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Charles McDonald and Nate Tice's mock draft

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Tennessee
Tennessee
Titans
Travis Hunter
Pick 1
CB
Position
Expert Commentary
The Titans said they want a "generational" talent at the top of the draft, though Cam Ward would still make sense if they decide to move on from Will Levis. There’s also the possibility of adding more firepower to their defensive front with Abdul Carter, or a trade (a long-term right tackle would sure be nice). Really whatever adventure the Titans choose makes sense at the top of a wide open class. Hunter is a dynamic talent at cornerback, with even more to tap into. He would bring starpower to Tennessee’s defense and help bolster the offense in a small role, too.
Cleveland
Cleveland
Browns
Cam Ward
Pick 2
QB
Position
Expert Commentary
The Browns are in a tough spot with Deshaun Watson’s contract looming large for the next few years, but they can at least give themselves an opportunity to move on at quarterback rather quickly with the selection of Ward. He's a gunslinger and a player who will try to make the most of whatever the defense offers up — which ends up in mistakes sometimes. Still, he has the aggressive style to end up as a high quality NFL passer.
NY Giants
New York
Giants
Shedeur Sanders
Pick 3
QB
Position
Expert Commentary
The Giants get their new QB of the future, and a player who is used to pressure, attention and bright lights. While this is a tad rich for where Sanders will end up on big boards, he’s tough, competitive, has plenty of arm strength to attack all areas of the field and can really drive on throws. QB desperation is a real thing, especially in New York.
New England
New England
Patriots
Will Campbell
Pick 4
OT
Position
Expert Commentary
New England seemingly found its quarterback in Drake Maye, who was stellar as a rookie last season. Now, the Patriots need to find serious help on the offensive line in order to make sure he has the most help possible to see his career through. Campbell is a Day 1 starter at left tackle who will be a nice building block on New England's mission to improve the offensive line.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville
Jaguars
Mason Graham
Pick 5
DL
Position
Expert Commentary
With QBs and Hunter going early, the Jaguars have talented players to select from. The Jaguars, and whatever general manager will be making this pick for them, go with the explosive Graham to add some interior disruption to their front. Jacksonville has holes at other places along the roster, but Graham is a talented player who played through injuries in 2025, and would turn the Jaguars' front into one of the league’s better ones right away.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas
Raiders
Will Johnson
Pick 6
CB
Position
Expert Commentary
Johnson is probably the best player available at this point in the draft, bringing potential shutdown cornerback skills to a defense that desperately needs big-time talent on the outside.
NY Jets
New York
Jets
Abdul Carter
Pick 7
EDGE
Position
Expert Commentary
This would be quite the get for the Jets at No. 7. Carter has upside as a true pass rushing ace who would inject the venom back into what has been a deep unit in recent years. Carter has an explosive get-off and the bend to turn the corner on tackles. He’s still inconsistent playing the run, which means you won’t see many Carter-Will McDonald pairings on early downs, but he would keep the cupboard full of pass rushing options for Aaron Glenn and new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.
Carolina
Carolina
Panthers
Tetairoa McMillan
Pick 8
WR
Position
Expert Commentary
Carolina got some quality play out of Bryce Young toward the end of the season and now need to keep building out the core. McMillan can be a tremendous No. 1 receiver for Young to grow with and would immediately create quality depth with young players like Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker.
New Orleans
New Orleans
Saints
Mykel Williams
Pick 9
EDGE
Position
Expert Commentary
Chase Young and Payton Turner are free agents, and Cameron Jordan is on the back nine of his career. Williams’ length and tools give him one of the highest upsides of any player in this draft class. He still needs time to tap into that upside, but there were strong glimpses and stretches this season after Williams returned from an ankle injury. On a Saints franchise without a head coach and with holes and decisions to make at essentially every position, Williams will almost certainly get the playing time to hone his talent.
Chicago
Chicago
Bears
Josh Simmons
Pick 10
OT
Position
Expert Commentary
The Bears need offensive line help outside of right tackle, so here’s a running mate for Darnell Wright. Simmons has a chance to be a riser during the draft process considering his skills, athleticism and upside.
San Francisco
San Francisco
49ers
Armand Membou
Pick 11
OT
Position
Expert Commentary
Whether it’s a new right tackle, interior help or a Trent Williams succession plan, the 49ers' offense could use an injection of beef. Membou is a good athlete who played tackle this past year at Missouri, but could kick inside at the next level. He has long arms that can bring some pop with his blocks. Kyle Shanahan likes to ask his linemen to move and be in space, and Membou would fit in nicely somewhere.
Dallas
Dallas
Cowboys
Ashton Jeanty
Pick 12
RB
Position
Expert Commentary
Something flashy for Dallas. Jeanty might not be the biggest need for the Cowboys, but he’s certainly the best player on the board at this point. Jeanty was one of the best players in college football this season and should immediately be one of the better running backs in the league from Day 1. Running backs still have value early, particularly if they’re as good as Jeanty.
Miami
Miami
Dolphins
Kelvin Banks
Pick 13
OT
Position
Expert Commentary
Banks has been the left tackle for Texas the past several years but I think his NFL future will be best kicking inside to guard. Banks is squarely built, strong and explosive. The Dolphins have multiple guards about to hit free agency and are currently without a returning starter at either spot. Banks can fit many types of offensive attacks as a guard, and would nicely fill the huge hole on Miami's offensive line.
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Colts
Tyler Warren
Pick 14
TE
Position
Expert Commentary
The Colts seem to be sticking with Anthony Richardson for another year, so here’s a dynamic athlete at tight end to make his life a little easier. For his size (6-foot-6, 261 pounds), Warren is one of the most impressive athletes in the country and will open up the playbook for Colts head coach Shane Steichen.
Atlanta
Atlanta
Falcons
Kenneth Grant
Pick 15
DT
Position
Expert Commentary
Grant is a monster in the middle whose best football is in front of him. He has excellent size (6-3, 340 pounds) and is very good against the run, but isn’t just a plugger. While the Falcons desperately need pass rushers (as has been the case for over a decade), Grant is an easy mover who can be disruptive. He needs work harnessing his tools.
Arizona
Arizona
Cardinals
Jalon Walker
Pick 16
EDGE
Position
Expert Commentary
Walker is the perfect player for how the Cardinals have liked playing defense. He’s an amoeba-like defender who can play a whole bunch of roles and excels as a blitzer moving fast downhill. Walker may not be a classic edge, but that’s a good fit for Arizona.
Cincinnati
Cincinnati
Bengals
Walter Nolen
Pick 17
DT
Position
Expert Commentary
The Bengals need to address their leakiness against the run this offseason, and that begins up the spine of their defense. Nolen is another athletic defensive tackle in this class who is especially disruptive on twists and games. He still has to harness his ability to impact plays more consistently, but he can create edginess and explosive plays for a defense that desperately needs it.
Seattle
Seattle
Seahawks
Tyler Booker
Pick 18
G
Position
Expert Commentary
Klint Kubiak’s scheme is going to run the damn ball and Seattle’s offensive line didn’t necessarily make that the easiest task this season. Booker would be an immediate starter along the line for a group that desperately needs talent.
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
Jihaad Campbell
Pick 19
LB
Position
Expert Commentary
General manager Jason Licht does a great job of addressing current and soon-to-be holes at positions. Lavonte David is a franchise legend, but inside linebacker is looking like one of those positions in Tampa Bay. Campbell has excellent size with real two-way potential. He can get downhill in the run game, but is fluid enough to turn and run in coverage. His experience as a blitzer will also translate nicely in Todd Bowles’ defense.
Denver
Denver
Broncos
Shemar Stewart
Pick 20
DL
Position
Expert Commentary
The Broncos’ defense is close to being the elite, all-round unit they wanted to be in 2024, but they just need some more help along the defensive line. Stewart has upside through the roof, but is still a little rough around the edges.
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
Steelers
Emeka Egbuka
Pick 21
WR
Position
Expert Commentary
Outside of a long-term answer at QB, the Steelers desperately need another pass catcher to pair with George Pickens. Egbuka is a coach’s dream of a player: He is good at essentially every aspect of playing the receiver position, plays hard and is an excellent blocker. While the Steelers have shied away from taking receivers in the first round, Egbuka feels like a Steelers receiver with his ability to play inside and out, along with his toughness that would fit perfectly in Arthur Smith’s offense.
LA Chargers
Los Angeles
Chargers
Shavon Revel Jr.
Pick 22
CB
Position
Expert Commentary
The Chargers' defense needs a blue-chip player at cornerback and there might not be a better option at this point than Revel. He missed all of last season with a torn ACL, but he has the prototypical size (6-3, 193 pounds) and speed to grow into a No. 1 cornerback.
Green Bay
Green Bay
Packers
Josh Conerly Jr.
Pick 23
OT
Position
Expert Commentary
With center Josh Myers hitting free agency, the Packers could be doing some shuffling along their offensive line, which could have them looking to adding to their line room again early in the draft. Conerly Jr. improved rapidly as the season went along, especially with his play strength and ability to anchor as well as using his hands more consistently. Conerly Jr. has the length and athleticism to stay out at either tackle spot, and could give the Packers another option with pedigree to get their “best five” out there.
Buffalo
Buffalo
Bills
Luther Burden
Pick 24
DT
Position
Expert Commentary
Trade! The Bills jump up to get Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden, who may be a steal at this point in the draft. The Bills could use another wide receiver to make life easier for Josh Allen and they get another quality target here.
Houston
Houston
Texans
Colston Loveland
Pick 25
TE
Position
Expert Commentary
The Texans absolutely, desperately need offensive line help. But they have invested heavily already into the position and I think stronger coaching at that position will help them get better performances in the near future. I instead address the Texans' pass-catching group that looks more depleted after Tank Dell’s gruesome injury and Stefon Diggs' upcoming free agency. Dalton Schultz is as solid as they come at tight end, but Loveland is even more dynamic as a pass catcher, with the ability to split out that could make for some fun synergy with star Nico Collins in a fun 1-2 punch for C.J. Stroud.
LA Rams
Los Angeles
Rams
Matthew Golden
Pick 26
WR
Position
Expert Commentary
Matthew Golden has been a late riser over the past few months as he had a big hand in Texas’ playoff run in January. He’s got big play ability down the field and could be a nice complement for Puka Nacua for the long haul.
Baltimore
Baltimore
Ravens
Malaki Starks
Pick 27
S
Position
Expert Commentary
Another safety falling to the Ravens? Starks is a versatile back-end player that would give Baltimore even more flexibility in its defensive back room. The Ravens love to rotate their defensive players after the snap of the ball, and Starks’ ability to line up deep or in the slot would give the coaches another option to move their players around.
Detroit
Detroit
Lions
Mike Green
Pick 28
EDGE
Position
Expert Commentary
Pass rush, pass rush, pass rush. Mike Green is a quality defender off the edge and has the makings of one of those small school players that ends up in a great spot. Detroit needs some juice along the defensive line and Green joining a fully healthy defensive line would give the Lions a hellacious front.
Washington
Washington
Commanders
James Pearce Jr.
Pick 29
EDGE
Position
Expert Commentary
The Commanders front seven was essentially built out of their talented defensive tackles and a bunch of other guns for hire. Pearce’s pass rush-first style will actually fit well with Dan Quinn’s 120-mph-at-all-times style, but he still needs to work on his consistency in impacting the game.
Minnesota
Minnesota
Vikings
Derrick Harmon
Pick 30
DT
Position
Expert Commentary
The Vikings had a great defense without many great players, particularly along the interior of the defensive line. Derrick Harmon from Oregon gives Minnesota a chance to find that impact defensive tackle.
Kansas City
Kansas City
Chiefs
Marcus Mbow
Pick 31
OT
Position
Expert Commentary
Kansas City started a Caliendo in the Super Bowl and it might as well be Frank. They need to spam picks along the offensive line — especially with the potential (likely?) departure of guard Trey Smith in free agency.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia
Eagles
Aireontae Ersery
Pick 32
OT
Position
Expert Commentary
It's hard to find a weakness on the Super Bowl champion Eagles' roster, but their offensive line factory keeps on churning. Ersery has dozens of starts under his belt at left tackle, but could be an eventual successor to Lane Johnson on the right side. Mekhi Becton has been a fun rental and project for Jeff Stoutland, but Ersery could even fill that spot if Johnson wants to hold off on his retirement for a bit longer.