NFL mock draft as teams start to be eliminated, clinch playoff spots
While some teams are clinching playoff spots, others are being eliminated and turning their focus to the future. Let's explore how the entire first round of the draft could play out if the offseason's marquee event was held today.
Draft order from Tankathon.
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The connections between Sanders and the Raiders seem to grow by the day. Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers would appreciate his accuracy.
Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
While quarterback is tempting, the Giants need help everywhere, and Hunter can contribute on both sides of the ball.
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
McMillan's size and athleticism would pair perfectly with Drake Maye's big arm.
Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
Carter has 10 sacks in 13 contests this season. The Panthers have 25 as a team in the same number of games.
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Winning against the Titans bumped the Jags from the No. 1 pick to No. 5, but they still secure a top-tier corner to bolster their secondary.
Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Ward is a big-play machine. He leads the nation in passing touchdowns and is second in passing yards.
Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
New York needs a new quarterback regardless of whether Aaron Rodgers retires or returns. Milroe's legs would add an extra dimension to the offense.
Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
Offensive coordinators would dread game-planning blocking schemes to account for Graham and Myles Garrett.
Will Campbell, OL, LSU
Campbell is a good value at No. 9 and would help protect Caleb Williams for a long time.
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Surrounding Derek Carr's eventual successor with weapons is a necessity. Burden is a playmaker that any signal-caller would love to have.
Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas
The Bengals need to consider wide receiver if Tee Higgins walks in free agency, but keeping Joe Burrow upright is a priority regardless.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
This will be a common pairing in mock drafts, and for good reason. Jeanty's averaged an absurd 192.1 rushing yards per game while the Cowboys are posting a meager 91.2 per contest.
Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
Grant can impact the passing and ground games thanks to great instincts and solid athletic traits.
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Starks is talented enough to go much higher than this. The Colts capitalize and add the rangy defensive back who makes impact plays all over the field.
Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
It feels like the Falcons have spent an eternity searching for an edge rusher with Williams' speed, power, and upside.
Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
Scourton would provide the Cardinals' front seven with plenty of power. He's able to set the edge in the run game and get after opposing quarterbacks with strong hands.
James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Pearce has arguably the highest ceiling of any edge rusher in the class. He offers plenty of speed and would be a great complement to Nick Bosa.
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Sean McVay could get really creative with the man who does a little bit of everything for the Nittany Lions. He's tallied 88 receptions, 23 rushes, and five pass attempts this season.
Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
A physical corner with good size, Morrison would help shore up a Tampa Bay secondary that ranks 30th in passing yards allowed per game (253.4).
Josh Simmons, OL, Ohio State
Simmons didn't allow a sack in six games this campaign before sustaining a season-ending injury. Jayden Daniels would appreciate his consistency as a pass-blocker.
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Egbuka falls to the Chargers with six defensive players going in the last eight picks. He's a crafty route-runner who displays toughness at and after the catch.
Aireontae Ersery, OL, Minnesota
Few offensive linemen in this class can match Ersery's combination of size (6-foot-6, 330 pounds) and quickness.
Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
Walker flies to the ball whether he's lined up off the ball or on the edge. His athleticism and finishing ability would be appreciated by anyone, but especially Mike Macdonald.
Cameron Williams, OL, Texas
Williams has a strong anchor as a pass-blocker and is a violent finisher in the run game. Lamar Jackson would value both of those traits.
Wyatt Milum, OL, West Virginia
Milum is a versatile lineman who's especially technical as a pass-blocker. He also helped the Mountaineers average more rushing yards per game than any other Power 5 team in 2023.
Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
The Packers need more disruptors along their defensive front. Harmon causes chaos every week and can play inside or on the edge.
Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas
Quarterback is a question mark with neither Russell Wilson nor Justin Fields under contract beyond this season, but Bond's speed and agility from the slot would complement George Pickens perfectly.
Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
The Vikings will love Revel's size and ball production. The 6-foot-3, 193-pounder posted 13 pass deflections and an interception in 2023 before adding another two breakups and two picks in an injury-shortened 2024.
Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
Nolen is an elite penetrator who's tallied 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in his first season with the Rebels.
Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
Jackson brings active hands and elite length with his 6-foot-7, 282-pound frame. He's tallied a combined 13 sacks and 24 tackles for loss over the last two seasons.
Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona
Savaiinaea is a strong pass-blocker with impressive agility for a 6-foot-5, 330-pounder.
Shemar Turner, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Lions are in desperate need of more pass-rushers. Turner's quick first step and ability to play anywhere along the defensive line would give him a role early.