Round one
#1 Tennessee — Cam Ward (QB, Miami)
I don’t think any quarterback in this draft is worth the #1 pick. All power to Tennessee if they go in this direction but they keep cycling through young quarterbacks and nothing is changing because the roster isn’t good enough.
#2 Cleveland — Abdul Carter (EDGE, Penn State)
Despite chatter last week that Shedeur Sanders could be the #2 pick, part of me wonders if that was planted to try and provoke the Giants into trading into the top-two. Carter and Myles Garrett together would be something to witness.
#3 NY Giants — Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado)
The Giants probably won’t have a ton of faith in Sanders being the answer to their prayers. Yet the GM and Head Coach are in a self-inflicted nightmare where they have no choice but to take a quarterback and hope for the best.
#4 New England — Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado)
There are three legitimate ‘blue chip’ players. Abdul Carter, Ashton Jeanty and Travis Hunter. The Pats take Hunter.
#5 Jacksonville — Tyler Warren (TE, Penn State)
With an offensive-minded Head Coach and a young GM, I think the Jaguars will opt for excitement with this pick. Warren can be Trevor Lawrence’s best friend on the field.
#6 Las Vegas — Armand Membou (T, Missouri)
It’ll be seriously tempting to take Ashton Jeanty but this is a loaded running back class. Therefore, they take Membou to complete their offensive line and wait on the runners.
#7 NY Jets — Colston Loveland (TE, Michigan)
The Jets would love Tyler Warren to fall to them but if he doesn’t, I think they’ll just pivot to Loveland. He can be the dynamic X-factor they need at the position. Some teams will have Loveland graded ahead of Warren.
#8 Carolina — Jalon Walker (LB, Georgia)
Carolina needs to rebuild its defensive front. Walker could be a permanent EDGE and a poor-man’s Micah Parsons.
#9 New Orleans — Mason Graham (DT, Michigan)
The Saints let the board come to them in this scenario. Graham’s tape is really good but non-ideal measurables and a lack of testing could sink his stock a little.
#10 Chicago — Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State)
The Bears will rejoice if Jeanty falls here. It’d be another critical piece in Ben Johnson’s overhaul on offense. Pound-for-pound he’s the best talent in the draft.
#11 San Francisco — Jahdae Barron (CB, Texas)
They need pass rushers and speed on the back end. Barron’s ability to play anywhere in the secondary, his toughness and elite character will appeal to teams.
#12 Dallas — Matthew Golden (WR, Texas)
They seem to be gearing up to take a receiver here. The Cowboys have had a very odd off-season so far.
#13 Miami — Malaki Starks (S, Georgia)
As predicted, the draft pundits are now starting to reflect on his stock and push him back up the boards. He is a fantastic talent to play deep safety with A+ character. Teams will love his mental makeup.
#14 Indianapolis — Jihaad Campbell (LB, Alabama)
The labrum injury is a concern but provided teams are comfortable with the situation, Campbell is one of the 10 best players in this draft and should still go early. He’s a crunching tackler and can rush the edge.
#15 Atlanta — Mykel Williams (DE, Georgia)
Williams’ stock is really difficult to work out. He had injury issues in college, he was inconsistent but he also showed flashes of quality.
#16 Arizona — Will Campbell (T/G, LSU)
I struggle with Campbell. His tape wasn’t very good in 2024, he doesn’t play with enough aggression, he has short arms and he’s too upright to play guard. Still, everyone seems to think he’s better than I do, so I guess he’ll go in the top-20.
#17 Cincinnati — Mike Green (EDGE, Marshall)
The concerning character rumblings from his time at Virginia are out there but the Bengals frequently turn a blind eye to such flags.
#18 Seattle — Grey Zabel (G/C, North Dakota State)
The Seahawks want someone who can run to the second level and hammer people. That’s what Zabel does. A perfect scheme fit and they’ll possibly see him as a guard or center.
#19 Tampa Bay — Maxwell Hairston (CB, Kentucky)
The more you watch of Hairston the more you like. He has a ton of talent. He’s so smooth in transition, he’s long limbed and he can take the ball away.
#20 Denver — Omarion Hampton (RB, North Carolina)
The Broncos regularly get tagged with a running back here. They might actually prefer TreVeyon Henderson because of his pass-catching and pass-pro ability.
#21 Pittsburgh — Jaxson Dart (QB, Ole Miss)
Aaron Rodgers would only be a short-term fix. They have to set up a longer-term vision. Would they trade into the top-15 to make sure they get their guy? Maybe.
#22 LA Chargers — Will Johnson (CB, Michigan)
The injury issues (and therefore lack of testing) could really hamper Johnson. He’s talented but he might fall.
#23 Green Bay — Donovan Ezeiruaku (EDGE, Boston College)
Just a great combination of production, agility and character.
#24 Minnesota — Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina)
I think Emmanwori’s testing — which everyone knew about before the combine — is being counted twice in some mocks. I think he goes in this range.
#25 Cleveland (v/HOU) — Tyler Shough (QB,Louisville)
The Browns fear the Rams at #26 and therefore do a deal with an obliging Texans (who fleeced them over DeShaun Watson) to move up and get a guy who would be expected to start right away.
#26 LA Rams — TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State)
With Shough off the board and the top cornerbacks gone too, the Rams pivot to a dynamic ball-carrier who can provide the X-factor qualities they currently lack in the backfield.
#27 Baltimore — Tyler Booker (G, Alabama)
This feels like an excellent plug-and-play fit for the Ravens, not to mention his playing style suits the AFC North to a tee.
#28 Detroit — Shemar Stewart (DE, Texas A&M)
The physical profile is enticing, the total lack of any production in college is not. Plenty of players like this don’t succeed.
#29 New England (v/WAS) — Kelvin Banks (T/G, Texas)
The Patriots trade up from #38 to claim a tackle to help protect Drake Maye.
#30 Buffalo — Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona)
I just don’t think there’s anything that exciting about McMillan — a 4.5 runner who admits he hasn’t got a good vertical jump in him.
#31 Kansas City — Kenneth Grant (DT, Michigan)
Grant’s testing wasn’t quite as impressive as his ranking on Bruce Feldman’s ‘freaks list’ indicated. But the Michigan guys always get pumped up on that list.
#32 Philadelphia — James Pearce Jr (EDGE, Tennessee)
The character concerns are well known but if there’s one team that has shown it can manage players like this it’s the Eagles.
Round two
#33 Houston (v/CLE) — Emeka Egbuka (WR, Ohio State)
Trading down and reuniting CJ Stroud with Egbuka could be a perfect situation for the Texans.
#34 NY Giants — Donovan Jackson (G, Ohio State)
They have to fix their offensive line.
#35 Tennessee — Luther Burden (WR, Missouri)
They have hardly any weapons and need more at receiver.
#36 Jacksonville — Derrick Harmon (DT, Oregon)
In an alternative mock I suppose they could go for Mason Graham and then Mason Taylor rather than Warren and Harmon.
#37 Las Vegas — Quinshon Judkins (RB, Ohio State)
After passing on the running back position at #6 they get a player who had a tremendous combine.
#38 Washington (v/NE) — Jaylin Noel (WR, Iowa State)
The Commanders need another receiver even after adding Deebo Samuel. Noel is such a dynamic talent and feels very much like a top-45 pick.
#39 Chicago (v/CAR) — Mason Taylor (TE, LSU)
He can be Ben Johnson’s Chicago answer to Sam LaPorta.
#40 New Orleans — Jayden Higgins (WR, Iowa State)
The Saints need to bring in another outside threat at receiver.
#41 Chicago — Bradyn Swinson (EDGE, LSU)
He led the NCAA for pressures during the regular season. Swinson has outstanding potential.
#42 New York Jets — Tyleik Williams (DT, Ohio State)
He has a ton of upside and can be even better if he slims down a little.
#43 San Francisco — Walter Nolen (DT, Ole Miss)
There are a few character concerns with Nolen but the 49ers take a shot here.
#44 Dallas — Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas)
There’s been talk the Cowboys could look at Ewers and it’d go along with a slightly barmy off-season in Dallas.
#45 Indianapolis — Elijah Arroyo (TE, Miami)
The Colts need a playmaking tight end.
#46 Atlanta — Azareye’h Thomas (CB, Florida State)
The lack of speed he showed at his pro-day might be a concern for some teams.
#47 Arizona — Landon Jackson (DE, Arkansas)
He lacks twitch and agility but he’s built like a terminator.
#48 Miami — Josh Simmons (T, Ohio State)
Concerns about his maturity are an issue but the Dolphins are said to be expecting Terron Armstead to retire.
#49 Cincinnati — Tate Ratledge (G, Georgia)
He’s the type of lineman Cincy tends to like a lot.
#50 Seattle — Jack Bech (WR, TCU)
I think they’d love one of the two second round tight ends Taylor or Arroyo to fall here but if not, Bech would be an outstanding consolation. He could remind John Schneider of Jordy Nelson.
#51 Denver — Tre Harris (WR, Ole Miss)
Running in the 4.5’s won’t help his stock but Sean Payton might be able to turn him into Michael Thomas, who also fell after running in that range.
#52 Seattle (v/PIT) — Ty Robinson (DT, Nebraska)
He fills the void left by Roy Robertson-Harris. Robinson ticks every box for the Seahawks. He’s an absolute warrior against the run, his seven sacks were second most by interior defenders in 2024, he produced a brilliant testing profile and his character is A+.
#53 Tampa Bay — Xavier Watts (S, Notre Dame)
They say they’re after ball-hawks and Watts collected interceptions for Notre Dame.
#54 Green Bay — Trey Amos (CB, Ole Miss)
Needs at the position could push Amos into the top-45.
#55 LA Chargers — Oluwafemi Oladejo (EDGE, UCLA)
Jim Harbaugh will love ‘The Mayor’.
#56 Buffalo (v/MIN) — Carson Schwesinger (LB, UCLA)
He might be a one-year wonder but what a season he had in 2024.
#57 Carolina (v/LAR) — Nic Scourton (DE, Texas A&M)
If the Panthers use Jalon Walker as a linebacker who reduces down, they could draft another EDGE defender.
#58 Houston — Darius Alexander (DT, Toledo)
He had a fantastic Senior Bowl and he’s explosive and powerful but it would’ve been nice to see twitchier speed and agility.
#59 Baltimore — Andrew Mukuba (S, Texas)
Mukuba is a fearless player who fits the Baltimore mentality.
#60 Detroit — Demetrius Knight (LB, South Carolina)
Knight just feels like a Lion.
#61 Washington — Josh Conerly (T, Oregon)
I struggle to work out what Conerly is but filling in for Sam Cosmi might be his best bet.
#62 Buffalo — Benjamin Morrison (CB, Notre Dame)
He has a lot of talent but the injury recovery keep him on the board.
#63 Kansas City — Shavon Revel (CB, East Carolina)
As with Morrison, he would’ve gone earlier but for the injury.
#64 Philadelphia — TJ Sanders (DT, South Carolina)
His lack of lower body bulk is a concern but he’s quick and can disrupt.
Notes on the options for Seattle’s first three picks
#18 — I don’t think this is a reach for Grey Zabel. His tape is excellent and his testing profile compares to Tristan Wirfs (#13 overall, 2020). The Seahawks could see him as an option at guard or center. There’s a chance the Colts (#14), Cardinals (#16) and Bengals (#17) take him. If that’s the case, in this mock draft I think they’d pivot to another position with cornerback Maxwell Hairston and EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku two players who perfectly fit Seattle’s character and physical profile desires. I don’t think the Seahawks will force anything at #18 and will feel comfortable knowing there’s O-line depth in this draft. If Malaki Starks lasts to #18, he would be a big-time option too. But Zabel is the pick that makes the most sense if he’s available.
#50 — I suspect the Seahawks would like it if one of the second-tier tight ends lasted to this pick (Mason Taylor and Elijah Arroyo). There are some medical concerns around Arroyo though. If they’re both gone, I think Jack Bech would be an outstanding selection. His body control, ball-tracking, ability to compete for the ball in the air, versatility to run a full route tree and make clutch and big plays is exactly what they need. He might remind John Schneider of Jordy Nelson, a favourite of his from Green Bay. If Bradyn Swinson lasts to #50 he would be another excellent option. I also think if Quinn Ewers is available with either of Seattle’s two second round picks, there’s a chance Schneider will take him.
#52 — If more than one of the players mentioned for pick #50 are available, they also cross over to this selection. However, draft media is seriously sleeping on Ty Robinson in general but in particular he makes a ton of sense for the Seahawks. They need to add another defensive lineman and he has experience playing right across the line for Nebraska. He’s a tremendous run defender, he can rush the passer (seven sacks in 2024) and he carries a relentless spirit. His character is outstanding and I’ve personally interviewed him so know he ticks that particular box that is very important to the Seahawks. He also ran a 4.83 forty and a 4.50 shuttle. People might scratch their head if they take him here but they’ll love it when they see him play. If they don’t get Grey Zabel at #18, keep an eye on William & Mary’s Charles Grant or Purdue’s Marcus Mbow in this range.
Seattle’s remaining picks
R3 — Riley Leonard (QB, Notre Dame)
I think the Seahawks will draft a quarterback at some point. Leonard requires some technical development as a passer but he’s a difference-maker with his legs and his character and attitude is appealing.
R3 — Jonas Sanker (S, Virginia)
A safety who plays with intensity and force. He can fly around the field and deliver crushing blows. He’s the kind of defensive back Seattle lacks at the moment. He can be an ideal replacement for Rayshawn Jenkins.
R4 — Chase Lundt (G, UConn)
Perhaps a must-have pick for a team focusing on zone-blocking. Lundt is an outstanding scheme fit and he plays with speed and violence. The Seahawks could theoretically slot him in at left guard and use Grey Zabel at center. If they did, they’d have a very aggressive interior line, which I’m sure we’d all love to see. Perhaps the most violent interior duo in the league — they’d at least rival Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens for that honour.
R5 — Chandler Martin (LB, Memphis)
An all-action, thumping linebacker who reads-and-reacts well and feels like the kind of player the Seahawks will show interest in. They need more depth at this position.
R5 — Nazir Stackhouse (DT, Georgia)
A classic space-eater and block-absorber but the combine showed a player in good shape with a well proportioned frame. There’s potential here for Stackhouse to emerge as a really decent early-down defender.
R7 — Robert Longerbeam (CB, Rutgers)
Undersized and in need of some work and development but Longerbeam has good speed and he’s well known for his leadership and strong character.
R7 — Josh Williams (RB, LSU)
Wore the respected #18 jersey at LSU as a player of great character. He did an underrated job for the Tigers and there’s talent to harness here.
