jvkeb Mock 1.0 '25

I write a few mock drafts up every year on WalterFootball.com. Here is my first take at this year's draft (first round only). This mock includes write-ups and potential trades for the first 32 picks. Link here: https://debacled.walterfootball.com/readermocks/publishedmock/1870

1) Giants - Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado) TRADE Giants trade pick #3 and more to Titans for pick #1.

The Giants are hopeful to get their next franchise QB and trade up with the Titans to select Shedeur Sanders. This will be a great addition to the offense, and will allow Malik Nabers to reach his ceiling.

There will be plenty of bad press conferences, blame given, and perhaps poor body language on the field during his tenure in New York. But he will fit the swagger needed to represent NYC.

2) Browns - Cam Ward (QB, Miami) The Browns need a QB... who knew? Just because your GM went to Harvard doesn't mean they're a football guy. The Cleveland franchise looks to reset with this pick. They really need one of everything, especially since Myles Garrett requested a trade. Sorry Browns fans, we hope you see the playoffs sometime soon.

3) Titans - Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado) TRADE Titans trade down from pick #1 to the Giants for pick #3 and more.

The Titans seem lukewarm on selecting a QB with their pick at the top of the draft. Perhaps they think that they can get by at the position with a veteran via trade or free agency. Maybe selecting a passer does not fit the timing of the Titans' financial planning, as the owners plan to build a new stadium soon. Either way, it may be a mistake to not select a QB when you have one sitting there. It remains to be seen.

This selection could either be Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter. I'm going to go with Hunter because of his ability to play both sides of the ball. This is something that the Titans might find attractive, as they need guys at WR and CB (not to mention his special teams potential if used there).

4) Patriots - Abdul Carter (OLB/DE, Penn State) My Patriots get a defensive leader to develop alongside offensive leader Drake Maye. You may have seen this dude all over the screen in the College playoffs this year. Just look at his neck and you know he's a guy.

New England has not had a star defensive line player in a while. Often, their best teams under Belichick had a player like Vince Wilfork or Richard Seymour. Adding someone like Abdul Carter could help to unlock Keion White and Christian Barmore's potential/productivity.

5) Jaguars - Will Johnson (CB, Michigan) Perhaps the most commonly mocked player at pick #5 is Will Johnson. He's the best pure CB in the class and will fit a need on a Jacksonville team that needs talent in many places.

6) Raiders - Kenneth Grant (DT, Michigan) The Raiders could do a lot of things here at pick #6. They may even trade out to get draft resources that would allow them to draft a QB down the line. But for simplicity's sake, I'll say that the Raiders stay here and select a defensive lineman.

The Raiders likely need a hard reset, and Tom Brady would be quick to move on something like that. Tom Brady is operating the Raiders' DOGE (laugh). Trading Maxx Crosby would give them plenty of assets to move forward with.

7) 49ers - Will Campbell (OT, LSU) TRADE Jets trade their pick #7 to the 49ers for pick #11 and more.

The 49ers take advantage of the Jets' eternal organizational fumbling and select the top offensive lineman in the draft. Trent Williams will retire at some point in the next couple seasons and would probably be a great mentor to a rookie tackle.

If they were smart, the 49ers would trade McCaffrey and one of their top two receivers to complete a soft offensive reset. Some of the team's contracts will have big cap hits in the next few years and plenty of their starters will need new contracts as well.

8) Panthers - Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona) The Panthers will try to capitalize on Bryce Young's late-season success in 2024. That will require human targets to move the ball down field and get in the endzone. I am not certain about Bryce Young's potential, but my gut says that he won't be spectacular. Either way, the Panthers need to try. They've been an awful franchise for a while now and the owner is incredibly wealthy with something to prove.

9) Saints - Mason Graham (DT, Michigan) I don't think that Michigan's DTs will go far apart in the draft, like the Morris twins of the NBA. Mason Graham's draft stock has dropped in recent months, but he was consistently mocked as a top 5 pick for the past year or two. He could end up going before his Michigan counterpart Kenneth Grant. The Saints need everything and this is a start.

The Saints will not be able to make big splashes for the next couple years because their GM bet the house on Drew Brees' final years and years after in an effort to remain a competitive team. He restructured many contracts and the deferred money has come to roost. They also signed Derek Carr. Did it to themselves.

10) Bears - Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State) Ben Johnson and Ryan Poles make a splash on offense. This pick fits the need for a running back that we've seen in the Lions offense over the past few seasons. It also takes some of the workload off Caleb Williams. This may enable Caleb's progression in year two.

11) Jets - James Pearce Jr. (OLB/DE, Tennessee) TRADE Jets trade down from pick #7 to get pick #11 from the 49ers plus more.

Aaron Rodgers will return to the Jets and the franchise will have no clear path forward. They will not trade Davante Adams nor Garrett Wilson. They've already put a lot of capital into the offensive and defensive lines. Therefore, they don't really need to pick at #7 and move down. The Jets need another OLB and James Pearce Jr. fits the bill.

12) Cowboys - Mykel Williams (DE, Georgia) The Cowboys lose out on Ashton Jeanty and look to bolster their defensive line instead. This franchise stinks, they're super overrated and oversaturated in American media because some lead-breathers thought that their silver jerseys looked shiny on the TV screen. Jerry Jones is senile. Dak Prescott is washed. Good night.

13) Dolphins - Kelvin Banks (OT, Texas) Kelvin Banks will play offensive tackle in the NFL. Since Tua is a lefty, it would be worthwhile for Banks to play right tackle as his blindside is flipped. Terron Armstead has been a great left tackle, but a right tackle is more important if you're quarterback is left-handed.

14) Colts - Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina) For some reason, I think this guy's last name would look cool on a Colts jersey. The Colts are another team that lack talent in multiple departments, especially defense. Indy takes the best safety off the board here.

15) Falcons - Tyler Booker (OG, Alabama) The Falcons would be wise to invest in protection for Penix. He has torn his knees and had to have testicles put in; his shelf life in the NFL may be short. To enhance his performance, his offensive line must be complete. The Falcons select the best interior lineman in the draft to put alongside Chris Lindstrom.

16) Cardinals - Emeka Egbuka (WR, Ohio State) Arizona grabs the next WR off the board to match with former Ohio State teammate Marvin Harrison Jr. This will take some pressure off MHJ, who was always covered because of his gravity as a player and lack of receiving options on the Cardinals. The Cardinals are never going anywhere with Kyler Murray, so whatever they do really doesn't matter.

17) Bengals - Luther Burden III (WR, Missouri) Tee Higgins will leave Cincinnati for a big payday. No sane person would pay Burrow, Chase, and Higgins. This pick is to fill that gap and take coverage pressure off Ja'Marr Chase. It is also a response to the previous Arizona pick as there are fewer high-level wide receiver prospects available on the board. Supply and demand b*tches.

18) Buccaneers - Jihaad Campbell (ILB, Alabama) TRADE Buccaneers trade up one spot, giving up pick #19 plus more to the Seahawks for pick #18.

Todd Bowles has already said that he wants Jihaad Campbell. Shoutsout to Walter Football for having the best football coverage and letting me know that. With that being said, Todd Bowles will execute on his idea and look to get an underling to Lavonte David. You can trust Jihaad to hit the hole and blow it up.

19) Eagles - Jalon Walker (OLB, Georgia) TRADE Seahawks trade pick #18 to Buccaneers for pick #19 and more, then trade down with Eagles for pick #31.

Supply and Demand Bitches 2. In Theaters this Summer. In response to the Buccaneers selecting a linebacker, the Eagles trade up and grab the next one off the board. The Eagles have few holes but will need to backfill Brandon Graham and maybe some linebackers in free agency. In 2-3 years, the Philadelphia defense may be one of the best of all time. All these dudes on rookie contracts. Book it.

20) Broncos - Tyleik Williams (DT, Ohio State) The Broncos need starters in many positions, and grab the best defensive player on the board. Having Russell Wilson's contract on the books has likely made Denver's front office and new ownership afraid to invest when so much of their spending money has already been wasted. This would not allow them to fill out an entire team and compete at the highest level.

Here comes Bo Nix and his bag of tricks to satiate his master Sean Payton. When Russ' (cornball) contract is off the books, it's all go in Denver. They have guys all over their defense and will need to fill out their offense. They will likely select a running back early in this draft.

21) Steelers - Jack Sawyer (DE, Ohio State) A white defensive lineman to become a franchise capstone in Pittsburgh. It's all coming together for them. I think Jack Sawyer will rise up in mock drafts over the next few months. He is a pure defensive end who shows up in big games. This could also be another defensive lineman. They'll need to replace Cam Heyward at some point.

22) Chargers - Shavon Revel (CB, East Carolina) The Chargers defense has been weak for a while. They have not had many stud cornerbacks in recent years. If the team wants to be successful, they'll need a balanced defensive attack to match the team's offensive output with Justin Herbert. This pick gets them a potential #1 corner for their team.

23) Packers - Azareye’h Thomas (CB, Florida State) The Packers have a lot of young talent on their defense. This pick bolsters that talent for a team that has a franchise QB-level contract. They'll need players on rookie contracts to contrast the inflated QB spending that the NFL has to offer.

24) Vikings - Malaki Starks (S, Georgia) Minnesota has an aging safety in Harrison Smith and a weak secondary in general. They select the best safety on the board to support a top defense. Minnesota's future is bright with a QB on a rookie deal, a good offensive line, a good defense, Justin Jefferson at receiver, and Kevin O'Connell at the helm.

25) Texans - Shemar Turner (DT, Texas A&M) The Texans need some help on offensive line, but I don't think the value is here for them at pick #25. Instead, they support the progress of their young defense led by Will Anderson and Derek Stingley.

26) Rams - Elic Ayomanor (WR, Stanford) A receiver with a comp to Michael Thomas in a Sean McVay offense - color me intrigued. As Cooper Kupp will be gone before the draft via trade, there will be a need for a receiver to pair with Puka Nacua. The Rams need a long-term answer for QB, as Matt Stafford is nearing the end of his career. Maybe they'll draft one or maybe land one via free agency in the next couple years. The location of LA is going to be a draw to free agents.

27) Ravens - Jordan Burch (DE/DT, Oregon) The Ravens defense was decent this past season, but did not fully live up to the potential they had. Part of this may be a lack of pressure from the defensive line. Kyle Van Noy somehow led the team in sacks this year (with 12.5, not bad KVN). My dark horse pick here is Quinshon Judkins to create a three-headed rushing monster with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.

28) Lions - Benjamin Morrison (CB, Notre Dame) As is Lions' law, they select the best player at a position of need. I love the Lions' recent drafts. They seem to get quality starters with each pick, and generally at good value. This pick could help to cement the Lions' secondary as the best in the league.

29) Commanders - Grey Zabel (OT, North Dakota State) The Commies strike while the iron's hot to protect their star QB Jayden Daniels. Though not a big school, North Dakota State sounds like a place to get a rugged offensive lineman. Lots of denim, leather, and furs when not on the football field.

30) Bills - Donovan Jackson (OG, Ohio State) The Bills think simply and select an offensive lineman to protect this year's MVP, Josh Allen. Buffalo's defense could also use some work, but that can be addressed later in the draft and/or in free agency.

Really, Buffalo should look at their head coach situation. McDermott has not been able to get over the hump. I agree with Belichick's point that coaches should interview after the playoffs. The best teams cannot interview the best head coaching candidates if they're in the AFC Championship every year.

31) Seahawks - Tyler Warren (TE, Penn State) TRADE Seahawks trade their pick #19 (previously from Buccaneers) to the Eagles for pick #31 plus more.

The Seahawks trade down twice in the first round, finally landing at pick #31. This is another team with lukewarm talent, though the team is young. Really, the thing holding them back is Geno Smith at quarterback. They just haven't been in a position to grab a QB in the draft in recent years. This pick gets them the best tight end in the draft as a potential puzzle piece to a future offense.

32) Chiefs - Emery Jones Jr. (OT, LSU) The Chiefs could select a tight end to develop before Travis Kelce retires. They're more likely to select an offensive tackle as it is a critical need and Patrick Mahomes needs to be protected. The Chiefs could lose their right guard Trey Smith this offseason in free agency, adding to their need of an offensive lineman.