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
Romo Odunze, WR, Washington, Sr,
So many rumors swirling around Pro Bowl receiver Davante Adams remaining with Raiders. If a trade comes to fruition, it will leave the team eyeing a young talented prospect like Odunze to fill the void. With a massive frame at 6’3 and 215 pounds, the upcoming NFL Combine might skyrocket him into the Harrison and Nabers stratosphere with a great week in Indianapolis.

Pick Is In
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia, Jr.
Contrary to how the Green Bay Packers left Arron Rodgers deflated after NFL Draft’s the New York Jets aim to please the four-time league MVP. That is why the selection of Bowers is immediately applauded by Rodgers who wants as many weapons as possible to execute the offense at the highest level possible. Offensive lineman is not out of the question and that would also be something Rodgers would likely be on board with since he’ll be turning 41 in early December of 2024. Bowers is an undersized option at tight end but his ability in the passing game supersedes any concerns left to being the sixth option on the offensive line. He is a special talent that could easily find himself lavished in targets with Rodgers under center. 

Pick Is In
Quinyon Mitchell, DB, Toledo, Jr.
If this NFL Mock Draft goes anywhere near actuality, then this is the first time since 2019 and defensive back wasn’t drafted inside the top-ten. The position of defensive back one that can be altered quite significantly during the NFL Combine. Usually, the receivers and defensive back battle it out for the fastest player at the event and despite teams proclaiming that everything isn’t about the numbers, go back to 2020 when Pro Days were getting sliced and diced due to the Covid-19 pandemic and players were left out in the cold without official NFL numbers. New Orleans might eye other needs, but Mitchell is the best option.

Pick Is In
Quinyon Mitchell, DB, Toledo, Jr.
If this NFL Mock Draft goes anywhere near actuality, then this is the first time since 2019 and defensive back wasn’t drafted inside the top-ten. The position of defensive back one that can be altered quite significantly during the NFL Combine. Usually, the receivers and defensive back battle it out for the fastest player at the event and despite teams proclaiming that everything isn’t about the numbers, go back to 2020 when Pro Days were getting sliced and diced due to the Covid-19 pandemic and players were left out in the cold without official NFL numbers. New Orleans might eye other needs, but Mitchell is the best option.

Pick Is In
Caleb Williams, QB, USC, Jr
It wasn’t until the turn of the century that USC became a powerhouse program of first round talent at the quarterback position. In 1964 the Detroit Lions selected Pat Beathard with the fifth overall pick and the Trojans would not see another first round quarterback drafted out of Southern California until Carson Palmer went No. 1 overall to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2003. Since then, three other quarterbacks have gone in Round 1 of the NFL Draft which includes Matt Leinart (2006), Mark Sanchez (2009), and Sam Darnold (2018). Williams will be the fifth Trojan quarterback drafted in round one since 2003, a remarkable accomplishment.

Pick Is In
Ennis Rakestraw, DB, Missouri, Jr. (RS)
Glamour pieces about the 49ers defense in several key areas. In the secondary Charvarius Ward earned second team All-Pro honors and pairing Rakestraw alongside would bolster the defensive front as well as the backend of the defense. Feeding off one another as San Francisco looks to right the ship from their recent Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Pick Is In
Brian Thomas, WR, LSU, Jr.
In 2019, the combination of Randall Cobb, Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup combined for 3,124 yards receiving (Average of 1,041). Entering the 2020 NFL Draft it marked one of the few if any moments when I picked the correct player in Oklahoma Sooners CeeDee Lamb. Brandin Cooks turns 31 in September and Gallup’s career high in yards in 2019 is a distant memory. Over the last three season’s he has averaged 429 yards. So, Dallas goes back to the receiver in round one and aims to bolster an offensive unit that is already pretty darn good.

Pick Is In
Tyler Guyton, OL, Oklahoma, Sr.
The Dolphins offensive line is average at best when it comes to pass blocking. It’s no secret that Tua Tagovailoa needs to be protected more than most with his scary history revolving around concussions. The 6′ 7″ and 338-pound Guyton should be a welcomed addition, especially since veteran Terron Armstead dealt with a barrage of injuries last season and is turning 33 in July.

Pick Is In
Jackson Powers-Johnson, OL, Oregon, Jr.
Seems like yesterday the Colts selected five-time Pro Bowler Quenton Nelson, however that was in 2018 when Indianapolis used their sixth pick on the former Notre Dame guard. Powers-Johnson will go two slots higher and help replenish a team eager to reestablish themselves as contenders under GM Chris Ballard’s watch. It’s cliche to say it, but the Colts will be aiming to surround Anthony Richardson with as much protection as possible. Center Ryan Kelly turns 31 and shows zero signs of slowing down, but Powers-Johnson can be the OG/C option if the Colts are in a pickle. Kelly will hit the open market in 2024 adding some early roster prep with this pick.

Pick Is In
Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama, Jr.
Falcons GM Terry Fontenot has been on the job in Atlanta since 2021, picking three times inside the top-ten and all the selections made were on high-end offensive skill positions in tight end Kyle Pitts (2021. fourth overall), receiver Drake London (2022, eighth overall) and running back Bijan Robinson (2023, eighth overall. The Falcons take the first defensive player off the board in Alabama’s Dallas Turner who will aim to give the Crimson Tide back-to-back DROY winners with former teammate Will Anderson winning the award after a stellar rookie year in Houston.

Pick Is In
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State, Jr.
Harrison and LSU wideout Malik Nabers will battle for NFL Draft supremacy via the receiver position in 2024. Harrison has been considered the clear-cut favorite but as we begin to embark rapidly into the draft season, Nabers is going to make this a tight race. Both Ohio State and LSU have been extremely diligent in molding this position into elite talent at the next level. The Buckeyes recently have seen the likes of Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave and Jaxon Smith-Njigba go in round one in two of the last three drafts, while the Tigers have given us Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase since 2020. Harrison’s recent refusal to speak to the media at the NFL Combine (a first and hopefully the last by a prospect) in conjunction without working out in Indianapolis or at his Pro Day could jade his value slightly. While his tape leaves little doubt on his immense ability, Nabers’ might be able to fall into the good gracious of a team who values workouts.

Pick Is In
Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington, Sr.
Jonah Williams is approaching free agency, and it remains unknown what direction the Bengals or Williams will take. The pick of Fautanu leads me to believe that the former 11th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft (Williams) will be protecting another starting quarterback in 2024 and not Joe Burrow.

Pick Is In
Byron Murphy, DT, Texas, Jr.
The 6’1″, 308-pounder is another piece to add along with 2023 free agent signing of Dre’Mont Jones. The Seahawks also brought back Jarran Reid but it remains a unit that lacks that monster impact. He fits the scheme and ideally feels a need.

Pick Is In
Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State, Jr.
Tampa Bay eyes the future with the selection of Robinson. Buccaneer veterans Shaq Barrett and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka are currently set to hit the open market after this season concludes. YaYa Diaby led the team with 7.5 with Barrett (4.5) and Tryon-Shoyinka (5) combining for 9.5 sacks. Not exactly reminiscent of 19.5 sacks Barrett had in 2019. The future is now in Tampa to restock the shelves at outside linebacker.

Pick Is In
Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA, Sr.
The Broncos look to replenish their pass rush with Latu. Denver’s 3-4 defensive scheme under Vance Joseph will welcome the 6-foot-5 and 265-pound edge rusher with open arms. Seventh round draft pick Jonathon Cooper out of Ohio State led the Broncos with 8.5 sacks season turning the former Buckeye into a real steal with the 239th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. Latu brings another dimension to the scheme to allow both players to flourish.

Pick Is In
Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa, Jr.
DeJean will not workout at the NFL Combine due to the lower leg injury he had late last season and should actually help the Iowa star. The NFL Combine is the ultimate resource for NFL teams to get the proper medical evaluations on players. Watching the tape, it is easy to realize that DeJean possesses some freakish abilities. So, if Pittsburgh feels comfortable it’s possible, they pull the trigger and add a real player-maker to the defensive back position. Despite the recent release of Mason Cole the Steelers have free agency and day two to address the position. Probably best they fix the problem behind the center first in order to restore confidence in the offense.

Pick Is In
Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame, Jr.
Jim Harbaugh takes over after winning the National Championship with the Michigan Wolverines. His program’s rise to power is crystal clear in dominating the interior of both sides of the football and especially on defense. Since 2020, the Wolverines have placed a first round pick from the interior every year and three straight (2021-23) defensively. Currently no defensive lineman projects this high in the draft which will have Harbaugh turn his attention to the offensive line and Notre Dame’s 2023 unanimous All-American.

Pick Is In
Amarius Mims, OL, Georgia, Jr.
Green Bay has drafted one player that resides on the offensive side of the football in the last 12 years. Hard to believe but Jordan Love (2020) is the only player in that span that dates back to 2011 when Brian Bulaga went 23rd overall, nearly the same place the Packers picked in 2024 (25th overall). Veteran David Bakhtiari’s ability to remain healthy brings a lot of uncertainty which allows the Packers to draft offense in 2024. The selection of Mims or any other offensive linemen appears to make the most sense.  

Pick Is In (from Cleveland)
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia, Jr.
This pick doesn’t stem from the last of talent on the Texans front but the barrage of injuries the offensive line unit suffered last season may elect Houston to buy some quality insurance with the selection of Mims. The Texans finished with 47 sacks last season which left only nine of teams in the National Football League with more than Houston. So, it’s easy to pinpoint protecting C.J. Stroud and helping improve the running game is essential. Hence, Mims comes off the board at 23 overall. 

Pick Is In
Nate Wiggins, DB, Clemson, Jr.
As I mentioned earlier, Wiggins like the other defensive backs have a stellar opportunity at the NFL Combine to advance their draft stock tenfold with a great workout. Was so tempted add Michael Penix to the Rams with this selection but held off the urge and played it cool.

Pick Is In
Nate Wiggins, DB, Clemson, Jr.
As I mentioned earlier, Wiggins like the other defensive backs have a stellar opportunity at the NFL Combine to advance their draft stock tenfold with a great workout. Was so tempted add Michael Penix to the Rams with this selection but held off the urge and played it cool.

Pick Is In
Leonard Taylor III, DT, Miami
Actually, see the Ravens trading this pick and making their first selection on Friday night. Baltimore has several prominent defenders approaching free agency this spring. Justin Madubuike likely will receive a larger contract from another team after a sensational 2023 season with 13 sacks. Taylor III is nearly identical in size (6’3” 305) and the Ravens will hope this Hurricane will mirror the impact of Madubuike. A redshirt sophomore, Taylor III Saw action as a true freshman in 2021 and has a ton of upside.

Pick Is In
Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
The Lions finished better than only ten other teams in the NFL with a total of 42 sacks on the season. Detroit tied for the tenth highest interceptions in the league 16th and finished 18th overall in the takeaway category. Cooper brings with him a unique skill set with the ability to rush the passer (8 sacks in 2023) and simply flies to the football in the ground game. Undisputed leader of the defense Alex Anzalone is a free agent, and I would find it surprising to see him sign elsewhere but money talks and has folks walk. Cooper could pair with Jack Campbell and be a much cheaper option at linebacker and add some splash plays while on the field, something Detroit is average at. 

Pick Is In
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU, Sr.
LSU is following in the footsteps of USC by providing elite quarterbacks after 2000. Y.A. Tittle was the first Tigers’ quarterback to be drafted in round one, in fact Tittle was drafted twice both in 1948 and 1951. In 2007, JaMarcus Russell emerged as the second Tigers’ signal caller to go in round one and 13 years later Joe Burrow (2020) would follow. This year the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels will mark the fourth LSU quarterback to go in round one and the third since 2007. Daniels is the dark horse candidate to possibly unseat Williams as the undisputed No.1 pick.

Pick Is In
Darius Robinson, Edge, Missouri, Sr.
Von Miller played 258 snaps for Buffalo last season and appeared in 12 games. I had zero snaps for the Bills and did not suit up once, yet we tied with zero sacks on the 2023 season. Turning 35 before the 2024 NFL Draft begins, Miller’s past can no longer be considered in his present play. Leonard Floyd is another over 30 veteran but is playing some of the best football of his career in Buffalo but the same cannot be added for Miller, whom I adore, but father time has found him. Floyd is signed for 2024 leaving a lot of questions on how Buffalo will sack the quarterback.

Pick Is In

Kamari Lassiter, DB, Georgia, Jr.

One of my favorite tandems to watch all season was the defensive back duo of Kansas City’s L’Jarius Sneed and Trent McDuffie. Honestly felt they were so underappreciated in the Chiefs run to back-to-back Super Bowl victories. Sneed is approaching free agency along with defensive tackle Chris Jones. The defending champs have plenty on their plate to think about and the selection of Lassiter indicates to me that Sneed will hit the open market and sign with the highest bidder.

Pick Is In
Zach Frazier, OL, West Virginia, Sr.
Howie Roseman took over GM duties in 2010 and since then has ascended up the ladder to Executive vice president/general manager. With 12 first round picks since taking over he has selected five defensive players, and all are defensive linemen. Three receivers and offensive linemen are the next most popular group and Carson Wentz makes up the lone quarterback drafted in round one under his reign. The blueprint seems pretty easy to follow which leads me to think the Eagles will look to add Frazier as legendary Eagles center Jason Kelce career is uncertain. Regardless of Kelce’s decision to return he’ll be 37 years old in November. Frazier also has great lower body power which should keep the “Tush Push’ successful.