With Super Bowl 59 wrapped up, the NFL is already turning the page to offseason mode. But that doesn’t mean things will be quiet in the coming weeks.
Retirements and releases will reshape rosters in the coming weeks, with trades likely soon to follow. And though plenty remains to be sorted before the NFL draft begins, the first round now has a fully established order after the Philadelphia Eagles’ win over the Kansas City Chiefs closed out the 2024 campaign. Before the end of the month, the draft will once again command the spotlight as prospects descend on Indianapolis for the annual combine and its accompanying testing, medical checks and interviews.
Here’s our latest NFL mock draft with the first-round order now fully in place:
1. Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward, QB, Miami (Fla.)
Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker created a stir last month when he said the team wouldn’t pass up a ‘generational talent.’ That would seem to be a nod to either Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter. But the fact that the comment reads as cryptic rather than clarifying should reinforce that there’s no readily apparent generational talent in this class, at least at this juncture. And until Tennessee addresses its glaring deficiency behind center by bringing on a veteran talent, it’s hard not to link the team to a quarterback here. Ward still feels like the best call as an electric playmaker with the rapid release to become a quick-strike standout – once he learns to harness that part of his game rather than consistently go hunting for big gains.
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2. Cleveland Browns – Abdul Carter, DE/OLB, Penn State
No, this isn’t a reactive move after Myles Garrett’s trade request. The 2023 Defensive Player of the Year might not even be on the move, as Cleveland doesn’t appear to be budging from its stance that it won’t move the star pass rusher. Regardless of whether Garrett goes or stays, Carter is an elite talent at a premium position. He would serve as a foundational piece for a franchise that seems to have few in place as it stares down a rebuild.
3. New York Giants – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Star wide receiver Malik Nabers had plenty of praise at the Super Bowl for Sanders, and it’s likely the links between the quarterback and Big Blue will only grow stronger heading into the heart of draft season. Does any of that matter? Probably not. What really counts will be whether either team selecting ahead of New York likes Sanders enough to select him. Also critical will be the Giants’ own roadmap for handling the quarterback addition for which co-owner John Mara has put Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll on notice. But Sanders makes so much sense as a savvy distributor capable of stepping in from the get-go, though the Giants still might feel pressure to pursue a bridge option in free agency.
4. New England Patriots – Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
Talent supersedes need here, as there’s no blocker worthy of passing over the draft’s most electrifying player. Hunter has said he wants to play both ways full-time in the NFL, though it would appear most teams would gravitate toward him working primarily at cornerback. But the Patriots could be one of the landing spots where he could see extensive work at wide receiver, as New England surely should be intrigued by the possibility of equipping Drake Maye with the kind of big-play threat he lacked as a rookie.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Gone is maligned general manager Trent Baalke, and so too are his parameters for building out a defense with long, rangy athletes. Jacksonville’s change of heart could be a boon for Graham, whose boxy build belies his overall ability as a quick-twitch force on the interior.
6. Las Vegas Raiders – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Unless Las Vegas pushes its chips in for Sam Darnold or another established veteran in free agency, this remains a spot to watch for a potential trade up for a quarterback. As it stands, however, the massive McMillan (6-5, 212 pounds) can help the Raiders move the chains consistently and finish off drives as an imposing red zone target.
7. New York Jets – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
No need to sell the value of a cornerback to new coach Aaron Glenn, a three-time Pro Bowl selection at the position during his playing days, and general manager Darren Mougey, whose run with the Denver Broncos spanned the ‘No Fly Zone’ era to Pat Surtain II’s ascent to NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Johnson has been likened to Surtain by some given the 6-2, 202-pounder’s build and coverage instincts. If he approaches that level, he and Sauce Gardner would be major assets for Glenn and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks in trying to knock the Buffalo Bills and reigning MVP Josh Allen from their five-year perch atop the AFC East.
8. Carolina Panthers – Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
A defense devoid of playmakers requires substantial reinforcements to provide proper backing for Bryce Young entering a critical year of the quarterback’s development. Coordinator Ejiro Evero should be up to the task of maximizing Walker’s disruptiveness as both a pass rusher and off-ball defender.
9. New Orleans Saints – Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans served as a reminder of just how far away the Saints are from competing as they attempt to reboot under expected new coach Kellen Moore. A safety like Starks won’t rapidly accelerate the timeline for getting back into the playoff mix, but a versatile and instinctive tone-setter on the back end still should prove plenty valuable in the early going.
10. Chicago Bears – Will Campbell, OT, LSU
No question Chicago needs better protection up front for Caleb Williams. No question that Ben Johnson wants just that after orchestrating a Lions attack that was rooted in its forcefulness up front. No question that Ryan Poles, a former NFL offensive lineman, knows and understands all this. Campbell could be the kind of steadying force to help Chicago get things settled as it embarks on a new era.
11. San Francisco 49ers – Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M
Consider his standout performance during Senior Bowl practices the beginning of what should be a buzzy pre-draft window for the 6-5, 281-pounder. San Francisco should be focused on supplying Robert Saleh with more playmakers along the line, and Stewart could be a promising project as a pass rusher who can still make his mark against the run in the early going.
12. Dallas Cowboys – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The Frisco, Texas, native and Heisman Trophy runner-up has made it known that playing for his hometown team would be an ideal outcome. Maybe the feeling is mutual, as Dallas looks primed to fortify a 27th-ranked rushing attack under new coach Brian Schottenheimer and an offense that he says will heavily emphasize the ground game and play-action attack.
13. Miami Dolphins – Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
At 6-4 and 320 pounds, the Outland Trophy winner will face some debate as to whether his future rests at tackle or guard. This might be one of the better spots for the latter, as the Dolphins desperately need a plug-and-play solution on the interior to help Mike McDaniel’s offense return to its peak form.
14. Indianapolis Colts – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
It wasn’t long ago that slotting Warren here felt like somewhat of a reach. Now, there’s no guarantee that he makes it to the middle portion of Day 1, as the ultra-athletic and versatile target figures to be a potential offensive focal point in a draft class that offers few top-tier pass catchers. If Warren is available, he’d be a boon to Anthony Richardson’s development in a critical Year 3 for the quarterback.
15. Atlanta Falcons – James Pearce Jr., DE, Tennessee
New defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich made clear he doesn’t want to settle for scraping together a plan for generating pressure, saying ‘you can’t thrive in this league from a defensive standpoint without a good pass rush.’ Maybe that’s the entrance music for Pearce, an explosive and bendy edge threat who probably needs to fill out his 6-5, 243-pound frame and become sturdier against the run to hold up as an every-down defender.
16. Arizona Cardinals – Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi
If the Cardinals are to enjoy a breakthrough in Year 3 of the Jonathan Gannon-Monti Ossenfort partnership, a serious infusion of talent in the trenches will be required. Nolen can create havoc with his explosive and slithery movements, standing out as a potential difference-maker in a front seven lacking any consistent threats.
17. Cincinnati Bengals – Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia
Trey Hendrickson seemed to put Bengals brass on notice at Super Bowl week, re-upping his ask for a new contract by noting he wants to ‘help win a Super Bowl for Cincinnati if I’m there or not.’ Regardless of how the NFL sack king’s push pans out, Cincinnati should have strong interest in bringing aboard more defenders capable of becoming high-level playmakers. Williams fits that bill as an edge rusher whose traits scream future Pro Bowler even if his production and instincts are far quieter.
18. Seattle Seahawks – Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
This much is clear about Seattle’s offensive line: Left tackle Charles Cross is a building block, and everything else could be up for grabs. With coach Mike Macdonald making it clear he wants to build his offense around a hard-charging run game, Membou might be the kind of rugged blocker who could catch this regime’s eye, especially as a player who can either stick at right tackle or kick inside to guard.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Luther Burden, WR, Missouri
Despite having their fourth offensive coordinator in four years with Josh Grizzard, the Buccaneers have a chance to maintain some consistency after promoting their pass-game coordinator to take over for Liam Coen, who bolted to take the Jaguars’ top post. To achieve that, however, Baker Mayfield very well might need a replacement for pending free agent Chris Godwin. Burden could take over in the slot and thrive on schemed touches as he learns to become a more complete receiver.
20. Denver Broncos – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Sean Payton has made clear his intent to find his signature joker, a versatile skill-position player who can create mismatches thanks to their versatility and abundant athleticism. That sounds a lot like Loveland, who would slide into the role comfortably given his ability to break away from defenders mid-route or with the ball in his hands.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Sure looks like the smart bet is on the Steelers’ quarterback question being resolved close to the start of free agency, with the draft likely an avenue to help round out the supporting cast. Egbuka should quickly endear himself to whoever is behind center, as the surehanded target can create easy wins in the short-to-intermediate areas thanks to his crafty route running.
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
There likely are plenty of elements of the Bolts’ wild-card loss to the Texans that didn’t sit well with Jim Harbaugh, but rushing for just 50 yards on 18 carries must have really rankled the first-year coach. Los Angeles can further lean into its identity under Harbaugh by bringing on Booker, who regularly plows defenders out of the way in the run game with his overpowering strength and precise technique.
23. Green Bay Packers – Mike Green, DE/OLB, Marshall
Green to Green Bay? It feels like kismet for both sides. The Packers’ pass rush too often failed the rest of the unit last season, and Green would surely stand to benefit from learning under Rashan Gary, the first-time Pro Bowl selection who can teach the still-developing edge rusher how to integrate more physicality into his approach.
24. Minnesota Vikings – Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
With no cornerbacks signed for 2025 and Byron Murphy Jr. potentially pricing himself out of a return, Minnesota is facing ample uncertainty on the back end of its defense. A hyper-versatile playmaker, Barron should be of particular interest to Brian Flores not only as a straight-up cover man but also a movable piece for the secondary, which could face further losses with safeties Cam Bynum and Harrison Smith.
25. Houston Texans – Donovan Jackson, G/T, Ohio State
Dropping Bobby Slowik for Nick Caley at offensive coordinator seemed to be an acknowledgement that a frustrating trajectory for C.J. Stroud’s supporting cast – particularly the pass protection – couldn’t stand. Jackson massively aided his case to be a Day 1 pick with his stellar performance after kicking out to left tackle during the Buckeyes’ title run, and he could solve the longstanding issue at guard.
26. Los Angeles Rams – Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
This could be a pipe dream if the combine medicals check out for Simmons, who might be headed for a slot in the top half of Day 1 even after suffering a season-ending knee injury in October. Left tackle should be a primary concern for Los Angeles, however, with Alaric Jackson uncertain to return as he prepares to hit free agency.
27. Baltimore Ravens – Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
Returning Ronnie Stanley might be too rich of a proposition for the famously discerning Ravens, so Lamar Jackson might need a new blindside protector in short order. Conerly ended up on the wrong end of a viral clip of a one-on-one rep with the aforementioned Green at Senior Bowl practice, but he was still recognized as his team’s best offensive lineman.
28. Detroit Lions – JT Tuimoloau, DE, Ohio State
Lots of changes coming for a Detroit team that lost a good chunk of its coaching staff, including defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. The Lions can start shaking things up in a beneficial way, however, by boosting their depth and punch along a defensive line that will require far more than just a healthy Aidan Hutchinson upon the defensive end’s return from a season-ending leg injury.
29. Washington Commanders – Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
How does Washington take Jayden Daniels to the next level after a nearly unanimous Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign? Bringing in Golden, a fluid and quick-twitch target who can threaten defenses all over the field, seems like a good start, as he would give the dynamic quarterback a much-needed complement to Pro Bowler Terry McLaurin.
30. Buffalo Bills – Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
Rasul Douglas is one of Buffalo’s few key contributors ticketed for free agency, and the Bills might have a hard time shaking the image of Patrick Mahomes repeatedly picking on Kaiir Elam in the AFC title game. Revel, who is still working his way back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in September, could team with Christian Benford and Taron Johnson to better position this group to match up with Mahomes and the Chiefs when it matters most.
31. Kansas City Chiefs – Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
The patchwork plan of kicking Joe Thuney out to left tackle finally came apart at the seams in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl drubbing, so it’s time to set things straight with this offensive line. Ersery is perhaps more of a project than Kansas City might be comfortable with given how pressing the problem is here, but his upside as a pass protector should pique Andy Reid and Brett Veach’s interest.
32. Philadelphia Eagles – Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
With Nolan Smith coming on strong and Jalen Carter positioning himself as a potential Defensive Player of the Year candidate in the near future, the outlook for the Eagles’ pass rush is promising. But Josh Sweat and Milton Williams could land hefty deals in free agency, and the versatile and highly active Harmon can step in for the latter to keep things rolling.
This post appeared first on USA TODAY
