By Anthony Benson 
With Super Bowl LIX behind us, it’s officially NFL Mock Draft season! The NFL combine resulted in countless players moving up/down teams’ draft boards, and free agency has made it clearer what teams will be targeting in the draft. As we inch closer to draft night (April 24), this mock draft predicts how the entire first round will unfold. Let’s dive in!
1. Tennessee Titans – QB Cam Ward (Miami)
It’s an interesting year for quarterbacks. The consensus among draft pundits is that only two QBs in this class are worthy of a first-round pick. Miami’s Ward boasts the most upside of the pool. He has a strong arm, can make plays out of structure, and never looks rattled. The Titans could go another route by selecting the top player on the board. However, there’s a clear need for a quarterback in Tennessee. It seems unlikely they skip on a signal caller here.
2. Cleveland Browns – EDGE Abdul Carter (Penn State)
With Ward off the board, the Browns have a few options. They could choose to select a quarterback, as well. Deshaun Watson’s future in Cleveland is unclear. The team restructured his deal in December and signaled they’re keeping him for at least next season. His current deal has him under contract until 2026. With that in mind, the Browns could choose to address other areas as long as Watson is rostered. Abdul Carter is the biggest game-wrecker on the board. With 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett now re-signed, Carter and Garrett could quickly form the best pass-rushing duo in the league.
3. New York Giants – QB Shedeur Sanders (Colorado)
With no long-term QB on the roster currently, the Giants would gladly scoop up Shedeur Sanders here. Sanders is the most accurate passer in the class. He throws the ball with extreme touch to all areas of the field. Playing behind a leaky Colorado offensive line, Sanders never wavered. He’ll enter a Giants offense with last year’s first-round pick, Malik Nabers. New York gets its franchise quarterback.
4. New England Patriots – WR/CB Travis Hunter (Colorado)
The Patriots keep it simple by taking the best overall athlete in the class. Travis Hunter’s NFL outlook varies depending on who you ask. Some believe he will develop into a pure wideout. Others see him as a top corner prospect who can fill in offensively once in a while. Hunter believes he can play both sides of the ball full-time. It will be interesting to see if the team that drafts him feels the same. Either way, the Patriots are getting an elite football player who can fill multiple roles. He’d instantly be a preferred target for QB Drake Maye, and could also form a dominant CB trio with Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars – DT Mason Graham (Michigan)
It’s likely one of the two Michigan defenders with this pick from the Jaguars. The secondary could use some help, but passing up on a dominant DT would be difficult. Mason Graham is an ideal fit across Jacksonville’s defensive line. His presence alone would provide a big boost to edge rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. The Jaguars lean into their strength up front and grab a player that could help them on every down.
6. Las Vegas Raiders – CB Will Johnson (Michigan)
This is a perfect fit. The Raiders hired GM John Spytek who previously worked for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Spytek will be working closely with minority owner Tom Brady on personnel decisions. The pair are familiar with each other from their time playing together at the University of Michigan. It only makes sense for Spytek’s first draft selection to be a Wolverine. And, CB Will Johnson addresses an area of need. He’s the best pure corner in the entire class.
7. New York Jets – WR Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona)
Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams won’t be returning, and the New York offense is now in the hands of Justin Fields. Aside from Garrett Wilson, New York’s WR room is awfully thin. Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan is the best wideout on the board. He’s a big body (6-foot-5, 212 pounds) who routinely wins at the catch-point. It’s the same archetype the Jets were looking for when they added Mike Williams last offseason. McMillan would be an ideal running mate with Wilson, and provide Fields another much-needed option.
8. Carolina Panthers – EDGE Mykel Williams (Georgia)
We’d love to see the Panthers continue to give Bryce Young more support, but with McMillan off the board, Carolina might look at building up the defense. Mykel Williams has a chance to be a devastating pass rusher. He’s extremely explosive off the edge, but also has the size (6-foot-5, 270 pounds) to occasionally line up inside. The Panthers need more blue-chippers on the defensive side of the ball. Williams has as much potential as any defender in the class.
9. New Orleans Saints – T Will Campbell (LSU)
The Saints have to address the trenches on both sides of the ball. Mason Graham or Mykel Williams would have been great here, or even one of the other remaining pass rushers on the board. However, last year showed that the offensive line needs some help. Rookie Spencer Rattler was under fire for basically the entire time he played. Will Campbell gives them some depth and flexibility. The team may initially try him at tackle to replace first-round bust Trevor Penning, but Campbell also can play guard. Plus, the LSU product doesn’t have to travel too far to join his new team.
10. Chicago Bears – T Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas)
Chicago has made it very clear that protecting Caleb Williams is its No. 1 priority this offseason. Having already traded for two proven offensive guards (Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson), the Bears add Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. here – the best overall pass protector in this tackle class. First-year head coach Ben Johnson knows how important building a strong offensive line is from his time with the Detroit Lions, and this pick suddenly turns Chicago’s biggest weakness last season into a strength entering 2025.
11. San Francisco 49ers – DT Walter Nolen (Ole Miss)
With Robert Saleh back as defensive coordinator, this feels like an obvious pick. Walter Nolen is a former top recruit with huge upside. He has all of the tools to become an absolute game-changer on the defensive line. The 49ers need a bit of a jolt defensively, and Nolen could surely provide that. He can get after the passer, make plays in the run game, and is perfectly content with taking up space for his teammates. He’s a perfect fit next to All-Pro Nick Bosa.
12. Dallas Cowboys – RB Ashton Jeanty (Boise State)
The Cowboys have an obvious need at running back. This is a particularly deep class of runners, but Ashton Jeanty is a tier above the rest. Some might question Jeanty due to the level of competition he faced last year. However, he was dominant against Oregon with 200 scrimmage yards and 3 TDs. He rushed for over 100 yards in Boise State’s playoff loss to Penn State despite the defensive game plan solely being focused on him. Jeanty will be a special player at the next level.
13. Miami Dolphins – OT Josh Simmons (Ohio State)
The key to success for the Miami Dolphins is keeping Tua Tagovailoa on the field. Bolstering the offensive line will help to do just that. Josh Simmons might have been the top tackle in the class had it not been for injury. Simmons suffered a season-ending knee injury in October. It’s the first major injury of his career and shouldn’t deter teams from selecting him in the NFL Draft. Simmons is a massive tackle prospect who could help anchor Miami’s offensive line.
14. Indianapolis Colts – TE Tyler Warren (Penn State)
The Colts add to their receiving corps with the top TE on the board. Warren has the best all-around skillset of the tight end prospects. He has good footwork, excellent hands, and excels as a blocker. That sort of versatility would be perfect for the Colts. He’ll be a security blanket for Anthony Richardson/Daniel Jones and will also provide good running lanes for RB Jonathan Taylor. Warren would rarely come off the field (if ever) in Shane Steichen’s offense.
15. Atlanta Falcons – EDGE James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee)
It feels like the Falcons have needed to add to their pass rush for years. They shocked everyone by selecting QB Michael Penix Jr. in the first round last season, but it proved to be a wise choice as he will enter next year as their starting quarterback. The offense is stacked with talent, but the defense is lacking in elite players. James Pearce Jr. from Tennessee has the potential to be a top edge rusher. He’s on the smaller side (240 pounds), but his speed and burst are elite.
16. Arizona Cardinals – EDGE Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M)
Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart fits in nicely with Arizona. The Cardinals under HC Jonathan Gannon are utilizing some of the most unique defensive looks in the league. Adding versatile defensive linemen who can contribute on every down is likely a priority in building Arizona’s roster. Stewart has that capability. He’s another former top recruit with huge upside. While the production wasn’t there at Texas A&M (4.5 sacks in three seasons), Stewart has all the tools to be a primetime player in the NFL.
17. Cincinnati Bengals – S Malaki Starks (Georgia)
The Bengals desperately need to add to their defense. It was the only thing holding them back from a playoff spot this year. Malaki Starks is one of the top overall recruits in the entire class and would make an instant impact in Cincinnati’s secondary. He checks all of the boxes for a safety: size, instincts, ball skills, and athleticism. The Bengals would be able to deploy him in multiple ways, and Starks even has the ability to line up against receivers in the slot.
18. Seattle Seahawks – OT Armand Membou (Missouri)
Seattle’s offensive line is an obvious weak point. QB Geno Smith did the best he could with poor protection but was routinely being hounded by multiple defenders when dropping back. No matter if it’s Smith or another quarterback, adding to the trenches is a top priority. Missouri’s Armand Membou is one of the younger prospects in the class (only 20 years old) and has eye-popping athletic tools. Teams will be wary about deploying a 6-foot-3 tackle, but Membou has the quickness and explosiveness to become an elite pass protector.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – LB Jihaad Campbell (Alabama)
The Buccaneers are still awaiting word on Lavonte David’s future with the team. If David retires or leaves for another franchise, the Bucs will have an obvious hole at linebacker. Enter Jihaad Campbell. The Alabama product was originally recruited as an edge rusher, but made the move to off-ball backer. With Campbell, you’re taking a chance on his upside. He has great speed and power, but he’s not a finished product. If David were to stay in Tampa Bay, he’d be the perfect mentor for the 20-year-old Campbell.
20. Denver Broncos – TE Colston Loveland (Michigan)
Michigan’s Colston Loveland is projected to go right around this area. A lot of draft pundits have him landing in Los Angeles with his former collegiate coach, Jim Harbaugh. Broncos HC Sean Payton would love nothing more than to crush Harbaugh’s dreams of a reunion. And, it wouldn’t be a draft pick solely out of spite. The Broncos have a need at TE, and Loveland is the type of vertical threat that excels in a Payton-style offense. He’s more of a receiver than a blocker, and would be the perfect fit in the slot for QB Bo Nix.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – QB Jalen Milroe (Alabama)
The Steelers roll the dice here on QB3. Jalen Milroe is far from a finished product. It might be best for him to sit for his entire rookie campaign. And, the Steelers could afford to make such a move if they intend on bringing back Russell Wilson or signing another QB in free agency. Milroe struggles with accuracy and decision-making, but he is an elite athlete. Most of the best QBs in the league — like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson — have excellent physical tools. Milroe will have to be coached up, but his size, speed, and arm strength are all top-notch.
22. Los Angeles Chargers – WR Luther Burden (Missouri)
We know Jim Harbaugh loves to build up the trenches, but the value here is too much. Luther Burden could end up being a top-10 pick on draft day. However, he’s coming off a shaky 2024 that could cause him to slide. Some might be wary of pairing Burden — who excels in the slot — with another slot option in Ladd McConkey. However, having interchangeable receivers is an advantage. And, Burden has the speed to be used as an outside receiver, as well. He’s also the best route runner in the class and will be able to separate at the next level.
23. Green Bay Packers – LB Jalon Walker (Georgia)
The Packers add another first-round pick to their defense. Jalon Walker has a chance to fly up the boards before April. He’s more of a hybrid player who can rush the passer and also drop back into coverage. He would add to an embarrassment of riches in Green Bay’s front seven. A group that already includes Kenny Clark, Rashan Gary, Quay Walker, Edgerrin Cooper, and Lukas Van Ness. Walker is another explosive athlete from Georgia with tremendous upside.
24. Minnesota Vikings – OG Tyler Booker (Alabama)
The Vikings’ offense fell apart down the stretch because they couldn’t protect Sam Darnold. Whether Darnold returns or JJ McCarthy is inserted as the starter, the Vikings must protect their QB better in 2025. Tyler Booker is arguably the top pure guard on the board and would be an instant starter on Minnesota’s offense. He was named an All-American last season and could play either left or right guard. It’s worth noting he was a teammate with McCarthy at IMG Academy in Florida.
25. Houston Texans – WR Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State)
The Texans entered last season with arguably the best WR room in the league, but they have questions entering 2025. Stefon Diggs’ future with the team is up in the air. He’s 31 years old and coming off a season-ending knee injury. Tank Dell has had both of his seasons ended prematurely with a major injury. Houston did just acquire Christian Kirk from the Jacksonville Jaguars, but another reliable option next to Nico Collins wouldn’t hurt. How about one of CJ Stroud’s college teammates? The chemistry is obviously there, and Emeka Egbuka has plenty of talent. He took a bit of a backseat to freshman Jeremiah Smith this past season, but Egbuka is still worthy of a first-round pick.
26. Los Angeles Rams – S Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina)
It’s been incredible watching the Rams rebuild their defense in the absence of Aaron Donald. They’ve nailed the past two drafts, selecting Kobie Turner, Byron Young, Braden Fiske, and 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse. All of those guys occupy the front seven, but the Rams still need some help on the back end. While they’d love to add a shutdown corner, the best defensive back still on the board is South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori. He fits the bill of the modern safety who can double as a box linebacker or a nickel corner. No matter where he’s deployed, Emmanwori will make plays all over the field.
27. Baltimore Ravens – DT Kenneth Grant (Michigan)
It’s the same story every year for the Ravens. They always have a late pick because they are typically one of the best teams in the league. They watch the other teams outthink themselves into upside picks, and they gladly scoop up a top prospect who falls for some unexplainable reason. This time, it’s Michigan interior defender Kenneth Grant. Grant can completely shift a game as a run-stopper. He also has some pass-rushing chops that could keep him on the field on obvious passing downs. He’s the exact type of player the Ravens covet defensively.
28. Detroit Lions – DT Derrick Harmon (Oregon)
The Lions have arguably the best roster in all of football. There isn’t an obvious need anywhere, so adding depth to the defensive front makes sense here. Detroit dealt with more injuries than just about any team in the league. Oregon’s Derrick Harmon would add to a strong rotation up front. He’s arguably the best player still on the board, and Detroit’s excellent roster construction affords them the ability to make a luxury pick.
29. Washington Commanders – EDGE Mike Green (Marshall)
The Commanders end up with one of the most productive players in all of college football. Mike Green isn’t a household name having played for Marshall. He was previously at Virginia but transferred after the 2022 season. Last year, he led the nation with 17.0 sacks. He is an absolute force off the edge and will create havoc for NFL tackles. The Commanders are already stout up the middle with Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, but desperately need a true game-changer at defensive end.
30. Buffalo Bills – EDGE Nic Scourton (Texas A&M)
The Bills still seemingly need a true No. 1 option for QB Josh Allen to throw to. However, it seems unlikely they snag a pass catcher after selecting WR Keon Coleman and TE Dalton Kincaid in the first round of the previous two drafts. They love taking pass rushers, and Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton is likely the one with the most upside remaining on the board. The Purdue transfer is similar to defensive ends the Bills have drafted in the past — a bigger body who can line up outside or inside.
31. Kansas City Chiefs – OT Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon)
For the second time in a Super Bowl, Kansas City’s offensive line wilted against the pass rush. It’s a group that featured three elite talents, but ultimately forced All-Pro guard Joe Thuney to shift to left tackle. With Thuney now in Chicago, selecting a tackle here is a must (unless Kansas City has plans in free agency). Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr. — a two-year starter at left tackle for the Ducks — is the best remaining option on the board. Conerly Jr. has an athletic frame with a long reach. He recently boosted his draft stock with a stellar showing at the Senior Bowl.
32. Philadelphia Eagles – EDGE Princely Umanmielen (Ole Miss)
The Eagles aren’t afraid to take chances in the NFL Draft. GM Howie Rosman will gladly take a talented player who other teams might have concerns about. It paid off big when Jalen Carter slipped two years ago. Nobody questioned Princely Umanmielen’s talent, but he lacked consistency throughout his collegiate career. When he was engaged, Umanmielen showcased some supreme pass-rushing skills. The Eagles hope they can tap into that with this selection.
Ty Bronicel 
Brian Thomas 
Carson Mays