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With the heavy lifting of free agency behind us, it’s full steam ahead toward April 25th and well past time for a new NFL mock draft. QB clarity has been found in several markets, with Justin Fields, Russell Wilson and Kirk Cousins each supporting new teams.
Speaking of Cousins, his departure from The North Star State firmly labels the Minnesota Vikings as the ultimate wild card come Round 1. Suddenly equipped with picks 11 and 23, it’s no longer a question of if they’ll trade up but how high will they go?
Could the Arizona Cardinals be tempted by a “Minneapolis Miracle” of their own, yielding the rights to a certain Columbus playmaker in favor of a bounty of draft capital? Will GM Monti Ossenfort find himself in position for yet another top 5 trade down?
So many questions left to answer, so let’s get on with it…
1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Prayers up to the cult of Justin Fields, who are actively scrubbing away their social media feeds as we speak. Kudos to Chicago for pivoting when they did, despite the meager return on investment. As a rookie, Caleb Williams should sleepwalk his way to the Bears first 4,000-yard passing season in franchise history.
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Since the posting of my original mock, Jayden Daniels has only strengthened his grip on QB2 within this class. While it’s easy to question the free agent acquisitions of Zach Ertz and Austin Ekeler, there’s enough remaining talent on the roster to elevate Daniels to respectability during his rookie campaign. I don’t buy for a second that Washington was ever open to dealing this pick, especially after they hired Kingsbury.
3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, UNC
Speaking of dealing, the Patriots continue to be the “will they or won’t they” team in the top 3. Even with their poverty-stricken roster, it’s just too difficult for me to envision New England passing up on a prospect the caliber of Drake Maye, especially given his collegiate proximity to the club. Even with a potential bounty of picks potentially en route from Minnesota, what good is that gonna do you in 2025 with far less attractive options at the position?
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
It’s damn-near impossible to make this pick without also mentioning the momentum the Arizona Cardinals have in potentially trading out with the Vikings. At this point, I’m tabbing the odds of the Cards opting for MHJ over a slew of picks at roughly 60-40. There’s no arguing that this a good problem to have and I trust Ossenfort with the weight of the decision. Premium picks, if used correctly, could absolutely vault the Cardinals back into NFC West contention. Yet pick #11 is just too far down the board for me to stomach. It’s just not in Arizona’s best interest to move outside of the top 10 with this many premium players available.
To quote the great Barbara Benedek — “More isn’t always better. Sometimes it’s just more.”
5. (TRADE) Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
*Los Angeles Chargers receive pick 11, pick 23, 2025 first-round pick, 2025 third-round pick.
Unlike Arizona, the Chargers appear ready and willing to deal-down regardless of the status of one Marvin Harrison Jr.. The Vikings have made their bed, and frankly have no other option but to seal the deal for the likes of J.J. McCarthy. With the New York Giants looming, this has a real chance of being one of the more egregious overpays in modern NFL history.
6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
While the New York media is doing all it can to assure the team’s fanbase that they’d like nothing more than to part with the incumbent Daniel Jones, I believe the Giants are poised to sit and do nothing. It’s, honestly, probably the best route given their chances of landing a talent the caliber of Malik Nabers at pick #6. Figure out QB later, grab an immediate impact talent now.
7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
After grossly overspending on Calvin Ridley to kickoff free agency, the Titans showed their cards as it relates to their top-10 intentions. Even after the 2023 selection of Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski (who is a guard, btw), expect Tennessee to take a hard look at OT1 come April 25th. Regardless on how you feel about Joe Alt, at only 21 years old, you can’t question his immense ceiling at the position.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Rome Odzune, WR, Washington
Count me firmly in the camp of someone who does not buy, for an instant, the reality of Atlanta passing on a potential top-5 prospect just because they signed Darnell Mooney and traded for Rondale Moore. The Falcons are in no business of forcing a defender just because they splurged on offense in prior years. Cousins loves to spread the ball around and Odzune is the ideal outside compliment to someone like Drake London.
9. Chicago Bears: Dallas Turner, OLB, Alabama
It feels like we’re trending toward Chicago needing to part ways with additional draft capital if they hope to land one of the “big 3” at WR. In any other modern day draft, Dallas Turner is likely viewed as a top 10 lock, which is why the Bears shouldn’t be overly disappointed at the prospects of landing him. An ideal compliment to the supremely gifted Montez Sweat, Turner should thrive in an already established unit in Chicago.
10. New York Jets: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Imagine being a Jets fan.
11. (TRADE) Seattle Seahawks: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
*Los Angeles Chargers receive pick 16, 81, 118 and 179
I think the QB wasteland of the early-to-mid teens makes the top brass in Seattle sweat enough to trade significant capital in order to secure Michael Penix Jr. The Seahawks, similar to the Vikings, have a competitive roster ready to elevate a rookie QB. Are they really poised to waste it on the likes of Geno Smith and Sam Howell? Could the former be dealt to the a QB-needy team post draft weekend?
12. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
There is absolutely no rhyme or reason for how the Denver Broncos are actively choosing to team build this offseason. They didn’t make any attempt to add a starting caliber QB during free agency, which 100% leads me to believe they’re gonna overdraft someone at pick #12. I’m sure Sean Payton would like to get up higher for the likes Maye or McCarthy but with what assets? Nix landing with the Broncos isn’t the worst thing but it might be ugly for a minute (especially in the AFC West).
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Speaking of the AFC West, it’s time to get big, dumb and fun with this selection. The acquisition of Gardner Minshew allows the club to be relatively selective when it comes to finding a QB, so Bowers it is! The Raiders offense is in dire need of a new identity synced with some youthful playmakers, and the ex-Georgia product is a top 10 talent in this class.
14. New Orleans Saints: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
LOCAL PRODUCT ALERT!
Michael Thomas is set to be released as a post-June 1st cut, which means there’s a glaring hole at outside receiver opposite Chris Olave. We all need to begin preparing ourselves for Brian Thomas Jr. to creep ever so slightly into the top 15 picks (or higher) come Round 1. There’s going to be a WR-needy team who strikes out early and immediately pivots to the former LSU playmaker.
15. Indianapolis Colts: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
This is quality value for a Colts team that was supposedly in on a lot of the top free agent corners. Terrion Arnold has the highest ceiling of any of the Alabama DBs entering this year’s draft, and should pair nicely with slot-CB extraordinaire Kenny Moore II.
16. Los Angeles Chargers: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
This is definitely not me overreacting to the Chargers coaching staff actively working with Latham during Bama’s Pro Day last week. Bottomline is that Harbs wants an offensive tackle and moving down this far likely nets him his OT3/4.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
The Jaguars, historically, have not shied away from first-round ACC players and Nate Wiggins is worth the gamble. Sporting the best physical traits of any Round 1 caliber DB, Wiggins becomes the immediate crown jewel to an otherwise middling Jacksonville secondary.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Incredible value for a team that just “netted” a 30-year-old Trent Brown to be a band aid solution at right tackle in 2024. The Bengals need to get serious about protecting Joe Burrow longterm, and Olu Fashnu is the caliber of prospect you need to get aggressive about acquiring should he fall this far.
19. Los Angeles Rams: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Fitting witchcraft for Sean McVay and Les Snead, just one month after losing Aaron Donald to retirement, the LA Rams land the draft’s best DT at pick #19. Byron Murphy II will receive strong consideration for the top 15 but is likely going to tumble given the historic offensive options available (see Dallas Turner earlier).
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Russell Wilson literally can’t move, and the Steelers are currently slated to start what PFF labeled as the worst pass blocking left tackle in Dan Moore Jr.. Mims is far from a finished product but is the kind of physical behemoth that is likely to thrive in the rugged AFC North.
21. Miami Dolphins: Jackson Powers-Johnson, OC, Oregon
No team was gutted worse during the initial wave of free agency then Miami. With Tua’s mega-contract en route, it’s time to get rebuilding upfront on the cheap. Flip a coin between OL and DL, and at this point it would be hard to pass on the draft’s top interior offensive linemen. Powers-Johnson can have the same impact of a Travis Frederick or Tyler Linderbaum.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
With Vic Fangio now at the helm of the Eagles defense, the new regime appears hellbent on clearing out the “Jonathan Gannon’s guys”. Laiatu Latu deserves to be a top 20 pick but concerns about his career longevity (previously forced to medically retire) will likely see him slide. Ultimate risk/reward selection for an Eagles team desperate for a reset at pass rusher.
23. Los Angeles Chargers: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Even with both Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa “staying put”, it’s had to envision either on the roster past 2024 (if not sooner). Jared Verse, a once top 10 darling of draft twitter, finds the perfect landing spot to slowly integrate into the every-down, dominate force he showed in the ACC.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Following the departure of Tyler Guyton, Jerry dips back into his love affair with the University of Oklahoma to select Tyler Guyton. The ex-Sooner is the ultimate contingency plan should Tyler Smith falter at either tackle spot. Oh, and he’s a hell of a pass protector for the suddenly 30-year-old Dak Prescott.
25. Green Bay Packers: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
The resurgence of the Packers cannot be overstated, as the club is positioned to improve like few are in April. Green Bay has done their legwork offensively in prior drafts, which means landing a player the caliber of Mitchell here is a GIFT. Is this Jaire Alexander’s final year in Green Bay?
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
After losing both Sean Murphy-Bunting and Carlton Davis III in subsequent offseasons, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need to aggressively flood bodies at CB. Kool-Aid McKinstry just put together a clinic at his Pro Day, which will hopefully reignite his first-round momentum
27. (TRADE) Kansas City Chiefs: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
*Arizona Cardinals receive pick 32 and pick 95
The Chiefs jump fellow AFC rival and WR needy Buffalo for the rights to grab their draft darling. Adonai Mitchell is by no means a finished product, but his selection represents the first true building block for a receiving core in desperate need of a facelift. Even with the signing of Hollywood Brown, the other shoe is eventually going to drop for KC unless they get serious about upgrading WR via the draft.
28. Buffalo Bills: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
Similar to that of KC, there’s no defending Buffalo if they ignore the receiver position with this pick. Ladd McConkey ain’t it to this lowley podcast host, but that doesn’t excuse the fact that a large majority of league insiders believes he goes in Round 1. If anything, he’s the complete opposite of the recently departed, often streaky Gabe Davis.
29. Detroit Lions: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
Even after a couple mid-level free agent signings at the position, the Lions have made it clear they intend to upgrade their defensive line in the upcoming draft. Newton has also made some colorful comments about his connection with the top brass in Detroit and that clearly wasn’t by accident.
30. Baltimore Ravens: Chop Robinson, OLB, Penn State
After getting a career year from a 31-year-old Jadeveon Clowney, the Baltimore Ravens finally invest a premium pick on a young pass rusher. Chop Robinson has perhaps the softest landing spot in the first round thanks to the presence of guys like Justin Madubuike, Michael Pierce and Roquan Smith.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
By their free agent moves alone, the 49ers have made it clear that their DL needs a once-over (especially up the middle). Following Braden Fiske’s dominant combine performance, he’s gotta be giving off strong “Justin Smith” vibes for the 49ers.
32. Arizona Cardinals: Troy Fautanu, OT/OG, Washington
Assuming Ossenfort feels comfortable dealing down, expect the Cardinals to have their choice of DT/iOL. Troy Fautanu probably won’t last this long, as his physical presence and scheme versatility should have NFL team’s drooling. Regardless, the Washington standout would immediately start at LG with the opportunity kick outside based on team need and overall development.
Round Two
33. (TRADE) New York Giants: Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina
*Carolina Panthers receive pick 47, pick 107 and a 2025 third-round pick
34. (TRADE) Cincinnati Bengals: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
*New England Patriots receive WR Tee Higgins
35. Arizona Cardinals: Darius Robinson, DE, Missouri
36. Washington Commanders: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
37. Los Angeles Chargers: Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
38. Tennessee Titans: Jordan Morgan, OT/OG, Arizona
39. Carolina Panthers: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
40. Washington Commanders: Graham Barton, iOL, Duke
41. Green Bay Packers: Cooper Beebe, iOL, Kansas State
42. Houston Texans: Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
43. Atlanta Falcons: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
44. (TRADE) Carolina Panthers: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
*Las Vegas Raiders receive pick 65, pick 101 and pick 141
45. New Orleans Saints: Jonathan Brooks, RB, Texas
46. Indianpolis Colts: Zach Frazier, OC, West Virginia
47. Carolina Panthers: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
48. Jacksonville Jaguars: Edgerrni Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
49. Cincinnati Bengals: Trey Benson, RB, Florida State
50. (TRADE) Cleveland Browns: T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State
*Philadelphia Eagles receive CB Greg Newsome II
51. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
52. Los Angeles Rams: Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
53. Philadelphia Eagles: Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
54. (TRADE) Arizona Cardinals: Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan
*Cleveland Browns receive pick 66, pick 105 and pick 186
55. Miami Dolphins: Chris Braswell, OLB, Alabama
56. Dallas Cowboys: Payton Wilson, LB, NC State
57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson
58. Green Bay Packers: Bralen Trice, OLB Washington
59. Houston Texans: Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan
60. Buffalo Bills: Junior Colson, LB, Michigan
61. Detroit Lions: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
62. Green Bay Packers: T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas
63. San Francisco 49ers: Zach Fraizer, iOL, West Virginia
64. Kansas City Chiefs: Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
Round 3
65. Las Vegas Raiders: Devontez Walker, WR, UNC
66. Cleveland Browns: Michael Hall Jr., DL, Ohio State
67. Washington Commanders: Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson
68. New England Patriots: Sedrick Van Pran, iOL, Georgia
69. Los Angeles Chargers: Blake Corum, RB, Michigan
70. New York Giants: Christian Haynes, iOL, UConn
71. Arizona Cardinals: Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri
72. New York Jets: Maason Smith, DT, LSU
73. Detroit Lions: Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE, Western Michigan
74. Atlanta Falcons: Adisa Isaac, DE, Penn State
75. Chicago Bears: Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
76. Denver Broncos: Jonah Elliss, OLB, Utah
77. Las Vegas Raiders: Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State
78. Washington Commanders: Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame
79. Atlanta Falcons: Cole Bishop, S, Utah
80. Cincinnati Bengals: Dominick Puni, iOL, Kansas
81. Los Angeles Chargers: McKinley Jackson, DL, Texas A&M
82. Indianapolis Colts: Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State
83. (TRADE) New Orleans Saints: Khyree Jackson, DB, Oregon
*Los Angeles Rams receive CB Marshon Lattimore
84. Pittsburgh Steelers: Javon Bullard, S, Georgia
85. Cleveland Browns: Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame
86. Houston Texans: Mason McCormick, iOL, South Dakota State
87. Dallas Cowboys: Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee
88. Green Bay Packers: Jalen McMillan, WR, Washington
89. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kiran Amegadjie, OT, Yale
90. Arizona Cardinals: Brenden Rice, WR, USC
91. Green Bay Packers: Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
92. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brandon Dorlus, DE, Oregon
93. Baltimore Ravens: Bucky Irving, RB, Oregon
94. San Francisco 49ers: Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State
95. Arizona Cardinals: Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin
96. Jacksonville Jaguars (Compensatory): Gabriel Murphy, EDGE, UCLA
97. Cincinnati Bengals (Compensatory): D.J. James, CB, Auburn
98. Pittsburgh Steelers (Compensatory): Andru Phillips, CB, Kentucky
99. Los Angeles Rams (Compensatory): Audric Estime, RB, Notre Dame
100. Washington Commanders (Compensatory): Austin Booker, DE, Kansas
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