Beck's 2025 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

Sunday's Super Bowl LIX marked the end of a wild 2024-25 NFL season, and football fans across America are already looking forward to start of free agency on March 10. However, if you're like me, you're looking even farther ahead, all the way to April 24 and the 2025 NFL Draft. Free agency is sure to change teams' draft needs, but I can't wait any longer. This is my first mock draft of the 2025 NFL offseason.

1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward - QB, Miami - 6 ‘2, 223 lbs

There has been speculation galore regarding Tennessee’s plans for the first overall pick, and I think there are four players (Ward, Carter, Sanders, Hunter) with a realistic shot of being drafted first overall. Though the Titans have holes at edge rusher (Carter), cornerback, and receiver (Hunter), Will Levis’ struggles have made quarterback the team’s biggest need. Of the 44 passers who recorded 150+ dropbacks in 2024, Levis ranked 42nd in PFF Pass Grade with a lowly 54.6. Opposingly, Ward’s grade of 91.7 ranked second nationally among collegiate quarterbacks, second only to Ole Miss’s Jaxson Dart. Ward brings good arm strength and playmaking ability to the field and prefers to move the ball with speed and accuracy, especially over the middle and/or at the intermediate level. Ward may not project as an instant superstar, but his resume and abilities are that of this year’s best quarterback prospect.

2. Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter - EDGE, Penn State - 6 ‘3, 259 lbs

Possibly the biggest roster-related news of 2025 came in early February when former No. 1-overall pick Myles Garrett publicly requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns. The four-time All-Pro expressed disinterest in participating in another rebuild, an outcome that seems inevitable for the Browns given Deshaun Watson’s myriad of on-field and off-field struggles. Cleveland could use the second overall pick to draft a potential replacement for Watson, but instead I’ve got them drafting a safer replacement for Garrett. Garrett will leave massive shoes to fill in Cleveland, but Carter, who fought through injury to lead Penn State to the CFP semifinals, has the potential to fill them. In 2024, Carter earned unanimous AP All-American honors and was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Carter’s extreme athleticism (he clocked 4.48s in the 40-yard dash) makes him a serious threat off the edge, and his history as an off-ball linebacker indicates high-level awareness and processing abilities. He’s not as big as Garrett (Garrett measured at 6 ’4 and 272 lbs), but he’s faster and plays with excellent length and toughness regardless. 

3. New York Giants: Shedeur Sanders - QB, Colorado - 6 ‘2, 215 lbs

Shortly after the Giants gained control of the No. 1-overall pick in late December, Sanders took to social media to show off a pair of custom Nike cleats bearing the Giants’ logo and colors, seemingly indicating that he expected the Giants to draft him with the first overall pick. It’s funny how things work out. Though he stands a chance of being drafted ahead of Ward, I expect Sanders to land with the second team to draft a quarterback. In this mock, that’s New York, who’ll hope Sanders can fill the team’s long-standing need at quarterback. Sanders has repeatedly displayed the ability to deliver laser-accurate throws, even as protection collapses. Despite questions surrounding his leadership abilities, Sanders has shown himself to be an elite processor with the potential to truly excel in the right environment. The lights don’t get much brighter than in New York, but Sanders excelled under the pressure of a national spotlight at Colorado. If he can successfully link up with young superstar Malik Nabers, Sanders has the potential to turn the Giants’ stagnant offense around.

4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell - OT/G, LSU - 6 ‘6, 323 lbs

The Patriots enter the offseason with a new head coach and three new coordinators, but their need to protect Drake Maye remains. The Patriots drafted offensive linemen in back-to-back rounds following last year’s Maye pick, but neither selection has resulted in much immediate success. The Pats allowed 52 sacks (T-5th most) in 2024, and changes need to be made before Maye begins his first full season under center. LSU’s Campbell is a perfect solution for New England’s needs. Campbell, who played left tackle for more than 2,500 snaps across three seasons with the Tigers, earned first team All-SEC honors in 2023 and 2024. He was a unanimous All-American in 2024 and is considered by many to be the best offensive linemen in this year’s class. His sub-33-inch arms have caused some to project him as a guard, but he’s demonstrated excellence in both pass protection and run blocking to this point as a tackle. Campbell will be a Day One difference-maker wherever the Pats choose to play him.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Hunter - CB/WR, Colorado - 6 ‘1, 185 lbs

Hunter’s skills as a cornerback warrant a first-round draft pick, but his ability to play both sides broke records and earned him this year’s Heisman Trophy. Hunter’s elite blend of athleticism, ball skills and endurance were on display for a mind-boggling 1,440 snaps in 2024. On offense, he took 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns, a statline which earned him the year’s Fred Biletnikoff Award (given to the nation’s best receiver). On defense, he amassed 35 tackles, 11 passes defended, four interceptions and a forced fumble on his way to winning the Chuck Bednarik Award (given to the nation’s best overall defender). Despite his relatively slim build, Hunter routinely makes highlight-reel plays as a result of his incredible ball skills and hands. He’ll be great wherever he lines up, but reports have been circulating that some teams are only interested in him as a corner. Hunter is determined to play both ways, and he could theoretically do so in Jacksonville. The Jaguars lack an elite cornerback like Hunter, but they have a trio of solid options under 25. The biggest gap Hunter would fill in Jacksonville would be at receiver, as only rookie sensation Brian Thomas Jr. tallied more than 400 yards or three touchdowns in 2024. Hunter’s fluid movements and elite change-of-direction abilities would be a nice compliment to Thomas Jr.’s game-breaking deep routes.

6. Las Vegas Raiders: Will Johnson - CB, Michigan - 6 ‘2, 202 lbs

Following a fantastic 2023 campaign that ended with a national championship, Johnson entered 2024 as one of the nation’s best NFL prospects. However, he struggled with injury, missing one game in September with a shoulder issue before a toe injury against Washington in early October sidelined him for good. However, he remains one of this year’s best defensive prospects as a result of his good size, physical tackling and fluid coverage skills. Johnson’s instincts and football IQ put him in position to make big plays, and he has the ball skills needed to capitalize. If it weren’t for the unicorn that is Travis Hunter, Johnson would certainly be the first cornerback selected this year. He’d be a huge pickup for the Raiders, who are officially in rebuild mode following the hiring of future Hall of Fame Coach Pete Carroll. Cornerbacks Nate Hobbs, Sam Webb and Darnay Holmes will likely test free agency this spring, and there’s little else of substance in the Raiders’ cornerback room. Johnson, who will turn 22 less than a month before the draft, would be a long-term pillar for the Raiders to build around.

7. New York Jets: Mason Graham - DT, Michigan - 6 ‘3, 320 lbs

Michigan’s roster took a major hit following their undefeated 2023 season. However, the Wolverines’ defensive line remained ferocious, thanks largely to Graham. Graham is the embodiment of disruption whenever he’s playing, and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in back to back years as a result. The unanimous All-American only tallied 3.5 sacks in 2024, but he was constantly providing pressure and hindering opposing passers. Plus, his 14 stops against the run speak for themselves. Graham is 320 pounds of quickness, power, technique and leverage. He’d be an excellent addition to the New York Jets, who miss out on their replacement for quarterback Aaron Rodgers in this mock. The Jets are set to lose four interior defenders to free agency, so Graham would be a godsend. Adding Graham to a defensive line that already boasts stars like Quinnen Williams and Will McDonald IV would be huge for a Jets franchise that can’t draft its next quarterback.

8. Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan - WR, Arizona - 6 ‘5, 212 lbs

Panthers fans are desperate to give 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young more weapons to work with. Getting Xavier Legette (6 ‘3, 227 lbs) in the 2024 draft was a good start, but the team’s leading receiver last year was 34-year-old Adam Thielen. To further Carolina’s wideout concerns, four other Panthers receivers (Moore, Chisena, Jones Jr. and Thompkins) are poised to enter free agency. Arizona’s McMillan is a prototypical ‘X’ receiver but has enough mobility to move inside when needed. Across 37 games with the Wildcats, McMillan’s massive frame and remarkable agility resulted in 213 catches, 3,423 yards and 26 touchdowns. Most recently, McMillan was voted a consensus All-American after finishing third in the nation in receiving yards (1,319) in 2024. McMillan and Legette would be a punishing pair of targets whom Young could certainly reach his potential alongside.

9. New Orleans Saints: Jalon Walker - EDGE/LB, Georgia - 6 ‘2, 245 lbs

The Saints recently made headlines with their acquisition of Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who is now set to become New Orleans’ next head coach. Moore will certainly have ideas on how to improve the Saints’ offense, but his first order of business should be to improve the defense, which finished 30th in yards-per-game allowed (379.9). But where to start? The Saints are currently scheduled to lose four edge rushers, including former No. 2 overall draft pick Chase Young, to free agency. Plus, Saints legend Cam Jordan will be 36 years old when he enters the final year of his contract next year. Georgia’s Walker, who turns 21 in late February, would give the Saints some long-term stability while they begin their rebuild. Walker has moved between off-ball linebacker and edge rusher, but he fits better as an edge, especially in New Orleans. As you’d expect from a top prospect who boasts only modest size, Walker possesses elite speed and explosiveness off the edge, but he also possesses the intelligence and coverage abilities of a quality off-ball backer. Walker may require an adjustment period as he settles into a more blitz-heavy role, but he’s got the tools needed to succeed at the highest level. There’s a reason Walker was named a first-team All-American in 2024. He’ll be a high-value asset in New Orleans for years to come.

10. Chicago Bears: Kelvin Banks Jr. - OT, Texas - 6 ‘4, 320 lbs

Last year’s No. 1 overall pick, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, was hindered in his rookie season by poor offensive line play. Chicago allowed a league-worst 68 sacks in 2024 and cannot continue to risk the health of the franchise’s largest-ever investment. Banks Jr.'s frame isn’t necessarily that of a top-10 tackle prospect (some teams have considered him at guard), but he possesses serious power and fantastic quickness. As a result, the three-year starter has been elite in both passing and running scenarios. Banks Jr.’s game has room for some fine-tuning, but who doesn’t? Banks Jr. should be a Day One starter for a Bears offense in need of major help at the line of scrimmage.

11. San Francisco 49ers: Josh Simmons - OT, Ohio State - 6 ‘5, 310 lbs

The 49ers took a step back in 2024, finishing 6-11 and fourth in the NFC West. Their roster, which was yet again struck by the injury bug in 2024, is one of the league’s best, but they’re at a bit of a crossroads in a few ways. Brock Purdy is reaching the last year of his rookie contract and is aiming for a big-money contract extension. Plus, all-world left tackle Trent Williams is 37, which means time is ticking. No matter who’ll be passing for San Francisco in years to come, he’ll need protecting. Simmons hasn’t played since suffering a season-ending knee injury during Ohio State’s Oct. 12 loss to Oregon, but his performances across six games were enough to earn him third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2024. Simmons has a large frame and uses his long arms to excel as a pass blocker. His penalty tendencies and inconsistent run-blocking technique could be improved upon, but there’s time for that, especially with Williams (the league’s most fearsome run blocker) expected to return for 2025.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty - RB, Boise State - 5 ‘9, 215 lbs.

Pound-for-pound, Jeanty might be the best prospect in this year’s draft. Jeanty’s 2024 rushing campaign, which nearly won him the Heisman Trophy, will go down as one of the greatest in college football history. Across 14 games, the junior from Boise State took 374 carries for an eye-popping 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns. His ludicrous averages of 26.7 carries-per-game, 7.0 yards-per-carry and 158.8 yards-per-game would greatly improve a Cowboys offense that ranked in the bottom eight in all three categories in 2024. Jeanty has publicly stated that playing for the Cowboys is a dream of his, and I’d assume the feeling has been mutual with Cowboys fans for some time now.

13. Miami Dolphins: Armand Membou - OT/G, Missouri - 6 ‘3, 314 lbs

Membou has been shooting up draft boards as a result of his youth (he’ll turn 21 a month before the draft) and impressive athleticism. Membou, who started 30 games at right tackle for Missouri, runs a four-second 40-yard dash and possesses the movement skills, body control and technical ability to keep up with the league’s more athletic and toolsy edge rushers. However, his 34-inch arms and 81-inch wingspan are on the smaller side, and his frame isn’t anything special. Membou’s not the biggest, and he’s got room to develop in certain technical aspects, but his athleticism allows him the positional flexibility to step inside to guard if need be. That’ll be key for Miami. Five-time Pro Bowl tackle Terron Armstead will turn 34 this offseason, and his future with the team is uncertain. To make matters worse, starting guards Robert Jones and Isaiah Wynn are both slated to test free agency in March. If Armstead departs, Membou could slide in at tackle opposite budding rookie tackle Patrick Paul. If Armstead stays, Membou could move inside to guard and fill any spot opened by free agency. A fit like Membou would be huge for a Dolphins team looking to protect quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and improve a running game that ranked outside the top 20 in yards-per-game (105.6) and touchdowns (12) a season ago.

14. Indianapolis Colts: Malaki Starks - S, South Carolina - 6 ‘1, 205 lbs

South Carolina’s Starks has now been named First Team All-SEC and a consensus (unanimous in 2024) All-American in back-to-back seasons. Those honors are primarily due to his speed and explosive run-defense capabilities, which allows him to set the tone from a variety of defensive positions. His coverage technique is somewhat limited, particularly in man coverage, but he’s 21 years old and will have time to improve. Starting safety Julian Blackmon is currently set to hit free agency, as are several backups. They may not be back, as Indianapolis’ defense allowed the fourth-most yards per game last year. There are plenty of holes for the Colts to fill defensively, which would make the versatile Starks a major acquisition.

15. Atlanta Falcons: Shemar Stewart - DE, Texas A&M - 6 ‘6, 290 lbs

In last year’s mock, I had the Falcons drafting Dallas Turner, a consensus All-American edge rusher from Alabama. Instead, Atlanta stunned me by drafting Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., a perplexing choice given their recent four-year, $160 million signing of 35-year-old Kirk Cousins. This year, with their quarterback of the future seemingly found, the Falcons can focus on their new biggest concern: A pass rush that finished 31st in sacks (31 in 17 games) a season ago. A&M’s Stewart is raw in both technique and experience, but he’s a better fit for the Falcons than Turner was. Stewart’s size allows him to play inside as far as a 3 technique, which is a big position of need for the Falcons. Atlanta’s best three pass rushers are all edge rushers, and longtime 3 technique great Grady Jarrett is turning 32 years old in April. Stewart would be a fantastic fit in an Atlanta defense that needs desperate help up front.

16. Arizona Cardinals: Luther Burden III - WR, Missouri - 5’ 11, 208 lbs

Burden III’s game-breaking run-after-catch abilities earned him first-team All-SEC and second-team All-American honors in 2023. Though his production declined in 2024 as a result of Missouri’s general offensive collapse, Burden III remains one of this year’s best receiver prospects. ESPN’s Jordan Reed called Burden III “a high-end WR2 who can complement an established WR1”. Hello, Marvin Harrison Jr. and the Cardinals. Harrison Jr. will be Arizona’s WR1 for as long as he’s around, but fellow Cardinals wideouts Greg Dortch, Zay Jones and Zach Pascal are all set to hit free agency. Burden III would be a fantastic addition to a Cardinals offense looking to diversify its passing game.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Walter Nolen - DT, Ole Miss - 6 ‘3, 305 lbs

Cincinnati is set to lose interior defenders B.J. Hill and Jay Tufele to free agency, exacerbating an existing need for youth on the defensive line. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson led the league with 17.5 sacks, but no other Bengals had more than five in 2024. Meanwhile, Nolen tallied 48 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, two passes defensed and two fumble recoveries across 12 games. Nolen’s ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage was felt far beyond the statline, as evidenced by the first team All-SEC and All-American honors he was given. Nolen isn’t particularly long-armed, but he’s violent and explosive enough to succeed in the always-tough AFC North.

18. Seattle Seahawks: Josh Conerly Jr. - OT, Oregon

A reliable offensive line hasn’t played in Seattle for a long, long time. The Seahawks allowed 54 sacks in 2024, tied for the league’s third-worst total. Their rushing attack (95.7 yards per game) was also among the league’s five least effective. There are holes throughout Seattle’s offensive line (only left tackle Charles Cross had what I’d consider a good year), but the inconsistency that Seattle suffered through at right tackle was its biggest issue. Abraham Lucas couldn’t stay healthy, and both Stone Forsythe and Jason Peters will likely leave the team in free agency. Drafting Oregon’s Conerly Jr. would give Seattle its two pillars along the offensive front, and would put the Seahawks in a better offensive position than they’ve been in for some time. Conerly Jr. has allowed just one sack in each of his last two seasons as Oregon’s left tackle, and he has the mobility and athleticism required to get downfield as a run blocker. The Seattle native capped off his fantastic career at Oregon with first-team All-Big Ten and All-American honors. Conerly Jr. went viral after getting run over by Marshall’s Mike Green during Senior Bowl drills, but fear not. Attending defensive linemen and linebackers (including Green) voted Conerly Jr. the National Squad’s best offensive lineman. Seattle’s not fond of his Ducks, but they love their Seahawks, and drafting Conerly Jr. would make him a hometown hero.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mykel Williams - EDGE, Georgia - 6 ‘5, 265 lbs

The Bucs need help on the edges of their defense. Tampa Bay’s two most effective pass rushers last year played defensive tackle, and the team is set to watch three edge rushers leave in free agency. Therefore, drafting Georgia’s Williams would certainly please some fans. Williams’ size and power are evident, but he moves with surprising quickness, making him a serious physical threat. Williams’ length and physicality have earned him consideration as perhaps the best run-stopping edge in this year’s class. However, his future as an effective pass-rusher isn’t guaranteed. Williams tallied only 14 sacks across three seasons with the Bulldogs, primarily due to a style which relied too much on raw power. Williams will take some developing to reach his full potential as a blitzer, but he should be an immediate difference-maker against the run. 

20. Denver Broncos: Tyler Warren - TE, Penn State - 6 ‘6, 257 lbs

Rookie passer Bo Nix exceeded all expectations (except maybe head coach Sean Payton’s) in 2024, leading a poorly-equipped Broncos squad to a 10-7 record and its first playoff appearance since Super Bowl 50. Many have projected the Broncos to land Jeanty, who would certainly help take some weight off Nix’s shoulders. However, in this mock, he’s already gone, and this year’s deep running back class will give Denver options to explore later. Instead, I’ve got the Broncos snagging Warren, who could immediately become a major factor in Denver’s offense. Warren has the athleticism and versatility to excel wherever Payton decides to play him, and could function as the kind of hybrid offensive player, or “joker”, that Payton has publicly pined for. For reference, previous jokers include current and former stars like Jimmy Graham, Taysom Hill, Darren Sproles, Reggie Bush and Alvin Kamara. Warren may not have the same insane measurables as Graham, but he’s got potential in all aspects of the game. I expect Warren to rapidly cement himself as the next fantastic rookie tight end.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Emeka Egbuka - WR, Ohio State - 6 ‘1, 205 lbs

Ohio State is known for producing elite NFL talent like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison Jr. (at the same time), but the school’s all time leader is none other than Egbuka. Across 49 games with the Buckeyes, Egbuka has 205 catches for 2,868 yards and 24 touchdowns, competing for reps with premier talent all the while. He possesses solid size, good hands, excellent agility and truly game-breaking speed, which he used to clock 4.30 seconds in the 40-yard dash. The Steelers have four wide receivers slated to hit free agency, and controversial star George Pickens will likely request an extension before entering the final year of his rookie deal. Pittsburgh should have plenty of space out wide for someone as talented and experienced as Egbuka.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Coulston Loveland - TE, Michigan - 6 ‘5, 245 lbs

Despite Michigan’s struggles in the passing game, Loveland managed to raise his draft stock. Loveland took 56 receptions for 582 yards and five touchdowns, exceeding all other Wolverines in each stat by more than double. He’s more of a receiving tight end than a blocker, but that shouldn’t be an issue for the Chargers. Will Dissly was a functional receiving option in 2024, but he’s not as explosive as Loveland. Dissly is also LA’s only tight end option who won’t be testing free agency in some way this offseason, meaning there will likely be room for Loveland in the Chargers’ developing passing offense. The Chargers could also target a receiver here, but I’ve gone for Loveland in this mock.

23. Green Bay Packers: Benjamin Morrison - CB, Notre Dame - 6 ‘0, 190 lbs

Morrison, who had six interceptions as a freshman and three as a sophomore, was off to a strong start (20 total tackles, 3 passes defended) to his junior season before an October hip injury ended his year early. Thankfully, Morrison’s impressive showings to that point seem to have secured him a first-round selection. Morrison possesses solid length, great ball skills and 4.3-second 40-yard dash speed at just 20 years old, so Green Bay nabbing him at No. 23 may one day be seen as a steal. Packers cornerbacks Eric Stokes, Corey Ballentine and Robert Rochell are all free agents, so Morrison should have little competition aside from two-time Pro Bowler Jaire Alexander. Morrison would make Green Bay’s secondary a truly fearsome defense to play against.

24. Minnesota Vikings: Jahdae Barron - CB, Texas - 5 ‘11, 200 lbs

Barron’s fantastic 2024 season saw the consensus All-American win the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given annually to the nation’s top defensive back. The Austin, TX native recorded 46 solo tackles, 11 passes defended, five interceptions, one fumble recovery and one sack. Barron is limited by his modest frame and acceleration, but he possesses great instincts, solid ball skills and experience on special teams, so he should see the field immediately in one way or another. Barron’s experience comes with a price tag (he’s 23), but he’d be an enticing prospect for the Vikings to pursue. Minnesota needs to make changes from last year’s pass defense, which ranked in the league’s bottom five in yards per game (242.0). That change seems to be coming, as the Vikings are set to watch their three best cornerbacks (Byron Murphy Jr., Shaquill Griffin and Stephon Gilmore) test free agency. Griffin turns 30 this offseason and Gilmore turns 35 in September, so Minnesota could certainly decide to let them walk.

25. Houston Texans: Derrick Harmon - DT, Oregon - 6 ‘5, 310 lbs

The Texans have a pair of productive defensive ends in former DROY Will Anderson and five-time Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter, but there’s little depth on the defensive front. Houston’s defense has three ends and one tackle set to enter free agency, so they could pursue either, but tackle is a bigger need. Oregon’s Harmon, who can play just about anywhere on the defensive front, would be a great fit. In his one season as a Duck, Harmon established himself as one of the nation’s best interior pass rushers. He led all interior defensive linemen with 43 pressures, also recording 27 solo tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two passes defensed. Improving Harmon’s tackling would lead to more sacks and more effective run defense, which would make the Detroit native a true monster to defend. As it stands, he’s extremely disruptive and has potential to improve further.

26. Los Angeles Rams: Jihaad Campbell - LB, Alabama - 6 ‘3, 244 lbs

The Rams have a bit of a dilemma brewing here. Their choice to move on from Cooper Kupp opens up a hole at receiver alongside young star Puka Nacua, and Texas’ Matthew Golden wouldn’t be considered a reach at No. 26. However, linebackers Christian Rozeboom, Troy Reeder and Jake Hummel are all free agents, leaving promising undrafted rookie Omar Speights in need of help. Plus, the Rams have no second-round pick, making this an important choice. Because of the solid options deeper in this year’s receiver class, I’ve got the Rams taking Alabama’s Campbell. Though he has the explosiveness to threaten off the edge, Campbell is considered by most analysts to be this year’s best off-ball linebacker prospect. Campbell possesses elite speed and athleticism, which makes him a threat as in both pass rush and pass coverage scenarios. He’s well-built and a reliable tackler. Perhaps best of all: He turns 21 two months before draft day, so the Rams will have plenty of time to develop him into the NFL’s next star linebacker. 

27. Baltimore Ravens:  James Pearce Jr. - EDGE, Tennessee - 6 ‘5, 243 lbs

Baltimore’s pass rush tallied 54 sacks in 2024, the second-most of any team. However, the Ravens will need to bring in some new faces if they want to repeat those numbers in 2025 and beyond. Edge rusher Kyle Van Noy, who led the team with 12.5 sacks, will be 34 by draft day, and breakout edge rusher Odafe Oweh (10.0 sacks in 2024) is entering the last year of his rookie deal. Talented defensive tackle Nnmadi Madibuike (6.5 sacks) was the only other Raven to achieve more than 3.5 sacks. There’s plenty of room for someone like Pearce Jr., who possesses truly game-breaking speed and explosiveness off the edge, as well as excellent awareness and football IQ. Pearce Jr. could benefit from adding some size and power to his ideal frame, but he’s got the makings of a dangerous edge presence.

28. Detroit Lions: Mike Green - EDGE, Marshall - 6 ‘3, 251 lbs

Lions head coach Dan Campbell loves grit more than anything else, and Marshall’s Green has grit. Despite possessing a somewhat undersized build, Green led the NCAA with 17.0 sacks in 2024. His forte is his blistering speed rush, but Green also displayed explosive strength when he absolutely flattened first round-tackle prospect Josh Conerly Jr. during a now-viral 1-on-1 drill at the Senior Bowl. He’d prove a helpful compliment to current Lions superstar Aiden Hutchinson, who tallied 7.5 sacks in five games before missing the remainder of the 2024 season due to injury. Detroit’s pass rush struggled without Hutchinson, finishing with only 38 sacks on the year (T-23rd). The Lions did not record a sack in their 45-31 Divisional Round loss to the Washington Commanders.

29. Washington Commanders: Matthew Golden - WR, Texas - 6 ‘0, 195 lbs

Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels was sacked 50 times in 2024, and Washington must protect him if they want to avoid another RGIII scenario. However, the Commanders’ most pressing need may be at wideout. Terry McLaurin is fantastic and under contract for another season, but Dyami Brown, Noah Brown, Olamide Zaccheus, Jamison Crowder and KJ Osborn are ALL unrestricted free agents entering the offseason. I’m not certain any of those guys will be back in 2025, which leaves Daniels without nearly enough options to throw to. Golden, who runs a 4.3-second 40-yard dash, would immediately open up Washington’s offense to more of the deep throws that Daniels excelled at in college. Golden tallied eight catches for 162 yards in Texas’ SEC Championship loss to Georgia, and also hauled in seven catches for 149 yards and a touchdown in the Longhorns’ quarterfinal win over Arizona State.

30. Buffalo Bills: Nick Emmanwori - S, South Carolina - 6 ‘3, 227 lbs

I miss you every day, Kam Chancellor. Physically, South Carolina’s Emmanwori is reminiscent of my all-time favorite player. At 6 ‘3, 227 lbs, he seems almost too big to play safety, which is why he played many of his snaps up in the box. However, he’s also got a 4.38-second 40-yard dash under his belt, which underlines the kind of physical potential he possesses. As a result of his many physical gifts, Emmanwori tallied 57 tackles, four passes defensed and four interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. Emmanwori’s change-of-direction and coverage technique could use some refinement, but he’s got the potential to be a game-changing presence. He’d be welcomed with open arms to a Buffalo Bills team that’s thin at safety. Damar Hamlin is a free agent, and there’s little depth behind him following the 2023 departures of Bills greats Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde. Buffalo isn’t particularly deep at linebacker either, giving the Bills some flexibility in their usage of Emmanwori.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Tyler Booker - G, Alabama - 6 ‘5, 325 lbs

The path to continued success in Kansas City is clear: Protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes, who is now 3-2 in the Super Bowl, averages 2.33 sacks taken per SB win and 4.5 sacks per SB loss. This year’s offensive line collapsed when it mattered most, and is about to lose both starting guards to free agency. The Chiefs would be wise to bring back first-time Pro Bowler Trey Smith, but will have at least one opening at guard regardless. Drafting Booker, who was named first-team All-SEC in back-to-back seasons, would be an easy fix. Booker, who has excellent size and plays with accompanying power, displays quick feet and a strong motor. Booker did not allow a sack in 12 games at guard (plus one at tackle) in 2024, resulting in first-team All-American honors. He’ll turn 21 less than a month before the draft, which makes him even more appealing. With a little development, Booker has the potential to be a multi-time Pro Bowler.

32. Philadelphia Eagles: Nic Scourton - DE/EDGE, Texas A&M - 6 ‘4, 285 lbs

Scourton transferred to A&M from Purdue in Jan. 2024 after recording 10 sacks and 50 total tackles as a sophomore. As an Aggie, Scourton tallied 37 total tackles and 5 sacks, ultimately taking home first-team All-SEC honors. Scourton’s size hides potent quickness and a dizzying spin move, all of which combine to give him excellent positional versatility. He’d work well in Philadelphia, where the Eagles are set to lose edge threats Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat to free agency. Scourton can line up anywhere between a 3 technique and a 7 technique, where he’d provide a nice complement to inside threats like Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis.