Sean Gannon

We are just weeks away from the NFL draft, and I am so excited. It was time to jump into some Mock Drafts. I have some trades for you to keep in mind, but let’s jump right into it as we enter the first round.

1. Tennessee Titans (3-14) *TRADE WITH GIANTS (Giants send #3, Round 2 #34, Round 4 #103 for Round 1 #2, Round 4 #119) Cam Ward, QB Miami

Giants make a splash this year with a trade for the first overall pick. With no one currently in the quarterback room and questions looming between Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll, you have to do something that gets you your guy. Cam Ward is the best QB in this class; his calm in the pocket is incredible, and he has great arm talent and can hit receivers at all levels. He worked with three different collegiate programs and is a coach player. I want to see what he can do under center and watch him go through progressions, but if I am the Giants, I am not letting him slip away.

2. Cleveland Browns (3-14) Abdul Carter, Edge Penn State

Myles Garrett’s time in Cleveland is officially done, and they could go Sanders here, but I see them going out and getting Cousins to help them for another year. Losing Garrett is a considerable loss; edge defenders are so important (look at this year’s SB), and losing that talent is like losing a quarterback. Abdul Carter is that caliber of player, and I am not worried about the injury. His motor doesn’t stop; he’s fast off the line, can bully offensive linemen, and uses his speed to get around them. Carter is one of the best players in this draft, if not the best player in this draft. Browns can lose Garrett and get his replacement. Sure, they don’t have a quarterback, but isn’t Cleveland used to that?

3. New York Giants (3-14) *Traded With Tennessee Titans* Travis Hunter, DB Colorado

Travis Hunter enters this draft as one of the most interesting players. Not only is he one of the best athletes I’ve seen in my lifetime, but I am so curious to see how it all translates to the NFL, and if it can, I think it comes down to the right coaching to bring out the best in him. There is no way you can pass on Hunter if you are Tenessee. You can pair him with Sneed, and he’s a CB2 learning from one of the best, and he becomes a weapon for Will Levis or the veteran they bring in. If you are Tennessee, getting capital and still getting one of the best players is a great move.

4. New England Patriots (4-13) *TRADE WITH LAS VEGAS* (Vegas Sends Pick # 6, Round 2 #39, Patriots send Round 1#4 and a 3rd round pick) Shaduer Sanders, QB Colorado

Vegas feels the heat of the Jets right behind them, and with the Titans opting for Hunter instead of Sanders and Browns going Carter, the Raiders don’t miss their chance. They liked him throughout the offseason; he said glowing things about them. With Brady in the building as owner and willing to give his help, they are ready to get a quarterback for the future, and they need someone. Sanders has everything that you want from a quarterback. He might not have the strongest arm, but if he can improve his pocket presence, he won’t need to push the ball deep downfield all the time the way some quarterbacks do. 

5. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-13) Tetariota McMillian, WR Arizona

This is going to be met with many question marks, and I don’t think McMillian should go this high, but I do feel the Jags are going to reach someone. Everything about them last year was bad; they brought in a slew of young front-office members to make drastic changes. They are trying to add McMillian on the outside while having Briand Thomas Jr. tear up the inside. I like the idea, but I don’t know if McMillian is the right person this early on.

6. Las Vegas Raiders (4-13)*Traded to the Patriots*  Will Campbell, OT LSU

Everything about Campbell makes me feel like he is a Vrbael kind of player. He is just gritty, does the dirty work, and is really technically proficient. I am not worried about the short arms at all. He was able to block some of the best in college, and it will translate to the NFL. He has a ton of speed for a lineman and can be plug-and-play for protection for Drake Maye, which the Patriots will need if they want him to grow. 

7. New York Jets (5-12) Armand Membou, OT Missouri

Membou and Campbell are considered the ½ for tackles in this draft, and the Jets get someone who can help protect the quarterback (whoever that is) but will be a bruiser for the run game and Breece Hall. With the quarterbacks gone, it’s possible the Jets trade back and gain capital if they like a player in particular, but if not, helping out the OL would be huge. They have been struggling for the last few years, and there is potential to still get a quarterback in the later rounds (Dart, Leonard, Milroe) who could be one of the guys they target.

8. Carolina Panthers (5-12) Mykel Williams, Edge Georgia

The Panthers still need pieces, but their second half of the season just solidified that Young can be this team’s future. Williams gives them a much-needed pass rush, something that was nonexistent last year; they ranked 28th in sacks. After trading Brian Burns last year and cutting Shaq Thompson, Carolina is looking to rebuild this defense as best as they can, and it starts with their ability to get after the quarterback.

9. New Orleans Saints (5-12) Shamer Stewart, Edge Texas A&M

Cam Jordan, the man, the myth, the legend, is getting close to retirement. You can just feel it. It was talked about throughout the offseason, especially with a down year for him. You get his replacement. Stewart has a lot of talent, is quick off the ball, has excellent bend, and has the ability to get after the quarterback. With Jordan and Young still around, Stewart can learn, take key snaps, and doesn’t need to be a day-one starter. This allows him to grow even more at the next level.

10. Chicago Bears (5-12) Tyler Booker, Guard Alabama

The biggest issue on the Bears’ OL was the interior offensive line. Darnell Wright played great, but inside, they could not protect Caleb Williams. Thuney was a great trade, but they still need help. With Ben Johnson as their HC and the growth they are all hoping for with Williams, you need to ensure he has some protection. Booker is a bruiser; he’s the perfect size for the NFL, gets to the second level, and can be a wall in pass protection. Johnson knows he has some weapons; it’s about how to protect them to get the ball downfield. 

11. San Francisco 49ers (6-11) Will Johnson, CB Michigan

It could be a defensive line very easily, but Johnson is still sitting here at the 11 spot, and the 49ers do not let him fall down any further. Johnson is, to me, the best CB in the draft. He has been electric at Michigan. He’s been incredible at making quarterbacks think that the WR is open before he uses his athleticism to close the gap. With Robert Saleh back in the building, I think he is an early candidate for DROY. 

12. Dallas Cowboys (7-10) Mike Green, Edge Marshall

Ashton Jeanty is still on the board here, and they could very easily go that route if they want to. But with Micah Parsons entering a contract year, Odighizuwas resigning, and Lawrence potentially leaving, Green is the perfect player to bulk up this defense. Green’s hands constantly move; he’s rushing the point of attack and does not quit until the play ends. He and Micah Parsons can be a match made in heaven if paired together. I love everything about him. Dallas gets their defensive guy.

13. Miami Dolphins (8-9) Nick Emmanomari, S South Carolina

The Dolphins also need some OL help, which could be a chance for them to get one of them. However, they have zero rostered safeties and plan to let Holland walk away in free agency. Emmanomari is someone to get to know because he is scary and athletic. He has the ball skills of a wide receiver with the instincts of an elite safety. His ability to cover top tight ends and be a blitzing safety make him one of the best and most underrated defensive players in the draft. He can replace Holland for the Dolphins. 

14. Indianapolis Colts (8-9) Tyler Warren, TE Penn State

Warren is the best tight end in a pretty stacked class. Not only can he catch the ball and run routes at a surprising elite level for a tight end, but he can also block. His ability to line up and block edge defenders is going to be one of his best assets. On a run-friendly team like the Colts, Jonathan Taylor will love him, and if Anthony Richardson makes the following steps, he can be a safety blanket for his quarterback.

15. Atlanta Falcons (8-9) Jalon Walker, Edge Georgia

It’s always great when a Bulldog won’t need to travel far. Last year, everyone thought they should get an edge defender in the top 10. They didn’t. But after ranking 31st in sacks, they need to get someone to get after the quarterback. The NFC South is going to be open again, and the Falcons played great in their division; with his ability to line up on the edge and as an outside linebacker, plus his rush on the blitz, Raheem Morris can have a field day with this talent. 

16. Arizona Cardinals (8-9) Mason Graham, DT Michigan

Graham falls in my draft, but the Cardinals are extremely happy about it. Graham is a great run-stopping DT. With CMC and Kenneth Walker III in the division, they get a guy on the defensive front who can impact the team. The defense was not the strongest side of the ball for the Cardinals, and Graham could help them. If he is able to get better after the quarterback and shed double teams, he might be one of the best DTs in five years.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (9-8) Walter Nolan, DT Ole Miss

If Tyler Warren is still here, the Bengals will draft him. But in the meantime, they help out their defense. It felt like we watched the Bengals light up the scoreboard every week and look like one of the best offenses. Then their defense would go out on the field, losing games. With Trey Hendricksons future uncertain, helping out the defense is the next best thing that they can do. Nolen is great at getting blockers off their feet and popping up right when the ball is snapped. I would love to see what he can do in the AFC North.

18. Seattle Seahawks (10-7) Matthew Golden, WR Texas

Seattle could opt for OL; they need the help, but Lockette is getting old, and the DK trade rumors are in full swing. They need to draft a playmaker and get someone to work alongside JSN if this offense hopes to keep up with Geno at quarterback. Golden has a good ability to stretch the field and solid body control at high-pointing the ball. If he can polish his route-running, he and JSN will be a huge problem for opposing teams. 

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7) Jihaad Campbell, LB Alabama

The Bucs have to figure out a few things in some positions, but they are still poised for the playoffs. Lavonte Davis is 35 years old, and KJ Britt is going to need someone on that second level. Campbell is coming off 119 total tackles and five sacks in 2024. With his size and speed, he has all of the intangibles that you want out of a linebacker. Learning under David for a season could make him a pro-bowl-caliber player by year 2.

20. Denver Broncos (10-7) Colston Loveland, TE Michigan

Denver was led by OROY candidate Bo Nix, and this defense is crazy. It leads the league in sacks; bringing in Loveland should help Bo Nix grow even more. Loveland is basically a wide receiver with a tight-end build. He can run routes at all levels, stretch the field, and be a mismatch for linebackers. He can elevate the TE position in Denver and this passing game. This team is missing that kind of tight end on the roster.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) Ashton Jeanty, RB Bosie State

Najee Harris is looking like he is going to be elsewhere, and I think Pitt waits on a quarterback until the second round. Jeanty is the best RB in the draft. Pull up his tape. I can’t really find a downside to it. Maybe not the best blocker or catcher, but if you’re running for 200 yards a game, you’re doing something right. Pittsburgh could go anywhere here, but I think they go BPA, and that is Jeanty this late in the draft.

22. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) Kenneth Grant, DT Michigan

There is a reunion happening in LA for Grant and head coach Jim Harbaugh. He is the prototypical big DT who just plugs up offensive lines and shuts down the run game. With Bosa trade rumors and Mack a free agent, they need to help out this defensive line. After the playoff run that they just had, they want to be right back into it, and that starts with the tough Harbaugh defense first.

23. Green Bay Packers (11-6) Jahade Barron, CB Texas

The Packers and Alexander are on bad terms and will not reunite anytime soon. That is a significant loss for the Packers when healthy Alexander is one of the best. They need to get someone in there to replace him, and Barron can be just that. The nickel cornerback position is in such high demand, and he can be the kind of guy who can fill that role for the Packers.

24. Minnesota Vikings (14-3) *Trade With Baltimore Ravens* (Vikings send Round 1 Pick #24, Ravens send Round 1 Pick #27 and Round 3 Pick #91)  Emeka Embuka, WR Ohio State

They can go offensive line here with Stanley not being the same player before the injury, but Embuka is sitting right here, and with the Texans and Rams ahead of them, they don’t miss their chance to get a playmaker for Lamar Jackson. Rashod Bateman has not fully lived up to expectations, and Mark Andrews is potentially a cap casualty of a trade or surprise release. Zay Flowers needs a running mate to elevate this offense to the next level. If Jackson can throw 41:4 in 2024, arguably one of the most polished route runners in the draft can make an impact on this team.

25. Houston Texans (10-7) Luther Burden III, WR Missouri

CJ Stroud and the Texans are 100% in a new situation. Back-to-back years are making the playoffs. Stefon Diggs is a free agent, and adding another weapon for Stroud could make this team all the better. Nico Collins can stretch the field; he is one of the best at it, and Burden’s ability to catch the ball short and make a play will help keep this offense more consistent and give Stroud multiple levels to attack defenses in year 3.

26. Los Angeles Rams (10-7) Kelvin Banks Jr, OT Texas

The Rams could go WR, depending on who they like, especially with Kupp on the way out. But after resigning Matthew Stafford to a huge deal and making it to the divisional last year, they have to protect him as best as they can. I think he is one of the true one-on-one tackles in the draft. You can put him on an island with some of the edge defenders, and he will protect Stafford.

27. Baltimore Ravens (12-5) *Traded with Minnesota Vikings* Melaki Starks, S Georgia.

Kwesi hasn’t been shy from trading in the draft, and with three picks to their name, trading back wouldn’t be a bad thing. Harrison Smith may still be back, but at 36, he can’t play every snap. Starks has been among the brightest and best defensive backs since entering the CFB. Starks is a high IQ player with the versatility that makes him great at contested catches, and he can play all over. If Minnesota can bring back Bynum and Smith, Starks can learn in his first year before becoming the full-time starter.

28. Detroit Lions (15-2) Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge Boston College

Aiden Hutchinson went down, and this team was still just a few games away from the SB; it felt like in the playoffs, if they had been able to get after the quarterback, it could have changed the outcome. Donovan Ezeiruaku makes big plays in the backfield, shedding blocks, and has a great blend of agility and athleticism, making it easy for him to get after ball carriers. Hutchinson led the team in sacks but missed half of the year, and they need to get someone to pair with him.

29. Washington Commanders (12-5) Omarion Hampton, RB UNC

Hampton could steal this draft with his ability to do everything out of the backfield. Washington needs some help in pass-rushing, but after their trade for Deebo, I think they are building offense first. Ekeler and Robinson didn’t do enough to warrant them not upgrading this position. He is going to be electric with the Commanders and Jayden Daniels giving him swing passes.

30. Buffalo Bills (13-4) Maxwell Hariston, CB Kentucky

The Bills could go for an edge here, but Rashul Douglas is about to be a free agent, and with 4.28 speed from the CB position, it will be hard to pass on Hariston. He can keep track of the speedy receivers in the NFL, anticipate the route, and fit the Bills’ schemes. He can be a perfect day 1 starter for the franchise. 

31. Kansas City Chiefs (15-2) Josh Simmons, OT Ohio State

KC has got to protect Mahomes; it is why they lost in the SB, having to shuffle around their entire team. Simmons is just an overall good offensive lineman. He has a good feel for the pocket and can block out for HB passes. If he can kick inside, that might help out the Chiefs, but ultimately, their biggest concern is that Mahomes has time to move the ball downfield.

32. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) James Pearce Jr, Edge Tennessee

Josh Sweat is going to sign a big deal on another team, and he should, so they have to get another defensive player. Pearce has had some question marks regarding his character and attitude, but Philly can help. It’s hard to be cocky when the team you’re joining the SB champs with a defense that just dogged KC, and you’re just a guy. But he is a great talent with a relentless motor and a significant first step. Whatever issues will be gone by joining this team, and once again, Philly lands a stud defensive player.