No. 1: TEN — Cam Ward, QB, Miami
MALEY: The Titans move on from Will Levis after a year that saw them field the fourth-lowest rated passing unit in the league. Ward boosted his stock tremendously by opting for one more year in college, throwing for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns in his lone season at Miami. He’s an athletic passer with an extremely talented arm and the ability to throw from a number of platforms, and has the knack for making plays off-script that’s necessary for a quarterback in a rebuilding offense.
No. 2: CLE — Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
KEVORKIAN: Cleveland passes on Shedeur Sanders and instead drafts Myles Garrett’s successor in Carter. Although the Browns have many holes on either side of the ball, Carter will make it feel as if the former Defensive Player of the Year never left. The Penn State product has it all as a pass rusher, displaying an incredible first step, bend and competitive toughness. Carter totaled 12 sacks, 68 total tackles and four pass deflections in his final collegiate season and would immediately become the Browns’ best defensive player. Cleveland’s rebuild process can’t be accomplished in one offseason, but locking down a franchise pass-rusher is surely a great start.
No. 3: NYG — Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
MALO: The Giants need a quarterback. This much, we know for sure. Drew Lock looked fantastic in his final few games, but banking on a revival of his career, with so many of the same pieces around him, would be more than unwise. Shedeur Sanders is, in my opinion, the most complete quarterback in this draft. Every shot he takes is decisive and comes off his hand like it was shot from a cannon. He works through progressions, and improvises at a level that some NFL starters cannot. He stretches the field with his arm, but is unafraid to extend plays and gain yardage with his legs. With an impact playmaker like Malik Nabers on the same side of the ball, he is just the kind of quarterback this team needs, and with Shedeur’s New York Giants-themed cleats, it appears that he would agree.
No. 4: NE — Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
MALO: New England needs to give Drake Maye a target, and with the far-and-away best receiver in this draft, he gets one. McMillan is a lethal combination of extreme physicality, speed and poise that any NFL roster would love to have. He is explosive off the line and wins in double coverage with ease. With his sharp cuts and ability to quite literally climb over defenders and come down with the ball, big plays are all but guaranteed. He has enough speed to stretch any defense, and franchise corners and safeties alike are in for a run for their money every play.
No. 5: JAX — Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
KEVORKIAN: Similar to Cleveland, Jacksonville has holes all across its roster, but it would be simply irresponsible to pass on Hunter at No. 5. Hunter is the most electrifying two-way talent in the sport and would likely provide a spark on both sides of the ball. Hunter flashes ball skills that are second to none, both as a corner and receiver. He does not waste a step and is fluid throughout his reps, whether that be running a route or mirroring a receiver. The vision here is for Hunter to step in as the Jags’ lead cornerback, with Liam Coen finding creative ways to sprinkle him into Jacksonville’s offense.
No. 6: LV — Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
MALEY: The Raiders never really replaced Josh Jacobs with another leading man to fill out their running back room. Zamir White battled injury throughout an underwhelming 2024 campaign, and with Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah about to be free agents, the group will soon get even thinner. Jeanty’s explosive playmaking ability will make him a great workhorse in Pete Carroll’s offense.
No. 7: NYJ — Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
MALEY: The Jets need interior help and get the consensus best in class with Graham. The unanimous All-American earned PFF’s highest run-defense grade (92.7) in the nation in 2024 and will shore up the Jets’ defensive line with Javon Kinlaw hitting free agency.
No. 8: CAR — Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
KEVORKIAN: After Bryce Young’s encouraging end to the 2024 season, the Panthers will likely try to find him a new offensive weapon. However, Carolina would be best served addressing the receiver position via free agency, with a multitude of pass-catchers available. Assuming they give Jaycee Horn the contract-extension he deserves this offseason, the Panthers would create one of the most exciting young defensive duos by drafting Johnson. Johnson would bring versatility, stout tackling and a high football IQ to a group that ranked dead last in total defense in 2024.
No. 9: NO — Will Campbell, OT, LSU
MALO: With injuries and aging players putting New Orleans into a horrible cap space situation, the Saints get their new franchise tackle in Will Campbell following the loss of former All-Pro tackle Ryan Ramczyk. Campbell had a phenomenal career at LSU, serving as a starter since his true freshman season and finishing his career with All-American recognition and the Jacobs Blocking award for the top SEC lineman. Campbell is already a superstar in Louisiana, and being a local product, he’ll help lock down the trenches for many years to come, as the Saints continue to rebuild.
No. 10: CHI — Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
MALO: Chicago has their franchise guys at receiver and quarterback. But this past season for Chicago showed that without an offensive line, that means nothing. Caleb Williams was the most sacked quarterback in football, and by adding Kelvin Banks, the Bears get an immediate impact-maker in the trenches to change that. Banks was a unanimous All-American following his senior season, and will bring not just great blocking to an offensive line that desperately needs improvement, but leadership as well.
No. 11: SF — Jalon Walker, LB/Edge, Georgia
KEVORKIAN: With Trent Williams only getting older and the 49ers having needs across the line, an offensive lineman is certainly in play for San Francisco here. Here, however, John Lynch opts for the flashier move in Walker. The 49ers have found late-season success when their front-seven dominates, and Walker would ensure that dominance continues for years to come. The Georgia product shows bend comparable to that of Nick Bosa’s and flashes exceptional skills as an off-ball linebacker. He’s an overall athletic freak to complement Bosa and rejuvenate San Francisco’s defense.
No. 12: DAL — Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
MALEY: Jerry Jones has to make his splash, right? The comparison I keep seeing for Luther Burden III is a more polished Kadarius Toney, but there’s an extra level of physicality to Burden’s game, with a compact frame.
No. 13: MIA — Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama
MALEY: The Dolphins have struggled to move weight in the trenches for years now, especially between the tackles. McDaniel’s scheme relies on the passing game, but the Fins often get in trouble in short yardage situations because of their subpar interior offensive line play, a unit that will be getting even thinner with three guards, hitting free agency. Booker is regarded by most as the best pure guard in his class, a solid pass protector who earned PFF’s fifth-best pass-blocking grade in true pass sets among all guards.
No. 14: IND — Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
KEVORKIAN: If Chris Ballard is committed to Anthony Richardson as his quarterback, which is truly to be determined, this pick would prove huge for the young signal caller in a prove-it year. Michael Pittman, Adonai Mitchell and Alec Pierce are fine targets, but Warren would bring serious juice to Indy’s offense. The former high-school quarterback flashes ability to diagnose coverages pre-snap, with a great understanding of zone leverage concepts and reliable hands. Warren is uber dangerous after the catch and can high-point a ball like no other.
No. 15: ATL — Malaki Starks, SAF, Georgia
MALO: The Falcons had an underwhelming season, and nothing was more disappointing than their defensive unit. A.J. Terrell and Jessie Bates did a solid job, but by adding Malaki Starks, their secondary could become one of the most dangerous units in the NFL. Starks is a complete safety, and adds impact playmaking immediately upon his arrival. He wins 50/50 balls with his physicality, stops the run before it starts and recognizes plays at the elite level. He is the missing piece that this secondary needs to be considered truly elite and with such a high floor, and the defensive mind of head coach Raheem Morris behind him, I can only see him making more of a name for himself in Georgia.
No. 16: ARI — Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
MALO: Arizona has been looking for their next defensive superstar for a while now, and Mykel Williams could be just that. In SEC football, Williams dominated the trenches, manhandling some of the best offensive linemen in the nation. He is a violent pass rusher that wins with his physicality, but his patience is what makes him pop as a prospect. Arizona was alright against the run this season, and their defensive line was competent, but with Williams joining the roster, he will elevate the level of their entire defensive unit.
No. 17: CIN — Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
KEVORKIAN: While it seems like offensive line play has been an issue for the Bengals for four-plus years, it’s time for Cincinnati to invest in its secondary. Barron would instantly insert himself as the cornerback one in a room that leaves much to be desired and struggled mightily in pass coverage. Barron brings versatility and great ball skills, while being an overall fluid and smart athlete with sound tackling technique. While primarily an outside corner, Barron can truly be plugged in anywhere around the field and could prove to be a difference maker in defensive coordinator Al Golden’s unit.
No. 18: SEA — Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
MALEY: Seattle uses its first pick to shore up a weak pass rush with Green, who led all of FBS in sacks in 2024. Any doubts about the legitimacy of his production due to a weak schedule were silenced when he put top tackle prospect Josh Conerly on his behind during one-on-ones at the Senior Bowl, perhaps the most viral moment of the entire week in Mobile.
No. 19: TB — Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
MALEY: Needs certainly exist elsewhere on the defensive unit, but with a few of the top corners off the board, the Bucs opt for one of the best linebackers in this draft. Campbell’s ability to blitz from both the edge and the box will make for a perfect fit in Todd Bowles’ blitz-heavy scheme.
No. 20: DEN — Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
KEVORKIAN: Denver is surely looking to bolster Bo Nix’s arsenal of pass-catchers and Loveland would provide a security blanket for the Broncos offense. At 6-foot-5, 245 pounds, Loveland flashes an impressive catch radius and is an excellent route runner. The tight end could truly take Denver’s passing attack to the next level.
No. 21: PIT — Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
MALO: Other than George Pickens, Pittsburgh’s receivers have not looked as good as they historically have in recent seasons. With Matthew Golden, the Steelers will have a great start in expanding their depth with a day-one starter. Golden may not be Tyreek Hill, but the Steelers will still get dynamic speed, as opposed to a strict deep threat like Roman Wilson. Golden gains separation via sharp cuts and sitting in between gaps in coverage. When you mix that with elite body control and hands that look like they’ve been lathered in glue, you have every element needed for a new franchise receiver that the Steelers desperately need.
No. 22: LAC — Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
MALO: If there’s one thing we know about Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers, it’s that they love to run. J.K. Dobbins looked great, but with his injury history and Father Time seemingly catching up with him, the Chargers need a new franchise back. Omarion Hampton is that guy. He boasts deceptively fast speed and elite physicality, which he uses to run straight through the opponent’s defenses, and to the house. He doesn’t need a star-studded offensive line to succeed, as he showed at UNC, but with the Chargers having one of the most underrated units in the league and a developing star in Joe Alt, Hampton and Harbaugh are a match made in heaven. With a high floor, and higher upside, Hampton is exactly the piece that the Chargers need to elevate their offense.
No. 23: GB — Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
KEVORKIAN: Jaire Alexander has proven to be one of the premier corners in football, but he’s also failed to prove he can stay on the field. He has missed 10-plus games in three of his last four seasons and played in just seven games in 2024. Outside of the former All-Pro defensive back, Green Bay’s cornerback room falls short. Insert Amos, who has shown the ability to be a versatile corner, displaying great route recognition, quick closing speed, good instincts and loose hips.
No. 24: MIN — Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
MALEY: The Vikings have a lot of needs on both sides of the ball, but they also have the seventh-most cap space of any NFL team this offseason, meaning they’ll likely sign a massive contract or two to fill some of those gaps. But if Minnesota doesn’t come out of free agency with a top three-tech, Nolen seems like the best use of the team’s first round pick. The SEC product displayed an impressive mix of athleticism and power at the Senior Bowl that solidified him as one of the strongest performers of the week. His ability to rush from the three and the five, as well as provide an interior pass rush on third downs, will provide an interesting versatility to Minnesota’s pass rush.
No. 25: HOU — Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
MALEY: Stefon Diggs hits free agency next month, and with Tank Dell’s injury status still difficult to forecast, the Texans desperately need to replenish their receiving core for CJ Stroud. Egbuka’s combination of elite speed, strong footwork and route-running acumen will make for a nice pairing with Nico Collins and ensure Houston’s offense doesn’t lose a step.
No. 26: LAR — Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
KEVORKIAN: The Rams are a likely trade-back candidate in this year’s draft. However, LA has multiple offensive linemen set to hit free-agency this offseason, most notably left-tackle Alaric Jackson, and so in this mock the Rams turn to the best protector remaining. Simmons is an exceptional athlete at 6-foot-5, 310 pounds. He’d provide excellent technique with an elite ability to spring runners open and get to the second level. Although Simmons has to recover from a torn patellar tendon, he has the potential to be the franchise left tackle in LA for years to come.
No. 27: BAL — Aireonte Ersery, OT, Minnesota
MALO: While Baltimore will be a contender as long as it has Lamar Jackson, to win close games, the Ravens need to win in the trenches. Ersery adds much-needed agility and poise on the offensive line that few others can replicate in this draft class. He wins up front with power and leverage, utilizing his frame and movements at the elite level. He’s excellent in the run game, which is good news for an aging—though still dominant—Derrick Henry, and even better news for Jackson. Expect Baltimore to have a future star on the line if the team takes Ersery.
No. 28: DET — Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
MALO: Detroit has been searching to bolster its defensive depth, and with injuries seeming to decimate that front towards the end of last season, adding a proven, dominating pass rusher like Grant is a no-brainer. He is explosive off the line, mauling any linemen in his way, and his value is way higher than that of the 28th pick. He would bolster any NFL defense, but will be a day-one difference maker in Detroit. I see him developing into a superstar under Dan Campbell.
No. 29: WAS — Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
KEVORKIAN: Washington finally found its quarterback of the future in Jayden Daniels, so it’s time to amplify his receiving threats. Terry McLaurin had arguably the best year of his career with another 1,000-plus yard season and a career-high 13 touchdowns. However, outside of McLaurin, there are no long-term pass-catching answers. Zach Ertz was a pleasant surprise for Washington, posting the second-highest receiving yards on the team with 654, but he is set to be a free-agent and will turn 35 in November. The Commanders would find a long-term complement to McLaurin in Harris, an elite deep threat with excellent tracking ability, something the aggressive Daniels would surely appreciate. He’s an overall reliable target who plays even bigger than his 6-foot-3, 210 pound frame.
No. 30: BUF — James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
MALEY: With this mock’s lack of an early run on edge defenders comes a boon for Buffalo in the form of James Pearce Jr. The Bills are elated to pair Greg Rousseau with the explosive pass rusher, who totaled 17 sacks across two seasons at Tennessee, without having to trade up.
No. 31: KC — Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
MALEY: The Super Bowl exposed pass protection as the Chiefs’ most glaring need going into the offseason, and with the top consensus tackles off the board, the Chiefs still make out with one of the better pure pass protectors in this year’s class. While his overall mass and play strength could be tested early on by some of the league’s premier power rushers, Conerly is a day-one starter who would answer Kansas City’s burning question at left tackle.
No. 32: PHI — TJ Sanders, DL, South Carolina
KEVORKIAN: Howie Roseman’s philosophy of investing in the trenches early has clearly paid dividends, but he may still be inclined to strengthen Philly’s front this year. The Eagles have key players set to hit the open market, most of whom will receive handsome paydays. Headlining that list are Josh Sweat and Milton Williams, two difference-makers who could very well be suiting up elsewhere in 2025. While the Eagles have intriguing young depth across the defensive line, Sanders would minimize the potential pain of losing Sweat and Williams. Sanders is a versatile player who shows excellent overall technique, proving he can provide early-down run support and efficient late-down pass-rushing reps. He’d be the perfect complement to Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter on Philly’s interior line.