who can be developed as a receiver or cornerback.
#3 New England — Mason Graham (DT, Michigan)
For me he’s the pound-for-pound best player in the draft.
#4 Carolina — Abdul Carter (DE/LB, Penn State)
He’s had a great year and teams will wonder if he can emulate another former Penn State star in Micah Parsons.
#5 Jacksonville — Will Johnson (CB, Michigan)
He’s had an injury plagued season but Johnson plays a premium position, he’s exceptionally talented and supposedly has top marks for character.
#6 Tennessee — Luther Burden (WR, Missouri)
Although he’s not been utilised fully in Mizzou’s offense, Burden has incredible talent and was said to be extremely highly rated by NFL teams over the summer.
#7 NY Jets — Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona)
McMillan’s admitted he probably won’t test as well as some might think but he just shows so much natural skill on tape.
#8 Cleveland — Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State)
At some point early in round one, someone will select Jeanty. He’s too good.
#9 Chicago — Josh Simmons (T, Ohio State)
The best pure left tackle eligible for the draft. If the Bears want Caleb Williams to be a success it starts with crafting a better offensive line.
#10 New Orleans — Jalon Walker (LB, Georgia)
Walker has been the most impactful and consistent player on Georgia’s defense.
#11 Cincinnati — Colton Loveland (TE, Michigan)
Loveland was a victim of Michigan not having a passing game in 2024 but he has every chance to be a star tight end in the NFL, especially playing with Joe Burrow.
#12 Dallas — Jihaad Campbell (LB, Alabama)
Eric Kendricks has been a liability this year. Campbell has played like a tank all season for Alabama and has outstanding upside.
#13 Miami — Kelvin Banks (T/G, Texas)
There are certain teams who will be under pressure to invest in their offensive lines in 2025. The Dolphins are very much one of those teams.
#14 Indianapolis — Tyler Warren (TE, Penn State)
He’s just been so dynamic this year and there’s little reason to think he can’t replicate a feature role in the NFL.
#15 Atlanta — James Pearce (EDGE, Tennessee)
He hasn’t had the big sack numbers and there are questions about his ability to set the edge but his pass-rush win percentage (23%) is second only to Michigan’s Josaiah Stewart (24.6%) and is just ahead of Abdul Carter’s (21.2%).
#16 Arizona — Mykel Williams (DE, Georgia)
Physically he looks the part but he’s only played in fits and starts this year. The Cardinals need impact players up front.
#17 San Francisco — Tyler Booker (G, Alabama)
The 49ers have to fix their offensive line, it’s as simple as that.
#18 LA Rams — Jahdae Barron (CB, Texas)
Barron has had a brilliant season and can be used as a chess piece across the secondary.
#19 Tampa Bay — Malaki Starks (S, Georgia)
He’s had an underwhelming second half of the season but the talent’s there.
#20 Washington — Josh Connerly (T/G, Oregon)
Just a brilliant football player with rare athleticism and aggression.
#21 LA Chargers — Shemar Stewart (DE, Texas A&M)
Jim Harbaugh once took a chance on the raw potential of Aldon Smith and he might do the same with Stewart here.
#22 Denver — TJ Sanders (DT, South Carolina)
Sanders has shown he can take over games, including against quality opponents in the SEC. His 13.2% pass-rush win percentage is similar to Mason Graham’s (13.1%).
#23 Seattle — Drew Allar (QB, Penn State)
Eventually John Schneider will invest in a quarterback. Allar’s traits match what he’s looked for in the past. He’s far from the finished article but he’s the exact same height and weight as Josh Allen, has plus athleticism and a big arm. The Seahawks renew Geno Smith’s contract on a compromise deal to suit both parties and select their bridge to the future in a range where they know they can get him. More on Seattle’s picks at the end of the mock.
#24 Baltimore — Jonah Savaiinaea (T/G, Arizona)
I think he’s a right guard because he gives up too many pressures at right tackle. When he’s squared-up he can win with power. However, the Ravens were willing to start Daniel Faalele at right tackle, so they might try Savaiinaea there first.
#25 Houston — Donovan Jackson (G, Ohio State)
The Texans are virtually obliged to add to their offensive line after a horror year for C.J. Stroud. Jackson is a great athlete, the opposite of Houston’s former first round bust Kenyon Green.
#26 Green Bay — Mike Green (EDGE, Marshall)
His production this year has been really impressive with 17 sacks and a 20.3% pass-rush win percentage.
#27 Pittsburgh — Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina)
The Steelers like big, physical, highly athletic players. Emmanwori can be their version of Kyle Hamilton.
#28 Minnesota — Walter Nolen (DT, Ole Miss)
He took over games at times (see: Florida) but in other contests you wanted to see more from him. Finished with six sacks.
#29 Buffalo — Princely Umanmielen (DE, Ole Miss)
When he wants to be, Umanmielen can be really good. His motor runs hot and cold but the talent is there. He had 11 sacks and a 20.6% pass-rush win percentage this season.
#30 Philadelphia — Will Campbell (T/G, LSU)
He’s a very good athlete but all this talk of the top-10 doesn’t chime with the tape. He can be passive, he lacks aggression and he’s been beaten way too often off the edge. He has short arms and will likely have to kick inside.
#31 Kansas City — Grey Zabel (T, North Dakota State)
One of my favourite players in the draft. Just brilliant fun to watch and I think he has a very bright future.
#32 Cleveland (v/DET) — Cam Ward (QB, Miami)
Ward has had a very good season and elevated his stock — but not qualifying for the playoffs robbed him of a serious test having faced a soft ACC schedule in 2024. It’s hard to imagine he elevated his stock from day three to top-five but a team will potentially take him in the top-45. I have the Browns trading up to take him late in round one in a deal with the Lions.
Round two
#33 Las Vegas — Emeka Egbuka (WR, Ohio State)
A reliable target for Shedeur.
#34 NY Giants — Kaleb Johnson (RB, Iowa)
Johnson has star potential.
#35 Jacksonville — Kenneth Grant (DT, Michigan)
People keep saying he’ll go in the top-20 but I didn’t see that on tape.
#36 New England — Aireontae Ersery (T/G, Minnesota)
I think he’s too sluggish with his footwork to stick at left tackle but the options aren’t great if you want to improve at the position.
#37 NY Jets — Harold Fannin Jr. (TE, Bowling Green)
He could be a X-factor weapon in the NFL.
#38 Tennessee — Nic Scourton (DE, Texas A&M)
Players like Scourton — bigger defensive ends — always get mocked in round one. Then like AJ Epenesa and Boogie Basham, they go in round two.
#39 Detroit (v/CLE) — Josaiah Stewart (EDGE, Michigan)
He had a great season, wrecked the USC game and led the NCAA for pass-rush win percentage. Testing will be key for Stewart.
#40 Chicago (v/CAR) — Benjamin Morrison (CB, Notre Dame)
He would’ve gone in round one without the injury.
#41 New Orleans — Xavier Restrepo (WR,Miami)
There’s just something about Restrepo which makes me think he’ll go earlier than people are projecting.
#42 Chicago — Jared Ivey (DE, Ole Miss)
Ivey showed flashes this year, particularly against Georgia, to think he can be an effective NFL rusher.
#43 Cincinnati — Shavon Revel (CB, East Carolina)
Another player who would’ve been a first round pick but for his injury.
#44 Dallas — Deone Walker (DT, Kentucky)
He’s aggressive and tough but doesn’t have a typical body type.
#45 San Francisco — Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas)
I’m not convinced the 49ers are going to pay Brock Purdy a massive contract. Thus, they might add Ewers as insurance and just let 2025 play out. Ewers could be a good fit for Kyle Shanahan.
#46 Miami — Kevin Winston Jr (S, Penn State)
Injury robbed him of an opportunity to go earlier than this.
#47 Indianapolis — Mansoor Delane (CB, Virginia Tech)
He has the traits needed to be a starting NFL corner.
#48 Carolina (v/LAR) — Tyleik Williams (DT, Ohio State)
Williams is a terrific run defender and has played well for two seasons.
#49 Arizona — Xavier Scott (CB, Illinois)
He’s such a sparky playmaker. I really enjoyed watching him.
#50 Tampa Bay — Donovan Ezeiruaku (EDGE, Boston College)
Ezeiruaku has been consistently good this season rushing the edge.
#51 Atlanta — Jordan Burch (DE, Oregon)
He’s very athletic for his size and he’s had a productive year for the Ducks. It feels like there’s more to come from Burch.
#52 Seattle — Dylan Fairchild (G, Georgia)
He’s a former two-time Georgia state heavyweight wrestling champion. The Seahawks will like that.
#53 Houston — Jake Majors (C, Texas)
The Texans continue to rebuild their offensive line with the brilliant Majors.
#54 Denver — Mason Taylor (TE, LSU)
This would be a bargain for the Broncos. Taylor is incredibly talented with great bloodlines.
#55 Baltimore — Billy Bowman (S, Oklahoma)
Bowman plays like a Raven.
#56 Washington — Carson Schwesinger (LB, UCLA)
He’s had a brilliant season. Bobby Wagner won’t be able to play forever.
#57 LA Chargers — Ty Robinson (DT, Nebraska)
If there’s a Jim Harbaugh type of defensive lineman in this draft, it’s this guy.
#58 Green Bay — Jack Nelson (T/G, Wisconsin)
The Packers always seem to take offensive linemen I like.
#59 Pittsburgh — Devin Neal (RB, Kansas)
If Najee Harris moves on, Neal would be a great replacement.
#60 Buffalo — Xavier Watts (S, Notre Dame)
A productive, consistent safety with a great attitude.
#61 Buffalo (v/MIN) — Danny Stutsman (LB, Oklahoma)
As with Watts, a very consistent, hard-nosed linebacker who fits the Bills.
#62 Philadelphia — Derrick Harmon (DE, Oregon)
I’m not seeing why people have him in round one but he’s a viable day-two option in this draft.
#63 Kansas City — DJ Giddens (RB, Kansas State)
He reminds me of a less explosive Alvin Kamara.
#64 Detroit — Chris Paul Jr (LB, Ole Miss)
He has the demeanour and playing style of a Lions’ defender.
Further thoughts on the Seahawks picks
I’ve long thought Tyler Booker would be an ideal, almost obvious pick for the Seahawks in round one. They need someone who they can plug in at left guard and reliably start at a decent level quickly. Booker’s personality, attitude and playing style all chime perfectly with what the Seahawks have been targeting in recent drafts. He’s a reliable leader committed to football.
However, there is a scenario where they keep winning and Booker is taken before they select. Plug-in-and-play linemen are in high demand. If he’s off the board, there will be appealing alternatives. I have four offensive linemen coming off the board between Seattle’s pick at #23 and the end of the first round. However, by this point they have to weigh up the difference in talent between the likes of Donovan Jackson (another player with a lot of experience at left guard) and Dylan Fairchild in round two. I don’t think there’s a big gap.
Am I convinced Drew Allar is going to go in round one? Not at all. The college football playoffs will impact his stock more than most players. Am I totally sold on the Seahawks wanting to draft him? Again, no.
I’m pitching a theory that, at least in my opinion, makes some sense. I’ve discussed this in other articles but I’ll do a quick recap here:
— I firmly believe John Schneider has been itching to draft a quarterback since trading Russell Wilson and simply hasn’t been in a position to select one he likes. He has been justified in passing so far, given the Seahawks have not whiffed on any success stories at quarterback since 2022 apart from the improbable rise of Brock Purdy, working with Kyle Shanahan.
— The Seahawks have had a good bridge quarterback in Geno Smith for three seasons but are running out of time to draft the player to actually bridge to. Smith has one year left on his contract and turns 35 next year. A small extension which increases Smith’s earnings, while giving the Seahawks an annual ‘out’ and lowering his 2025 cap-hit, makes sense.
— I think Schneider will feel he needs to act sooner rather than later and will likely add someone he believes can be developed with the difference making traits he covets. Allar’s height (6-5) and weight (238lbs) are virtually identical to Josh Allen’s measurements at his combine. Allen was far from the finished product at Wyoming and that’s the case for Allar too. I’ve gone into detail about wanting to see him take more chances downfield, elevate Penn State to a big win, clean up his technique and find a way to look less awkward on the move. However, it also needs to be recognised that he’s made major progress this year having looked mostly undraftable a year ago. He’s shown flashes of creative brilliance, including against Oregon last week. He does have a NFL arm, outstanding size and some enticing traits. He is typically the kind of quarterback we’ve seen drafted between #15-#55 in the past.
— This is not a draft class loaded with legit first round players. The chances are the Seahawks, if they make the playoffs, will be drafting a player in round one who carries a day-two grade. Thus, they might not see drafting Allar in round one as problematic within this specific class. They may also feel that it’s a ‘now or never’ scenario, with the possibility Allar doesn’t make it to their pick in round two.
— The situation could be compared to the Packers drafting Jordan Love with the #26 pick in 2020. Love wasn’t ready to start and was drafted as the heir apparent to Aaron Rodgers. He was given quite some time before starting and that has paid off for Green Bay.
— Like virtually everyone else, I think the Seahawks have to make a big effort to improve the offensive line. I don’t think that has to mean with a first round pick, though. There are good options on day two. The talent difference between Booker at #19 and Jake Majors at #60 is not massive. Therefore, I think the Seahawks can take a chance on Allar if they believe in him. I’d also like to see resources spent on proven veteran linemen prior to the draft, for example center Ryan Kelly or if they want to go younger, I still believe Green Bay center Josh Myers would be worth bringing in for his toughness and leadership. I’d kick the tires on Brandon Scherff, James Daniels, Austin Corbett, Kevin Zeitler, Ben Cleveland and Will Hernandez (health permitting). Isaac Seumalo is a potential cap-casualty I’d be interested in, likewise Trey Pipkins. I don’t think the Seahawks can rely on drafting their way to an improved line in the first two rounds — a veteran presence is also required.
— Dylan Fairchild is more than capable of competing to start for the Seahawks at left guard. He’s a tremendous athlete with a wrestling background — something Seattle has valued in the past. He’s well sized, a good athlete and is expected to produce strong testing results.
The point of these mocks is to talk through scenarios, possibilities and discuss what John Schneider might do. Presenting you with the same mock everyone else is delivering would be fairly pointless. I’m not trying to predict the future with these — I’m trying to bring options to the table that seem somewhat viable.
I don’t think this mock is totally unrealistic for the Seahawks.
I’ve tried to match-up team needs and value across the two rounds as much as possible. Apologies to fans of other teams if you think I’ve made a mistake.
If you want to see how I’m grading the draft currently, based on the players I’ve had a chance to study, check out my latest horizontal board by clicking here.
