thejosechannel’s NFL Mock Draft: Saints trade up for QB? Giants take a heisman winner? Steelers get QB of the future?
Tis’ the season of the NFL Draft, which is just a few days away. With it becoming Super Bowl of struggling teams, it has become one of the biggest events in the NFL calendar. A new opportunity for teams to draft the catalyst of their franchise and turn around their luck with a good draft class. We’ve seen teams like the Detroit Lions become contenders after successful draft classes. The Titans will be first up with the first pick and be followed by the Browns and Giants. This draft will be loaded with lots of young talent like Heisman Winner Travis Hunter, Miami QB Cam Ward, and Penn State LB Abdul Carter all expected to go in the top three. Here are my predictions for this year’s draft:
1. Tennessee Titans: QB Cam Ward, Miami
The draft essentially starts at second overall because of how much of a lock Cam Ward to the Titans is. He is everything that franchise is looking for and could provide a new hope for fans. I’d be extremely surprised if the Titans traded out or skipped off Ward, it’d make little to no sense.
2. Cleveland Browns: LB Abdul Carter, Penn State
The best player in this draft is hands down, Abdul Carter. Although there are concerns over his health, time heals all wounds and it shouldn’t make Carter fall in this draft. With the hole at QB being deep, you’d expect QB here but Deshaun Watson’s contract makes that seem less likely. When Myles Garrett had his contract debacle, there was suggestions of pairing him with a premiere talent… Carter is the guy.
3. New York Giants: WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
With the signings of QBs Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson, a QB selection seems unlikely. So why not select the heisman winner who can give you depth at WR and CB. The tandem of Malik Nabers and Travis Hunter would be incredible for Big Blue, it just makes too much sense.
4. New England Patriots: OL Will Campbell, LSU
The Patriots made big moves this offseason and gave out bags of money. Yet, the offensive line is still one that needs addressing and what better than the best offensive lineman in the draft. Drake Maye needs protection and he can grow with Campbell for years to come.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: DL Mason Graham, Michigan
Only a mere few months ago, Mason Graham was considered a top three pick in this year’s draft. Yet, due to over-analysis he seems to have fallen a bit on people’s draft boards. The Jaguars desperately need interior line depth and this could make former first overall pick, Travon Walker’s, life easier with more one on one matchups.
6. *Mock Trade* New Orleans Saints (trade with Raiders): QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Our only big trade in the first round will go down between Las Vegas and New Orleans. With Shedeur Sanders falling from top three to out of the top five, teams will begin to pounce on trades to get him. Sanders has become another victim of over-analysis and has fallen on people’s draft boards. New Orleans might have just lost QB Derek Carr for the year so I expect them to be aggressive in acquiring a QB. I project a trade between New Orleans and Las Vegas to bring Sanders to New Orleans.
Trade Details:
Las Vegas Raiders trade: 2025 6th overall pick
New Orleans Saints trade: 2025 9th overall pick, 40th overall pick, 131st overall pick and 2026 3rd round pick
7. New York Jets: OL Armand Membou, Missouri
The last time the Jets made the playoffs, it was because of their destructive defense and superstar offensive line. It has been a very long time since the Jets had a great offensive line and the drafting of Armand Membou would bring them that. The offensive tackle duo of Fashanu and Membou for years to come would be incredible and make the life of any QB better. This pick is a no-brainer, many will debate to select Tyler Warren but this tight end class is so deep that a first round tight end isn’t necessary.
8. Carolina Panthers: LB Jalon Walker, Georgia
The Panthers defense was the worst in football last season. Walker is almost best defensive player available at this point and the Panthers need a linebacker that can play off the edge. A new weapon for Bryce Young would be awesome but they can’t possibly further ignore the struggling defense.
9. *Mock Trade* Las Vegas Raiders (trade with Saints): RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
The Raiders could easily take Jeanty at sixth overall but if this trade were to happen, it’d be a complete success for Vegas. The likelihood of Jeanty getting selected by the Jets or Panthers is slim, so this trade down works perfectly. With Geno Smith being Las Vegas’ quick fix at QB, the next step is surrounding him with talent and drafting a superstar RB is a great move.
10. Chicago Bears: EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia
The Bears have done a great job in rebuilding the offensive line to protect QB Caleb Williams but they need a strong defensive presence. They need a linebacker no the edge or on the inside that can make premiere plays and Mykel Williams fits that criteria.
11. San Francisco 49ers: OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
With OT Trent Williams getting older and older, they may have to look at a possible replacement. Kelvin Banks Jr. would be a great heir to Williams’ throne and could provide the depth this Niners team needs. He’s a great get at eleventh overall and should be a no-brainer pick.
12. Dallas Cowboys: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
Jerry Jones is gonna Jerry Jones. Although this Cowboys team has many, many holes to fill. I can easily see Jerry obsessing over this selection, which he should. Outside of CeeDee Lamb, there aren’t any legit threats for the Cowboys and that should be enough to make McMillan a Cowboy.
13. Miami Dolphins: CB Will Johnson, Michigan
Will Johnson was supposed to be a top five pick but has fell out of the top ten. However, this works to the Dolphins favor as they can finally reinforce that DB room. With the loss of Jevon Holland in the offseason, the Dolphins need to bolster this defensive back group and adding Johnson to the mix works. Jalen Ramsey gets a new teammate.
14. Indianapolis Colts: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
For the Colts, a player like Warren at fourteen would be perfect. The Colts lack strong weapons and have some lineman issues. So with a player like Warren who is a blocker and passing target, this a great match. Another weapon for Daniel Jones or Anthony Richardson.
15. Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Mike Green, Marshall
The Falcons pass rush has been a group that has lacked true star power and ability. For the past few years, the Falcons pass rush has been one of the worst in the league with the worst QB pressure rate since 2019. In last years draft, the Falcons were projected to address this need but instead selected QB Michael Penix Jr. Here we are again and they have a chance to address this need. And if Mike Green is still available, then this is a no-brainer.
16. Arizona Cardinals: WR Matthew Golden, Texas
The Kyler Murray era has seen ups and many downs. Yet, the case can be made that he needs more marquee players around him to lead this team into long-term stability. The need is on the offense with holes in the offensive line and wide receiver group. If they were to pair Matthew Golden and Marvin Harrison, it’d be a tremendous weapon for Murray. This team is so close to being a legit playoff contender.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: EDGE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
The Bengals entire draft class should be defensive players. Trey Hendrickson needs a partner to solidify this line and draw more one on ones. Shemar Stewart would be a great add for the line and is a clear sign of improvement for this struggling defense.
18. Seattle Seahawks: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
With Sam Darnold taking over the QB position, the Seahawks need to put him in a similar situation he had in Minnesota. They need to put great playmakers around Sam Darnold and Colston Loveland would be a great addition at tight end. The Seahawks have a receiver and offensive line issue that Loveland can simultaneously address.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
The Bucs have kept their offense the same and it continues to be the best part of their team, however the defense has struggled at times. With Lavonte David being on the way out soon, they need a real playmaker at that position and Jihaad Campbell could be that player. The experience of learning from Lavonte David will do incredible things for Campbell.
20. Denver Broncos: DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan
After shocking the NFL with the selection of QB Bo Nix, that has been successful in last years draft, they find themselves in an interesting position. They can continue to bolster the defense or put playmakers around Bo Nix. The biggest position of need is running back but there is a plethora of talent in that position in this years draft, so they should focus on getting another great talent for that defensive line.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
THE SHOCKER OF THE DRAFT. The Steelers decide on their future and don’t mortgage it on Aaron Rodgers’ decision. It’d be an excellent move to draft Dart and let him sit behind a veteran for a full year. Don’t do what they did with Kenny Pickett, who wasn’t ready to be an NFL QB. Eventually Dart could be the future in Pittsburgh, but he desperately needs time to develop.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
This offense needs firepower, Justin Herbert needs help. He needs a receiver that can catch the ball and Emeka Egbuka can be that guy. Egbuka was supposed to be a top five pick since his freshman year but has had a few lackluster years. He’d be good to pair with Herbert.
23. Green Bay Packers: CB Jahdae Barron, Texas
With the departure of Jaire Alexander being on the horizon, the Packers need hope at cornerback. And Jahdae Barron could be the future at CB for the Packers even if they don’t trade Alexander. The pairing would be pretty good too. I don’t see them taking a WR here if the top three WRs aren’t available.
24. Minnesota Vikings: S Malaki Starks, Georgia
Harrison Smith is signed on for another year but Father Time will soon consume him, so Minnesota should select a premiere talent to replace him. Malaki Starks is more than a safety and could play all over the place for Minnesota until he takes over the primary safety spot from Smith. And with their need of a CB, Starks may play there from time to time.
25. Houston Texans: OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State
The Laremy Tunsil trade has put Houston in a weird spot because now, not only do they need interior help on the offensive line and more playmakers, specifically to replace Stefon Diggs. Yet, now they also need to fill the hole at left tackle that the Tunsil trade left. In a draft that is stacked with lineman, the Texans can easily recover so I have them taking Josh Simmons.
26. Los Angeles Rams: CB Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina
The Rams need improvement on defensive, specifically in the DB room. So, I have them picking the best one available Shavon Revel.
27. Baltimore Ravens: OL Tyler Booker, Alabama
With the uncertainty of Ben Cleveland’s legal issues and the departure of Patrick Mekari, the Ravens don’t have much depth at guard. This is the perfect time to address that position with Tyler Booker sitting right there, who is considered the best guard in the draft by many.
28. Detroit Lions: EDGE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
Pearce was projected to be a top pick, maybe the first edge rusher (after Abdul Carter) taken, but has fallen in many people’s draft boards. And he can easily fall right into Detroit’s lap. With Aidan Hutchinson rehabbing his injury, he’s going to need someone to help him ease back into the role of the leader and Pearce can do that.
29. Washington Commanders: EDGE Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
When Myles Garrett asked for a trade, the Commander immediately became the favorite to trade for him due to the perfect match it would’ve made. That was until Garrett signed a ridiculous extension and was no longer available. So, the need for an edge rusher remains for Washington and they can address it with this draft. Take Scourton.
30. Buffalo Bills: WR Luther Burden III, Missouri
After trading away Xavier Worthy to the Chiefs in last years draft, the Bills still find themselves needing a legit WR. Although CB is the top need, with a player like Luther Burden III still available, the Bills should continue to add to their struggling WR room.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon
This pick should be obvious. The Chiefs lost the Super Bowl to the Eagles defensive line and it was because their offensive line couldn’t hang. Easy fix is to bolster the line with an incredible young talent like Josh Conerly Jr.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
Lastly, to close out the draft are the Super Bowl Champions. The Eagles don’t have an immediate hole or NEED on this team. However, they could use some help at safety after trading away CJ Gardner-Johnson. And Nick Emmanwori may be blessed with the opportunity to play on this defense.
