Draft Season
Draft season is less than a month away, so sooner or later you were going to see a mock draft on here. This is Vavel's take on how we feel the draft will go.
1. Tennessee Titans - Cam Ward, Quarterback
The Miami Hurricaine's former quarterback better be looking for houses in Nashville because this is the most nailed-on pick in the draft. Ward is the clear QB1 of this draft class, possessing arm talent that his peers aren’t gifted with.
On top of his natural ability Ward has a wealth of experience at the college level. Having been named starter as a freshman he went on to break the NCAA Division One touchdown record, throwing for 156 touchdowns across three different teams.
2. Cleveland Browns - Shedeur Sanders, Quarterback
The Cleveland Browns are in need of a quarterback, with Browns owner Jimmy Haslam going as far to say that they “took a big swing and missed” in trading for Deshaun Watson. Sanders’ accuracy and timing are elite and would fill the void at the position, and with a better O-Line than he had at Colorado, he could be the guy to lift the Browns up the AFC.
3. New York Giants - Abdul Carter, Edge
Abdul Carter is the best defender in the class and the best pass rusher to come into the league since Aidan Hutchinson. In an extraordinarily deep edge class, he’s set himself apart from the pack displaying the high-twitch explosiveness expected from an elite pass rusher.
With Kayvon Thibodeaux increasingly looking like a bust the Giants could do with someone to star alongside Brian Burns and Dexter Lawrence in what could be a deadly defensive line.
4. New England Patriots - Travis Hunter, Wide Receiver/Corner
There is no question that Heisman Trophy winner Hunter is talented at both wide receiver and cornerback, and the New England Patriots can fill two positions of need when drafting him, whilst also picking the best player available. Hunter has great ball skills on both offense and defense and has great instincts. The Patriots get a great player at either receiver, corner or both.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars - Mason Graham, Defensive Tackle
Graham may be on the smaller side when it comes to defensive tackles, with the former Michigan man coming in at under 300lbs, but don’t let that fool you. He is an expert at utlising his leverage to beat larger offensive linemen and is often seen exploding into the backfield.
The Jaguars have been a much-touted landing spot for Graham and it makes sense as they have a glaring hole on the interior of their defence.
6. Las Vegas Raiders - Ashton Jeanty, Running Back
Just one look at Jeanty’s highlight reel at Boise State and you will see why he is one of the best prospects in this year’s class. His quickness, toughness and strength make him a powerful runner and one that, in college last year, was incredibly difficult to bring down.
By selecting Jeanty, the Raiders add an explosive offensive weapon and take some of the workload off new arrival Geno Smith at quarterback.
7. New York Jets, Armand Membou, Tackle
In taking Membou the Jets have the chance to bookend their tackles for the next decade by pairing him with last year's first-round pick, Olu Fashanu. Membou had a combine to remember, showcasing his elite athleticism while screaming like a banshee throughout.
You can make a case that taking Membou here is an example of taking the best player available. When that is paired with drafting for an immediate need then you’ve got a great draft pick.
8. Carolina Panthers - Jalon Walker, Edge
The Carolina Panthers pick-up a versatile defender and great leader in Georgia’s Jalon Walker. Both an off-the-ball linebacker and pass rusher, Walker offers a hell of a lot for the Panthers’ defense. He has a great mix of power and speed when rushing the passer, and his speed means he can tackle in the open field at a high level in the NFL.
9. New Oreleans Saints - Will Johnson, Corner
The New Orleans Saints are an enigma. They’ve gone all in so aggressively that they can’t rebuild. They just have to keep going until the wheels fall off.
For that reason I have them taking the best player available in Michigan's Will Johnson. The rangy cornerback showed out for the Wolverines in his college career, securing the defensive MVP during their triumph over Washington in the National Championship. Johnson is dealing with a case of turf toe that has prevented him from working out and displaying the athleticism that made him so dominant in college.
10. Chicago Bears - Will Campbell, Tackle
The new look Bears offensive line would look even better with LSU’s Will Campbell slotting in at either tackle or guard. His draft combine proved to everyone why he’s considered to be one of the class’s best O-linemen, showing off his great speed, movement and athleticism.
Despite question marks about his size, and his arm length in particular, his arms measured at 33 inches at LSU’s pro day, which silenced any doubters and put himself back in the top 10 pick conversation.
11. San Francisco 49ers - Josh Simmons, Tackle
The San Francisco 49ers have hit an inflection point with their current side. The roster that went to four of the past six NFC Championships is in the process of being gutted. Trent Williams, who is touted as their most important player, only played in ten games last season and is closer to 40 than he is 30.
Basically, they need to look into acquiring a replacement and Josh Simmons could be their guy. With Membou and Campbell off the board Simmons is the best tackle available and heads to the Bay.
12. Dallas Cowboys - Tetairoa McMillan, Wide Reciever
Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan is a tall, athletic receiver with great ball skills. His size means he is always the favorite to win contested catches. There is a possibility that McMillan is picked up earlier in the draft, but if he falls to the Cowboys, they add another offensive weapon and form a dangerous receiving duo with Ceedee Lamb.
13. Miami Dolphins - Kelvin Banks Jr, Tackle
The run on tackles continues as Miami bring in some much needed offensive line reinforcements. Banks is stronger in the run game than he is in the pass, but with Tua as his quarterback his deficiencies can be covered up.
With Mike McDaniel as his coordinator, his strengths can be highlighted. Banks is an exceptional athlete capable of continuing blocks into the second level and will open up holes for Devon Achane.
14. Indianapolis Colts - Tyler Warren, Tight End
Penn State’s Tyler Warren is one of the best players in this year’s draft and has immense talent. He lined up all over the place in college last season and is both a great pass catcher and pass protector.
His size means he is hard to bring down, difficult to get in front of and a stubborn blocker. The Colts pick up an awesome player in a position of need, whilst adding a weapon and safety blanket for young quarterback Anthony Richardson.
15. Atlanta Falcons - Mike Green, Edge
Star systems have come and gone since the last time the Falcons had a premier pass rusher. Their acquisition of Matthew Judon didn’t bear fruit, so now they turn to the draft to find someone who can consistently get to the quarterback.
The level of competition that Green faced at Marshall will have been lower than other predicted first-round pass rushers, so it was essential for him to stand out. And not only did he stand out, he dominated. Green had 17 sacks in his final year at Marshall winning the Sun Belt player of the year in the process.
16. Arizona Cardinals - Shemar Stewart, Edge
The Arizona Cardinals need more help on defense, and at edge in particular. Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart provides great length, speed and power at the position. Stewart is great at generating double teams and pressuring the quarterback, despite his low sack total last year. He is solid at defending both the run and the pass, which could be just what they need down in Arizona.
17. Cincinnati Bengals - Jahdae Barron, Corner
The Bengals desperately need help on defence and Barron would immediately improve a porous secondary. Assuming Trey Hendrickson stays put then Edge isn’t an immediate need and they won’t need to reach for one in the top 20.
In his final season at Texas, Barron was PFF’s highest-graded cornerback, securing a 90.8 PFF grade while also allowing a passer rating of only 33.1. Considering the investment the Bengals have made to their offence, they will need their defensive draft picks to hit, and Barron is as safe a pick as you can get.
18. Seattle Seahawks - Luther Burden III, Wide Receiver
After trading their WR1 in DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and not re-signing WR2 Tyler Lockett, the Seattle Seahawks are in pole position to draft a receiver. Burden can line up outside or in the slot and is quick and athletic.
Burden is also a great pass catcher, often having the ability to make quarterbacks' poor throws look intentional. Whilst he doesn’t physically match Metcalf in terms of build, Burden has got what it takes to be a good option at the next level.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jihaad Campbell, Linebacker
Back in 2019, the Buccaneers drafted Devin White to be the eventual Lavonta David successor. Fortunately for them, Lavonta David was the Lavonta Davis successor and has played at a pro-bowl level in the year since. But now at the age of 35, it’s time for the Buccs to re-up their succession plan.
Jihaad Campbell is the standout off-ball linebacker of his class. He combines elite athleticism with a veteran’s instinctiveness all while playing with a reckless abandonment needed from his position. The Buccs need help on their defence and Campbell represents the last chance at acquiring a blue-chip prospect in this draft.
Pick 20 - Denver Broncos - Matthew Golden, Wide Receiver
Golden propelled himself up round one after a great combine. He is dependable and very well-rounded. He is good in the open field with the ability to make defenders miss and could also be used in the slot as he is a threat with his speed. The Denver Broncos would help second-season QB Bo Nix out by giving him another reliable weapon.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers - Walter Nolen, Defensive Tackle
If Jaxxon Dart gets taken here then Steelers fans may need to call it quits. While quarterback is their biggest need this ain’t the aisle they should be shopping on. Cam Heyward has been a stalwart on the Steelers defensive line for his entire career but he is surely nearing the end.
Walter Nolen is incredibly athletic for his size and his endless hustle allows him to make plays when others would simply give up.
22. Los Angeles Chargers - Colston Loveland, Tight End
Loveland reunites with his former Michigan head coach in Jim Harbaugh, with whom he won a national championship in 2023. He is tall, yet possesses the quickness, route running and ability after the catch of a wide receiver.
After losing Joshua Palmer in free agency, he will provide a great pairing with Ladd McConkey, who had a great rookie campaign under Harbaugh, which bodes well for Loveland.
23. Green Bay Packers - Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge
The Packers have a talented defensive line, but they don’t have anyone who can consistently get to the quarterbacks, with last season's sack leader, Rashan Gary, failing to reach double digits. Lukas Van Ness, their 2023 first-round pick has been a disappointment so far with only seven total sacks over his first two seasons.
For those reasons, they go back to the well. Ezeiruaku was a quarterbacks nightmare last season, finishing with 16.5 sacks and first-team All-ACC honours.
24. Minnesota Vikings - Malaki Starks, Safety
The Vikings pick up a great player in a position of need in Georgia’s Malaki Starks. Starks provides value at both safety and at nickel corner and has got great leadership qualities.
He’s a strong tackler and can mirror the best receivers’ routes with ease. If he falls to the Vikings, Starks could very well end up being the steal of the draft.
25. Houston Texans - Grey Zabel, Guard
Perhaps the most necessary selection of the first round. The Texans' offensive line is looking a bit undermanned following Laremy Tunsil and Kenyon Green being shipped off to the NFC East.
Zabel isn’t the most exciting option, but Texans fans have first-hand experience of seeing what constant pressure and sacks can do to a young quarterback. So before CJ Stroud descends into David Carr they’ll need to rebuild his O-line pronto.
26. Los Angeles Rams - Mykel Williams, Edge
Despite playing with an injury in 2024, Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams still proved why he’s worthy of being taken in round one. His long arms make it hard for offensive linemen to stop him. His freakish physique and big upside mean he’d be a great pick for the Rams who need to bolster their defense.
27. Baltimore Ravens - James Pearce Jr, Edge
Kyle Van Noy is the Ravens' best pass rusher in the year of our lord, 2025. That is why they need to draft an edge.
James Pearce had an eye-popping combine, showcasing elite athleticism. The Ravens drafted a similar athlete in the first round of the 2021 draft in Odafe Oweh. Unlike Oweh however, Pearce was productive in college and wasn’t simply potential.
28. Detroit Lions - Tyler Booker, Guard
The Detroit Lions and Tyler Booker feel like a match made in heaven. Booker is exceptionally strong in the run block, with the ability to move defenders and create gaps for the running backs with ease. Booker compliments the Lions’ run-first scheme and the likes of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery could see even more production in 2025.
29. Washington Commanders - Kenneth Grant, Defensive Tackle
Remarkably, Kenneth Grant has made it all the way to the end of the first, but this is when the slide ends. With the departure of Jonathan Allen the Commanders have a need for a defensive tackle to line up alongside Daron Payne on the interior.
What stands out about Grant is his immense size, but he’s surprisingly quick despite his bulk. He has all the tools to be a dominant force in this league if he can come close to his potential.
30. Buffalo Bills - Emeka Egbuka, Wide Receiver
Whilst the Bills have upgraded their receiver room this offseason, picking up Joshua Palmer in free agency, there are still question marks on the future of Amari Cooper. Egbuka is a reliable target whose toughness means he can fight through press coverage and catch contested passes easier than most.
31. Kansas City Chiefs - Derrick Harmon, Defensive Tackle
For sure the Chiefs needed help on their offensive line, but the board didn’t fall that way this time. Instead, they’ll have to “settle” for Oregon’s Derrick Harmon.
The Chiefs need to consider a succession plan for Chris Jones and taking Harmon here would be a start. Harmon has a high motor and is quick for his size however, there’s a reason he’s fallen. Harmon has only had one season of solid production at Oregon so he certainly isn’t the finished product and Chiefs fans may need to be patient.
Pick 32 - Philadelphia Eagles - Jonah Savaiinaea, Guard
This is definitely one of the boldest picks in our mock draft, most analysts have him going on day two, but Savaiinaea certainly has the talent and could be one to watch. Savaiinaea is quick, strong and has the size to be a formidable tackle at the next level and has the versatility to shift to guard if need be. Even in an already stacked Eagles team, you can never have too much depth at O-Line.
