The NFL Draft is just days away, so here’s a pick-by-pick guide to what you should expect on Night 1 of the NFL draft. You can find my final Mock Drafts here as I attempt to go back-to-back as the world’s most accurate Mock Drafter (according to Fantasypros.) As always, send me any questions in the comments below.
- Raiders
The first pick will be Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. That has been locked in for months.
- Jets
It gets interesting quickly. The Jets will take an edge rusher, but which one? Arvell Reese was the favorite for weeks before reports brought David Bailey heavily into the conversation. Reese is the younger player (he turns 21 in August) and has Micah Parsons potential. But he’s raw, very raw. Bailey is a polished edge rusher who has been very productive at college. But he’s two years older than Reese and has a lower ceiling. The pick here will have a major flow-on effect over the rest of the Top 10. In the last day or so, Bailey has returned to being the favorite and I expect him to be the pick.
- Cardinals
For much of the process, this pick has seemed to be a question of whichever edge rusher the Jets don’t select. Recent reports have suggested a trade down (probably with the Cowboys) is very much a possibility, but in the last few days, Jeremiyah Love buzz is growing. Selecting a running back with the third pick when you already have James Conner, Tyler Allgeier and Trey Benson is further evidence that the Cardinals are one of the league’s worst franchises. I’d rather see them trade back for an O-lineman, but sticking a picking the survivor of Reese and Bailey is also OK. But I’m starting to think they’ll instead take Love.
- Titans
The Titans seemed a lock to select Jeremiyah Love and I suspect that will be the choice if he’s available. But if the Cardinals take the running back, I expect Tennessee selects the remainder of Bailey and Reese. Sonny Styles is also a possibility as Robert Saleh builds up his front seven. My guess here is Reese at this stage.
- Giants
The Giants are regularly linked to Sonny Styles here but everything I’m hearing suggests this is more likely to be wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. Caleb Downs is also a possibility while OT Spencer Fano can’t be totally dismissed either. This is also the floor for Jeremiyah Love.
- Browns
The Browns want to trade back, but they will regardless be taking an OT and a WR with their two picks. Carnell Tate is the bookies favorite, but I’m becoming increasingly confident that they will address the O-line first. Spencer Fano is likely to be the pick but don’t discount the possibility of Kadyn Proctor or Francis Mauigoa. Either that or the Cowboys trade up to take Styles ahead of the Commanders.
- Commanders
The Commanders are another trade down candidate, with the Cowboys likely desperate to trade up if Sonny Styles is still available. Ironically, I think Styles is also the player Washington would prefer (assuming their true favorite, Jeremiyah Love, is long gone). If the linebacker isn’t available, I’ve also heard mixed reports on wide receiver Carnell Tate while Caleb Downs is a possibility too. If they trade back and miss out on those guys, look out for cornerback Mansoor Delane if he makes it out of the Top 10.
- Saints
This is likely the floor for Carnell Tate, assuming Jordyn Tyson has been taken by the Giants. I’ve also heard New Orleans linked to Caleb Downs and Mansoor Delane, which makes a lot of sense, as they need to keep addressing their secondary. The bookies also suggest Rueben Bain is possible but I haven’t heard that anywhere else.
- Chiefs
The Chiefs are tricky as they have three picks in the Top 40 and they need a receiver, an edge rusher, an O-lineman, a cornerback and a safety. I’ve heard they’d love to trade back with the Cowboys but if they stick and pick, Rueben Bain, the short-armed edge rusher from Miami, will likely be the selection. Other possibilities include OT Kadyn Proctor, receiver Carnell Tate, cornerback Mansoor Delane or even tight end Kenyon Sadiq. I’d also suggest Caleb Downs will get a lot of consideration if he’s available. If I had to guess, I’d say Bain is the most likely followed by a wide receiver, then Delane.
- Giants
This pick will depend a little on what happens at 5. I have heard Jordyn Tyson suggested here but I think he’s likely long gone. Caleb Downs is another heavy possibility and is the bookies favorite, but he might also not fall. That leaves offensive linemen as the most logical choice. Spencer Fano is likely the top option but Francis Mauigoa is a real possibility too. But at this stage, I think it’s most likely to be Mansoor Delane, assuming he makes it this far.
- Dolphins
The Dolphins have a vast array of needs so this is likely a case of best player available. This is likely the floor for Jordyn Tyson and Carnell Tate, as a receiver makes a lot of sense. Even Makai Lemon is possible. If they go O-line, I know they like Kadyn Proctor, but might select Spencer Fano or Francis Mauigoa over him. Rueben Bain likely won’t get here but is a good option if he does. The last possibility, and I think it’s a good chance, is Mansoor Delane if he makes it. The Dolphins can’t go forward with a top cornerback called Storm Duck.
- Cowboys
The Cowboys are desperate to trade up for Sonny Styles or an edge rusher, but they’re unwilling to give up the 20th pick. That really limits their options. Having said that, 2027 are highly valued by some teams as that’s probably a better draft class. Hence the move up is still possible. So we could see Dallas at picks 6,7 or 9 selecting someone like Sonny Styles, Rueben Bain or Mansoor Delane. If they stay here though, it seems more likely they take whichever defensive player falls.
- Rams
The Rams have very few needs, but wide receiver is one. Makai Lemon would be the perfect fit as a smaller slot receiver to complement big man Davante Adams and YAC-merchant Puka Nacua. O-line is also a possibility if the right guy falls, while Kenyon Sadiq is an alternative weapon to improve the passing game.
- Ravens
The Ravens always find value and will likely take the best player available. Though I think O-line and wide receiver are preferences. I doubt a top three receiver makes it this far though, and the top three tackles will likely be off the board. That’s why every man and his dog has been mocking them guard Vega Ioane. Kenyon Sadiq is also a fun smokie that would spark the passing game.
- Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are prime trade-down candidates, as many of their options will still be around in 5-10 picks. Edge rusher is a clear need and there’s a chance Keldric Faulk is still here, while Akheem Mesidor is an outside chance. They could also take an inside linebacker instead, though this would be a reach for CJ Allen. Kenyon Sadiq and Vega Ioane are certainly possible too and my final favorite is a cornerback. This could ultimately be the home of Jermod McCoy, if Tampa hasn’t flunked him medically.
- Jets
The Jets are back on the clock. Wide receiver is a real possibility here and this is the true floor for Carnell Tate. If Tate and Makai Lemon are both gone, I anticipate either Denzel Boston or a cornerback like Jermod McCoy. Other outside possibilities include less premium positions like Vega Ioane (guard), Dillon Thieneman (safety) or Kenyon Sadiq (tight end).
- Lions
The Lions are most likely to take an offensive tackle, be it Kadyn Proctor, Monroe Freeling or someone else. But if they’re off the board, don’t be surprised if they address the defensive line with an edge rusher like Keldric Faulk or take a cornerback in Jermod McCoy.
- Vikings
Minnesota have regularly been linked with Dillon Thieneman to replace veteran Harrison Smith. I think defensive line makes more sense though. This is the ceiling for the defensive tackles like Peter Woods and Kayden McDonald, while an edge rusher isn’t out of the question either.
- Panthers
This is a popular spot for Kenyon Sadiq or Dillon Thieneman, though I wouldn’t be surprised if both are gone by now. That opens up the possibility of a wide receiver (KC Concepcion, Denzel Boston and Omar Cooper are the main names) or a defensive tackle.
- Cowboys
The Cowboys have been very protective of this pick and I believe they want to use it for a cornerback. Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood are the most likely, but Chris Johnson is a possibility too. If they didn’t use their earlier pick on an edge rusher, that brings Keldric Faulk and Akheem Mesidor into the equation.
- Steelers
The Steelers are regularly mocked a wide receiver which frankly makes no sense to me, but it is a legitimate possibility here. I think it is more likely though that they select an offensive lineman. That could be a tackle which bumps inside like Monroe Freeling, Blake Miller, Max Iheanachor or Caleb Lomu. It could equally be a true guard like Vega Ioane (if he really falls) or Chase Bisontis.
- Chargers
The Chargers will likely address one of the lines. That could mean any of the offensive linemen mentioned in the Steelers blurb, or it could mean a defensive lineman like Peter Woods, Kayden McDonald, or an edge rusher.
- Eagles
The Eagles have only drafted one first round O-lineman since Lane Johnson (that was bust Andre Dillard in 2019). They now need to replace him with another. I know they like Monroe Freeling and Kayden Proctor but they’re likely off the board, meaning they’ll need to dip into the pool of other options mentioned above. This is also a possible landing spot for Kenyon Sadiq or Dillon Thieneman if they fall.
- Browns
Assuming the Browns take a tackle initially, this is likely a wide receiver. Denzel Boston is most likely, but KC Concepcion and Omar Cooper are possibilities too. If they took Carnell Tate earlier though, this will likely be Monroe Freeling, Caleb Lomu or another left tackle candidate.
- Bears
I expect the Bears to address their defense in some manner. An edge rusher has been my favorite option and I think this is a natural spot for Akheem Mesidor. But a defensive tackle like Kayden McDonald also makes sense. I’ve also seen Emmanuel McNeill-Warren regularly mocked to Chicago here and that’s not out of the question.
- Bills
The Bills will likely address their front seven. An edge rusher is most likely, ideally a speedy one like Cashius Howell, but I could imagine a defensive tackle too. I’ve also heard them linked to linebackers CJ Allen and Jacob Rodriguez too. Wide receiver is also possible, but I think less likely.
- 49ers
The 49ers have continually been linked to wide receivers like KC Concepcion, but offensive tackle is a far greater need. I expect one of Caleb Lomu, Max Iheanachor and Blake Miller will find themselves in San Fran next season.
- Texans
Last year, the Texans traded down with the Giants who selected Jaxson Dart. I expect this year, they could do they same with the Cardinals, who would select Ty Simpson. Whenever Houston picks though, I expect they will address the trenches.
- Chiefs
Another prime trade down spot, I’m expecting a cornerback like Avieon Terrell, Chris Johnson or Colton Hood. A wide receiver, edge rusher or offensive tackle are also possible, depending on what happened at pick 9.
- Dolphins
This is another trade down spot and another position where anything could happen. Like the Chiefs, receiver, cornerback, edge rusher and O-line are all possibilities. In fact, it really could be anyone except a quarterback, a running back or a punter.
- Patriots
A lot of experts are suggesting wide receiver and safety are options here. And they are, though the likely trade of AJ Brown really lowers the chance of a receiver. But if I had to guess (and I do), I’d go with an right tackle. Max Iheanachor, Blake Miller and Caleb Lomu are all possibilities, while an interior lineman like Chase Bisontis is also on the table.
- Seahawks
The Seahawks are desperate to trade back as they only have four picks this year and they would like to grab Jadarian Price where there is a little more value. If they are forced to stick and pick though, I expect a cornerback like Colton Hood is the most likely outcome.
