Pick Is In
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado, Senior
Despite not feeling overwhelmed by the 2025 rookie class of quarterbacks. It’s imperative more than ever in today’s NFL to have an elite player under center. It can propel a team overnight. Just look no further than both the Houston Texans and Washington Commanders. However, choosing the correct prospects is the hardest part. Plenty more names to add that never moved the needle and players who have. If Cam Ward or Sanders are going at No. 1 then Sanders is the clear-cut favorite in my evaluation. If fact, it’s not even close.

Pick Is In
Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL), Senior
Guaranteed money is the kryptonite hindering both the Cleveland Browns and quarterback Deshaun Watson. In 2020, Watson played 16 games for the Houston Texans, leading the NFL in passings yards (4,823) along with 33 touchdown passes and a passer rating over 70 percent (70.2). Since MVP worthy season, he has played in 19 ugly games for the Browns since being acquired via trade from Houston, Waston has amassed just 3,365 yards and 19 touchdowns. Watson is 29-years old, and if that huge contract didn’t loom over him, he would be moved to a team that would take on the task to try and resurrect his career. Sadly, his cap burden makes him damaged goods for both the Browns and any potential team interested in him. If Cleveland elects to eat a ton of cap, possibly they refresh a roster at quarterback in hopes to get their domed stadium in Brook Park.

Pick Is In
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado, Junior
Daniel Jones is gone, and the Giants were hoping to land a quarterback at No. 3 but that doesn’t happen. While I’ve bitched and complained about New York fortifying their offensive line. Failed attempts with Andrew Thomas and Evan Neal have left this the biggest culprit of their offensive demise. Blame Daniel Jones all you want but no quarterback would magically make the ugly disappear. Hunter is clearly the best player on the board and possibly the best player in the draft class. His pairing alongside Malik Nabers doesn’t improve the offensive line but it will help whoever is throwing the football for the Giants in 2025 and beyond. 

Pick Is In
Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State, Junior
Mike Vrabel coached the Tennessee Titans between 2018-23. During his time coaching in Tennessee, Vrabel built a tough, physical defense, with his first two first-round picks reflecting that identity—linebacker Rashaan Evans in 2018 and defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons in 2019. Both brought a blend of physicality and versatility that defined Vrabel’s defense. Penn State’s Abdul Carter looks like the perfect mix of those two—a disruptive force with Evans’ sideline-to-sideline athleticism and Simmons’ explosive power. He’d be a dream fit for a Vrabel-led defense.

Pick Is In
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State, Senior
The Jaguars must cover Trevor Lawrence with as much mascara as possible. There is a lot of ugly hiding here and there, but with the right make-up he could look like a real beauty. Brock Bowers was nothing short of electrifying for the Las Vegas Raiders and Warren provides an encore prospect for teams to pin their hopes on. Warren along with 2024 rookie sensation Brian Thomas Jr. provide the team with a dynamic punch for Lawrence. The benefit for Jacksonville is Michigan Wolvereines defensive Will Johnson or defensive tackle Mason Graham are complimentary day one additions as well for the Jaguars. Offensive line help with Will Campbell out of LSU would also bold well for Jacksonville. It’s good to have needs when drafting so high. A plethora of options. 

Pick Is In
Jaxon Dart, QB, Ole Miss, Sr,
The combination of a fine week at the Senior Bowl along with a solid showing at the NFL Combine should rocket Dart up draft boards. Their last playoff win came during their Super Bowl run in 2002. The quickest way to change the fortunes of this once prideful and dominant franchise is the quarterback position. Dart is currently my No. 1 prospect at the position, so I feel compelled to show some love. 

Pick Is In
Will Johnson, DB, Michigan, Junior
The Jets are clearly one of the most talented team in the league. However, New York found themselves in complete disarray last year with nothing going right. It’s fun to think about a healthy Will Johnson opposite of Sauce Gardner. Feel comfortable with a few other Wolverines in defensive tackles Kenneth Grant or Mason Graham as well for the Jets. 

Pick Is In
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona, Jr.
How the hell are both Wolverines defensive tackles still on the board? Every year, I stress over these picks, trying to nail each one with absolute precision—only for it to end in a colossal shitshow. So, this time, I’m embracing the madness. This 1.0 NFL Mock isn’t about perfection; it’s about capturing what we actually see on draft night—complete and utter chaos. Panthers add a receiver for the resurrected (I think) quarterback in Bryce Young. 

Pick Is In
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State, Jr.
Alvin Kamara burst onto the scene with five straight Pro Bowl seasons after the Saints stole him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. But since his last Pro Bowl nod in 2021, we’ve seen only flashes of that elite consistency. As he approaches 30 in July, speculation is growing—are the Saints ready to turn the page in their backfield? Common sense would say General Manager Mickey Loomis never would pass on interior help with LSU tackle Will Campbell on the board along with a ton of defensive line prospects. No one thought the Atlanta Falcons would take Michael Penix Jr. last year after giving Kirk Cousins a boatload of cash. 

Pick Is In
Will Campbell, OT, LSU, Jr
I’d like to see the Bears grab Georgia’s edge rusher Jalen Walker here, but I never ever get the Bears right. Maybe just maybe I get this pick right and Campbell begins in NFL career in Chicago. We can argue that then rookie quarterback Caleb Williams was the culprit of his league leading 68 sacks for the most yards lost (466) but collectively as a team both Williams and a better offensive line would hopefully cure their lousy pass protection. 

Pick Is In
Mason Graham, DT, Michigan, Jr.
If the 49ers land Graham, both Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch will be over the moon. But no one will be more thrilled than newly re-hired defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. The former Jets head coach would be downright ecstatic if the Wolverines’ dominant defensive tackle falls into San Francisco’s lap.

Pick Is In
Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama, Jr.
Booker serves a need for the Cowboys offensive line. Former 2023 first rounder Mazi Smith hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations, it makes me wonder if Dallas would go back to the Michigan well for Kenneth Grant.

Pick Is In
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia, Jr.
In 2018, the Dolphins drafted Minkah Fitzpatrick out of SEC powerhouse Alabama, only to trade the future three-time All-Pro to Pittsburgh just two games into his second season. Now, Miami looks to reload at safety by dipping back into the SEC, this time selecting Georgia’s Malaki Starks. 

Pick Is In
Kelvin Banks, OL, Texas, Jr.
Indianapolis goes offensive line in round 1. I look at this team and cannot decide if the cup is half empty or half full. Regardless of that, the offensive line is a position I feel they address early in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Pick Is In
James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee, Jr.
Last year I had the Falcons taking Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner and they went quarterback. I’ll repeat the attempt to correctly choose their selection with Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. in round 1. 

Pick Is In
Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan, Jr.
The last Cardinals defensive tackle taking in round 1 was Robert Nkemdiche, 29th overall in 2016. A decade later, Arizona looks to replenish the defensive interior with the massive 6-foot-3 and 342 pound force.  

Pick Is In
Mykel Williams, Edge/DE, Georgia, Jr.
The offensive line remains a concern, but Cincinnati has a looming issue on the edge as well—both Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard are set to hit free agency in 2026 and will be on the wrong side of 30. Enter Williams, a perfect schematic fit and a prototype of what the Bengals already have in their pass-rush arsenal.

Pick Is In
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan, Jr.
Nailed the Seahawks’ pick last year with Byron Murphy, and this time, tight end might seem like an unexpected choice. But with Noah Fant set to hit free agency in 2026, it’s a position worth addressing. John Schneider is one of the best in the business, and I think he lands a steal here.

Pick Is In
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri, Jr.
The ageless wonder Mike Evans isn’t slowing down, but Chris Godwin’s impending free agency this spring leaves questions about Tampa Bay’s receiving corps. While 2024 third-rounder Jalen McMillan has shown promise, Luther Burden III is a true game-changer—an explosive talent who could redefine the Bucs’ passing attack.

Pick Is In
Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia, Jr.
The Broncos nab this hybrid that can pull dual duties at the position. A three down linebacker capable of making plays all over the field. 

Pick Is In
Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss, Jr.
There’s no denying the greatness of Cam Heyward—he’s the heart and soul of the Steelers. But Father Time remains undefeated, and Pittsburgh must start planning for his eventual replacement. Enter Nolan, my favorite player in this draft class. He may not be a future Hall of Famer, but his relentless motor and high-energy play style make him a perfect fit for the Steelers’ defensive identity.

Pick Is In
Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon, Jr.
Jim Harbaugh has always been a master at building the heart of his teams, especially the defensive front. The Michigan Wolverines’ defensive line is loaded with talent that’s catching the eye of NFL scouts. Harmon stands out as a tough, relentless player with a ton of potential—someone who could thrive at the next level, bringing both grit and explosiveness to a team’s defensive interior.

Pick Is In
Jahdae Barron, DB, Texas, Sr.
The Packers might have just found a perfect fit in Barron—a big nickel-type defender with a physical edge. His versatility and aggressive style could be exactly what Green Bay needs in their secondary. I love this pick for both the player and the team, as Barron brings a unique blend of size and toughness that aligns well with the Packers’ defensive identity.

Pick Is In (from Cleveland)
Azareye’h Thomas, DB, FSU, Jr.
The combine will be crucial in solidifying Thomas as a top defensive back. With his impressive length and natural ability, he has the tools to shine, but questions about his speed linger. Indianapolis will be his chance to address those concerns and prove he has the top-end speed to match his physical traits, elevating his stock in a loaded defensive back class.

Pick Is In
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State, Sr.
Egbuka is the latest product from Ohio State’s wide receiver pipeline, a school known for churning out NFL-ready talent. Emeka is another stud poised to make an impact at the next level. The Texans have a talented receiving corps, but injuries have kept them from reaching their full potential. Adding a dynamic playmaker like Egbuka could be the spark Houston needs to unlock that potential and elevate their offense.

Pick Is In
Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon, Jr.
Conerly faced off against Derrick Harmon every day in practice, which bodes well for his ability to handle high-level competition. While it’s unlikely he’ll be pass protecting for Matthew Stafford right away, his skill set suggests he can provide stability on the offensive line for years to come. His experience against top-tier talent should help him transition smoothly to the NFL and contribute immediately.

Pick Is In
Donovan Jackson, IOL, Ohio State, Sr.
Baltimore’s offense is already one of the most dynamic in the league, but adding Jackson could be the key to providing the stability they need to make another deep run. His versatility and playmaking ability could complement the existing weapons in Baltimore, pushing their offense to even greater heights and giving them a reliable foundation for sustained success.

Pick Is In
Shemar Stewart, DE. Texas A&M, 
It’s not that you draft players solely because of injuries from the prior season, but the Lions certainly felt the weight of attrition along their defensive line. With key players missing time and depth a constant concern, bolstering that unit through the draft becomes a necessity. Free agency also looms large, with names like Marcus Davenport and John Cominsky set to hit the market this spring. The future is even more pressing, with D.J. Reader and superstar Aidan Hutchinson potentially hitting free agency in 2026. Strengthening the defensive line now could help Detroit prepare for both immediate and long-term needs.

Pick Is In
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas, Jr.
Terry McLaurin finally has a quarterback to work with, but with his free agency looming in 2026, the Commanders need to prepare for the future. While McLaurin remains the top option, adding a player like Golden would not only boost the receiving corps but also provide a potential safety net in case McLaurin leaves Washington next year. Strengthening the talent around the quarterback now could set the Commanders up for success, whether McLaurin stays or moves on.

Pick Is In
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama, Jr.
Buffalo has a knack for uncovering standout talent at the linebacker position throughout the draft, but this year, they decide to go early and secure Campbell. With his athleticism and instinctual play, he fits perfectly into Buffalo’s defensive scheme and adding him early could immediately boost their linebacker corps for years to come.

Pick Is In
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State, Jr RS
Deja vu struck the Chiefs as their offensive line struggled once again in the Super Bowl. Both losses to Tampa Bay and Philadelphia saw Kansas City’s front line manhandled, and it’s clear that addressing this weakness is crucial. Help is on the way with the 31st overall pick, where the Chiefs can bolster their offensive line and ensure they’re better equipped to protect their quarterback and keep their high-powered offense rolling.

Pick Is In
Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M, Sr.
The Eagles’ defensive front is a force to be reckoned with, thanks to an abundance of talent and incredible depth. But with free agency potentially thinning that unit, Turner serves as crucial insurance to maintain that dominance. Adding him could help ensure they remain contenders and strengthen their chances to repeat as champions, keeping their defensive line as formidable as ever.