Draft season is officially upon us. In this Mock Draft (with trades) I will go through each of the 32 picks in the first round and try to guess what players teams will select. With that being said, lets get into it.
No. 1 Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams. QB, USC
In what should be an easy decision, the Chicago Bears select their quarterback of the future. While Justin Fields has played better in recent years, I cannot see the Bears passing up on a generational prospect like Williams.
No. 2 Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels. QB, LSU
Daniels had a breakout year in 2023 for LSU. A rocket arm paired with mobility is a coveted talent pairing. Add on how well he would pair with new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Washington ends up taking the Heisman Trophy winner.
No. 3 Denver Broncos: Drake Maye. QB, North Carolina
Trade: Denver trades No. 12, a first and second-rounder next year, and a first-round pick in 2026.
New England Trades No. 3 and a fifth-round pick next year.
Denver needs to address QB, and there is no better opportunity do so than to trade up. Even if it’s going to cost a lot to do so. Maye was a star for the Tar-heels, and his footwork and poise is a perfect fit for a Sean Payton offense.
No. 4 Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr. WR, Ohio State
Arizona’s dream scenario comes true as they get the best player in the draft at number four. Harrison is a can’t miss prospect who many have compared to franchise icon Larry Fitzgerald.
No. 5 Los Angles Chargers: Brock Bowers. TE, Georgia
There are several players new coach John Harbaugh could select here. But the Chargers opt to go the safe route and take the best tight end prospect of the last decade. Bowers will become an immediate difference maker for a Greg Roman offense that loves to throw to the tight end.
No. 6 New York Giants: Rome Odunze. WR, Washington
The Giants have been searching for a difference maker at receiver, and they find one here in Odunze. After adding speed in last year’s draft, New York adds a 6’3 deep threat who will instantly become Daniel Jones’ favorite target.
No. 7 Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt. OT, Notre Dame
New head coach Brian Callihan saw up close in Cincinnati how much a bad offensive line can hurt a team. With a glaring need at tackle, they chose the saftest prospect on the board in Alt, who will protect Will Levis’ blindside for years to come.
No. 8 New England Patriots: JJ McCarthy. QB, Michigan
Trade: New England sends No. 12, No. 68 and a 2025 third-round pick
Atlanta sends No. 8
New England moves back into the top 10 and selects their replacement for Mac Jones. McCarthy, while not the engine of the Michigan offense, made one or two huge throws a game, showing off his underrated arm talent. McCarthy has some sneaky speed, and his dual threat ability makes him a good fit for the new look Patriots offense. With many reports that teams are skeptical of next year’s QB class, don’t be surprised when McCarthy goes inside the top 10.
No. 9 Chicago Bears: Malik Nabers. WR, LSU
Trade: Chicago sends quarterback Justin Fields
Atlanta sends No. 68 (via NE) and a 2025 third-round pick
After picking Williams at one, Chicago picks up an extra two third-round picks for Fields. Here at No. 9, they pair Williams with a new weapon in Malik Nabers, who has a great mix of speed and route running – so much so that some are comparing him to fellow LSU wide out Ja’Marr Chase.
No. 10 New York Jets: Taliese Fuaga. OT, Oregon State
Jets GM Joe Douglas has reportedly fallen in love with Fuaga, and after a fantastic Senior Bowl, he feels like an easy pick here.
No. 11 Minnesota Vikings: Dallas Turner. EDGE, Alabama
If the Vikings can retain Kirk Cousins, drafting the best defensive player in the draft this late is great value. Turner is the complete package off the edge, a true explosive rusher. Many speculate star pass rusher Danielle Hunter will walk in free agency. If he does, Turner is a great day one replacement.
No. 12 Atlanta Falcons: Jared Verse. EDGE, Florida State
In this mock, Atlanta comes out as big winners, getting their QB with the pick they acquired by trading back with NE. Then here at No. 12 the Falcons pick a powerful edge threat who should produce right away at the NFL level.
No. 13 Las Vegas Raiders: Terrion Arnold. CB, Alabama
The Raiders have so many needs that it’s hard to predict what they will do. Selecting far and away the best cornerback in the draft doesn’t seem like too bad of an idea. Arnold’s physical skillset makes him a perfect fit for Antonio Peirce’s defense.
No. 14 New Orleans Saints: Olumuyiwa Fashanu. OT, Penn State
The Saints need to help protect Derek Carr, especially now that star tackle Ryan Ramczyk‘s career is in question due to injury. Even if Ramczyk is healthy, drafting a guy who gave up zero sacks in college is never a bad idea.
No. 15 Indianapolis Colts: Quinyon Mitchell. CB, Toledo
Much like Anthony Richardson last season, the Colts prioritize athleticism as a position of need with this selection. Mitchel had himself a day at the senior bowl, and he will likely test amazingly at the combine. Look for the former Rocket to be CB1 right away in Indy.
No. 16 Seattle Seahawks: Troy Fautanu. G, Washington
Calling the interior of Seattle’s O-line a disaster is an understatement. The Seahawks keep Fautanu in state, as the former tackle will slide inside to guard in the NFL and should be a day one starter.
No. 17 Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Thomas Jr. WR, LSU
This is the make-or-break year for Trevor Lawrence and Jacksonville knows it. The Jags should try to surround the former number one overall pick with as many weapons as possible. They do so here by selecting a 6’4 receiver with game breaking speed and incredible hands.
No. 18 Cincinati Bengals: JC Latham. OT, Alabama
Cincinati’s number one priority will be to protect Joe Burrow. Some see Latham as the best tackle in the class. If he is available, it will be an easy decision for the Bengals to select him.
No. 19 Los Angeles Rams: Laiatu Latu. EDGE, UCLA
If not for some major injury concerns Latu would be a no brainer top 10 pick. While the Rams could take a corner, or even a QB, they make the smart choice and take the chance on Latu’s high upside.
No. 20 Pittsburgh Steelers: Jackson Powers-Johnson. C, Oregon
I am firmly of the belief that if Powers-Johnson is available at this spot, he will be a Steeler. Center Mason Cole was a major liability last season, and likely will not be on roster next season. JPJ had a fantastic Senior Bowl and deserves to be drafted in the first round.
No. 21 Miami Dolphins: Tyler Guyton. OT, Oklahoma
Miami loves to draft pure athletes, and you won’t find a more athletic tackle than Guyton. While this could also be a corner at this spot, protecting Tua Tagovailoa should be the biggest priority.
No. 22 Philadelphia Eagles: Kool-Aid McKinstry. CB, Alabama
The Eagles secondary was a mess last season. They had problems in coverage and seemed allergic to tackling. It’s no secret that GM Howie Roseman loves SEC players. McKinstry’s ability in man coverage and his impressive open field tackling skills make him a good fix to Philly’s problems.
No. 23 Houston Texans: Byron Murphy II. DT, Texas
Hailing from San Fransisco, head coach Demeco Ryans knows the importance of a dominate D-Line. Murphy is a great fit in Houston, possessing a good mix of youth, quickness, and power.
No. 24 Buffalo Bills: Keon Coleman. WR, Florida State
Trade: Buffalo sends No. 28, No. 128, No. 161, and No. 197
Dallas sends No. 24
With Gabe Davis set to hit free agency, Buffalo needs to draft another weapon for Josh Allen. Coleman, while not a great separator, is a fantastic jump ball receiver. The Bills have 10 picks in the draft, so throwing away some mid rounders to secure the 6’4, 216 lb. wide-out is no trouble.
No. 25 Green Bay Packers: Graham Barton. IOL, Duke
Barton fits the Packers love for versatility up front, being able to play all five spots on the line. Green Bay needs to make sure to protect their new franchise quarterback Jordan Love.
No. 26 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Darrius Robinson. EDGE, Missouri
Tampa reaches a bit here to fill a position of need. Robinson is a powerful rusher off the edge and should be a good replacement for Shaq Barrett when he hits free agency next year.
No. 27 Arizona Cardinals: Jer’Zhan Newton. DT, Illinois
Arizona elects to take the best player on the board. Newton is a disruptor on the inside, and a perfect fit for a rebuilding Cardinals defense.
No. 28 Dallas Cowboys: Amarius Mims. OT, Georgia
It looks like long time tackle Tyron Smith won’t return to Dallas next year. The Cowboys need to begin the search for his replacement. Mims is a mountain of a man, with some impressive footwork, but is still very raw and will need time to adjust to the NFL level.
No. 29 Detroit Lions: Nate Wiggins. CB, Clemson
Detroit has shown they prefer to draft athletes, and Wiggins certainly fits that description. The former Tiger possesses great speed and fluidity but is a little shaky in man coverage. Luckily, the Lions like to run a lot of zone coverage. Motor City is an ideal landing spot for Wiggins.
No. 30 Baltimore Ravens: Cooper DeJean. CB, Iowa
Baltimore has always drafted the best player on the board no matter of position. DeJean is a Swiss Army knife, able to line up on the outside, in the slot, or even at safety. The Ravens need to add another corner, landing DeJean at 30 is a home run.
No. 31 San Fransisco 49ers: Jordan Morgan. OT, Arizona
San Francisco has ignored the offensive line in the past few drafts. That will likely change this year. Morgan was a stud for Arizona, showing off great technical skills as a blocker.
No. 32 Kansas City Chiefs: Troy Franklin. WR, Oregon
The Chiefs have won two straight Super Bowls after trading Tyreek Hill, but they still clearly miss his production. Franklin is a speed demon, and an excellent route runner, two things Kansas City is lacking. Imitation is the highest form of flattery, and the Chiefs select their true Tyreek replacement.
Ryan States is in his 3rd year at Lock Haven University, and his second with the Eagle Eye. He is a Journalism major with intentions to minor in Sports Management. With his never-ending passion for all things sports, he wishes to pursue a career as a sports writer for a major outlet. When not watching sports, he can be found playing video games, hanging out with friends at the REC. Or you can find him helping out in the booth during LHU sporting events. His biggest hope while at Lock Haven is to be able to positively contribute to LHU sports in any way he can.
