1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Although there’s a chance the Titans could trade the top pick if they receive a significant haul, their focus should be on selecting a quarterback. While Ward isn’t as physically impressive or productive as Caleb Williams was last year, his combination of arm talent, mobility, and NFL-ready size makes him a promising selection for Tennessee.
2. Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The Browns are weighing the decision between a quarterback like Shedeur Sanders and a game-breaking EDGE prospect in Carter to pair with Myles Garrett. Carter is the top prospect in this class and possesses traits reminiscent of former Penn State EDGE rusher Micah Parsons.
3. New York Giants: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
The signings of Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson suggest the Giants are targeting a quarterback in the stronger 2026 draft class. So why not take the two-way sensation Hunter, who will provide an immediate spark to the secondary, alongside free-agent signings Paulson Adebo and Jevon Holland?
4. New Orleans Saints (via New England): Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Let’s face it: New Orleans needs a reset, and New England wanted Abdul Carter at pick 4. The Saints trade up for Sanders, who can help revitalize the franchise and bring excitement to the Big Easy. There are questions about Sanders’ character and whether he can be a franchise-altering quarterback like Jayden Daniels, but the Saints need a big splash in this draft.
Saints traded their 2025 1st-round pick (No. 9), 2025 4th-round pick (No. 131), and a 2026 2nd-round pick to New England for the 4th pick and a 2025 5th-round pick (No. 145).
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, IDL, Michigan
Despite his questionable measurements at the Combine, Graham’s quick first step, leverage, violence in both the run and pass game, and relentless motor give Jacksonville a dependable presence on the defensive line to pair with Josh Hines-Allen. Just watch his Michigan tape—he constantly shed blocks and lived in the backfield.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The positional value here will draw criticism, but new head coach Pete Carroll loves a strong power run game, and Jeanty fits that mold perfectly. With a solid 211-pound frame, excellent burst, and great contact balance, Jeanty is a Day 1 starter and a difference-maker for Vegas.
7. New York Jets: Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
Membou is a powerful blocker who posted strong Combine numbers and fills an immediate need on the Jets’ offensive line. While he may be considered too short to play tackle by traditional metrics, his athleticism makes him a viable option there if needed. The Jets inject youth and talent into their trenches.
8. Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Carolina must improve its defense after a rough season, and the 2024 Butkus Award winner is a perfect fit. Walker can line up as either an off-ball linebacker or edge rusher and brings elite talent. A slam-dunk pick for the Panthers.
9. New England Patriots (via New Orleans): Will Campbell, OL, LSU
The Patriots trade down and still land a player some see as the best offensive line prospect in the draft. New England views Campbell as a tackle, and he’s capable of protecting Drake Maye’s blindside with excellent balance and leverage.
10. Chicago Bears: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
The FBS sack leader in 2024 (17), Green brings explosive speed off the edge and consistent pressure on quarterbacks. Though he lacks ideal arm length, he’s a strong run defender. A great addition to Chicago’s line who can learn behind Montez Sweat.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Derrick Harmon, IDL, Oregon
Harmon was one of college football’s most disruptive interior defenders in 2024. He’s explosive laterally and skilled with his hands. Though there was consideration of a trade down (with Tyler Warren still available), Harmon led all interior linemen in pressures per PFF. The 49ers target a key need.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Arguably the top true tackle in the class, Simmons’ draft stock depends on his recovery from a torn patellar tendon. After a rough season from Tyler Guyton, Dallas needs help on the offensive line. Simmons offers the body control and athleticism to thrive as an NFL tackle.
13. Miami Dolphins: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Following Jevon Holland’s departure, the Dolphins fill the void with Starks, a 2023 first-team All-American. He excels in zone coverage and run support, with a playmaking mentality. A strong fit in Miami’s secondary.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
This is one of the most consensus picks of the round. The 2024 Mackey Award winner becomes a security blanket for Anthony Richardson. A top run-blocker among tight ends, Warren also boasts a wide catch radius and excels at high-pointing throws.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
After finishing second-to-last in sacks (31), the Falcons take a swing on upside with Stewart. A former 5-star recruit, he has the physical tools of an elite pass rusher. But with only 4.5 sacks over three years, production is a concern.
16. Arizona Cardinals: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Even with the addition of Josh Sweat, Arizona still needs pass rush help. Pearce brings explosive burst and length to disengage blockers, but struggled with consistency in 2024 and dealt with off-field issues. High ceiling, high risk.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Williams adds versatility to the Bengals’ front, having lined up at DE and OLB. He has elite traits, including an 86th percentile wingspan, but only 13.5 sacks across three seasons. A tools-first pick with upside.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Kelvin Banks, OL, Texas
Banks started 37 straight games at LT, earning All-American honors while allowing just 3 sacks. He’s an immediate upgrade to a Seattle line that gave up 54 sacks in 2024. His run blocking fits perfectly in Klint Kubiak’s outside-zone scheme.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Possibly the top cornerback in this class, Johnson is tremendous value at 19. With elite size, instincts, and versatility in man and zone schemes, he’s a steal. Johnson has more pick-sixes than touchdowns allowed in his college career. A+ pick.
20. Denver Broncos: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
A potential top-five talent falls to pick 20. McMillan is a complete receiver with red-zone dominance, route sophistication, and separation skills. An instant weapon for Bo Nix.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
The Steelers need a long-term solution at quarterback, and Dart offers upside. He has the athleticism and arm strength, and showed flashes in 2024. Still, his decision-making under pressure and inconsistent mechanics are concerns.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
A perfect fit with Justin Herbert, Loveland was a second-team All-American and Mackey finalist. He’s a polished route runner with great separation skills and red-zone ability. A much-needed offensive weapon.
23. Green Bay Packers: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
An All-SEC selection, Scourton brings scheme versatility and a deep repertoire of pass rush moves. His low center of gravity keeps him disruptive, and he’ll complement Green Bay’s edge rotation, putting pressure on Lukas Van Ness.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
After considering a trade down, Minnesota grabs the Thorpe Award winner. Barron has elite footwork, a physical play style, and positional flexibility in the secondary. Major upgrade.
25. Houston Texans: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
Houston needs to protect C.J. Stroud after shedding linemen this offseason. Booker, a first-team All-SEC and second-team All-American, is dominant in run blocking, though lateral quickness is a concern. Still, a necessary addition.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Campbell became one of the nation’s best LBs in 2024 and earned All-SEC honors. His ability to play all three LB roles and his sideline-to-sideline range make him a key piece for a young Rams defense.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Grey Zabel, IOL, North Dakota State
Zabel brings athleticism and versatility to the Ravens’ line, replacing Patrick Mekari. Though better suited at guard due to edge speed concerns, he posted the best vertical jump of any lineman at the Combine. High-upside interior lineman.
28. Detroit Lions: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
With a banged-up defensive line in 2024, Detroit adds Ezeiruaku to pair with Aidan Hutchinson. With 34″ arms and fluid body control, he’s a rotational pass rusher who thrives in sub-packages.
29. Washington Commanders: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
From All-SEC Freshman to All-American, Emmanwori was elite in 2024. His freakish athleticism (10.0 RAS, 4.39 40) gives Washington a versatile chess piece in the secondary. He’s a future All-Pro.
30. Buffalo Bills: Walter Nolen, IDL, Ole Miss
Nolen provides immediate rotational value and long-term starter upside. A 300-pound lineman with rare explosiveness and power, Nolen could develop into a Pro Bowler in Buffalo’s system.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Kenneth Grant, IDL, Michigan
Grant offers a stout presence inside following Tershawn Wharton’s departure. Agile for 330 pounds and able to take on double teams, he’ll complement All-Pro Chris Jones on the Chiefs’ line.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Tyleik Williams, DL, Ohio State
Williams replaces Milton Williams and adds depth behind Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter. With great upper-body strength and shed ability, he can eventually become a three-down lineman. Smart, late-round value.
