Hail Mary: Rankings & Mocks

Gavin Riley’s top 50 2026 NFL Draft prospects

Gavin Riley — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:03:08 GMT

The 2026 draft is quickly approaching. With the process in full swing, which has included record-breaking vertical jumps and some 40-times that had scouts double-checking their stopwatches in Indy, the board is officially shaking up. We’ve got a defensive-heavy class this year and a “Big Three” at receiver that’s starting to look like a lock.

Here is my top 50 for the 2026 class.

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1. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Love is the most electric college running back since Saquon Barkley. He was the undisputed heartbeat of the Irish offense, winning with 4.36 speed and a “joystick” ability to make the first three defenders miss. He was fourth in the nation in yards per carry (6.9), but it’s his natural hands in the pass game that make him a three-down superstar. He is the safest, most impactful player in this draft.

2. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

The Hoosier legend is a lock for the No. 1 pick. Fresh off a Heisman season and a National Championship, Mendoza is a 6’5”, 236-pound specimen with the processing speed of a ten-year vet. He finished with 48 total touchdowns and only 6 interceptions, showing a rare blend of pocket poise and a “big-game” gene that NFL GMs will kill for. He has “franchise savior” written all over him.

3. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Downs, essentially, is a coach on the field. He picks up defensive systems instantly and plays with the range of a center fielder. He is the most instinctive safety to enter the draft in a long time.

4. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Styles is a lab-grown defender. He shattered the Combine with a 43.5-inch vertical at nearly 245 pounds. His transition from safety to linebacker has been flawless, giving him the range to erase tight ends in man coverage while possessing the frame to stack and shed guards. He’s the ultimate modern-day chess piece for a creative defensive coordinator.

5. Arvell Reese, LB/Edge, Ohio State

Reese has shades of Micah Parsons. He creates a nightmare for offensive lines because you never know if he’s dropping into a hook-curl or firing off the edge. He’s an unfinished work of art, but his 4.46 speed and closing burst are unusual for a man his size. He’s a blue-chip athlete with the highest ceiling of any defender in the draft.

The rest of the big board: 6-50

Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami: Ignore the arm length concerns. Bain is a scheme-wrecker who wins with a violent bull rush and an elite pass-rush IQ. He’s a high-motor powerhouse who was the focal point of every ACC offensive coordinator’s nightmare.
David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech: Bailey is the twitchiest pass rusher in this class. He led the country with 14.5 sacks and over 70 pressures, winning almost entirely on a lightning-quick first step and a devastating dip-and-rip move. He ran a 4.5 40-yard dash in Indy, confirming the track speed we see on tape. He’s a hungry dog off the leash who will contribute 10+ sacks early in his career.
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU: The clear CB1, with Jermod McCoy still recovering from his ACL tear and not having played all year. Delane is a silky-smooth technician with 33-inch arms who hasn’t given up a touchdown in over a dozen starts. He’s a lockdown boundary corner who makes difficult mirroring look easy.
Makai Lemon, WR, USC: The Biletnikoff winner is a high-volume slot weapon. He isn’t the biggest, but he’s a master of finding soft spots in zone and is nearly impossible to touch in the open field.
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State: Tate is an X receiver, from none other than the Ohio State factory, who catches everything in his zip code. He led the Big Ten in contested-catch touchdowns and runs some of the crispest intermediate routes I’ve seen in years.
Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State: The best pure interior lineman in the class. Ioane is a people mover with a powerful anchor. If you want to run the ball between the tackles, you draft this guy.
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State: A versatile target who can align at all three receiver spots. Tyson is a vertical threat who improved his route-running significantly under Hines Ward’s coaching.
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami: A massive mauler who won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the ACC’s best lineman. Whether he stays at tackle or moves to guard, he is a Day 1 starter who resets the line of scrimmage on every run play.
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee: McCoy has elite ball skills and a background as a wide receiver that shows up when the ball is in the air. He’s sticky in press and has the recovery speed to erase early mistakes. The problem is, he didn’t play at all in 2025 as he continues to recover from a torn ACL.
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah: The Outland Trophy winner is a technician with elite movement skills. He’s played both tackle spots and inside, offering the kind of five-position versatility that builds championship offensive lines.
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama: A high-variance gunslinger with an elite arm. When Simpson is on, he looks like a top-five pick; he just needs to iron out the occasional turnover-worthy throw to reach his full potential.
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida: At 6’6” and 335 pounds, Banks is an immovable object. He’s more than just a space-eater, though—he has the raw power to collapse pockets from the interior.
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia: Freeling is a projection based on his elite athletic traits. He’s 6’7” and ran a sub-5.0 40, showing the mobility to be a dominant zone-blocking tackle.
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon: Sadiq is a matchup nightmare who moves like a wideout but blocks like a tackle. He’s a red-zone weapon who can win at all three levels of the field.
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon: Thieneman is a ballhawking safety who led the country in interceptions for a stretch. He’s a possible Day 1 starter who rarely misses a tackle in the open field.
Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami: A veteran rusher who wins with technique and heavy hands. He’s a high-floor prospect who will provide immediate production as a rotational or starting end.
Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana: Cooper Jr. forced 27 missed tackles last season (tied for 4th in the FBS) and has some of the best contact balance in the class.
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson: A scrappy, physical corner who plays with a massive chip on his shoulder. He’s smaller than some of the top-tier guys but makes up for it with elite anticipation.
K.C. Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M: An all-purpose weapon who won the Paul Hornung Award. He can catch, run, and return, making him a “manufactured touch” dream for an NFL coach.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo: A small-school gem who plays much faster than he tests. He’s a smart, rangy safety who always seems to be around the football.
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington: A 6’4” physical specimen who excels as a chain-mover. He uses his frame beautifully to box out corners on third-down slants and red-zone fades.
C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia: Allen is the latest sideline-to-sideline linebacker from the Georgia factory. He’s incredibly fast and hits like a ton of bricks when he fills the hole.
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson: Woods is an elite interior disruptor who has been double-teamed his entire college career. His get-off for a man of his size is genuinely startling.
Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt: A former quarterback turned tight end. He’s still learning the nuances of the position, but his athleticism is elite for a TE, which helped make him one of the most productive players at the position the past couple of years.
Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M: A refined pass rusher with a spin move that should be illegal. He’s undersized but wins with elite bend and a relentless motor.
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson: A four-year starter with a ton of experience. Miller is a reliable, tough tackle who should be a safe pick in the middle rounds.
Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina: A late riser who looked spectacular during the Senior Bowl. He’s a height-weight-speed prospect who is just starting to put it all together.
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State: A broad-framed run stuffer. McDonald is the guy you want if you’re tired of giving up four yards a carry on the ground.
D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana: A ballhawk who was a vital part of Indiana’s title run. He has a natural nose for the ball and plays bigger than his frame.
Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas: A violent blitzer who can also play off the ball. Hill is at his best when he’s moving forward and attacking the line of scrimmage.
Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn: A long, powerful end who excels as a run defender. He needs to expand his pass-rush arsenal, but the physical tools are all there.
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech: A fast, active linebacker who thrives in pursuit. He’s an all-gas player who contributes on both defense and special teams.
Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M: A tough, technically sound interior blocker who plays with a nasty streak. He’s a high-floor prospect who projects as a long-time starter.
Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame: A 1B back at Notre Dame who would be a 1A almost anywhere else. He’s a powerful runner with surprising breakaway speed.
Max Klare, TE, Ohio State: A reliable security blanket. Klare is the guy you go to on 3rd-and-6 when you absolutely need a completion.
Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State: A long, rangy corner with elite speed. He’s still raw technically, but you can’t teach his physical dimensions.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama: A 350-pound people mover who you can move out wide for some trickery. He’s a project, but his power in the run game is second to none in this class.
Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF: A freak athlete who exploded at the Combine with a 4.52 40-yard dash at 253 pounds. He is a high-ceiling speed rusher who closes on quarterbacks like he’s shot out of a cannon.
T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson: A high-floor rusher who understands leverage and hand placement. He projects as a solid, every-down starter at the next level.
Connor Lew, OG, Auburn: An athletic guard who is excellent in space. He’s at his best when he’s pulling or getting to the second level.
Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech: A mountain of a man who is nearly impossible to single-block. He’s a specialized run-stuffer who will help any interior defense.
Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington: A bowling ball of a runner with elite contact balance. He’s a guy who thrives on 20+ carries a game and wears defenses down.
Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame: A 6’4” boundary target who solidified his stock with a 38-inch vertical in Indy. He’s a premier contested-catch specialist who uses his massive frame to box out corners and move the chains.
R Mason Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma: A twitchy, high-motor pass rusher with 17 career sacks and an elite 85.3 PFF grade. He wins with a lightning-quick first step and refined hand work that makes him a Day 1 situational weapon.
Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama: A reliable, high-IQ technician who led the Tide in receiving during their 2025 title run. While he isn't a burner, he posted a standout 6.71-second 3-cone drill in Indy, proving he has the elite short-area agility to win in the slot and as a Day 1 possession target.

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Gavin Riley's 2025 NFL mock draft 2.0: Final predictions before the main event

Gavin Riley — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 01:41:55 GMT

Draft week is finally upon us, and the speculation can mercifully end as we get real answers instead of endless hypotheticals. This year was particularly challenging to predict due to there being varying opinions on the class.

Nevertheless, I've thrown my hat into the ring with one final mock draft, for better or worse. Let's see how spectacularly wrong I am.

1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

This has been known for quite some time now.

2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

Signs have indicated this is the direction the Browns will go. With Hunter demanding he’ll play both ways in the NFL, the Heisman Award winner fills two needs.

3. New York Giants: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

Last-minute homework on Shedeur Sanders won’t change my thought process. Take, who many consider, including myself, the best player in the draft despite it not being an immediate need. Perhaps in a corresponding move, the Giants trade Kayvon Thibodeaux, who has struggled to come into his own in New York.

4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

The left side of the Patriots’ offensive line is horrendous, so why not protect your franchise quarterback’s blindside? People have warmed up to Campbell being successful at tackle, despite his arm length. And if that doesn’t work, he’ll move inside.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

It’s a homecoming for the Jacksonville native. The Jaguars are, according to Bryan Broaddus, “looking for touchdowns.” Jeanty had 30 total touchdowns last season. Bar none, he’ll make an immediate impact for new head coach Liam Coen, who innately prioritizes a strong run game.

6. Las Vegas Raiders: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

With Jeanty snatched up by Jacksonville just one pick before, the Raiders pivot to addressing their offensive line woes. John Spytek knows the value of building through the trenches from his Tampa tenure, and Banks represents both an immediate starter and a cornerstone piece for the Raiders' future plans to protect Geno Smith and, eventually, his successor.

7. New York Jets: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

The Jets will want to surround Justin Fields with weapons, and Warren brings uncommon versatility to the position. The versatile chess piece can line up anywhere on offense and creates matchup nightmares with his size and athleticism. The Jets passed on Brock Bowers last year — they don’t make that mistake again.

8. Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, Edge/OLB, Georgia

There’s a bit of a grey area when it comes to envisioning where Walker will line up defensively at the next level, but, simply put, he’s a baller. In search of any defensive help, the Panthers take perhaps their next Frankie Luvu, who they lost in the 2024 offseason.

9. New Orleans Saints: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia

I understand the premonitions of quarterback here, but the Saints haven’t selected one since Archie Manning in 1971. Cameron Jordan isn’t getting any younger, so here they draft Williams, who brings a tantalizing toolkit off the edge with sky-high potential as a pass rusher. At worst, you’re getting a rock-solid run defender.

10. Chicago Bears: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

Jeanty at five caused a bit of a fall for Graham, but his slide stops here. I think the Bears are very fond of Graham, who is considered a top-five player in the draft by many. If he’s here, this should be a no-brainer.

11. San Francisco 49ers: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

The 49ers need to revamp the defensive line. All it takes is one person to become enamored with Nolen’s upside. The very best version of Nolen is a top-11 prospect in the class.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Outside of Ceedee Lamb, what other weapons does Dallas have? McMillan is a prototypical X receiver with a wide catch radius. He’d be the perfect running mate for Lamb.

13. Miami Dolphins: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

The Dolphins goal should be to keep Tua Tagovailoa upright, and that starts with protecting his blindside. Membou would be an immediate upgrade. I think he could go earlier than this, but here, the Dolphins get a player one of the best athletes in the draft.

14. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

For a long time, the Colts have needed a reliable tight end. Loveland is a do-it-all player — he can line up inline, in the slot, and even outside. He possesses a rare blend of size, speed, and quickness.

15. Atlanta Falcons: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee

The Falcons finally address the pass rush. Pearce may fall due to character questions, but he’s probably the second-best pure pass rusher in the draft. He has a high chance of hitting with Raheem Morris as head coach.

16. Arizona Cardinals: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

The Cardinals desperately need secondary help, and Johnson is the elite cornerback prospect in this class. His combination of length, fluidity, and ball skills gives Arizona a potential shutdown corner who can match up with the NFC West's dangerous receiving corps from day one.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall

If Cincinnati is comfortable with the “character concerns,” Green would be an excellent selection. He led the FBS in sacks last year and was dominant at the Senior Bowl. If Cincinnati can work out the contract situation with Trey Hendrickson, the two would form a formidable duo.

18. Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State

Macdonald's philosophy of controlling the line of scrimmage makes Zabel an ideal target to shore up a Seattle offensive front that surrendered far too much pressure last season. The small-school standout dominated Senior Bowl week.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

Todd Bowles loves his defenders with versatility, and Campbell represents the prototype of the modern NFL linebacker with his blend of sideline-to-sideline range and pass-rushing prowess.

20. Denver Broncos: TreVeon Henderson, RB, Ohio State

The buzz is building for this pick to come to fruition, and I’m buying in, despite Omarion Hampton still being available. Henderson offers what Sean Payton looks for in a running back; he’s an elite pass catcher, an exceptional pass protector, and can hit a home run from anywhere on the field.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

The slide stops! From a cultural standpoint, this is the best fit for Sanders. And while the Steelers await a decision from Aaron Rodgers, selecting a quarterback makes the most sense. From what’s been reported, Sanders’ meeting with the Steelers went well, and head coach Mike Tomlin likes him a lot.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Harbaugh brings his Michigan monster to Los Angeles. Grant was personally recruited by Harbaugh out of high school and developed into a dominant interior force under his tutelage. This reunion makes perfect schematic sense — Grant's rare combination of size and quickness fills the Chargers' glaring need for a disruptive presence in the middle of their defensive front after the loss of Poona Ford.

23. Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

Here, the Packers end their long-time drought of not selecting a wide receiver in the first round. They lack a reliable pass catcher. Insert Golden, whose draft stock has been skyrocketing after being the go-to guy in Texas’ playoff run and running a sub-4.3 forty at the combine.

24. Minnesota Vikings: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

The Vikings continue revamping their secondary with Barron, who brings the versatility Brian Flores covets. He can play inside or outside and isn't afraid to mix it up in run support. His competitive fire and ball skills give Minnesota a day-one starter who can match up with the diverse receiving threats in the NFC North.

25. Houston Texans: Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama

This is a DeMeco Ryans pick. Booker is a road-grader in the run game and brings much-needed interior protection for C.J. Stroud. His Alabama pedigree of technical refinement and nastiness will help elevate an offensive line that was one of the worst in football last season.

26. Los Angeles Rams: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

The Rams desperately need secondary help, and Hairston is a flat-out playmaker. He has a knack for finding the ball and making something happen with it. His combination of length, speed, and ball skills gives the Rams defense something they've been sorely missing since Jalen Ramsey's departure.

27. Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

This is exactly the type of value pick Baltimore always seems to land. Starks can do it all — play in the box, cover tight ends, and range as a centerfielder. Georgia defenders consistently translate well to the NFL, and Starks will be no different. He fits perfectly alongside Kyle Hamilton. This is a home run selection for a team that always seems to nail their first-round picks.

28. Detroit Lions: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

Another homecoming! Harmon, a Detroit native, is simply a playmaker on the defensive front. For a team that struggled to get after the quarterback last season, especially from the inside, Harmon is a perfect fit.

29. Washington Commanders: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M

The box score surfers don’t love Stewart, but he absolutely warrants this selection. Personally, I think he should’ve gone higher. His relatively modest production doesn't tell the full story of his disruptive presence. He’s awesome.

30. Buffalo Bills: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss

The Bills need to reload at cornerback after losing Tre'Davious White, and Amos is the perfect fit. The Ole Miss transfer brings impressive length and technique to a Bills defense that still has playoff aspirations despite losing several key veterans. Amos’ physicality and route mirroring ability jump off tape. This is a classic Brandon Beane pick.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

The entire world witnessed the Chiefs offensive line crumbled on the brightest stage. Simmons, had he not suffered a season-ending injury in week 5 of the 2024 season, would probably go much higher than this. He makes playing left tackle look easy.

32. Philadelphia Eagles: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College

The Eagles strike gold with Ezeiruaku somehow still being available at 32. Howie Roseman should sprint to the podium for this one. Ezeiruaku's production and athletic profile suggest he should have been long gone by now, but the Eagles once again benefit from a premier talent falling right into their lap.

Gavin Riley's top 50 2025 NFL Draft prospects 2.0, plus top 5s at each position

Gavin Riley — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:33:04 GMT

The 2025 NFL Draft is nearly a week away, and the picture is becoming clearer — at least a little. After months of tape, reading the opinions of scouts, and countless re-ranks in my head, I’m locking these in. But if there’s one thing that defines this class, it’s the lack of consensus. Outside of a few blue-chip talents, opinions are mixed. Player No. 10 on one team’s big board might be player No. 40 on another's.

It’s just that kind of year.

1. Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

The No. 1 spot is the former Nittany Lion. Carter explodes off the ball with rare acceleration that stymies blockers. Watch his tape against the elite programs — USC, Ohio State, Notre Dame — he's a constant disruptor. His speed wins early, complemented by a swipe/rip combo. He immediately exploits oversetting tackles, darting inside for quick pressures. When QBs try escaping, Carter shows a natural instinct to redirect underneath. In back-side pursuits, he closes at a blurry speed.

2. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

Hunter is the most gifted two-way player since Deion Sanders, with elite instincts and ball skills at both receiver and corner. At CB, he’s sticky in coverage with elite ball skills. He changes direction like he's controlled by a joystick. At WR, he’s a polished route runner who easily creates separation. He can also climb the ladder for contested jump balls. He’s a transcendent talent who simply operates on a different level.

3. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Jeanty had one of the most absurd running back seasons in history, falling just 28 yards short of Barry Sanders’ all-time rushing record. He has some of the best contact balance I’ve seen from a running back. He’ll be the focal point of the offense for whichever team selects him.

4. Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

If you’re looking for a complete offensive weapon, Warren is your guy. He burst onto the scene this past season with his incredible receiving skills and ferocious mentality as a blocker. Penn State lined Warren up everywhere. Whichever team drafts him is getting a versatile chess piece.

5. Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

Graham is an immovable force on the interior who combines elite power with surprising quickness for a man his size. He controls gaps with exceptional leverage and hand placement that makes him nearly impossible to move. He’s a dominant presence who consistently resets the line of scrimmage.

6. Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Campbell played left tackle at LSU, but analysts foresee a future at guard. Personally, I think he can stay at left tackle. His hand placement and sheer power make him my favorite offensive lineman in the draft. Watch his tape against Shemar Stewart, a potential top-15 pick — Campbell dominated.

7. Mike Green, Edge, Marshall

Green’s speed-to-power was evident in his 17-sack season for the Thundering Herd this past season. His ability to set up tackles with a deep arsenal of pass-rush moves is impressive. He has elite bend and an extremely high motor.

8. Jalon Walker, LB/Edge, Georgia

Walker is an explosive second-level defender who processes the game at an elite level. His sideline-to-sideline range and violent hands make him a force against both run and pass. He can diagnose plays pre-snap and teleport to the ball carrier on run plays.

9. Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

Membou combines massive power with surprisingly nimble feet in pass protection. He creates movement in the run game while maintaining excellent balance and anchor.

10. Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M

Stewart’s ability to convert speed to power at his size (6-foot-5, 280 pounds) is different. He’s a freak. He didn’t have much production for the Aggies, but frankly, I don’t think teams will care too much.

11. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

I sound like a broken record, but it bears repeating: Sanders' accuracy and ball placement are special. Cam Ward is the consensus QB1, but I like Sanders a little more. He lacks elite athleticism, and he doesn’t have ‘zip,’ but he can surgically take his team downfield. He’s one of the most accurate quarterbacks in recent years, has the toughness of a long-time starter, and is the most pro-ready in the class.

12. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Starks wasn’t as effective as a playmaker in 2024, but he moves like a missile in the secondary with elite instincts and an explosive burst. He processes the game at an exceptional level, allowing him to play multiple positions with equal impact. His versatility and closing speed make him a defensive coordinator's dream.

13. Jihaad Campbell, LB/Edge, Alabama

Campbell has grown on me. He’s an absolute freak. Built like an old-school linebacker that moves like a safety, Campbell can rush the passer, drop into coverage if needed, and chase down ball carriers with high-end speed for his size.

14. Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

Nolen arguably has the most upside in this DT class. The former No.1 overall recruit in 2022 has had a great draft process, aside from maturity questions that arise occasionally. He has violent hands, brute strength, and a motor that just won’t quit. In his lone season with Ole Miss, he anchored the nation’s top run defense and tied the team lead with 14 tackles for loss, adding 6.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries.

15. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

McMillan has more to offer than his viral one-handed, between-the-legs catches during training. He dominates the vertical game with extraordinary length, body control, and run-after-the-catch ability. He’s not the most effective at creating separation, but he’s a matchup nightmare who plays like a basketball player in cleats.

16. Cam Ward, QB, Miami

Ward brings electric playmaking ability with high-level arm talent to all areas of the field. He shows special awareness in chaos while keeping his eyes downfield for the big play, albeit too often, which causes too many turnover-worthy throws.

17. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Loveland possesses rare movement skills and natural hands for a tight end. He creates consistent separation with refined routes while showing surprising power at the point of attack.

18. Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

Golden is a smooth operator who wins with elite separation, quickness, and effortless route running. His ability to set up defenders and snap off routes makes him a consistent chain-mover, and he has a knack for finding soft spots in coverage. He’s not the biggest or fastest, but he’s a technician.

19. Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

While not the most explosive athlete, Baron is an elite ballhawk — the Thorpe Award winner flashes an uncanny football radar. Though he may not check all the boxes as a true boundary corner, he has great anticipation and timing.

20. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Johnson’s an elite pattern matcher with fluid hips and explosive bursts. His ball skills and route recognition allow him to bait quarterbacks into throws they immediately regret. He has a special blend of confidence and instincts that define shutdown corners, though he lacks the top-end speed many have.

21. Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College

Ezeiruaku is undersized at 6-foot-2, 247 pounds, but he has a bottomless bag of pass-rush moves that led to a 16-sack season with the Eagles. If he can become more powerful, he’ll be a dominant force. Bigger opponents handle him pretty easily if his initial and counter fail.

22. Grey Zabel, IOL, North Dakota State

I don’t think there was a bigger winner during the Senior Bowl than Zabel. He stymied every defender trying to plow through him — and he did it at each position across the line.

23. Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

Harmon is a mountain of a man who controls the line of scrimmage with sheer power and leverage. His ability to eat up double teams and still generate interior pressure makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses. While he’s not the most explosive, his motor and technique allow him to disrupt both the run and pass game consistently.

24. Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia

Williams is another trait-based gamble from Georgia, like Nolan Smith and Travon Walker. Williams lacked production, but he brought elite burst and bend off the edge with natural pass rush instincts. He also has a 34 3/8 wingspan. He has traits for days that make him an enticing prospect.

25. Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Overshadowed by his counterpart, Graham, Grant consistently reset the line of scrimmage with what’s near preternatural power and startling quickness. He’s dominant in both the run and pass rush.

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26. James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee

Pearce is tall and slender, yet one of the more gifted pass rushers in this class. He dominated SEC play with a unique blend of bend, twitch, and fluidity. Character concerns have been questioned. If all checks out on that front, Pearce could be the steal of the draft.

27. Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama

Alabama players referred to Booker as “the Will Anderson of the offense.” Anderson went No. 3 overall just two drafts ago. Booker is one of the safest linemen in this year’s class.

28. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Egbuka reminds me of another Ohio State product, Jaxson Smith-Njigba — both being savvy route-runners with exceptional body control and reliable hands in traffic. Like JSN, Egbuka excels in the slot with pristine footwork and spatial awareness. He’s also an exceptional blocker.

29. Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

If not for a torn ACL midway through the season, Simmons would presumably be higher. The NFL draft community awaits his medicals at the combine to see if they need to move him up or down a few spots. If his medicals look good, he could be considered for the first tackle off the board.

30. Omarion Hampton, RB, UNC

Hampton combines a violent running style with great vision and balance, consistently making the first defender miss while showing the speed to take any carry the distance.

31. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State

"Henderson can make a house call from anywhere," Chris Fowler noted as Henderson caught the slip-screen pass against Texas in the CFB Semifinals...75 yards later, the Buckeyes' back proved him prophetic with a touchdown sprint before halftime. He’s lightning in a bottle with exceptional pass-blocking ability.

32. Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss

Amos plays like a corner who’s seen it all — battle-tested across three programs, his game carries the calm and confidence of experience. At Ole Miss, he finally put it all together, blending size, speed, and swagger into a complete cornerback profile. He’s sticky in press, instinctive in zone, and plays with an edge that shows up when the ball’s in the air. You’d be hard-pressed to find many corners in this class with the physicality and mirroring ability that Amos possesses.

33. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

Burden operates primarily from the slot position, showcasing electric playmaking ability. Despite a statistical regression — partially attributable to quarterback inconsistency — his 2023 performance demonstrated his genuine talent. The dynamic playmaker remains despite his substandard season.

34. Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

Despite his lighter frame at 179 pounds, Hairston does well in press coverage where most corners his size struggle. He's a scrappy, play-making cornerback with excellent technique that compensates for his size disadvantage.

35. Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M

After a 10-sack season at Purdue in 2023, Scourton transferred to Texas A&M and was unable to replicate the former success. His 2023 tape is incredible, and it’s fair to surmise that whichever team drafts him will likely get that player, as he dropped back down in the 250-pound range (his play weight at Purdue) after playing the 2024 season around 280. I believe he can recapture that production — the traits that led to double-digit sacks are still evident in his game. Scourton is still just 20 years old.

36. Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

A former five-star recruit, Conerly had continuous success at Oregon. He has a rare combination of a high floor and a high ceiling. His skill set blends surprising quickness with redirection ability. Conerly's talent was validated by his peers, who named him the top offensive lineman at the Senior Bowl.

37. Mason Taylor, TE, LSU

Taylor is a smooth, savvy tight end who plays with the poise of someone raised in the game—no surprise, given he’s the son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor. At nearly 6’5” and 250 pounds, he’s not a burner, but he knows how to find soft spots in zone coverage and consistently presents a reliable target for his quarterback. His hands are trustworthy, and he’s a great blocker.

38. Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina

An ACL injury sidelined him for most of the 2024 campaign, but Revel is one of the most physically gifted cornerbacks I’ve watched. At 6-foot-3, 185 pounds, he possesses extraordinary recovery speed. He lacks nuance at the position, but he’s just about everything you want at the position in terms of the physical gifts.

39. Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

Regarded as the top left tackle in the draft, Banks dominates the edge with his massive frame and surprising movement skills, showing the consistent ability to mirror speed rushers while creating displacement in the run game.

40. Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame

Watts brings an exceptional track record of ball production, securing 13 interceptions across two seasons. The Irish's first two-time consensus All-American since '93 makes up for man coverage shortcomings with an uncanny nose for the ball. His playmaking instincts should carry over nicely to Sundays, even if he isn't the most versatile DB in the class.

41. Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

A long, rangy safety with a nose for the football, Emmanwori has been the backbone of South Carolina’s secondary. His physicality and tackling ability make him an enforcer in the run game, but his versatility in coverage — whether as a deep safety or in the slot — keeps him on the field in all situations. The tools are there for him to be an impact defender at the next level.

42. Omar Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee

Norman-Lott might be undersized, but he rushes the passer with extremely well — quick hands, natural leverage, and a knack for slipping through creases before linemen can react. He’s a problem on passing downs, winning with technique and twitch rather than brute strength. But his run defense is still a mystery; he was often pulled in those situations, and when he did play, he struggled to hold up against double teams. He’s a specialized weapon right now, but one that can wreck pockets in the right role.

43. Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State

Many may have Jackson higher. I mean, he did seamlessly step in for an injured Josh Simmons, sliding from left guard to left tackle. The transition, to quote what NFL lineman Justin Pugh once told me, “It’s like moving a fight in a phone booth to an open field.” It’s totally different. But Jackson excelled, and now it’s to be determined whether he’ll be on the interior or protecting a QB’s blindside.

44. Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss

Dart’s highs are high, and his lows are low. His most impressive performance was in his 515-yard, six-touchdown day against Arkansas. His worst performance came against Florida with the College Football Playoffs on the line, where he had two interceptions in back-to-back possessions in the final minutes of the game. Ole Miss lost. Dart plays with a quiet fire — poised in the pocket, fearless with his arm, and always hunting the big play. He’s got one of the prettiest deep balls in the class, dropping passes in stride with touch and confidence, but he’s a work in progress.

45. Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo

Alexander will turn 25 when the season kicks off — an age that admittedly makes front offices nervous. He’ll be 29 when it’s time for his second contract. But for contenders looking to maximize their championship window? He's exactly who you want. Turn on his tape, and you'll see why — it's littered with defenders getting manhandled snap after snap. And the way he moves at 6-foot-4, 310 pounds…It’s a lot like Chris Jones.

46. Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

Morrison’s 2023 film is as clean and polished as any cornerback in this draft class — sticky in man, fluid in zone, and always a step ahead of the route. His instincts and ball skills jump off the screen, and his ability to mirror top receivers made him a true lockdown presence. However, a hip injury cut his 2024 season short, and he’s still working his way back to full strength. If teams are comfortable with the medicals, Morrison has the tools and tape to be a high-end starter early in his NFL career.

47. Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State

Judkins is a rugged, no-nonsense runner. At 6 feet and 221 pounds, he’s built to absorb contact and deliver it right back, using his compact frame and low center of gravity to churn out tough yards between the tackles. While he’s not the most elusive or explosive back in this class, his vision and decisiveness make him a reliable chain-mover.

48. Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA

It’s hard not to admire Schwesinger’s story. A former walk-on-turned-All-American, the UCLA Bruin has had a meteoric rise throughout the draft process. He has outstanding instincts in all phases and is a fast, rangy linebacker who does well in coverage and defending the run.

49. Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State

Williams isn’t the biggest or the fastest — 5-feet-11, 180 pounds with 4.4 speed — but he just knows how to get open. Against Travis Hunter, Williams dusted the likely top-two pick for a 34-yard touchdown that left the Colorado sideline stunned.

50. Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary

Grant is one of the more intriguing small-school prospects in this draft class. A two-time FCS All-American, he’s a fluid, technically sound left tackle with a wrestling background that shows up in his balance and hand placement.

Top 5 Prospects at Each Position

Quarterbacks

1. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

2. Cam Ward, Miami

3. Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss

4. Will Howard, Ohio State

5. Tyler Shough, Louisville

Running backs

1. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State

2. Omarion Hampton, UNC

3. TreVeon Henderson, Ohio State

4. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State

5. Kaleb Johnson, Iowa

Wide receivers

1. Travis Hunter, Colorado

2. Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona

3. Matthew Golden, Texas

4. Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State

5. Luther Burden III, Missouri

Tight ends

1. Tyler Warren, Penn State

2. Colston Loveland, Michigan

3. Mason Taylor, LSU

4. Elijah Arroyo, Miami

5. Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green

Offensive tackles

1. Will Campbell, LSU

2. Armand Membou, Missouri

3. Josh Simmons, Ohio State

4. Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon

5. Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas

Interior offensive linemen

1. Grey Zabel, North Dakota State

2. Tyler Booker, Alabama

3. Donovan Jackson, Ohio State

4. Tate Ratledge, Georgia

5. Jared Wilson, Georgia

Defensive tackles

1. Mason Graham, Michigan

2. Walter Nolen, Ole Miss

3. Derrick Harmon, Oregon

4. Kenneth Grant, Michigan

5. Omar Norman-Lott, Tennessee

Edge rushers

1. Abdul Carter, Penn State

2. Mike Green, Marshall

3. Jalon Walker, Georgia

4. Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M

5. Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College

Linebackers

1. Jihaad Campbell, Alabama

2. Carson Schwesinger, UCLA

3. Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina

4. Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss

5. Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma

Cornerbacks

1. Travis Hunter, Colorado

2. Jahdae Barron, Texas

3. Will Johnson, Michigan

4. Trey Amos, Ole Miss

5. Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky

Safeties

1. Malaki Starks, Georgia

2. Xavier Watts, Notre Dame

3. Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina

4. Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State

5. Andrew Mukaba, Texas

Kickers

1. Andres Borregales, Miami

2. Ryan Fitzgerald, Florida State

3. Caden Davis, Ole Miss

Punters

1. Jeremy Crawshaw, Florida

2. James Burnip, Alabama

3. Eddie Czaplicki, USC

Long-snappers

1. Austin Brinkman, West Virginia

2. William Wagner, Michigan

3. Kneeland Hibbett, Alabama

Gavin Riley's 2025 NFL mock draft: Post-combine predictions

Gavin Riley — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 14:14:11 GMT

The lights have dimmed in Indianapolis. Now, free agency awaits.

Mock drafts before free agency is in full swing are essentially educated guesses wrapped in speculation. The coming weeks will reshape team needs across the league as veterans find new homes and roster holes either get filled or become more glaring.

But that's what makes this time of year so damn fun.

Some of these picks will look ridiculous a month from now. Team needs will evolve, and prospects will rise and fall based on pro days and private workouts. That's the beautiful chaos of the NFL offseason.

Here's my first crack at a predictive 2025 NFL mock draft. Enjoy.

1. New York Giants (Via trade w/ TEN): Cam Ward, QB, Miami

Reports from the combine echo that the Giants are actively trying to trade up to the No. 1 pick — and the Titans are open to moving the pick. I would think the Giants want to move up for a quarterback, and their preference is widely surmised to be Ward.

2. Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter, ED, Penn State

The Browns are likely in the market for a QB (Cam Ward). If Ward goes No. 1, they don’t have to force the selection of Sanders. With Myles Garrett probably on his way out, Carter would make the most sense here.

3. Tennessee Titans (Via trade w/ NYG): Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

The Titans have a lot of needs, so a trade-down makes a ton of sense. If they do, they’ll either end up with Carter, who may be the pick if they stand pat at No. 1, or Hunter, the two-way star who could help Tennessee on both sides of the ball. In this case, they end up with Hunter, who fills an immediate need at both WR and CB.

4. New England Patriots: Armand Membou, T, Missouri

You’ve got your franchise quarterback in Drake Maye. Great. Now, you need to protect him. Membou checks every box — he’s technically sound, tough, athletic, and has prototypical tackle size. His tape and athletic test warrant a selection this high.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Campbell, OL, LSU

New general manager James Gladstone emphasized the importance of building through the trenches, along with emulating the Rams’ team-building philosophy. While I think Mason Graham could be in play, Trevor Lawrence needs protection. I believe teams love Campbell despite his short arm length (32/5/8). His SEC tape is rock solid, and he had a dominant on-field workout at the combine. He’d be a nice fairway finder for the first-year GM.

6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

The Raiders stunned the NFL community Friday night when they traded a late third-round pick for quarterback Geno Smith. Now, Vegas can take the best player available, which is Jeanty. The Boise State product and Heisman runner-up would address a need for an offense that finished dead last in rushing yards per game (70.8) and yards per rush (3.6).

7. New York Jets: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan

Graham isn’t the most athletic DT in the class, but he’s incredibly disruptive — has been since he stepped foot onto Michigan’s campus. He and Quinnen Williams would form an elite duo. I’d think new head coach Aaron Glenn is salivating at this pairing.

8. Carolina Panthers: Shemar Stewart, ED, Texas A&M

At 6-foot-5 and 267 pounds, Stewart lit up the combine: He sprinted a 1.58-second 10-yard split and 4.59-second 40-yard dash, broad jumped 10'11", and vertical jumped 40". The Panthers desperately need defensive help, starting with rushing the passer; The Panthers ranked No. 31 in the NFL in pass rush win rate.

Stewart didn’t have incredible production with the Aggies — just 4 1/2 sacks in his collegiate career — but his play-wrecking ability is evident on tape. Carolina swings big with Stewart’s high ceiling.

9. New Orleans Saints: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

There’s a glaring need for offensive playmakers — an absence that caused the Saints 2024 offense to be quite predictable — regardless of who the quarterback will be. Warren is a do-it-all offensive chess piece. He would immediately become the first or second option in the pecking order for Kellen Moore’s offense.

10. Chicago Bears: Omarion Hampton, RB, UNC

Surprise! Well, it really shouldn’t be. The Detroit Lions took Jahmyr Gibbs just two years ago at No. 12, and it was a home run. I would have given them an offensive lineman, but they revitalized the interior within the last two days (trading for Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney.) Ben Johnson likes to run the ball, and if they decide to keep D’Andre Swift, Hampton would be a great compliment.

11. San Francisco 49ers: Mike Green, ED, Marshall

Green’s prospect status is enigmatic at the moment due to reports that sexual assault allegations led to his dismissal from Virginia’s program and transfer to Marshall. He denies any wrongdoing. If Green’s situation clears up, he shouldn’t fall far in the draft. He’s one of the best pure pass rushers in this group.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Tetaroia McMillan, WR, Arizona

Outside of Ceedee Lamb, what other weapons does Dallas have? McMillan is a prototypical X receiver with a wide catch radius. He’s Drake London-esque. I think McMillan will have a similar impact and role.

13. Miami Dolphins: Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas

What the hell is going on with Terron Armstead? He’s under contract for 2026, but the team isn’t including him in its 2025 plans — at least that’s what Mike McDaniels insinuated at a press conference at the Scouting Combine. To me, that means finding Armstead’s replacement with this pick is a priority.

Banks, a three-year starter at left tackle, seems like a safe selection here. Analysts project him better at guard due to his playstyle, but he has the tools to stay outside.

14. Indianapolis Colts: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

The Colts could look to add another weapon for Anthony Richardson — or whoever wins the starting quarterback job — but the secondary has major holes. Teams too often dissected the Colts’ pass defense. To make the transition of Lou Anarumo smooth, solidifying the back-end of the defense.

Barron is a smothering coverage corner underneath who found himself in the right place at the right time, often throughout the 2024 season. He could play a bigger-nickel role with JuJu Brents set to come back from injury. I think Barron could have a similar impact Cooper DeJean had with the Eagles.

15. Atlanta Falcons: Jalon Walker, LB/ED, Georgia

For the third consecutive year, I’m projecting a pass rush for the Falcons — well, kind of. Walker is a bit of a tweener, or hybrid, if you will. He’s had success rushing the passer but lacks the ideal size to be a full-time edge rusher. The Falcons would get the most value from him as an early-down off-ball linebacker who rushes off the edge occasionally or lines up as a blitzer across the line.

16. Arizona Cardinals: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

The Cardinals could go pass rush here, but they probably weren’t expecting Johnson to fall. He could be the lockdown CB1 they’ve been missing since Patrick Peterson.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

This has to be defense, right? Last season, the Bengal's defense was, for lack of a better term, abysmal. A gargantuan interior defender like Grant would be a good place to start. He’s great against the run and can rush the passer.

18. Seattle Seahawks: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

Head coach Mike MacDonald was the Ravens’ defensive coordinator when they drafted Kyle Hamilton in the first round of the 2022 draft. While Emmanwori’s not quite Hamilton, he’s a freak in his own nature.

Emmanwori, a 2024 First-Team All-American, stole the show at this year’s Scouting Combine with his freakish testing. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound safety ran a 4.38 40-yard dash and jumped a 43’’ vertical and 11’6’’ broad.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Donovan Ezeiruaku, ED, Boston College

This seems like a hand-in-glove fit. The Bucs need a pure pass rusher, and Ezeiruaku is just that. At 6-foot-2, 248 pounds, he’s not biggest, fastest, or strongest, but he has a deep bag of pass-rush moves and pairs each with elite bend. The Boston College product has 16.5 sacks in his final year.

20. Denver Broncos: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Connecting the Broncos to a tight end is far from original, but the Michigan product fits the “joker” need Sean Payton is looking for. Payton defined his desired “joker” as a tight end or running back with exceptional receiving skills. That’s Colston Loveland’s strong suit.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

The slide stops! Could the Steelers actually luck out here? Sanders would be a perfect fit for the culture Mike Tomlin has built, and they need a quarterback, pending the free agency decisions of Russel Wilson and Justin Fields. I don’t see this as another Kenny Pickett situation, either. I think Sanders can be Pittsburgh’s guy.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama

Jim Harbaugh's identity has always been physical football. Booker embodies that mentality with his nasty play style. The Chargers must keep Justin Herbert upright after he took a beating last season. Booker's SEC experience against elite competition means he can start immediately.

23. Green Bay Packers: Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina

The Packers desperately need secondary help, especially with Jaire Alexander likely on his way out the door. The 6-foot-3 cornerback has incredible closing speed and the physical traits to match up with the NFC North's upper-echelon receivers. His ball skills and length will fill the void Alexander is imminent to leave behind.

24. Minnesota Vikings: Grey Zabel, IOL, North Dakota State

I fully expect the Vikings to trade down from this pick. They have just three picks in 2025, the next coming in the fifth round. But for this exercise, they stand pat, mainly because I can’t envision a trade-up scenario for another team with the prospects currently on the board.

Whether it’s Sam Darnold or J.J. McCarthy starting, the Vikings need to add some interior protection — the NFC Wildcard matchup against Detroit showed that. Zabel can play across the line but is probably best suited for guard or center at the NFL level. Nonetheless, he’s a blue-collar brawler and a plug-in-play upgrade on the interior.

25. Houston Texans: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

Tank Dell is likely to miss all of 2025, and Stefon Diggs — coming off an ACL tear — is no sure thing to re-sign this offseason. A 4.29 40-yard dash, A+ tracking, and exceptional route running — Golden is the perfect complement to what the Texans already have in Nico Collins. Golden staying in Texas just feels right.

26. Los Angeles Rams: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

The Rams made it clear they plan to move on from Cooper Kupp, so why not replace him with a player possessing a similar skill set? Egbuka is arguably the most polished receiver in this class — crisp routes, reliable hands, exceptional blocking, and the football IQ that McVay covets. The Ohio State product could step in immediately and keep the Rams’ offense humming.

27. Baltimore Ravens: Mykel Williams, ED, Georgia

The Ravens could use help on the edge. Williams is an A+ run defender who’s still raw as a pass rusher but undeniably has the freakish traits to become one of the premiers in the league.

28. Detroit Lions: Jihaad Campbell, LB/ED, Alabama

Whether he’ll be an off-ball linebacker or full-time edge defender opposite of Aidan Hutchinson, Campbell is a perfect fit for Detroit. He’s the kind of player head coach Dan Campbell covets — relentless with a high motor.

29. Washington Commanders: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

The Commanders opt to select their hopeful left tackle of the future to protect quarterback Jayden Daniel’s blindside. Pre-ACL tear, Simmons had a case for the best left tackle in college football. His recovery is going as planned thus far, so him being available at No. 29 is quite the steal.

30. Buffalo Bills: James Pearce Jr., ED, Tennessee

The Bills could afford to add depth to their pass rush. Pearce Jr., once considered a top-10 prospect before the start of the 2024 season, would be a good get late in the first round. A tall and slender rusher, Pearce Jr. often teleports into the backfield with blurry speed, which he showcased with his 4.47 40-yard dash (in a hoodie!).

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

After quarterback Patrick Mahomes was sacked six times on zero blitzes in the Super Bowl, the Chiefs may feel inclined to make changes to their offensive line. Conerly has helped himself not only at the Senior Bowl, but at the combine, too.

32. Philadelphia Eagles: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

Anticipating the Eagles lose Milton Williams in free agency, Nolen would be a gift-wrapped replacement. Nolen, like Williams, excels at rushing the passer from the interior. This pick would fall in line with general manager Howie Roseman scooping up players who fall further than they should.

Gavin Riley's top 50 2025 NFL Draft prospects

Gavin Riley — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 21:10:23 GMT

1. Abdul Carter, ED, Penn State

2. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

Hunter is the most gifted two-way player since Deion Sanders, with elite instincts and ball skills at both receiver and corner. At CB, he’s sticky in coverage with elite ball skills. He changes direction like he's controlled by a joystick. At WR, he’s a polished route runner that easily creates separation. He can also climb the ladder for contested jump balls. He’s a transcendent talent who simply operates on a different level.

3. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

4. Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

5. Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Campbell played left tackle at LSU, but analysts foresee a future at guard. Personally, I think he can stay at left tackle. His hand placement and sheer power make him my favorite offensive lineman in the draft. Watch the tape against the powerful potential top-15 pick, Shemar Stewart.

6. Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

7. Mike Green, ED, Marshall

8. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

9. Jalon Walker, LB/ED, Georgia

Walker is an explosive second-level defender who processes the game at an elite level. His sideline-to-sideline range and violent hands make him a force against both run and pass. He has the ability to diagnose plays pre-snap and teleport to the ball carrier on run plays.

10. Shemar Stewart, ED, Texas A&M

11. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

I sound like a broken record, but it bears repeating: Sanders' accuracy and ball placement are special. The debate between him and Cam Ward for QB1 is ongoing, but I think Sanders is simply the better quarterback. He lacks elite athleticism, and he doesn’t have “zip,” but he can surgically take his team downfield.

12. Malaki Starks, DB, Georgia

13. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

14. Cam Ward, QB, Miami

15. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Loveland possesses rare movement skills and natural hands for a tight end. He creates consistent separation with refined routes while showing surprising power at the point of attack.

16. Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

17. Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

Cue Nolen’s Senior Bowl tape, and you’ll see complete dominance. The former No.1 overall recruit in 2022 was unstoppable down in Mobile. You saw the same thing many times on tape in his lone season with Ole Miss — shooting the gap and simply being more powerful than his opponent.

18. Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

Membou combines massive power with surprisingly nimble feet in pass protection. He creates movement in the run game while maintaining excellent balance and anchor.

19. Mykel Williams, ED, Georgia

Williams is another trait-based gamble from Georgia, like Nolan Smith and Travon Walker. Williams lacked production, but he brought elite burst and bend off the edge with natural pass-rush instincts. He also has a 34 3/8 wingspan. He has traits for days that make him an enticing prospect.

20. Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Overshadowed by his counterpart, Graham, Grant consistently reset the line of scrimmage with what’s near preternatural power and startling quickness. He’s dominant in both the run and pass rush.

21. Jihaad Campbell, LB/ED, Alabama

Every year, there is a defensive end or off-ball linebacker whose draft stock skyrockets after the combine. Nolan Smith in 2023. Chop Robinson in 2024. Campbell is my pick for 2025. At 6-foot-3, 243 pounds, he has a freaky burst and can naturally rush the passer.

22. James Pearce Jr., ED, Tennessee

Pearce is tall and slender, yet one of the more gifted pass rushers in this class. He dominated SEC play with a unique blend of bend, twitch, and fluidity.

23. Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama

Bama players referred to Booker as “the Will Anderson of the offense.” Anderson went No. 3 overall just two drafts ago. Booker is one of the safest linemen in this year’s class.

24. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Egbuka reminds me of another Ohio State product, Jaxson Smith-Njigba — both being savvy route-runners with exceptional body control and reliable hands in traffic. Like JSN, Egbuka excels from the slot with pristine footwork and spatial awareness. He’s also an exceptional blocker.

25. Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

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26. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State

27. Donovan Ezeiruaku, ED, Boston College

28. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

29. Nic Scourton, ED, Texas A&M

After a 10-sack season at Purdue in 2023, Scourton transferred to Texas A&M and was unable to replicate the former success. I believe he can recapture that production — the traits that led to double-digit sacks are still evident in his game.

30. Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina

31. Omarion Hampton, RB, UNC

Hampton combines a violent running style with great vision and balance, consistently making the first defender miss while showing the speed to take any carry the distance.

32. Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

33. Grey Zabel, IOL, North Dakota State

I don’t think there was a bigger winner during the Senior Bowl than Zabel. He stymied every defender trying to plow through him — and he did it at each position across the line.

34. Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

35. Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

36. T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina

Sanders blends size and explosiveness to create chaos in the trenches. He has a quick first step that allows him to shoot gaps and wreck blocking schemes, but he also plays with enough power to hold his own against double teams. His pass-rush ability is the best part of his game.

37. Josh Conerly, OT, Oregon

38. Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami

Arroyo has been skyrocketing up draft boards, and I anticipate he’ll be even higher on my final ranking. At 6-foot-4, 245 pounds, Arroyo is a natural separator with elite speed. He clocked a top speed of 21.8 mph during a 75-yard catch-and-run touchdown against Georgia Tech.

39. Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo

40. Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State

Thomas, at 6-1 and 191 pounds, is regarded as a top perimeter cornerback. He’s a constant agitator, routinely neutralizing receivers with his length and confrontational approach at the line. Though not a prolific ball hawk, any team seeking an intimidating coverage presence will like the former Seminole.

41. Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa

He is one of the larger backs in the draft, and the burst that comes with his size is tantalizing. His one-cut ability, where he quickly identifies a gap, makes one decisive cut, and explodes up the field, is evident on tape.

42. Jack Sawyer, ED, Ohio State

Sawyer became king of the campus after his infamous scoop and score in the College Football Semi-Finals against Texas. While he won't dazzle you with any single elite trait, he’s technical and fundamentally sound. Don't expect him to lead the league in sacks, but he profiles perfectly as a dependable ED2.

43. JT Tuimoloau, ED, Ohio State

I view Tuimoloau similarly to his counterpart, Sawyer — nearly the same, in fact. He is not a flashy player, but he'll be a very important rotational piece that provides reliable production and versatility when called upon.

44. Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State

Many may have Jackson higher. I mean, he did seamlessly step in for an injured Josh Simmons, sliding from left guard to left tackle. The transition, to paraphrase what NFL lineman Justin Pugh once told me, is like moving a fight in a phone booth to an open field. It’s totally different. But Jackson excelled, and now it’s to be determined whether he’ll be on the interior or protecting a QB’s blindside.

45. Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame

46. Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA

It’s hard not to admire Schwesinger’s story. A former walk-on turned All-American, the UCLA Bruin has had a meteoric rise throughout the draft process. He has outstanding instincts in all phases and is a fast, rangy LB who does well in coverage and defending the run.

47. Jack Bech, WR, TCU

Bech may have the best hands in the draft. Along with that, he’s a muscled-up receiver who creates good separation at the top of his routes and is exceptional after the catch.

48. Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

49. Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

50. Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State

A big-bodied receiver with a knack for high-pointing the football, Higgins emerged as Iowa State’s go-to target in 2025. Standing at 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, he’s got the size and strong hands to win contested catches, but his underrated route-running and body control make him more than just a jump-ball specialist.

2024 NFL mock draft 2.0: 6 QBs and multiple trades

Gavin Riley — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 13:01:43 GMT

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It’s finally here. Draft day.

With that comes my final stab at predicting each pick in the first round.

Enjoy.

Chicago Bears (VIA CAR): Caleb Williams, QB, USC

This pick is a no-brainer: Williams is the best QB in the draft.

Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

There has been tons of traction between Daniels and the Commanders. I’m not buying the rumors of him not wanting to play in Washington. I think he’s their guy.

New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, UNC

The Patriots could possibly trade out of this spot if offered a king’s ransom, but they simply can’t go into the season with Bailey Zappe as their starter. Maye could turn things around in New England.

Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Harrison Jr. is a can’t-miss prospect. He’ll immediately serve as the team’s top receiving option.

TRADE: Minnesota Vikings (VIA LAC): J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

The Vikings need to do whatever it takes to get a QB in this year’s draft. They have the ammunition to do so, it just depends on whether they covet the guy available enough. McCarthy is my No. 3 QB and he’ll be a perfect fit in Kevin O’Connell’s offense that prioritizes quarterbacks under center, play-actions and crossers over the middle.

New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

Nabers will add a level of explosiveness the team has lacked since the departure of Odell Beckham Jr. If they want to roll with Daniel Jones for one more season, they need to add a playmaker.

Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

The Titans need OT help and Alt is the best in the class. This is a perfect marriage.

Atlanta Falcons: Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA

The Falcons need to stop procrastinating and address the pass-rush group. Latu is the best pure pass rusher in the draft. If Atlanta’s medical staff clears him, he should be the pick. However, I wouldn’t rule out a trade-down for better value.

Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Williams could advocate for his former H.S. teammate Olu Fashanu, but Odunze would be a nice compliment to Keenan Allen and DJ Moore. Odunze and Williams have already begun working on their chemistry.

New York Jets: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

Don’t let the TE tag fool you — not only is Bowers one of the best pass catchers in the draft but he’s also one of the most explosive players in the draft. Rodgers and Bowers would be fun to watch.

TRADE: Los Angeles Chargers (MIN): JC Latham, OT, Alabama

This is a Jim Harbaugh type of tackle. Latham is a bully. He would be a perfect fit for what Harbaugh wants to do in LA.

TRADE: Philadelphia Eagles (VIA DEN): Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

I’m buying the rumors of the Eagles wanting to trade up, and Denver is a perfect partner. I like Quinyon Mitchell a little more, but I think they’ll prefer Arnold — and it’s easy to see why.

Las Vegas Raiders: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

The Raiders need a QB, and reports say they really like Penix. Aside from the injury history, there isn’t much to dislike. He’s got a really strong arm with an accurate deep ball.

New Orleans Saints: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State

The Saints desperately need to come out of this draft with an OT. Fashanu is the best pass-protector in the draft.

Indianapolis Colts: Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

It’s mind-boggling that Turner fell this far. If he does, the Colts should sprint the card in.

Seattle Seahawks: Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington

Teams are flagging Fautanu for his medicals, but if Seattle clears him, it’s a perfect marriage.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

The Jaguars could look at WRs, but CB is a pressing need. Mitchell is the best in the draft.

Cincinnati Bengals: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

Murphy is a steal at No. 18. He’ll contribute right away, wreaking havoc on the interior.

TRADE: Washington Commanders (VIA LAR): Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

There has been buzz about the Commanders trading back into the first round for a top tackle. After the Rams miss out on the top-two pass rushers and Murphy II, they add some picks early in the second round. The Commanders get their right tackle of the future.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

It’s a surprise that Fuaga fell this far. The Steelers like to draft offensive linemen early, and here, they get a versatile guy who can play guard and tackle.

Miami Dolphins: Graham Barton, OL, Duke

The run of OL continues. Barton can play anywhere along the line and fill a major need for the Dolphins.

TRADE: Denver Broncos (VIA PHI): Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

The Broncos need a QB, but I doubt they felt comfortable with Nix at No. 12. So, they move back 10 spots, get Sean Payton’s guy and add a second-round pick.

Los Angeles Chargers: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

After trading Keenan Allen and releasing Mike Williams, the Chargers WR room is murky. Thomas is a perfect fit. He’ll allow Justin Herbert to air the ball out much more often.

Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

The Cowboys have a good history of developing tackles. Guyton has the traits to be a dominant tackle in the NFL, he’s just very, very raw.

Green Bay Packers: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

I’d be surprised if DeJean falls this far. But if he does, it’s a no-brainer for the Packers.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State

The Buccaneers could use a pass rusher. Luckily for them, a top-3 edge rusher falls right into their laps.

Arizona Cardinals: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois

With the way the board has fallen, I’d assume Arizona is pleased to get Newton this late in the first round.

Buffalo Bills: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

After trading Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans and letting Gabe Davis walk in free agency, the Bills desperately need a pass catcher. Mitchell is an athletic freak some of the surest hands in the draft.

Detroit Lions: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

I really wanted to put Mike Sainristil here, but No. 29 is a little too rich for him. McKinstry, like Sainristil, fits the bill of a Dan Campbell guy. The Lions need help on the outside, and the former Crimson Tide is one of the best cover-corners in the class.

Baltimore Ravens: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

Wiggins has outstanding coverage ability. Paired with Marlon Humphrey, the Ravems secondary could be formidable.

San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Paul, OT, Houston

Trent Williams is entering the back end of his career, so the 49ers draft his eventual replacement in Paul.

Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

Though they’ve won without Tyreek Hill, the Chiefs miss his speed. Worthy, Mr. 4.21, would fill that role.

Top 5 NFL draft prospects by position

Gavin Riley — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 01:10:18 GMT

It’s almost here, and it will be beautiful when it arrives. But for now, we wait until April 25. Soon, commissioner Roger Goodell will open the draft and the Chicago Bears’ 10 minutes to pick will begin winding down, inevitably selecting USC QB Caleb Williams.

Williams is regarded as the top quarterback prospect and one of the draft’s overall top prospects, but where does everyone else stack up at each position?

Editor’s Note: A player’s injury history did not play much of a factor when creating these rankings.

Quarterback

There is a debate between Daniels and Maye for QB2, but after the former Tiger, I prefer Michigan’s McCarthy. He has a small sample size because of how often he was tasked to throw, but his traits show up under a microscope. My favorite aspect of McCarthy’s tape was his ability to convert 3rd and longs, with many throws completed beyond the sticks. Then there is Maye, thought by many as the actual No. 2 QB in the class. To be fair, he’s the prototypical QB. He’s 6-foot-4 with a strong arm and the ability to fit throws into tight windows; he just didn’t have a great final year. My opinion isn’t solely based on that, and I’m aware my opinion will catch some heat. I went back and forth between Maye and McCarthy, and I ended up here. It’ll be interesting to see how the quarterbacks go after Williams. Onto Penix, who, in my opinion, is the clear-cut No. 5. He’s strong-armed and has the best deep ball in the draft.

Running back

Corum isn’t the biggest or the fastest, and he lacks athleticism, but he runs with his eyes. His vision and contact balance make up for those absent traits; he was one of the most productive RBs in college football. Brooks, coming off of a torn ACL in 2023, should be the next Texas RB to secure a starting gig in the NFL due to his blend of strength, speed and size. Wright and Benson are bringing elite athleticism to the NFL, with Wright having a better chance of being a three-down back because of his pass-block ability. Irving is a player who can have success running and catching the ball, offering great vision and quickness.

Wide receiver

Harrison Jr. is at the top, but WR2 can be debated. I’ve seen the reports that Nabers is many teams’ No. 1 WR in the class, and I believe it. Teams will covet his explosiveness. But after Harrison Jr., I actually prefer Odunze. He’s a complete receiver. Nabers is like lighting in a bottle. When deciding between him and Odunze, it’s all about preference. Thomas, to me, is the clear-cut No. 4 due to his ability to take the top off the defense. I have McConkey at No. 5 because I love his ability to create separation. He dominated 1v1’s in Mobile, Ala., seamlessly separating himself from defenders with his hastiness in and out of breaks.

Tight end

I won’t talk too much about Bowers — he’s a stud. Watch the tape. Moving on, Sanders has been TE2 in the draft process for a while, but recently Sinnott overtook that spot. Teams will covet his size, speed and versatility as a pass catcher; he lined up everywhere at KSU. Sanders brings elite athleticism and speed to the TE position, paired with his natural pass-catching ability. It wouldn't surprise me to see him picked in the top 40. Johnson is a good athlete who brings alluring size to the position. Wiley is an above-average athlete who has good speed and YAC ability.

Offensive tackle

Alt, 6-foot-8, 321 pounds, is the consensus OT1. Fautanu is considered a prime candidate to move to guard at the next level, but he doesn’t need to — and, for the most part, he put those assumptions to rest after his measurements and testing at the NFL combine. Fashanu is the best pass-protector in the draft, but his stock took a slight hit because of his hand measurements (8 1/2 inches). Fuaga (FU-ANG-A) is a mauler who could be a plug-and-play guard or right tackle. He excels in the run game. Lastly, Latham has some of the strongest hands in the group. Overall, he’s extremely strong; he’s a people mover.

Interior offensive line

Was it hypocritical of me to put Barton with the IOL when he started at left tackle? Perhaps. Do I care? No. It’s the same situation as Fautanu, however, Barton easily projects to move inside at the next level. OK, let’s begin. Powers-Johnson is a powerful center. He has a strong base that anchors to the turf when he gets a hold of his opponent’s shoulder pads. Barton is feisty and works well in open space and in a phone-booth-like space. Frazier, a former wrestler, uses that past when he dominates players opposite of him. Haynes is a consistent blocker who saw his stock rise after a great week in Mobile, Ala., at the senior bowl. Mahogany is a bully on the interior, playing with power as soon as he gets his hands on his opponent. Both he and Haynes should hear their names called on Friday night.

Interior defensive line

Throughout the college football season, many people began having doubts about the DT group materializing into what it was thought to be — a group full of studs — and their doubts were accurate. However, it still offers first-round talents, such as Murphy II and Newton. Murphy II is violent and plays bigger than he appears. He’s good in both the pass and run game and is one of the more athletic of the bunch. Newtown is a pass-rush specialist. He’ll make his money getting to the QB. The doubts come in the run game, but if you believe he can improve in that area, he could offer more upside than the former Longhorn. After an incredible combine workout, Fiske and Orhorhoro rose up draft boards after the combine, showcasing they’re athleticism. People who are roughly 6-foot-5 and nearly 300 pounds should not move as quickly as they do. Jenkins was part of a Michigan rotation of DTs that featured college football’s best, and he’ll bring his pedigree to a team most likely in the second round.

Edge

Latu is the best pure pass rusher in the draft, but his medicals raise red flags. Still, he’s my No. 1 pass rusher and the guy I would take first in this position group. Turner is the most athletic of the bunch, offering the highest upside if he can put it all together. Verse is a powerful rusher, relying on his size and strength rather than his athletic abilities. Robinson has a wicked first step and is the most athletic of the bunch. But he didn’t have the production you would like — only 4 sacks in 2023 — and doesn’t counter well. Braswell is a powerful rusher with speed.

Linebacker

Since injury history isn’t affecting these rankings, Wilson is the clear-cut LB1 for me. Just watch the tape. He’s a rangy tackler with sideline-to-sideline speed. Cooper is a close second. He lives behind the line of scrimmage. He has exceptional length for an LB. Colson, a key cog in Michigan’s defense, is an instinctive LB with explosive athleticism and exceptional tackling. I also love his story. Trotter Jr. is undersized, but he plays bigger than he appears. He’s a great blitzer and is a hard-hitter. Gray had great college production (365 tackles in his last three seasons) and offers good size for the position.

Cornerback

Mitchell is one of my favorite defensive prospects in this year’s class. Despite coming from the MAC (Mid-American Conference), he’s continuing to gain top-15 buzz, and rightfully so. Forget the competition aspect. Mitchell is a ballhawk — he had four interceptions against Northern Illinois in 2022 — who plays well in man and zone. DeJean is a true playmaker. He can play anywhere in the secondary and is seemingly always near the play. He’s also the best tackler in the group and is excellent in run support. Arnold really got to shine this year since teams stopped targeting his teammate, McKinstry. He has the mentality and play strength to be a top cornerback in the NFL. The latter half of the duo, McKinstry is technical and truly understands the nuances of the position. He’s as smart as they come. Wiggins is an athletic freak. He ran a 4.28 40-yard dash at the combine. His tackling issues are worrisome, but he may be the best at locking down a WR.

Safety

The safety group may be the least impressive of the position groups this year. Nubin is thought by many as the No. 1, but after him, it’s a toss-up. Bullard is a smart and athletic safety. He was a major part of Georgia’s success these past years; he was named the Defensive MVP of the 2023 national championship for the Bulldogs. Hicks boasts impressive instincts and could be a plug-and-play safety for a desperate team because of his ability to play at all three levels. Kinchens is a ball hawk and Bishop offers great size and has much collegiate experience as a multiyear starter for the Utes.

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2024 NFL mock draft 1.0: 4 quarterbacks go in the first 6 picks

Gavin Riley — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 20:08:56 GMT

Welcome to my Substack, Hail Mary. It’s finally draft season.

It’s already been draft season for most, but you really begin to feel it post-Super Bowl.

This is a first-round-only mock draft with no trades. Without any further delay, let’s jump right in. Enjoy.

Chicago Bears (VIA CAR): Caleb Williams, QB, USC

This pick should be a no-brainer from a financial standpoint. I also believe Williams is much more talented than Justin Fields. Here, the Bears start fresh and assumingly trade Fields for additional draft compensation.

Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

I expect newly-minted general manager Adam Peters to attempt to pry the No. 1 pick away from Chicago for Williams — who is from Washington, D.C. — but it may take an arm and a leg. So, they decide to go with Daniels, the breakout star from Baton Rouge. Daniels burst onto the scene with 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns through the air on a 72.2 completion percentage, adding 1,134 yards and 10 more scores on the ground, culminating in the Heisman trophy.

New England Patriots: JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan

Here. We. Go. The NFL seems to be much higher on McCarthy than the media. He’s able to make every throw on the field, he’s exceptional throwing on the run and he’s a tremendous athlete. I believe teams will fall in love with his raw arm talent. He also just turned 21 years old in January.

Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

This pick doesn’t need much explanation. Harrison is the top WR prospect in the class and maybe the top overall player in the class.

Los Angeles Chargers: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

Bowers wouldn’t have been the pick here a couple of weeks ago. But with the team’s recent hires in head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who both love tight ends in their offensive, Bowers seems a likely option.

New York Giants: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

It will be a shock if Maye falls to here, but if he does, they should sprint the card in with his name on it. He had a down year last season, but he’s a great prospect. He’s the prototype. At 6-foot-4, 229 pounds, the former Tar Heel has a strong arm and has drawn ceiling comparisons to Josh Allen.

Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

Alt is a polished, NFL-ready tackle that will bolster the Titans’ abysmal offensive line. They could move Andre Dillard to the right side, and their back-to-back first-round picks man the left side for years to come.

Atlanta Falcons: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

The Falcons need help in the pass rush, but outside of Drake London and Kyle Pitts, there are no reliable receiving options. If Atlanta can pull off a trade for Justin Fields or sign Kirk Cousins, drafting Nabers would solidify the Falcons as one of the most explosive offenses in football.

Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

I like Odunze just a little bit more than Nabers. He’s silky smooth. His route running and contested catch ability, paired with the explosiveness of DJ Moore, will be monumental for Williams’ development.

New York Jets: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State

The Jets’ priority should be protecting Aaron Rodgers. Fashanu is the best pass-protector in the draft. He needs to develop as a run blocker, but this would be a home run pick for the Jets.

Minnesota Vikings: Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

The first defensive player to come off the board is the Crimson Tide edge rusher. This draft choice is dependent on Kirk Cousins’ looming free agency decision. If he returns to Minnesota, I think they’ll decide to bolster their pass rush, which could soon be decimated with Danielle Hunter scheduled to test free agency.

Denver Broncos: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

The question at this pick is, does the front office like Bo Nix enough to go QB here? The answer: we don’t know. But if they don’t, pairing Patrick Surtain II with Arnold would create a formidable duo in the secondary.

Las Vegas Raiders: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

Fuaga is a mauler who could see himself in play for teams in the top 10. Here, he falls to the Raiders, a team that loves to build through the trenches.

New Orleans Saints: Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State

I thought about Nix here, but I think teams will be split on him. Verse is a bulldozer with heavy hands and will help an immediate need. Cam Jordan’s contract is also expiring.

Indianapolis Colts: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

The Colts need some defensive help. Mitchell, who was a standout at the Senior Bowl, would be an immediate starter across from Julius Brents. His stock will only go up after the combine, which I anticipate him running a sub-4.4 40-yard dash.

Seattle Seahawks: Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington

The Seahawks decide to keep Fautanu in town. The former Huskie started at left tackle for Washington, but he’s capable of moving along the line.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

Murphy is no finished product, but you’re betting on the potential with this pick. He’s a 6-foot-1, 308-pounder that’s disruptive in the passing game. The Jaguars didn’t have a DT or edge rusher in the top 20 in ESPN’s win rate rankings.

Cincinnati Bengals: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

Latham falling to the Bengals should be a major win in their eyes. For a team that has lacked a truly dominant tackle, he could be just that. He’s a forceful blocker that has a strong base and anchor.

Los Angeles Rams: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

The Rams’ secondary was dreadful. Wiggins is fast, fluid and can seamlessly flip his hips. I expect him to put on a show at the combine.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

I thought about pairing Amarius Mims with his old teammate, Broderick Jones, but I love Guyton’s potential. He’s raw, but he has All-Pro potential.

Miami Dolphins: Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon

Miami’s offensive line struggled against strong fronts at times. Powers-Johsnon, one of the big winners from the Senior Bowl, is a brick wall on the interior. His senior year tape is outstanding, and his one-on-one reps in Mobile, Ala., supported that.

Philadelphia Eagles: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

DeJean is a zone coverage cornerback with 7 career interceptions, 3 of which were returned for touchdowns. There’s chatter about moving him to safety because he’s at his best in zone coverage. I think he could excel at both positions. He’s extremely athletic (see his high school basketball highlights), a willing run defender and possibly the best tackler among the defensive backs in the class. DeJean also had 241 punt return yards and a punt return touchdown.

Houston Texans (VIA CLE): Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

Thomas is a field stretcher. With Nico Collins and Tank Dell bursting onto the scene, adding Thomas would make the Texans’ offense extremely dynamic.

Dallas Cowboys: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Mims is a behemoth of a man at 6-foot-7, 340 pounds. He has limited playing time at Georgia, starting in only eight games, but he has all the intangibles to be a Pro-Bowl-caliber tackle.

Green Bay Packers: Graham Barton, OL, Duke

Barton isn’t a sexy pick, but he’s a good pick. He played left tackle for the last three seasons at Duke but began his collegiate career as a center. Wherever Green Bay lines him up, he fills a need.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA

Latu, 23 years old, transferred from Washington to UCLA when he was cleared to play following him medically retiring due to a severe neck injury. As a Bruin, he rejuvenated his career, accumulating 13 sacks in 2023 and solidifying himself as one of the best pass rushers in the class.

Arizona Cardinals (VIA HOU): Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri

Rakestraw Jr. is as physical and tough as they come. When in press coverage, receivers get stuck in quicksand. He’s a willing tackler, rangy and fluid. I would like to see him convert more pass breakups into interceptions — he had just 1 in four years.

Buffalo Bills: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State

With Gabe Davis set to be a free agent, the Bills need to seek a replacement. Coleman is the best 50/50 ball catcher in the draft, but his long speed is a question mark. However, I think a team will fall in love with his contested catch ability. Coleman is a great fit in Buffalo.

Detroit Lions: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

The CB run continues. The Lions need every bit of help in the secondary. McKinstry is a smooth cornerback that excels in press coverage. He was also starter at Alabama since his freshman year — something that is not easily attainable under Nick Saban.

Baltimore Ravens: Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri

Robinson is a former DT who transitioned to edge this past season. He’s big for the position (6-foot-6, 250 pounds) and uses that size and strength to beat defenders with a strong push-and-pull move. He beat Guyton with this move in Mobile, Ala., at the Senior Bowl.

San Franciso 49ers: Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State

The 49ers could unlock the pass rush with the addition of Robinson, a quick-twitched and explosive edge rusher. Chase Young is also set to hit the open market.

Kansas City Chiefs: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon

The primary goal for Kansas City in the offseason should be evident: get Patrick Mahomes receivers. Rashee Rice was great this past season, but their only reliable options cannot be just him and Travis Kelce.

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