NFL scouting departments are about to go in overdrive with Ohio State holding the first expanded bracket College Football Playoff title. There will be no more in-game samples provided before the 2025 NFL Draft. Only pro days and the NFL Scouting Combine stand between hundreds of prospects and the dream of hearing their name called by the commissioner.
Front offices devote hours to gaming different scenarios. Personally, it was hard to see why until tackling a job around the LSU program before Joe Burrow’s Heisman season. Having spent four seasons around college scouts, the value is clear. Having seen Jayden Daniels (LSU) and Darian Mensah (Tulane) up close for years, it’s time to build out a blueprint for every NFL team’s future.
Success in the NFL starts with the draft, which is never a straightforward affair. This mock draft includes two trades and charts the ripple effects. Thankfully, the 2024 NFL Draft provided a wonderful trade value template.
1) New York Giants (via Tennessee Titans): Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Trade: Giants receive Nos. 1, 180; Titans receive Nos. 3, 65, 155, 221
Every NFL fan saw the HBO Hard Knocks episode with Jayden Daniels. The Giants decided to go in a different direction to disastrous results. Losing Saquon Barkley was just an extra layer of pain. Daniels and Barkley had two NFC East rivals one step away from a Super Bowl (congrats to Barkley and Co.). Now, there are reports of New York’s brass making multiple visits to see both Sanders and Cam Ward.
The Giants, concerned with Sanders’ boom-or-bust risks, believe they can win with Ward’s strong arm and mobility. Ward is accurate and not prone to boneheaded decision-making or holding on to the ball too long. That is a big upgrade over what Daniel Jones was putting on tape the past few seasons. It’s also the first thing the NYC media would scrutinize with Sanders.
2) Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The Browns tackle the trenches after giving up 20 rushing TDs last season (fourth-worst). Abdul Carter has elite explosive speed off the edge and can disrupt any offense from multiple attack positions. Carter plus Ogbo Okoronkwo and Myles Garrett equals quarterback pressures and ineffective run games.
The Penn State alum had 12 sacks last season and ended on a high note in a CFP loss to Notre Dame. Keep him close to home and add some attitude to the locker room.
3) Tennessee Titans (via Giants): Travis Hunter, ATH, Colorado
Even if the new front office wanted to convince Sanders to accept life in Tennessee, compiling assets and capitalizing on the bidding war for Cam Ward or Sanders is a better rebuilding option. The Titans are more than just one quarterback away from competing in the AFC. So, trade back and call up a different Colorado celebrity.
Travis Hunter is an exceptional athlete with a versatile skill set. Playing on both sides of the ball is unique, but the Titans can provide that opportunity to a dual-threat rookie. Other teams might want Hunter to focus on one side.
4) New England Patriots: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
New England knows Drake Maye was in a bad environment. Ownership fired former-player-turned-coach Jerod Mayo after a single season. The defense needs more help than Maye’s offense, though. Mason Graham, known for his power and technique, is arguably the best defensive tackle in college football.
Constantly in the backfield with A-gap A-bombs on overmatched guards, Graham will attract double-teams more next season than anyone with the Patriots did last season as New England finished dead last in sacks. New HC Mike Vrabel can work with that while getting Maye’s WR1 help in free agency.
5) Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Jaguars allowed a 67.1% completion rate last season. They need a premier secondary piece with excellent coverage skills and some high-level football IQ. Will Johnson has that packed into a 6’2″, 205-pound frame ready to move around the formation in man or zone.
His coverage skills and athleticism could make him a lockdown corner, potentially reshaping their pass defense. Jacksonville also snags one of the rare DBs who does not make many contact-avoiding business decisions in the run game.
6) Las Vegas Raiders: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Sin City will love Shedeur Sanders. Prime Time will not have to worry about leadership with Tom Brady (owner) being more of a presence around the Raiders.
Sanders has shown remarkable poise and passing accuracy in big moments. In others, there have been some head-scratching sacks. It is easy to see a potential franchise quarterback ala Jayden Daniels. Others will argue over some All-22 film that is more style than substance with some big Hunter highlights sprinkled in.
7) New York Jets: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Aaron Rodgers or a veteran bridge QB not named Sam Darnold can work with Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall. The Jets just broke on defense. Mykel Williams is known for his versatility and disruptive nature on defense, capable of playing multiple positions along the line.
His athleticism and motor are key attributes that make him a valuable plug-and-play option for the Jets.
Covering screens and routes to the flat will be a problem at 6’5″, 265 pounds, though. How will his new home tailor the weight plan moving forward? Slim down or strengthen up for more plays inside the tackles? It’s tough but there is too much talent to pass up.
8) Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, EDGE/LB, Georgia
Carolina cannot overthink this pick and go offense first. Jalon Walker has the speed to chase down scrambling QBs and suffocate the best tight ends.
He is savvy when shooting gaps to stuff the run and can play off both edges. The Panthers have a pass rush after finishing third-to-last in sacks last season.
9) Miami Dolphins (via New Orleans Saints): Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Trade: Dolphins receive Nos. 9; Saints receive Nos. 13, 2025 second-rounder
Miami’s quarterback situation is getting downright scary due to multiple concussions. The Dolphins are under immense pressure to provide better protection for Tua Tagovailoa and support the running game. Moving up for Josh Simmons at least shows some initiative.
10) Chicago Bears: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
The Bears allowed a league-leading 68 sacks last season. Teven Jenkins might not return. Caleb Williams deserves better, and Kelvin Banks Jr. is considered one of the top offensive tackles in college football.
Protect the investment with some elite NFL size, strength, and pass blocking. Banks’ stock is rising. Double down on the OL and then focus on a pretty balanced draft that adds talent across the depth chart.
11) San Francisco 49ers: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Brock Purdy is about to break the bank after stepping up as an unheralded backup to the backup. The 49ers cannot let their QB1 get broken after writing a $50 million a year (or more) check.
Will Campbell knows about protecting luxury goods at LSU. Campbell has held up against the SEC’s best as a left tackle and could move across the line thanks to good footwork and extraordinary power. Draft the LSU alum and let him watch Purdy’s blind side for the next decade.
12) Dallas Cowboys, Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Malaki Starks is a safety with exceptional range and ball skills, serving as a standout in Georgia’s secondary. His ability to impact the game in various ways makes him an intriguing prospect.
The Cowboys are always in the mix for those X-factor talents. Dallas gets a Day 1 starter who can get downhill in a hurry when the blitz packages are called.
13) New Orleans Saints (via Miami Dolphins): Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Derek Carr will need someone to replace Taysom Hill, and Alvin Kamara’s wheels are starting to show some age. Running backs are not as valued like in years past, and the Saints should track how far Ashton Jeanty will fall.
Trade back a few spots so the Dolphins can jump the 49ers/Bears in a run on OL prospects; add depth to a roster crippled by cap crunches and aging talent.
Jeanty has impressed with his agility, vision, and receiving skills out of the backfield and could be the Reggie Bush-type spark which boosts the Saints back into NFC South contention.
14) Indianapolis Colts: Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
Walter Nolen’s transfer to Ole Miss was seen as a boost for their defense. His power and quickness off the snap are his main attributes, and the Colts could use an injection of aggression. Nolen was a disruptive force against both the run and pass in the SEC.
A year after an offensive gamble, Indianapolis goes with a safe bet that could pay out Dwight Freeney-level dividends.
15) Atlanta Falcons: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Falcons fell apart after building up a lead in the NFC South standings. Nic Scourton’s athleticism and pass-rushing ability will be a big factor in reshaping Atlanta’s front seven.
16) Arizona Cardinals: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
The Cardinals need to cause a bit more chaos in opposing backfields. Known for his speed and bend around the edge, James Pearce Jr. is a disruptive force who can be a high-impact player.
17) Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Joe Burrow needs a new spark plug to possibly replace Tee Higgins and take double teams away from Ja’Marr Chase. Tyler Warren has shown promise as a blocking tight end who can also contribute in the passing game over the middle.
18) Seattle Seahawks: Josh Conerly Jr., OL, Oregon
Winning in the trenches used to be a recipe for success in the Pacific Northwest. The Legion of Boom and Beast Mode are long gone, but it’s time to bring back the tradition.
Josh Conerly Jr. is still developing but shows potential with his size and technique.
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Baker Mayfield needs a threat opposite of the 31-year-old Mike Evans. Those 1,000-yard seasons have a shelf life. Tetairoa McMillan’s combination of size and speed makes him a threat in the passing game, with his stock rising as he continues to refine his route running.
The Buccaneers will likely not break the bank this offseason to keep WR2 Chris Godwin, but they have enough picks to shore up some key areas. Tampa Bay cannot afford any decline from Mayfield, so the first pick goes to the offense.
20) Denver Broncos: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Colston Loveland’s sure-handed ability and after-the-catch prowess have made him one of the more exciting tight ends in college football. Bo Nix should have plenty of time and options running Loveland and Adam Trautman out of heavy sets.
21) Pittsburgh Steelers: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
Mike Tomlin makes bold moves. Shavon Revel Jr.’s speed and coverage skills have started to catch the eye of scouts, though he’ll need to prove himself against better receivers.
Pittsburgh has put in the scouting time though and will not worry about any outside noise. Getting Revel in the building will be celebrated despite an ACL tear early in the 2024 season.
22) Los Angeles Chargers: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Justin Herbert needs a slot receiver to go next to 6’4″ Quentin Johnston.
Luther Burden III has shown flashes of brilliance with his route running and ability to get open, though consistency is affecting the draft stock. Still, a shifty punt returner who can work the slot like Wes Welker is exactly what the Chargers need to plug into the offense.
23) Green Bay Packers: Benjamin Morrison, DB, Notre Dame
Morrison has made a name for himself with his ball-hawking skills and physical play. The Packers cannot pass that up now that Jordan Love has proven capable of making other offensive players better.
24) Minnesota Vikings: Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama
Tyler Booker’s strength and technique at guard should keep defenders from rushing J.J. McCarthy head-on. It’s not a splashy pick, but Sam Darnold ruined all hopes of adding a top-10 pass catcher.
25) Houston Texans: Cameron Williams, OL, Texas
C.J. Stroud needs more time to stand in the pocket. Cameron Williams has the physical tools to be a tackle. However, standing 6’5″ and 340 pounds might mean some OTA time is spent learning how to play inside.
26) Los Angeles Rams: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
The search for a spacer eater to replace Aaron Donald continues. Derrick Harmon’s transfer to Oregon had him in a position to showcase his skills in the Big Ten, with his size and strength being his selling points.
27) Baltimore Ravens: Nick Emmanwori, DB, South Carolina
Nick Emmanwori is more of an inside DB, a small LB who can cover TEs and shed blockers in the run game. Takeaways are not his speciality, going by the amount of dropped interceptions.
However, the Ravens just need more muscle up the middle who can keep up with Travis Kelce. His range, tackling, and coverage skills are ready-made for a significant role, aligning with the Ravens’ history of valuing versatile safeties.
28) Detroit Lions: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
Tyleik Williams has the potential to be a disruptive force in the middle, with his high motor and ability to penetrate. The Lions could have used that against Jayden Daniels in the NFC Divisional Round.
29) Washington Commanders: Trey Amos, DB, Ole Miss
Trey Amos has shown good coverage skills, but his overall athletic profile will determine his draft position. Perhaps no other DB is more reliant on some head-turning NFL Combine measurements.
30) Buffalo Bills: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Emeka Egbuka’s speed and route precision make him a threat, though injuries have somewhat clouded his draft outlook. The Bills are well ahead of schedule though, so they can afford the high-reward yet medium-risk, late first-round gamble. His route running, hands, and after-the-catch ability could make him an immediate target for Allen, potentially becoming a go-to receiver opposite Keon Coleman.
31) Philadelphia Eagles: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
The Eagles just keep adding guys with a chip on their shoulders and winning. No big schools are represented here — just guys ready to step into a contributing role for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. Mike Green has got some big Josh Sweat shoes to fill.
32) Kansas City Chiefs: Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona
Jonah Savaiinaea’s selection in the first round focuses on bolstering the offensive line, specifically at tackle. As long as Patrick Mahomes is upright, the Chiefs have a chance.
Adding another security (tackle) guard to the huddle can only help keep the dynasty alive, especially if Trey Smith leaves town. Savaiinaea’s addition would provide long-term protection for Mahomes and support the running game.
