EAST LANSING – The NFL regular season has wrapped up and wildcard weekend is upon us. While most people are excited for the playoffs, I’m looking towards the postseason with 2.0.
The first 18 picks of the draft have been solidified, with the Titans capturing the first pick in the draft. This allows us to start dialing in on landing spots because we now know when over half of the league will be drafting.
Just like 1.0., there won’t be any trades in this mock. Expect to see those once the entire draft order has been solidified.
A lot has changed over the past two months, and this mock reflects that. Let’s get into it.
1. Tennessee Titans: Caw Ward, Miami (FL), QB, Senior
Ward is an absolute gamer of a football player. He’s an incredible playmaker with the ball in his hand and has great arm strength. If he can work on protecting the football and play a little less hero ball, Ward can be a franchise-changing player for the Titans.
2. Cleveland Browns: Sheduer Sanders, Colorado, QB, Senior
There are not many teams in the NFL with a worse quarterback situation than the Browns. Watson could be out the entire 2025 season and Winston and Thompson-Robinson don’t emerge as quarterbacks of the future. With that being said, I don’t think they’re that far from being back in playoff contention. Bring in Sanders and his incredible accuracy and ball placement and this team can be in a much better spot.
3. New York Giants: Travis Hunter, Colorado, CB, Junior
The Giants would love a QB with this pick, but with Ward and Sanders gone and no QB3 that should go in the first round, they’ll gladly step up to the podium and select the 2024 Heisman winner. The big question with Hunter is which position he’ll play, but with his all-world talent on both sides of the ball, he’ll make an impact wherever he is.
4. New England Patriots: Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona, WR, Junior
The Patriots have two glaring needs, which are wide receiver and offensive lineman. McMillan is the most talented player in the draft when looking at those two positions, so I think that’s where New England should lean towards. QB Drake Maye will love McMillan’s blend of ridiculous size and great speed and fluidity.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, Michigan, DI, Junior
It was a nightmare year in Jacksonville. They only won four games and fired their head coach. In this spot, I think they go with the best player available and select Graham from Michigan. Graham moves great for his size while not sacrificing game-changing strength. Graham is one of the most bust-proof players in this draft, which is one of the best compliments I can give to a draft prospect.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Abdul Carter, Penn State, ED, Junior
Vegas is another QB-needy team that won’t have the opportunity to select one of the top two QBs from this class. While they figure out their QB situation over the next year, they’ll add Carter to their pass rush. Carter is an explosive athlete who has an incredible burst off the line and a solid arsenal of pass moves at his disposal. If the Raiders can tap into Carter’s potential, they could have one of the best edge players in the league.
7. New York Jets: Will Johnson, Michigan, CB, Junior
Johnson is a prospect who has gone under the radar at the top of this class. He’s dealt with injuries throughout this year, and when he was on the field, he didn’t have an amazing year like he did last year. Regardless, Johnson has great length and size for the position, and the Jets will gladly pair him with CB Sauce Gardner.
8. Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, Georgia, ED, Junior
Walker may be the biggest riser so far in this draft cycle. He’s been used in a multitude of ways at Georgia, either being an edge player or an off-ball linebacker. Walker is an incredible athlete, which can be seen when he’s in coverage or when he’s rushing the passer. With this pick, Carolina selects Walker to be their premier pass rusher.
9. New Orleans Saints: Will Campbell, LSU, T, Junior
New Orleans desperately needs an upgrade to their offensive line, and Campbell can be just that. He plays with great balance, strength, and leverage for the position. While this won’t be an immediate fix for the Saints, he’ll come in and immediately be one of their best offensive players.
10. Chicago Bears: Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas, T, Junior
Just like the Saints, one of the Bears’ most glaring weaknesses is their offensive line. QB Caleb Williams has been running for his life all season, and he needs solid protection to max out his potential. Banks, with his smooth pass block moves and effective use of his hands, is much needed for the Bears.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Josh Simmons, Ohio State, T, Senior
The tackle run continues when the 49ers select Simmons. One of the biggest surprises of the season was the 49ers’ disappointment. They finished dead last in the NFC West, which was the complete opposite result from last year. If they can get healthy, I think they can get right back to where they were a year ago, and the addition of Simmons will help.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty, Boise State, RB, Junior
If you keep up with other mock drafts, you’ll recognize this pairing. Everyone thinks Jeanty to Dallas will happen, and for good reason. The Heisman runner-up has one of the best seasons of any college running back ever, and the Cowboys desperately need to add some juice to their running attack.
13. Miami Dolphins: Cameron Williams, Texas, T, Junior
Four offensive linemen go in the last five picks when Miami selects Williams. While maybe not as polished of a prospect as his teammate Banks, Williams has great potential. He has a great frame and length with strong hands and great power.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, Penn State, TE, Senior
The first tight end comes off the board when the Colts select Warren from Penn State. At 6’6, 260 lbs, Warren has a great burst with the ball in his hands and a wide catch radius. QB Anthony Richardson will love his new weapon.
15. Atlanta Falcons: James Pearce Jr., Tennessee, ED, Junior
It seems like every year Atlanta’s biggest need is an edge rusher, and this year is no different. Pearce, not too long ago, was seen as a potential first-overall pick in this draft. While it looks like that won’t materialize, Pearce still has the tools to be an elite pass rusher at the next level.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Kenneth Grant, Michigan, DI, Junior
While Mason Graham, rightfully so, gets most of the press on that Michigan defense, don’t sleep on his teammates. Grant is built like a tank (339 lbs) and has a good chance to have the most bench press reps at next month’s combine. He will fit right into a Cardinals’ defense that doesn’t have a player like him.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Malaki Starks, Georgia, S, Junior
Most people think the Bengals should focus on a WR with this pick, and I get that thought process. Yes, the Bengals could bring WR Tee Higgins back, but it’s going to be hard to pull off financially when you consider that they also have to pay WR Ja’Marr Chase. Regardless, selecting Starks would be a great move for Cincy. He might not have a real weakness in his game.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Wyatt Milum, West Virginia, T, Senior
One of the worst offensive lines this year was Seattle’s, so this pick seems obvious. Milum from West Virginia has incredibly strong and active hands and solid athletic ability. Throw Milum wherever in Seattle’s offensive line, and the improvement will be there.
19. Houston Texans: Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota, T, Senior
Another one! I’m going to sound like a broken record here. They have a bad offensive line and they need help. This statement could be applied to many teams. The Texans are one of those teams as they select Ersery. He has a long frame and a tough mindset.
20. Denver Broncos: Colston Loveland, Michigan, TE, Junior
What a year for rookie QB Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos. They’ve made the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade and they’ve seemingly found their quarterback of the future. For Nix, the Broncos select Loveland from Michigan. As a TE, he’s one of the best-receiving threats in the draft.
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nic Scourton, Texas A&M, ED, Junior
Scourton is one of my personal favorite players in this draft. He has great size for the position at 6’4, 280 lbs, is an ultra-physical player, and has a great arsenal of pass moves. Specifically, his spin move is Giannis Antetokounmpo’s level of nasty. Tamp will love him.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Luther Burden III, Missouri, WR, Junior
You may or may not know that I’m a Steelers fan, and I have had to sit through an entire year with one of the worst WR cores in the league. Pittsburgh, with a capital N, needs upgrades to its WR core, and Burden is just that. Burden is a dynamic player with the ball in his hands and is a run-after-the-catch nightmare for opposing defenses. The Pickens and Burden pairing is extremely exciting for the Steelers.
23. Los Angeles Rams: Jahdae Barron, Texas, CB, Senior
What a breakout season Barron has had for the Texas Longhorns. He’s been used in many ways this year. In the run game, he’s a great defender with a high motor. In the pass game, he’s a ballhawk with strong ball skills. In a Rams’ defense that is on the up-and-up, Barron is just another step in that.
24. Green Bay Packers: Walter Nolen, Ole Miss, DI, Junior
Nolen wasn’t a player that went in the first round in 1.0., but the potential is obvious. He was the top overall prospect in the 2022 high school class and has shown flashes of greatness at Ole Miss. While there’s a lot to work on with Nolen’s game, if the Packers can dial him in, you could have an All-Pro on your hands.
25. Los Angeles Chargers: Mykel Williams, Georgia, ED, Junior
Another Georgia edge-rusher comes off the board when the other LA selects Williams. Like many of Georgia defenders before him and his current teammate Jalon Walker, Williams has all of the traits to be an elite NFL player. He has a great frame for the position and he’s effective against both the run and pass.
26. Washington Commanders: Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M, ED, Junior
Stewart is a massive human being. Multiple offensive linemen in the NFL are shorter than him (6’6) and he’s nearing 300 pounds. With that size, he’ll need to be moved inside and stick his hand in the dirt to be most effective. The Commanders will greatly appreciate his strong hands, incredible power, and explosive get-off.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame, CB, Junior
A few months ago, Morrison was considered a top 10-15 pick in this draft. Sadly, he’s dealt with injuries this year and his draft stock has dropped accordingly. In 2.0., he’s way too talent not to go in the first round. His fluid hips, inside-outside versatility, and well-rounded playstyle give Baltimore the potential to have a lockdown NFL CB.
28. Minnesota Vikings: Shavon Revel, East Carolina, CB, Senior
Right after Morrison, another similar prospect in Revel comes off the board. His 2024 injuries could keep him outside of the first round, but it’s hard to see that when you evaluate his length, fiery playstyle, and overall athleticism. It’ll be fun to see what DC Brian Flores could do with Revel in his defense.
29. Buffalo Bills: Tyleik Williams, Ohio State, DI, Senior
We’ve talked about potential quite a bit in this mock, and rightfully so. When evaluating these prospects, their potential may be the most important thing to figure out. Williams from Ohio State has some of the highest potential in this draft. While he is quite raw, he has prototypical size, movement skills, and strength for this position.
30. Philadelphia Eagles: Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss, ED, Senior
In a strong edge class, another one goes in the first round here at pick 30. Philly may have the best roster in the NFL, so it’s hard to decide who to give them with this pick. GM Howie Roseman loves his trench players, so why not give him another one in Umanmielen? His ability as a stand-up rusher fit well in a stacked edge group with the Eagles.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon, T, Junior
KC has a fantastic offensive line when you look at the middle of it, but their tackles leave a lot to be desired. Plug in Conerly, with his solid frame and great athletic ability, and the Chiefs could have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. He’s going 31 in 2.0., look out for Conerly much higher in 3.0.
32. Detroit Lions: Jack Sawyer, Ohio State, ED, Senior
The Lions end night one with the selection of Sawyer. He’s an ultra-physical player who attacks with power from the edge. That strength translates well in the run game, with him being stout in that aspect. He will pair well with Hutchinson in Detroit.
