The NFL draft is finally here!
All 32 teams turn their eyes to the future where stars from the collegiate stage are beginning their journey to the next level of the game.
In this in-depth view of the NFL Draft, I’m going to be breaking down the first round, providing my two cents about who each team should draft
The Tennessee Titans are on the clock with pick No.1.
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Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward QB (Miami)
It doesn’t matter who else is in the draft. The Titans are taking a quarterback. The Will Levis experiment ended horribly last season, obviously, since the Titans are picking first overall. Their front office is already impressed and are drooling over Ward, who is a good fit and has more physical upside than all of the other quarterbacks in the draft. Tennessee has essentially already selected Ward, based on all of the brass they’ve sent to his pro day. And by cancelling their private workout with Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Tennessee has essentially sealed the deal.
2. Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter EDGE (Penn State.)
The consensus on this quarterback class is that it’s not as talent rich as last year’s. The Browns aren’t winning anytime soon, especially while Deshaun Watson is still eating up all of their cap space. The Browns should draft a verified superstar, not a swing and a miss. Carter is that guy. Putting another scary edge opposite to Myles Garrett might just keep Lamar Jackson from running out of the pocket. The former Penn State Nittany Lion is still working through a foot injury, but he should be ready for training camp. Carter, the 2024 Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year, is a stud and will be a day one contributor on the Browns. Plus, they can draft him early and still find a filler quarterback, such as Heisman runner up Dillion Gabriel, in the later rounds and let him compete for the starting spot while Watson rehabs.The Browns should try and draft a stud and get a verified star quarterback next year instead of reach for someone who they’ll throw to the wolves too early and give up on in a year.
3. New York Giants: Travis Hunter CB/WR (Colorado)
The Giants were so bad last year they deserved the No. 1 overall pick, but they were so bad at tanking that they sold that job too. They were in line for a sure-fire quarterback (Cam Ward), but choked that job by winning meaningless games down the stretch. Now the Giants are in a spot where, barring a miracle, they won’t find a franchise quarterback in this draft. They should draft Hunter and build around their bridge quarterbacks, Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, and prepare for drafting a franchise quarterback in later rounds or in next year’s draft.
4. New England Patriots: Mason Graham DL (Michigan)
While the need to protect quarterback Drake Maye is obvious, the defense needs love too. Drafting a game-wrecker and the top defensive tackle in Graham helps that and brings a defensive cornerstone for new coach Mike Vrabel to play with. Mason’s the best interior defensive lineman in this class and disrupts the game. He’ll prove useful in stopping the run in the AFC East, especially against MVP Josh Allen, and the new quarterback for the Jets, Justin Fields.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Johnson CB (Michigan)
The Jaguars were just a coach away from winning games because the talent is there., They just needed a solid coach. Hiring Liam Coen helps stabilize the team and allows them to build a better team than last year. They could trade down for more picks, allowing them to draft their next franchise QB, or they could draft a defensive player to create a stronger unit to perplex division quarterbacks CJ Stroud and Anthony Richardson. Johnson does just that as the top cornerback in this year’s draft.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty RB (Boise St.)
With new head coach Pete Carroll, new quarterback Geno Smith and new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, the Raiders have all the tools and cap space to rebuild and retool the Silver and Black for the upcoming season. Jeanty brings shades of Marshawn Lynch back to Carroll’s team, and the Raiderss. Carroll loves his workhorse backs and Jeanty achieves just that. He also gives Vegas a strong running back to build around. While they could draft Shedeur Sanders and bring shades of Russell Wilson back to Carroll, I think that Jeanty is a safer pick for the Raider Nation.
7. New York Jets: Tetairoa McMillan WR (Arizona)
The Jets offense is sneaky good, and their defense, under new coach Aaron Glenn, should be a sleeper force this season.But the start to a great season begins with the draft, and that is key. A stud wide receiver is a big piece for the Jets. McMillan is a No. 1 receiver should be taken here as he adds depth and a big option for Justin Fields to target when in a pinch.The Jets don’t have a solid wide receiver core beyond Garrett Wilson, so Mcmillan is the best wide receiver in this class. His big and physical play style could add a D.K. Metcalf-type player to the Jets offense and finally helps them take flight.
8. Carolina Panthers: Malaki Starks S (Georgia)
The Panthers saw some upside from young quarterback Bryce Young, so now they need to bolster the defense that was absolutely horrible last season. Starks does exactly what they’re asking for. He is a stud pick on the defensive side of the ball, a hard hitter and a smart player. The Panthers need a leader on the other side of the ball. Anyone would be good, but Starks is better than just anyone else expected to be available. He’ll come in to save a secondary being held together by cornerback Jaycee Horn.
9. New Orleans Saints: Shedeur Sanders QB (Colorado)
Since quarterback Derek Carr is injured, Sanders fits this team like a glove. He’ll start right away, learn quickly and probably win the job in the years to come. The only problem for him is the lack of weapons, but that can be taken care of with a wide receiver picked in the second round. Since Carr is injured, the Saints are in quarterback panic mode. While they could let second year quarterback Spencer Rattler start, Sanders is still a good pick, especially with the coaching situation locked down. Sanders also is used to turning around programs, so if Sanders falls in the draft, New Orleans stops the slide and picks him.
10. Chicago Bears: Tyler Warren TE (Penn State)
The Bears retooled the offensive line and are finally building around a quarterback correctly. They just need to make the right pick. If the Bears are going to build around their quarterback, they have to do it right. Drafting the best tight end in this class gives new coach Ben Johnson another toy in his offense. Similar to how he had Sam Laporta in Detroit, this allows Johnson to effectively reboot the offense. If Jeanty is still on the board by pick 10, the Bears could select him, but Warren is too talented for them to pass up. He can truly unlock Johnson’s offense.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Will Campbell OT (LSU)
The 49ers had a great purge during the recent free agency cycle. While most fans are calling for a defensive pick in this year’s draft, the offensive line remains a glaring need for the 49ers. Campbell can be brought in to protect quarterback Brock Purdy. The Niners were an offensive line away from a Super Bowl two years ago after all, and Campbell provides an ability to play in the interior line and potentially replace star tackle Trent Williams in the coming years. Williams is the ideal pick for a team trying to improve their offensive line, so as the best lineman available,he’s a 49ers fan’s dream if he falls to this pick.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Omarion Hampton RB (North Carolina)
The Cowboys are absolutely in shambles. Dak Prescott is an unreliable quarterback, owner Jerry Jones is basically running the team when he shouldn’t be, new coach Brian Schottenheimer seems to be Jones’ puppet. The Cowboys aren’t paying their superstars correctly and are trying to hold on to their formerly formidable core. Jones will pick whomever is the most profitable and most appealing to his eye, or whatever will generate the most headlines in Dallas. He’ll probably reach on a running back like Hampton even after the top talent is gone, instead of actually making his team better. Jones will probably overreact to the previous picks and select someone too early. He wants a new shade of Ezekiel Elliot, which will probably lead him to reach on Hampton to keep Dallas in the media spotlight.
13. Miami Dolphins: Jahdae Barron CB (Texas)
The Dolphins are mediocre so any talent will help with that. Plus, a good draft will hopefully convince receiver Tyreek Hill and cornerback Jalen Ramsey to stay. The loss of safety Jevon Holland in free agency brings up a new need to a team that really doesn’t need any more acquisitions. The Dolphins are already stacked, so adding Barron to the Dolphins secondary is a good move for them on the defensive side of the ball. This is also a good value pick and a good fit for the Dolphins. It just depends on if the Dolphins front office believes that this is a good value for their pick.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Armand Membou OT (Missouri)
The Colts need to build around quarterback Anthony Richardson, Jonathan Taylor, and their other young talent. While they could go with a defensive player, anything is on the board for them. Membou is the fastest offensive lineman in the draft, and he is an amazing run blocker for Richardson. The Colts just need to commit to Richardson and be patient, and they should do so by bringing in an offensive lineman. Not only will this allow Richardson to stay in the pocket with more protection, it allows him more time to make better decisions and show off his talent as a passer. This is something that he hasn’t been doing during his time in the spotlight. This also will allow him to run around better blockers for designed quarterback draws so he can showcase all of his Cam-Newton-esque abilities.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Mike Green EDGE (Marshall)
The Falcons shocked the world by taking quarterback Michael Penix Jr after signing quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency last year. This time they won’t draft a quarterback. Raheem Morris is a defensive minded head coach, so adding an elite and aggressive player to the line is a good idea, especially since they need help on that side of the ball. Anyone on the defensive side of the ball is a safe bet for the Falcons since their offense is loaded. Now is a good time for the Dirty Birds to build their defense by picking Green.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen DL (Mississippi)
Arizona was okay this past season, but they do need another X factor on the defense. Another wide receiver alongside Marvin Harrison Jr. could help, too, but Nolen is a big disruptor on the interior defensive line and should be able to contribute on day one for the Cardinals. He’ll be good at stopping the run and getting to the quarterback. He also adds something that could help coach Jonathon Gannon’s defense, a unit that has needed a star player since he was hired in 2023.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Colston Loveland TE (Michigan)
After spending all of their available resources on offense with record-breaking contracts for receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Cincinnati might as well double down and draft a star tight end to go along with their star receivers and quarterback. Loveland fixes a need that the Bengals have had for a long time. iHs blocking and receiving skills open up the whole offense and could help elevate this group to an elite level. Plus, there are plenty of good defensive prospects available in this draft’s later rounds.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Kelvin Banks Jr. OT (Texas)
The Seahawks and their new-look offense need to protect quarterback Sam Darnold, who has historically been horrible under pressure. ANY offensive lineman will do, but Banks is the best available at this point. He’s also a good run blocker, which helps unlock Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet to their full potential. Darnold crumbled under any form of pressure during his tenure with the Vikings, who had a decent offensive line. He now goes to Seattle with a significantly worse offensive line. It’s essential to keep Darnold’s jersey clean. While the Seahawks could draft a playmaker, they know they need to protect Darnold in order to win, so they take action to do just that.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Donovan Ezeiruaku EDGE (Boston College)
Tampa has a good offense. They just need to shore up the defense so they don’t continuously put themselves in close, overtime-situation games. Ezeiruaku is a linebacker type player who can rush the quarterback. He not only plays like linebacker Haason Reddick, he’ll play alongside him in Tampa, which could help his development as a player. Coach Todd Bowles works well with defensive players, so adding a piece alongside Reddick, Vita Veia, and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka doesn’t hurt.
20. Denver Broncos: Matthew Golden WR (Texas)
Golden is arguably the best receiver in this class. He always is openhe’s a big body receiver that has good speed. And he makes big plays. Coach Sean Payton wanted a “Joker” type of player. Golden brings that to the table. Even if he’s not the No.1 receiver in this class, he’ll be the most productive player on day one, especially with young quarterback Bo Nix, who needs a new favorite target.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jaxson Dart QB (Mississippi)
The Steelers need a quarterback and Dart is sitting in the green room. Dart has been brought in for a top 30 visit, so the Steelers are circling. Dart is extremely talented with a strong arm and ability to run around as well. He’s a good fit for the Steelers. His passing ability paired with receivers DK Metcalf and George Pickens should aid his development. Legendary coach Mike Tomlin also will help his development. With unemployed quarterback Aaron Rodgers likely to retire, Dart seems like a Steeler.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Luther Burden III WR (Missouri)
I’ve been mocking this Burden to the Chargers pick since before his latest collegiate campaign. He was initially the best wide receiver coming into the draft. Since the Chargers don’t have a definite wide receiver room, Burden can slide right in. Ladd McConkey is a young and raw player, and Quentin Johnston is still adjusting to the league. Burden gives quarterback Justin Herbert another weapon. Making McConkey wide receiver 1A and Burden 1B, would put pressure on Johnston to have a breakout year under the threat of losing his spot.
23. Green Bay Packers: James Pearce Jr. EDGE (Tennessee)
Pearce has been falling in recent mocks, which is confusing because he used to be the top prospect overall before last season. He’s still a freak athlete who will shine wherever he goes. Green Bay has been scouting pass rushers, too, so this just makes sense. They also were bullied on the ground by running back Saquon Barkley which is part of a reason why they lost in the Wild Card round of the playoffs last year. This time they select the defensive “swiss army knife” in Pearce.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Kenneth Grant DL (Michigan)
The Vikings need to bolster their defense in a division that boasted two of the top teams in the Lions (No. 1 seed) and Packers (No. 7). Plus, the Bears seem to be on the rise. Minnesota already signed defensive linemen Johnathon Allen and Javon Hargrave, but Hargrave needs someone to set him up for sacks. He can’t really headline a defensive line. Adding Grant to this grouping makes running the football impossible against Minnesota, essentially giving them a huge advantage over the Lions’ powerful run game.
25. Houston Texans: Emeka Egbuka WR (Ohio State)
Egbuka played with Texans quarterback CJ Stroud in college and their connection was special. The Texans lost receiver Stefon Diggs in free agency and have Tank Dell coming off of injury. Egbuka adds a star receiver on the offense and allows Stroud to hit his stride easier and faster next season.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Jihaad Campbell LB (Alabama)
The Rams haven’t had a strong middle linebacker since Bobby Wagner. Campbell is a good add. While he might be taken away earlier in the draft, he could fall due to teams who don’t need a linebacker yet or have better options. But adding a solid linebacker to close the middle of the field is good in a division with stud tight ends George Kittle and Trey McBride.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Josh Simmons T (Ohio St.)
The Ravens need to set up ageless running back Derrick Henry with a better offensive line. They did lose Patrick Mekari and Ben Cleveland from their line but Simmons can slide right in and help the Ravens gain stability for this upcoming season. This move also allows quarterback Lamar Jackson to put up another MVP campaign.
28. Detroit Lions: Jalon Walker LB (Georgia)
The Lions failed to stop Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels in the playoffs last year. Part of that was because of his passing ability, but they also allowed two touchdowns on the ground. The Lions needed a linebacker to pair with Jack Campbell. Walker is a great option here. Detroit could obviously go with an offensive lineman, but their line is one of the best in the league. A linebacker allows them to stop the run and cover bigger receivers or faster tight ends better.
29. Washington Commanders: Grey Zabel T (North Dakota State)
The Commanders need to add a piece to the offense to allow quarterback Jayden Daniels time to show off his arm talent. While they could have selected a receiver, new addition Deebo Samuel has a lot left and Daniels has a good receiver room. Giving him time in the pocket is the necessary next step,especially because it was a huge reason why they lost in the NFC Championship game to the Eagles.
30. Buffalo Bills: Omarr Norman-Lott DL (Tennessee)
The Bills could use a replacement for linebacker Von Miller. While Norman-Lott is a very polarizing pick, there isn’t anyone else available for them in the position they’re at so late in the first round. Norman-Lott is a good player who could fall as far as the third round, but he should pair well alongside lineman Gregory Rousseau and new addition Joey Bosa.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Conerly Jr. OT (Oregon)
The Chiefs offensive line crumbled like wet paper in the Super Bowl as the Eagles defensive line had their way. Kansas City already traded guard Joe Thuney and they need someone to help bolster the line. The last time they lost in the Super Bowl it was a blowout to the Bucs because the offensive line couldn’t keep quarterback Patrick Mahomes protected, so the team totally rebuilt its line. History repeats itself here.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Nic Scourton EDGE (Texas A&M)
The Eagles lost some pieces on the defensive line in free agency in Josh Sweat (Cardinals) and Milton Williams (Patriots), and longtime lineman Brandon Graham retired. This is the same defensive line that was terrorizing Patrick Mahomes and essentially won them a Super Bowl. Philadelphia should replace some of those pieces and select Scourton. He’s a good piece because he adds a strong edge rusher to a line that’s been missing a solid outside man.
