EAST LANSING- We’re only about halfway through the NFL season and we still have a handful of weeks left in the college football regular season, but if you ask me, it’s never too early for mock draft season.
After five mock drafts last year and a historic draft in Detroit earlier this year, it’s time for my first mock of the draft process.
Since it’s so early in this process, don’t expect much, or any, accuracy with these picks. Use this as an opportunity to learn of a few names and get an idea of team needs and fits.
Also, no trades. I would be an insane person to, with all of the unknowns in terms of the draft order, who would come back to school or declare for the draft, and no free agency period, to even attempt trades.
I’m excited to get into the first of many mocks, so let’s do just that.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Hunter, Colorado, CB/WR, Junior
Hunter is the best player in CFB this year. Yes, Ashton Jeanty is running wild over in Idaho, but no player can compare to Hunter’s dual impact. It’s hard to say which position Hunter will end up playing in the NFL, but I’d say it will be corner. In Jacksonville, he has the chance to become a premier lockdown corner in the league and come in as an offensive threat in a few offensive packages. Remind you of anyone?
2. New York Giants: Sheduer Sanders, Colorado, QB, Senior
Sanders has been one of the premium quarterbacks in CFB this year. He’s an accurate passer and, when compared to his quarterback peers, has a good amount of polish. In New York, Daniel Jones has not lived up to the 40 million dollars he was given a few offseasons ago. They use their first pick to reset that position and bring Primetime Jr. to a big-time city.
3. Tennessee Titans: Luther Burden III, Missouri, WR, Junior
Burden has been an extremely effective receiver for the Tigers. He’s listed at 5 ’11, 208 lbs, which combined with his lethal speed and burst, creates a dynamic threat that is hard for opposing defenses to take him down. If Tennessee is going to roll with quarterback Will Levis for one more year, he’ll love Burden as an offensive weapon.
4. Cleveland Browns: Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas, T, Junior
It’s time for a rebuild in Cleveland, and instead of immediately going after a quarterback, the Browns elect to go into the tackle well. Banks might just be the most refined and smooth pass protector in this draft class. He’s been a staple of a dominant Texas offensive line for the past three years, and he can be a staple of the Browns offensive line for many more years to come.
5. Las Vegas Raiders: Cam Ward, Miami (FL), QB, Senior
Ward is the most explosive quarterback in this draft. His arm – explosive. His playmaking ability – explosive. He plays the position with an “I’ve done this so much I’m almost bored” type of attitude, which I see as a positive. His one downside is the turnovers, but if that gets cleaned up, the sky is truly the limit for Ward.
6. New England Patriots: Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona, WR, Junior
In 1.0, the Patriots get McMillan. McMillan, at 6’5 and 212 lbs, has a huge frame but isn’t stiff like some other big bodied receivers. His catch radius is remarkable and will be a big red zone threat right out of the gate. Honestly, there are not many downsides to McMillan’s game, and quarterback Drake Maye will love him as his number-one threat.
7. New Orleans Saints: Mason Graham, Michigan, DI, Junior
The Saints are another team that are in need of a rebuild, so the selection of Graham will be that first step in the right direction for New Orleans. Graham is an incredibly strong player with great movement skills to boot. He was a huge factor in Michigan winning the National Championship last year and will hope to bring the Big Easy back in the championship bubble.
8. New York Jets: Will Johnson, Michigan, CB, Junior
Another Michigan player comes off the board when the Jets select Johnson. They already have one lockdown corner in Sauce Gardner, so with their first pick they go and grab another corner with that same lockdown potential. Johnson has great size and length for the position and plays the position in a controlled and patient manner. When it comes to a cornerback prospect, it’s hard to get better than Johnson.
9. Carolina Panthers: Abdul Carter, Penn State, ED, Junior
The Panthers have been in desperate need to address their edge rusher room, so Carter could be just what the Panthers need on the defensive side of the ball. Carter might just be the best athlete in the entire draft. He has incredible speed and motor on the edge that can easily overwhelm opposing offensive tackles. He is still raw, but the potential is evident with Carter.
10. Miami Dolphins: Will Campbell, LSU, T, Junior
With multiple concussions, it’s imperative to get Tua the protection he needs. Kick the experienced Campbell inside as a guard and he can bring that protection to Miami.
11. Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty, Boise State, RB, Junior
Jeanty has been lighting up the CFB, putting up rushing numbers that rival the great Barry Sanders. The Cowboys desperately need a spark of some sort, and Jeanty can be that spark and be the next great Cowboys running back.
12. Indianapolis Colts: Malaki Starks, Georgia, S, Junior
Usually, safeties don’t go this high, but Starks isn’t like many other safeties. He doesn’t have many, or if any, major concerns with his game, and Indy will be more than happy to add him to their secondary.
13. Cincinnati Bengals: Kenneth Grant, Michigan, DI, Junior
The first impulse for Cincy would be to get their replacement for wide receiver Tee Higgins (assuming they don’t get a deal done with him) with their pick, but with Burden and McMillan off the board, I think they opt to add the massive interior defensive lineman that is Grant.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nic Scourton, Texas A&M, ED, Junior
The Bucs have struggled in the pass-rushing department this year, so grabbing Scourton with his blend of size and athleticism would be apt.
15. Seattle Seahawks: Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota, T, Senior
Ersery has great length and size for the position and has inside-outside flexibility to boot. The Seahawks have an apparent need for an offensive lineman, so Ersery will fit right in.
16. Los Angeles Rams: Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame, CB, Junior
The Rams need a corner, and there are a few in this spot which they could take. Morrison has great versatility and physicality when he plays, which will be appreciated in LA.
17. Chicago Bears: Cameron Williams, Texas, T, Junior
Just like Seattle, the Bears’ biggest problem is their offensive line. Williams isn’t as experienced as his Texas teammate in Banks, but he has all the tools to be an effective offensive lineman in this league.
18. San Francisco 49ers: Shavon Revel, East Carolina, CB, Senior
Even though Revel tore his ACL back in September, he still has the talent and the tools to warrant a first-round selection. If you want to talk about lockdown potential, look no further than Revel. San Fran will love him once he’s healthy.
19. Denver Broncos: Derrick Harmon, Oregon, DI, Junior
Harmon has had himself one hell of a 2024 season and has rocketed himself up the draft board. He’s a disruptive pass rusher and an effective run defender. This is a great pickup for Denver.
20. Houston Texans: Tyler Booker, Alabama, G, Junior
The first interior offensive lineman comes off the board with the 20th selection. Houston’s guard has left a lot to desire this year, so Booker will have a spot on this offensive line immediately.
21. Atlanta Falcons: James Pearce Jr., Tennessee, ED, Junior
I’ve talked about potential a few times in this mock, and Pearce is another example of just that. He’s not the biggest edge rusher in the world, but he has room to grow in his frame. If Pearce can grow into his frame, coupled with his speed and quickness, he can be a premium pass rusher for the ATL.
22. Arizona Cardinals: Jihaad Campbell, Alabama, LB, Junior
The first linebacker comes off the board when the Cardinals take Campbell. He has sideline-to-sideline range and can fit in any defensive scheme. Campbell can be a leader for that Arizona defense for years to come.
23. Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland, Michigan, TE, Junior
This just makes too much sense. Quarterback Justin Herbert needs more weapons and head coach Jim Harbaugh would love to bring in his tight end in which he won a championship with. Loveland will fit right in.
24. Green Bay Packers: Jahdae Barron, Texas, CB, Senior
Green Bay needs more players for their secondary, and more specifically their corner spots. Barron is an extremely versatile player who plays the position like a vet, and he can bring that versatility to the Packers.
25. Washington Commanders: Mykel Williams, Georgia, ED, Junior
Long, strong, and an easier mover. This is just a lowdown on what Williams brings to a defense. After a great year for the Commanders, they look to improve their pass rush by selecting Williams.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona, T, Junior
The Ravens don’t have many needs, but their two are offensive line and cornerbacks. If Barron was still available, I’d slot him here, but Savaiinaea is still a great selection. He has a wide body and a great punch in his hands when he blocks. I think he’ll play guard for Baltimore.
27. Pittsburgh Steelers: Isaiah Bond, Texas, WR, Junior
The Steelers need a wide receiver. I know, such a crazy, unique statement. With the 27th selection, Bond heads to Pittsburgh and will fit in nicely. Wide receiver George Pickens is the alpha X receiver, and Bond would be the complementary Z with his explosive speed.
28. Minnesota Vikings: Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State, RB, Junior
Another running back comes off the board when the Vikings are up to bat. Yes, they have running back Aaron Jones, but he’s only on a one-year deal with the team, so there’s no guarantee he’ll be back next year. Judkins’ explosiveness and difficulty in taking down will be loved in Minnesota.
29. Philadelphia Eagles: LT Overton, Alabama, ED, Junior
Overton is another big edge rusher in this class but he still has good athleticism and quickness. You know general manager Howie Roseman loves his big boys up front, so Overton will fit right in.
30. Buffalo Bills: Jalon Walker, Georgia, LB, Junior
The Bills need to improve their linebacker room, and selecting Walker can help their needs. He has great size for a modern-age NFL linebacker with a blend of being able to rush the passer and get back in coverage,
31. Detroit Lions: Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M, ED, Junior
A 6’6 290 lbs, Stewart is a monster of an edge rusher. Head coach Dan Campbell will love the frame and his explosive first step. He can play either outside or inside, which will be needed once edge rusher Aidan Hutchison comes back.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Wyatt Milum, West Virginia, T, Senior
The Chiefs end 1.0 with the selection of Milum from West Virginia. He’s a four-year starter and has great play strength. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes will love the added protection.
