The first two major steps in the NFL offseason — the Senior Bowl and Scouting Combine — are now complete: As each passes, the NFL Draft picture becomes more clear.
What do things look like after the week in Indianapolis?
Here’s our latest mock draft.
No. 1: Giants (via trade with the Tennessee Titans) – QB Cam Ward, Miami
The Giants did everything they could to acquire Matthew Stafford from the Los Angeles Rams. It didn’t work, so it’s on to Plan B. Most believe this means trading up to the top overall selection, according to multiple league sources at the NFL Combine. The Titans would like to create a bidding war, but talks for the pick likely start at a 2025 second-round pick and, at least, a 2026 third-rounder.
Any trade to No. 1 is with one player in mind: Cam Ward. I couldn’t find one elevator in Indianapolis who believed Shedeur Sanders is a better player.
No. 2: Cleveland Browns – EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State
The Browns keep saying they don’t want to trade Myles Garrett, but they might not have a choice. Carter is the top edge rusher in this class and may be the best overall prospect. The Browns could use a quarterback, sure, but they might not need to force the issue in this draft if they can lure Kirk Cousins in free agency.
No. 3: Tennessee Titans (via trade with the Giants) – CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
Most people at the Combine shared the belief that Hunter’s future is as a full-time cornerback with a package of plays on offense. Some teams feel he’s in line with Carter as the top prospect in the class. The Titans, after trading back with the Giants, still get an elite-level prospect.
No. 4: New England Patriots – WR Tet McMillan, Arizona
The Patriots have their franchise quarterback in Drake Maye, and they desperately need to get him teammates who can make his job easier. That’s McMillan, arguably the top receiver in the class. He finished last season with 84 catches for 1,319 yards and eight touchdowns.
No. 5: Jacksonville Jaguars – DL Mason Graham, Michigan
The Jaguars already have three major pieces on their defensive line in Josh Hines-Allen, Arik Armstead, and Travon Walker. They don’t need Graham, but it’s hard to pass on him. He’s a top-tier, do-it-all player. Jacksonville’s defensive front will be a force for years to come.
No. 6: Las Vegas Raiders – QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Sanders didn’t earn rave reviews out of the Combine. According to sources, he turned some teams off in the interview process. One team source actually had Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart ranked ahead of him leaving Indianapolis. Sanders raved about his relationship with Raiders minority owner Tom Brady during his interview with the media. It’s hard to see Brady passing on him if he’s still on the board.
No. 7: Jets – TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
The Jets had a choice a year ago: Protection or playmaker. They went with the former, selecting left tackle Olu Fashanu over tight end Brock Bowers. A year later, they could go back to the tight end well. Warren is among the more complete players at his position in a while.
He’s a good route-runner, fast and physical, but has no problem contributing to the run game. Tyler Conklin is a tight end and Jeremy Ruckert hasn’t shown enough to be handed the starting job. Warren is a Day 1 starter for the Jets.
No. 8: Carolina Panthers – WR Luther Burden III, Missouri
The Panthers have to be thrilled with the way Bryce Young came on last year. He seemed like a sure-fire bust. Now, he’s back in line as their franchise quarterback. Carolina does need weapons for its young quarterback, though, and Burden gives them one. He had a bit of a down 2024 campaign (61 catches, 676 yards, six touchdowns), but caught 86 passes for 1,212 yards and nine scores back in 2023.
No. 9: New Orleans Saints – RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
The Saints still have veteran tailback Alvin Kamara, but their best years were when they paired him with another, Mark Ingram. Jeanty allows New Orleans to recreate that dynamic backfield. He ran for a staggering 2,601 yards with 29 touchdowns a season ago.
No. 10: Chicago Bears – OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
The Bears desperately need to protect quarterback Caleb Williams. Banks is the top tackle in this year’s class and should step in as a Day 1 starter.
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