2025 NFL Draft 3-Round Mock

This 3-round mock combines mountains of research with sourced insider reports to provide the latest intel ahead of the NFL Draft.

The following mock draft combines research from various sources, including Sports Info Solutions, PFF, NBC Sports, several Bleacher Report team affiliates, the Athletic's tremendous stable of beat reporters, Alex Katson's equally tremendous, NFL-sourced Pro Day spreadsheet, many NFL podcasts, Spotrac, Dane Brugler's prospect guide ("The Beast"), and mock drafts from ESPN's Matt Miller and NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah.

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To cut to the picks in a simple list, click here.

All of the information gathered is current through Top 30 visits. Teams now have a good sense of when players will be targeted throughout the draft and are prepared for runs on certain positions, which could motivate them to trade.

At the top of the draft, however, the pick appears to be set in stone.

With the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans select Cam Ward, quarterback, Miami.

Tennessee Titans

1.01 (01)
Cam Ward, QB
2.03 (35)
Luther Burden III, WR
No third-round pick

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Positions of Interest: QB, WR, DT, OT, CB, EDGE

After months of speculation, the Titans decide to "stick and pick" and select Miami quarterback Cam Ward.

Early on in the process, there was a debate about whether or not they would consider trading down with the Browns or Giants, but ultimately Ward separated himself from Shedeur Sanders and the Titans decide to reset at quarterback just two years after drafting Will Levis and one year after breaking ground on their new stadium.

Brian Callahan needs to do what Brian Daboll would have done and that's let Cam Ward cook. To that end, most of my scouting notes on Ward can be boiled down to:

"C'mon, man. lol" (derogatory)
vs.
"C'mon! man, LOL" (so sick)

It's going to be a rocky road, but as ESPN's Kevin Clark has been saying all draft season, Ward has enough in common with the former gunslinger who was prone to hero ball by the name of Patrick Mahomes. Trying to coach those tendencies out of Ward would be a mistake.

Pairing him with versatile inside-out receiver Luther Burden III, however, would not be a mistake. It would give the Titans their most dynamic after-the-catch option since A.J. Brown. ESPN's Matt Miller has likened Burden to Stefon Diggs while NBC's Patrick Daugherty has said Burden reminds him of Percy Harvin.

Burden has the ability to stretch the defense both vertically and horizontally, but he would primarily work as an underneath option for Ward, sort of like a juiced-up Xavier Restrepo, who became Miami's all-time leading receiver with Ward at the helm.

Burden would also help to create some space for Calvin Ridley to work the intermediate middle of the field while Chig Okonkwo stresses the seam.

Cleveland Browns

1.02 (02)
Travis Hunter, WR/CB
TRADE!
Picks 33, 67, & 104 to TB for 19
1.19 (19)
Shedeur Sanders, QB
3.30 (94)
Terrance Ferguson, TE

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Positions of Interest: QB, DT, TE, EDGE, WR, LB

The Browns desperately need to make everyone forget about Deshaun Watson, and the easiest way to do that would be relocating Colorado's superstar duo to the shores of Lake Erie.

Pay no mind to Deion Sanders' new contract at Colorado that extends through the 2029 season while Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders' rookie deals, with their fifth-year options (at least in this scenario), extend through 2030.

Much will be written on Hunter and Sanders, wherever they end up, but what's been lost in the pre-draft shuffle is just how much work the Browns have done on the second tier of TE prospects, bringing in Mason Taylor, Elijah Arroyo, Harold Fannin Jr., and Terrance Ferguson for Top 30 visits.

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Top 30 Visits, or simply "30 visits," are formal prospect visits to a team's facility that must be reported to the league office. Each team can schedule up to 30 of these visits during the pre-draft process. Teams invite certain players in for a number of reasons; they aren't necessarily one of the Top 30 prospects on a team's draft board

All four tight ends are more of the "H" than the "Y" variety, meaning they're more of the receiving type than the blocking type, which makes me think David Njoku's (longterm) roster spot could be in jeopardy.

Njoku is entering the final year of his current contract.

New York Giants

1.03 (03)
Abdul Carter, EDGE
TRADE!
Picks 34 & 99 to KC for 31
1.31 (31)
Jalen Milroe, QB
3.01 (65)
Cam Skattebo, PWHB

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Positions of Interest: QB, DT, RB, DE, CB, iOL

On December 29, 2024, Drew Lock torched the Colts for more than 300 yards and 5 total touchdowns in a 45-33 home victory that knocked the Giants out of contention for the No. 1 overall pick.

Abdul Carter, once considered the favorite to be the top pick in the draft, has had a murky pre-draft process as he tends to a foot issue that may or may not (eventually) require surgery. The Giants pair Carter with Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, and pick up Kayvon Thibodeaux's 5th-year option to give the G-Men their most fearsome pass rush since Michael Strahan was in town.

Then, the Giants address the QB position by trading back into the first round with Kansas City to take Jalen Milroe, finally giving him his moment in the spotlight as he's one of two prospects remaining in the green room on Thursday night.

Brian Daboll's Alabama connections and success developing the similarly toolsy Josh Allen give Joe Schoen the confidence to go up and take their QB, who shares traits with presumptive starter Russell Wilson (mobility) and backup Jameis Winston (a willingness to chuck it deep).

Milroe's also widely considered to be a one- to two-year developmental prospect, which might buy this regime some additional time.

There is a chance, though, that team owner John Mara issues the code red at No. 3 overall. Schoen has had to live with the memory of his boss telling him in front of the world that "Saquon Barkley [was] their most popular player by far. BY FAR" and the possibility of drafting Ashton Jeanty at three could fill that void.

But the Giants have drafted well, overall, during the Schoen-Daboll era, and have generally made process-driven decisions. Cam Skattebo, one of the most popular players in the draft, would help fill the void left by Saquon and give the Giants a lead back to complement Tyrone Tracy. Skattebo could have the top-selling jersey in the NFL team store by the end of draft weekend.

New England Patriots

1.04 (04)
Will Campbell, OL
2.06 (38)
Emeka Egbuka, WR
3.05 (69)
Ozzy Trapilo, OT
3.13 (77)
JT Tuimoloau, DE

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Positions of Interest: OT, WR, iOL, SLCB, RB, DL

As a Bills fan, this would be a nightmare scenario. If the Patriots land Emeka Egbuka, who I consider to be the best receiver in the draft, with the sixth pick in the second round — one year after the Bills traded down with the Chiefs and allowed them to take Xavier Worthy, then passed on Ladd McConkey to take Keon Coleman.... Like I said, nightmare scenario.

Mike Vrabel & Co. want to protect their quarterback and get younger along the line of scrimmage after spending a boatload to raise their floor in free agency. Will Campbell, Ozzy Trapilo, and JT Tuimoloau are high-character guys who project to have relatively high floors as solid NFL starters. There are concerns about Campbell's ability to play tackle in the NFL, so they double down and take Trapilo in Round 3.

Chicago Bears

TRADE!
Picks 10 & 41 to JAX for 5
1.05 (05)
Ashton Jeanty, RB
2.07 (39)
Kenneth Grant, NT
3.08 (72)
Dylan Fairchild, OG

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Positions of Interest: RB, OG, OT, LB, DE, DT

Offensive linemen love to run the ball because they get to be active instead of reactive. In pass protection, they're anchoring down and working backward but in the run game, they get to work forward and play offense instead of defending their quarterback.

Bears GM Ryan Poles is a former offensive lineman who has consistently shown a desire to be active throughout his tenure leading Chicago's front office.

This offseason, he was ready to board a plane to Detroit to make sure they got their new head coach, Ben Johnson, as soon as it was clear the Lions were going to lose to the Commanders in the playoffs.

The Bears then went out and traded for Chiefs guard Joe Thuney and Rams guard Jonah Jackson, who previously played for Johnson in Detroit, and signed former Falcons center Drew Dalman, completely remaking their offensive line to support sophomore QB Caleb Williams.

To cap it all off, on Thursday night, the Bears send the last bit of their haul from the Carolina trade for Bryce Young to go up and select Ashton Jeanty.

Perhaps more of a surprise is the Bears landing nose tackle Kenneth Grant in the second round at 41 overall. Grant has been frequently mocked in the first round but some scouts have concerns about his weight (and his ability to manage it) which could impact his ability to stay on the field for 3rd downs, and that may be enough of a concern to push him to Friday.

They also take a guard, OK.

Las Vegas Raiders

1.06 (06)
Jalon Walker, ED/LB
2.05 (37)
Jacob Parrish, NB
3.04 (68)
Kyle Williams, WR

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Positions of Interest: CB, LB, WR, OT, RB, QB

First and foremost, how can you not love Pete Carroll?

Here he is two weeks ago already calling GM John Spytek the familiar "Johnny":

“Johnny and I are totally arm in arm in figuring that out here,” Carroll said Monday when asked about how he’s collaborated with Spytek in the roster-building process. “Every opportunity we’ve had so far, we feel like we’ve exhausted the best shot to get the toughest, most physical guys that love the game.”

Spytek comes from the Buccaneers, an organization known for drafting, developing, and re-signing their guys — including now 35-year-old LB Lavonte David, whom they drafted in the second round back in 2012.

It wouldn't be a surprise to hear Roger Goodell announce Jalon Walker as a linebacker on the stage in Green Bay, even if that would be considered very early to draft a linebacker in 2025 and most draftniks and front offices are projecting Walker to be more of an EDGE rusher at the NFL level.

But the Raiders lost tackle-machine Robert Spillane in free agency and they play in the YACkiest division in football, the AFC West, where Walker could immediately step in and (hopefully) have an Andrew Van Ginkel–like impact hawking down quick, short-area receivers like a goddamn pterodactyl.

In the second round, the Raiders make one of the more surprising picks of the draft and select Jacob Parrish, nickelback, Kansas State.

Parrish is ranked closer to 100 than 32 on most big boards, but after listening and reading so many different analysts throughout the process, as well as insider-backed and sourced-up front office executives, there is perhaps no player more people agree on than Jacob Parrish. He seems destined to succeed, destined to be a foundational piece, destined to fit like a glove in Carroll and Patrick Graham's defense.

“The nickel position is a critical spot in Pete’s and PG’s defense, so it’s something that we’ve got to figure out,” Spytek said at the NFL’s annual league meeting.

In the third round, the Raiders grab a downfield separator for Geno Smith in Kyle Williams, whom they hope to develop into Zoomer Tyler Lockett — whose elder millennial-ass just so happens to be a free agent and would be a hell of a mentor in Las Vegas.

Editor's Note: Tyler Lockett signed with the Titans a couple minutes before I published this. So it goes.

New York Jets

1.07 (07)
Mason Graham, DT
2.10 (42)
Aireontae Ersery, RT
3.09 (73)
Andrew Mukuba, SAF
TRADE!
Picks 110 & 207 to ATL for 102
3.38 (102)
Elic Ayomanor, WR

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Positions of Interest: DE, DT, EDGE, SAF, TE, WR

Aaron Glenn would be doing backflips if the board fell this way. Mason Graham belongs in Detroit but East Rutherford will do, and he sure would fit perfectly beside Quinnen Williams on that defensive line.

In the second round, the Jets address their right tackle position and take Minnesota's Aireontae Ersery, who should step in immediately to aid their run-first, aggressive mindset on offense.

These Jets further cement their ethos by selecting bone-crushing safety Andrew Mukuba and blocks-his-ass-off WR Elic Ayomanor in the third round.

Finally: the Jets embrace their New Jersey identity.

Carolina Panthers

1.08 (08)
Walter Nolen, DT
2.25 (57)
Jaylin Noel, WR
3.10 (74)
Kyle Kennard, EDGE

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Positions of Interest: EDGE, DT, DE, NT, SAF, RB

Milton Williams spurned the Panthers in free agency to join the Patriots, but it was initially reported that the dynamic defensive tackle — who sacked Patrick Mahomes twice in the Super Bowl — would be heading to Charlotte.

The Panthers ended up signing Tershawn Wharton but still see value in drafting and developing a defensive tackle with true three-down potential, one who can affect the passing game and the running game, and outside of Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter, there's perhaps no defensive player in the draft with higher upside than Walter Nolen.

The quickest way to the quarterback isn't off the edge but right down the middle, collapsing the pocket as quickly as possible. Nolen has all the tools to become That Dude down Broadway, and Panthers DC Ejiro Evero is one of the best young defensive minds to help him reach his potential.

In the second round, the Panthers select WR Jaylin Noel (pronounced Knoll, like the chair, not "no-el," like Christmas) who just so happens to be the steal of the entire draft, a certified Bandit Bro, an absolute menace out wide or in the slot.

Noel has incredible play speed and separates at will and shows a fearlessness to go over the middle at all three levels of the field. The Panthers desperately need a wide receiver under 35 who can separate, and there's no better separator in this draft than Jaylin Noel.

In the third, the Panthers tap into their backyard and select Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina. Kennard is ranked lower on most big boards but received a higher grade from our scouting staff at Sports Info Solutions.

The Panthers, who employ some former SIS analysts, take a bet on our 43rd overall player and 9th ranked EDGE defender, who has a very good, explosive 1st step and a motor that never runs cold.

New Orleans Saints

1.09 (09)
Armand Membou, RT
TRADE!
Picks 40, 71, 93, & 112 to NO for 21
1.21 (21)
Jaxson Dart, QB

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Positions of Interest: DL, OT, CB, QB, WR, SAF

The Saints are down bad. Real bad.

Ryan Ramczyk, who celebrated his 31st birthday this week but also decided to hang up his cleats, played his entire 8-year career with the Saints and leaves behind a major hole at right tackle. Armand Membou is a gifted player with incredible footwork who fills that immediate need.

Then there's the Derek Carr of it all, a player Saints fans do not like and it appears that feeling is mutual.

Carr might not play this season. That's because he may or may not elect to have surgery. It seems as though he'd be willing to play through the pain and put off the surgery for his team—as long as that team was decidedly not the New Orleans Saints.

Enter Jaxson Dart, a player who would be beloved in the Bayou, according to NBC Sports's Denny Carter.

While in New Orleans to cover the Super Bowl, Carter noted, while watching the local news in his hotel room, for some reason, that the local news anchors would not stop talking about Jaxson Dart and how the Saints needed to draft him to keep the Mississippi quarterback in the region.

At this point—and for quite some time now—the Saints have felt like a community project trying to become Steelers South and never have a losing season, to always be competitive, and to try to make the playoffs each year before getting bounced in the Wild Card round.

Best of luck to Kellen Moore in all his future endeavors.

Jacksonville Jaguars

TRADE!
Pick 5 to CHI for 10 & 41
1.10 (10)
Will Johnson, CB
2.04 (36)
Donovan Jackson, OG
2.09 (41)
Tyleik Williams, NT
3.06 (70)
Kevin Winston Jr., SAF
3.24 (88)
Jordan James, RB

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Positions of Interest: DT, SAF, EDGE, CB, RET, QB

Babyfaced GM James Gladstone and goofball HC Liam Coen want to make a splash with their first draft leading the millennial Jaguars.

The best way to do that? Trade down!

That's what the analytics say, right? The Harvard guys? Stack those picks, hoover some value, and take multiple shots, baby!

Could this be a potential landing spot for Jalen Ramsey, a reunion? A homecoming? I don't think so. I think they take Michigan corner Will Johnson, who showed well against Marvin Harrison Jr. and Rome Odunze in college, to be their No. 1 corner against Nico Collins and other top-flight receivers scattered across the AFC South.

The next two picks come from one school and are two players that know each other well, having battled against each other in countless practices: Ohio State's Donovan Jackson and Tyleik Williams.

The offensive guard and nose tackle provide instant upgrades to the Jags' offensive and defensive fronts while also sneakily tapping into the synergy that the Rams employed, as Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic pointed out, under Gladstone's direction in 2024 when they drafted Florida State teammates Jared Verse and Braden Fiske.

In the third round, the Jags wrap-up their All Big-10 spending spree by selecting dynamic safety Kevin Winston Jr. (who was once considered a 1st Round lock, if not for an injury) and Oregon running back Jordan James as Liam Coen aims to rekindle the success he had in Tampa Bay with former Duck Bucky Irving.

San Francisco 49ers

1.11 (11)
Mike Green, EDGE
2.11 (43)
Omarr Norman-Lott, DT
TRADE!
Picks 75, 138, & 160 to WAS for 61
2.29 (61)
Marcus Mbow, OL
3.36 (100)
Cobee Bryant, CB

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Positions of Interest: EDGE, DL, OL, LB, TE, WR

The San Francisco 49ers remind everyone they're more Silicon Valley than Haight-Ashbury by selecting EDGE Mike Green.

Green, who was accused of sexual assault in high school and then again at Virginia, which led to him transferring to Marshall, has insisted he did nothing wrong.

In the second round, the 49ers add explosive DT Omarr Norman-Lott to further bolster their defensive line for returning DC Robert Saleh.

Two things, real quick, that I remember about Saleh's time with the Jets on Hard Knocks:

He runs the stadium stairs before every game.

He said the phrase "he's so fast" roughly 10 billion times

Omarr Norman-Lott had the highest True Pressure Rate in 2024 among DT prospects, according to SIS, landing at 22% when the next closest DT was at 16%. Those numbers could be inflated by the limited snaps Norman-Lott played each game, but his traits and production suggest he's capable of sustaining a high level of interior pressure.

Norman-Lott's 1st-step explosion, hand usage, and motor are very good — and when you pair those with his nearly 34" arms and gigantic, nearly 11" hands — you have the makings of a physical outlier that the 49ers have been drawn to and are willing to bet on.

The '9ers then take versatile offensive lineman Marcus Mbow and commit sacrilege by taking Cobee Bryant and make him relocate to the Bay Area.

Dallas Cowboys

1.12 (12)
Omarion Hampton, RB
2.12 (44)
Jayden Higgins, WR
3.12 (76)
Shemar Turner, DT

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Positions of Interest: RB, CB, OL, DL, WR, OLB

How 'bout them Cowboys?

Dallas needs some juice. What they need is millennial crooner Omarion singing at halftime before the season opener and again in the playoffs.

Omarion Hampton joins fellow UNC running back Javonte Williams in the new-look Dallas backfield but it's Hampton who quickly becomes one of the more dominant three-down backs in (fantasy) football.

Jayden Higgins, in the second round, has that dog in him—but he also has that diva. He is the exact type of wide receiver that Denny Carter was alluding to with his mega-viral "the enemy speaks kindly and holds a knife" post.

For those unfamiliar:

Finally, it wouldn't be a Cowboys draft class if they didn't select someone with character concerns. They do so in the third round by taking Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Turner.

From Dane Brugler's "The Beast":

Off-field decision-making will be scrutinized after he was arrested and charged with reckless driving during his junior season (Sept. 2023); he faced “internal discipline” and didn’t miss any playing time.

Flagged seven times for personal foul penalties over past two seasons (five in 2024, two in 2023)

Ejected from a game (Nov. 2023) after throwing multiple punches at an Ole Miss blocker, including an uppercut to the groin (Stewart called his actions unacceptable and tweeted an apology for “embarrassing myself, my family and my team”)

That being said, on the positive side, he sounds like the exact type of player new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus would want on his front line:

Added 30 pounds before 2024 season but didn’t sacrifice initial quickness to squeeze gaps

Grew up idolizing Ray Lewis and plays with similar on-field violence

NFL scouts describe him as a “foxhole-type” and “outstanding teammate”

Miami Dolphins

1.13 (13)
Kelvin Banks Jr., OL
2.16 (48)
Nick Emmanwori, SAF
3.34 (98)
Quincy Riley, CB

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Positions of Interest: iOL, DE, PWHB, SAF, DB, DT

The Dolphins can't pass on a super-athletic big man like Kelvin Banks Jr.

Terron Armstead retired this offseason and will likely be replaced in the lineup by sophomore OT Patrick Paul, but the Dolphins still need more help up front and the front office needs to keep Tua Tagovailoa upright and healthy for 17 regular season games, and hopefully a few more in the playoffs.

Banks is the No. 16 overall player on the SIS big board and No. 3 offensive tackle prospect, and he rates good across the board in critical and positional factors that Shanahan coaches typically value: reactive athleticism, range, footwork, and second-level ability to execute their wide zone-run concepts.

Then, in a bit of a shocker, Nick Emmanwori falls to the Dolphins in the second round to fill the void left behind by Jordan Poyer. Emmanwori has been frequently mocked to the Dolphins in the first, particularly after how he tested off the charts at the NFL Combine, but the tape tells a different story and shows a player who still has a ways to go to match the physicality you would expect from his testing numbers.

With Jalen Ramsey likely out the door via trade, the Dolphins add Louisville cornerback Quincy Riley, whom they hosted for a Top 30 visit, in the third round.

Indianapolis Colts

1.14 (14)
Josh Simmons, OT
2.13 (45)
Mason Taylor, TE
3.16 (80)
Sai'vion Jones, EDGE

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Positions of Interest: DE, OT, iOL, EDGE, CB, DT

The Colts aren't going to take a tight end in the first round, OK? Stop it!

They invited just one to their building on a Top 30 visit, Mason Taylor, and so I have them waiting until the second round to take Taylor, the son of former Dolphins Hall of Famer, Jason Taylor.

That being said, I wouldn't be surprised if the traits-pilled Chris Ballard opts for Miami's Elijah Arroyo instead.

But that brings me to their first selection, which echoes their offseason decision-making. Things seem to be afoot in Indianapolis, as in the decision-making has veered away from the traditional Ballard ways of yore and appears to be more urgent and needs-focused than the usual high-upside swings on traits.

Josh Simmons is only available at 14 overall because of an injury sustained during the 2024 season. He's a Top 5 talent in the draft when healthy, and the Colts would be wise to address tackle this year instead of next, when current OTs Braden Smith and Bernhard Raimann are unrestricted free agents.

Then, in the third round, I have the Colts going back to the Ballard well to draft Sai'vion Jones, a younger defensive prospect who Dane Brugler notes has a "terrific blend of height, weight, and length" who can line up across the D-line and pressure the quarterback.

Los Angeles Rams

TRADE!
Picks 26, 90, 101, & Future Day 3 to ATL for 15
1.15 (15)
Tyler Warren, TE
TRADE!
Picks 127, 190, 201, & 2026 5th to MIN for 97
3.33 (97)
Danny Stutsman, LB

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Positions of Interest: CB, LB, TE, QB, WR, EDGE

After failing to trade up into the Top 10 to select Brock Bowers in the 2024 Draft, the Rams get the Falcons on the phone and strike a deal to go up and take Tyler Warren.

The Falcons enter the draft with many needs but concerningly few picks—and they would've strongly considered making Kelvin Banks Jr. a Falcon had he fallen to 15 after Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot reportedly attended a private workout with the offensive tackle.

Instead, the Falcons go from five to seven picks in this year's draft and add an additional pick next year, allowing fantasy managers everywhere to rejoice about Tyler Warren's potential in a Sean McVay offense.

Then, on Day 2, the Rams get back to their "eff them picks" motto as Les Snead calls Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to get back into the Top 100 picks and select a position of need, middle linebacker Danny Stutsman.

Stutsman was near the top of the college football leaderboard in total tackles at Oklahoma and kept a samurai sword in his locker. He's a "Ram" who will fit right in and quickly find himself on the call list of several casting directors.

Arizona Cardinals

1.16 (16)
Mykel Williams, EDGE
2.15 (15)
Benjamin Morrison, CB
3.14 (78)
Ty Robinson, DL

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Positions of Interest: EDGE, DT, NT, LB, WR, CB

The Arizona Cardinals have been laser-focused on adding high-character players to their locker room since Monti Ossenfort and Jonathan Gannon took over.

In the second round, they select Notre Dame CB Benjamin Morrison, a team captain whose father, Darryl, a Phoenix native, played safety in the NFL then became a pastor when he retired and just so happens to lead chapel services for the Arizona Cardinals on the weekend.

Morrison's draft stock has tumbled due to two hip surgeries over the past four years. That's incredibly concerning for a cornerback, as hip fluidity is essential to playing the position at a high level.

In the third round, they take Ty Robinson, who was born and raised outside the Phoenix area. Robinson made the Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll four times at Nebraska and head coach Matt Rhule had this to say about his team-first attitude, in The Beast, "I can't express how much Ty means to me.... I can't express it."

There are other reasons why, but the main reason is Arizona needs all the help it can get along its defensive front to try and stop the run after getting shredded on the ground last season.

Then there's Mykel Williams, who I've mocked to the Cardinals in the 1st Round.

Here's a guy with blue-chip potential that teams like the Ravens and Eagles might be interested in trading up for, and a player who's a character fit, according to Georgia HC Kirby Smart: "He's very versatile for us in terms of on the field, but there is no greater value than what he does in the locker room.... (He's a) great leader for us."

Also in "The Beast": As a child, Williams trained with defensive line specialist Chuck Smith, who now serves as the Baltimore Ravens' pass rush coach.

Cincinnati Bengals

1.17 (17)
Shemar Stewart, EDGE
2.17 (49)
Darius Alexander, DT
3.17 (81)
Ashton Gillotte, EDGE

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Positions of Interest: DT, DE, EDGE, OT, iOL, SAF

The Bengals spent a billion dollars on their offense in the offseason so I have them taking swings on defense on Day 1 and 2, as they hope to sock at least one dinger amid three potential strikeouts.

Shemar Stewart is the ultimate traits-based bet, as he tested better than basically any prospect ever at the NFL Combine but only had 4.5 sacks at college, and even those sacks came against lesser competition.

Darius Alexander is a mountain of a man who played at a Group of 5 school in Toledo but, again, has the traits to be an absolute menace along the defensive line if he can put it all together, despite the fact he turns 25 in August.

Ashton Gillotte is more of the single or double off the wall of the group, as he's undersized but was highly productive at nearby Louisville.

Trey Hendrickson remains unsigned and reportedly on the trade block, with teams inquiring about him during the NFL Draft.

Former Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden takes over for the fired Lou Anarumo, now coordinating the Indianapolis Colts defense, and he intends to build the defense around linebacker Logan Wilson.

Not that it needs to be said, but draft the Bengals offensive weapons everywhere in fantasy this season.

Seattle Seahawks

1.18 (18)
Jihaad Campbell, LB
2.18 (50)
Tate Ratledge, OG
2.20 (52)
Jared Wilson, OC
3.18 (82)
Joshua Farmer, DT
3.28 (92)
Tre Harris, WR

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Positions of Interest: iOL, DT, QB, CB, WR, SAF

Jihaad Campbell should not be available at 18 overall. He's perhaps the most physically gifted linebacker prospect in the draft who can also rush the passer and also understands the mental side of the game and, oh, no big deal but he also just so happens to be a perfect fit for the shapeshifting amoeba defense Mike Macdonald wants to install. The Seahawks shouldn't hesitate to call in the pick.

After that, I'm stealing some picks from ESPN's Matt Miller, and giving the 'Hawks not one but two Georgia offensive linemen in guard Tate Ratledge and center Jared Wilson, to fortify the interior of the offensive line and hopefully speed along their NFL development by tapping into their collegiate chemistry.

Then, in the third round, it's betting on the high-upside traits of Joshua Farmer rather than reaching for a traditional nose tackle, and WR Tre Harris, who was dominant in play-action at Ole Miss, to fill the vacancy left by another former Rebel, DK Metcalf.

Denver Broncos

1.20 (20)
TreVeyon Henderson, RB
2.19 (51)
Elijah Arroyo, TE
3.21 (85)
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, DL

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Positions of Interest: RB, TE, CB, OL, DL, WR

The Broncos are making calls to see if they can trade up in the draft, which makes me believe they're worried they might miss out on Omarion Hampton.

I don't think they'll be able to trade up, but I also think they'll stick and pick the best available running back in TreVeyon Henderson, who has drawn some Alvin Kamara comparisons and is widely considered to be the best pass protector in this running back class. Henderson would fit like a glove in Sean Payton's quick-passing attack.

In the second round, Payton opts for the athletic Elijah Arroyo to learn from Evan Engram as the Mountain Saints hope to turn him into the second coming of Jimmy Graham.

In the third round, the Broncos help out Vance Joseph and take a younger, toolsier defensive lineman in Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins who can align in various techniques and provide depth for their already formidable front (and provide insurance if they're unable to re-sign Zach Allen or Jonathan Franklin Meyers, both of whom are set to become free agents in 2026).

Los Angeles Chargers

1.22 (22)
Colston Loveland, TE
2.23 (55)
Alfred Collins, NT
3.22 (86)
Miles Frazier, OG

🔎

Positions of Interest: iOL, TE, WR, DB, LB, RB

There's a part of me that thinks Jim Harbaugh loves coaching so much that he would rather coach somebody new rather than continue teaching one of his former disciples, in this case Colston Loveland, as he's already poured everything he could into developing him into a 1st Round talent while at Michigan.

I do think Harbaugh's willing to bring in former players who are otherwise struggling to find work, like Hassan Haskins or Cornelius Johnson, but most teams in the NFL would like to employ Loveland, Kenneth Grant, Mason Graham, Will Johnson, and other highly rated prospects.

Anyway, in the second round the Chargers select Alfred Collins, nose tackle, Texas, to fill the Runyon Canyon-sized void left behind by Poona Ford, who now plays for the Rams.

In the third, they toggle back to the offensive line and select OG Miles Frazier, who has a "mean play personality," which should fit right in with Harbaugh's preferred brand of physicality.

Green Bay Packers

1.23 (23)
Tetairoa McMillan, Big WR
2.22 (54)
Maxwell Hairston, Fast CB
TRADE!
Picks 87 & 198 to Houston for 79
3.15 (79)
Jordan Burch, DL

🔎

Positions of Interest: EDGE, OT, WR, iOL, DT, NT

The Packers finally do the thing!

Green Bay drafts Tetairoa McMillan in the first round to give their offense a weapon they've been missing since Allen Lazard left town. It's the first time since 2002 the Packers have taken a WR with their 1st round pick.

Then, in the second round, they quickly take a peek around their division at the speedy wide receivers before selecting Maxwell Hairston, who ran the fastest forty at the NFL Combine.

In the third round, feeling the pressure after a run on defensive linemen, they trade up to secure the highest remaining EDGE/DL hybrid on their board, Jordan Burch.

Minnesota Vikings

1.24 (24)
Jahdae Barron, CB
No second-round pick
TRADE!
Pick 97 to LAR for 127, 190, 201, & a 2026 5th-Rounder

🔎

Positions of Interest: iOL, CB, DT, DE, RB, LB

The Vikings desperately try to trade down but find no takers and decide to take the best available player on their board, defensive back Jahdae Barron.

The Texas corner has spent time outside, in the slot as a nickelback, and even manned the deep third as a safety. Sounds like a perfect fit for Brian Flores's chaotic, shapeshifting defense.

Then, on Day 2 they're finally able to recoup some additional draft picks by sliding back with the Rams, adding Day 3 selections to add necessary depth — including a backup QB.

Houston Texans

1.25 (25)
Tyler Booker, OG
2.26 (58)
Kaleb Johnson, RB
3.23 (87)
Anthony Belton, OT
3.25 (89)
Charles Grant, OT

🔎

Positions of Interest: OT, iOL, RB, DE, DT, EDGE

The Texans are reportedly eyeing Kelvin Banks Jr. or Tyler Booker with their 1st Round selection, and they've reached out to teams to (presumably) try and land Banks.

Booker is available, though, because of a poor pre-draft process with a slow forty time. That won't matter much to HC DeMeco Ryans, who certainly believes Booker embodies the SWARM mentality.

What's that stand for, DeMeco? Apparently it's: Special Work Ethic and Relentless Mindset.

Maybe it's supposed to be written SWRM like an early aughts electronica band? I don't know. Whatever, it's neither here nor there.

The point is: the Texans are going heavy on rebuilding their offensive line to keep C.J. Stroud upright and they're also doing a lot of work on this running back class — particularly at the top, even though it's several rounds deep.

The Texans met with Omarion Hampton at the Combine and brought in Quinshon Judkins and Kaleb Johnson for Top 30 visits. All powerful backs, which makes me think they may be interested incorporating more gap-scheme rushing concepts.

They also met with Jaydon Blue, Brashard Smith, and Jarquez Hunter, though—all more or less third-down receiving backs/returner types—so who knows, really.

I just know the Texans are doing their damndest to try and find the best avenues for keeping C.J. Stroud upright and mitigate his struggles under pressure.

As far as Anthony Belton and Charles Grant, both project as high-upside swings who could become mainstay tackles but likely would be depth options Year 1 (and maybe Year 2).

Grant, who attended William & Mary, had several teams' O-line coaches attend his Pro Day workout, including the Ravens, Broncos, Giants, Steelers, and Falcons.

TRADE!
Pick 15 to LAR for 26, 90, 100, & future Day 3 Pick
1.26 (26)
James Pearce Jr., EDGE
TRADE!
Pick 46 to DET for 60 and 102
2.28 (60)
T.J. Sanders, DT
3.26 (90)
Barrett Carter, LB
3.37 (101)
Jonas Sanker, SAF
TRADE!
Pick 102 to NYJ for 110 and 207

🔎

Positions of Interest: EDGE, OT, WR, SAF, DT, LB

The Falcons enter the draft with just five picks to their name but want to go hunting for depth. Thankfully, others oblige them.

After sliding back with the Rams, the Falcons finally take a 1st Round EDGE rusher in James Pearce Jr., who was once thought to be the No. 1 overall player in the draft. Concerns about his love of the game and thin frame have seen him tumble down the board during the pre-draft process, but as far as getting to the quarterback — he's one of the best in the class at getting pressure in under 2.5 seconds.

In the second, the Falcons once again find a willing trade partner to come on up in exchange for additional picks, and do so once more in the third to take the lead as the Trade Kings of the Draft, successfully executing three in a 24-hour span.

This draft is all about adding depth for the Falcons with the hopes of raising their floor on defense to help keep them in contention for the NFC South crown as the offense finds its footing with Michael Penix Jr.

1.27 (27)
Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE
2.27 (59)
Jonah Savaiinaea, OG
3.27 (91)
Jack Bech, WR

🔎

Positions of Interest: OT, WR, NT, EDGE, TE, K

The Ravens, as they often do this time of year, let the draft fall to them.

For their trouble, they get a guy who had the second most sacks in college football last year, who played in a Power 4 conference, has 34" arms, actually has a developed pass-rush plan, and even played in an NFL style scheme that ran simulated pressures that saw him not only rush the passer and set the edge but also drop into coverage as a defender and sometimes work as a quarterback spy. The Lions and Bills are devastated as the Ravens select Donovan Ezeiruaku.

One thing you hear a lot from Tetairoa McMillan's defenders is that he was dealing with poor quarterback play and having to run around all the time on scramble drills to try and get open. One reason his quarterback was able to do that was Jonah Savaiinaea, who the Ravens happily add to their stable of monsters along the offensive front.

Then, in the third, it's the Senior Bowl MVP, the guy who never drops a pass, and he's joining a receiver room in Baltimore that has struggled with big drops of late, particularly in key moments, particularly on the biggest stage. Steve Smith Sr. called this guy a tight end, and that's fitting, because he's a former tight end. He's not a burner but he can be the X receiver the Ravens have been searching for. Jack Bech, welcome to the Baltimore Ravens.

1.28 (28)
Derrick Harmon, DL
TRADE!
Picks 60 & 102 to ATL for 46
2.14 (46)
Grey Zabel, OL
TRADE!
Pick 130 & 2026 4th to KC for 99
3.35 (99)
Josaiah Stewart, DOG

🔎

Positions of Interest: EDGE, NT, iOL, SAF, LB, DE

Although the Lions miss out on their preferred EDGE defender, they're happy to bring local boy Derrick Harmon home and make him the newest Lion.

Harmon flashes true three-down ability as a defensive lineman who can lineup as a 1-technique nose tackle to stuff the run, a 3-technique to rush the QB, and even line up out wide and stress the tackle if the Lions are feeling frisky, which we know they're wont to do.

Then, in the second, the Lions can't believe Grey Zabel is falling. The North Dakota offensive lineman was a media darling at the Senior Bowl and has been a steady presence in the first round of mocks ever since, but he's being projected as a center and that's the one position he hasn't yet played along the offensive line, and he's coming from FCS football, so it's little more than theory and bordering on downright hopium.

Sounds like a Lion, right? Of course he does. After having him in for a Top 30 visit, Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell stop the slide, make a deal with Atlanta, and add Zabel to preserve their strength for years to come.

Then, in the third round, Dan Campbell is absolutely losing his shit as Josaiah Stewart is still on the board, a guy he knows is a Top 100 player in the draft, and it's absolutely absurd to him that anyone could think differently, that they could be so blind to his dog levels, to his talent, to his ability to overcome the odds and help his team win. Brett Veach picks up the phone, they call in the trade to the league office, and Stewart is the latest Lion.

Hot damn, Detroit. You've done it again.

Washington Commanders

1.29 (29)
Matthew Golden, WR
TRADE!
Pick 61 to SF for 75, 138, & 160
3.11 (75)
Demetrius Knight Jr., LB

🔎

Positions of Interest: EDGE, OL, WR, CB, LB, RB

The Commanders traded for Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel this offseason to further aid the development of superstar sophomore QB Jayden Daniels. Deebo is a perfect scheme fit for Kliff Kingsbury's horizontal raid, and Tunsil should buy Daniels a few more ticks to uncork the deep ball, one of his very best traits.

That's where Matthew Golden comes in. The speedy Texas wideout had the fastest forty time at the Combine but wasn't the most consistently productive receiver at Houston or Texas during his time in college. He's an excellent route runner who creates separation, however, and that's the name of the game in today's NFL. If he's available when the Commanders are on the clock, they shouldn't think twice about calling in the pick.

On Day 2, the effort turns to recouping some of the draft capital they sent away to acquire the aforementioned veterans, Tunsil and Samuel. They phone a friend in the Bay, slide back 15 spots, and pick up two Day 3 picks in the process to add depth to their aging defense.

With the 75th pick in the draft, they select the heir apparent to Bobby Wagner in Demetrius Knight Jr., a mature, throwback of a middle linebacker with similar measurables, mettle, and mental to learn from the future Hall of Famer.

Buffalo Bills

1.30 (30)
Trey Amos, CB
2.24 (56)
Landon Jackson, DE
2.30 (62)
Xavier Watts, FS

🔎

Positions of Interest: CB, EDGE, WR, NT, SAF, DT

Finally, the best team in football is back on the clock.

Brandon Beane thinks about trading up but ultimately decides to stay put and is rewarded for his patience as the Bills land a perfect CB2 prospect in Trey Amos for their zone-heavy, 4-2-5 defensive scheme. Famous Amos has the requisite arm length and production (dozens of pass breakups) the Bills tend to look for in their cornerbacks. He flashes good instincts and also shows the ability to press receivers in man coverage when necessary.

In the second round, Beane is again tempted to move up to get his guy but stays put and, yet again, patience proves to be a virtue.

The Bills sent their defensive line coach to Arkansas' Pro Day during the pre-draft process, and that can only mean one thing: Landon Jackson, you are the run-stopping heir apparent to A.J. Epenesa, whose contract expires after next season.

Somehow, a few picks later, the Bills can't believe their luck as Xavier Watts is still on the board. The former Notre Dame ballhawk, a team captain, is the perfect fit for Sean McDermott's defense as the team transitions from the Hyde-Poyer era into Watts-Bishop for 2026 and beyond.

McDermott and the Bills notoriously bring their rookies along slowly, giving deference to vets who have put in the time and earned their spot. Even though Cole Bishop is better suited as a downhill thumper, he'll likely play free safety in 2025 while Taylor Rapp plays strong. At least in this fantasyland.

Philadelphia Eagles

1.32 (32)
Malaki Starks, SAF
2.32 (64)
Femi Oladejo, LB/EDGE
3.32 (96)
Wyatt Milum, OG

🔎

Positions of Interest: EDGE, CB, DT, SAF, iOL, TE

Howie Roseman attempts to trade up with just about every team in the league but can't find any takers. Nobody wants to deal with the champ. So it goes.

On the eve of the draft, the Lions signed safety Kerby Joseph to a record-breaking contract extension, and that's enough to tip the scales on the Eagles' big board and draft Malaki Starks with the final pick in the first round.

Everyone celebrates as Starks, the last remaining player in the green room, bounds onto the stage in Green Bay and greets the Philly faithful, who are hooting and hollering, screaming with glee as they can't believe Howie has done it again: he's gone back to Athens and come home with a player drawing Brian Branch comparisons.

In the second round, Roseman opts for a linebacker-turned-EDGE defender out of UCLA, Femi Oladejo, and briefly jokes about turning him back into a linebacker for the fun of it, just because he can. He has the godfather on his side. Just ask the All-Pro, Zack Baun. Vic Fangio is having himself a nice start to the weekend.

Then, in the third round, the Eagles draft a player who can attend Stoutland University. Wyatt Milum has the size to be the next jumbo guard for the Eagles, at least in theory. First things first: he needs his game stripped down to the studs before he can be built back up. Sounds like a fun gut-reno project for Mr. & Mrs. Stoutland to get started on this spring.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TRADE!
Pick 19 to CLE for 33, 67, & 104
2.01 (33)
Nic Scourton, DE
2.21 (53)
Carson Schwesinger, LB
3.03 (67)
Shavon Revel, CB
3.20 (84)
Nohl Williams, CB

🔎

Persons of Interest: DE, SLCB, LB, DT, WR, iOL

We're on to Day 2 of the draft!

Bucs GM Jason Licht, widely regarded as one of the best GMs in the league, knows he has to rebuild their defense after successfully infusing the offense with Jalen McMillan and Bucky Irving in last year's draft.

First, he takes Nic Scourton and quickly gets a call from Brad Holmes, cursing him out. He wanted Scourton. So it goes.

Next, he drafts Carson Schwesinger, and here's Brandon Beane calling. You couldn't let the Bills get the guy who models his game after Matt Milano and Luke Keuchly? Fine, Jason. Be that way.

In the third round, after selecting Shavon Revel at 67 and Nohl Williams at 84, his phone rings and rings and never stops buzzing for the rest of the night. Thirty one GMs are envious of his picks. Licht tends to draft production over traits, and he rarely misses.

Todd Bowles falls asleep with a smile on his face.

Kansas City Chiefs

TRADE!
Pick 31 to NYG for 34 & 99
2.02 (34)
Josh Conerly Jr., OT
2.31 (63)
Harold Fannin Jr., TE
3.02 (66)
Quinshon Judkins, RB
3.31 (95)
Darien Porter, CB
TRADE!
Pick 99 to DET for 130 & 2026 4th

🔎

Positions of Interest: OT, DE, NT, RB, CB, DT

I'm so upset with myself for even hypothesizing this, but just know that I will lose my fucking mind if the Chiefs end up with Harold Fannin Jr.

Oh, the tight end who runs weird but always finds a way to get open and led all receivers — not just tight ends, RECEIVERS — in catches and receiving yards across college football in 2024? That guy? On the Chiefs?

The guy who put up 117 receptions and more than 1,500 yards? Who averaged 10-140-1 against Penn State and Texas A&M? That guy?

I'm not going to even bother listing off all the ways his strengths in "The Beast" make him sound like Travis Kelce, but just know that they get progressively more frustrating and convincing as they go on.

When I found out the Chiefs brought Harold Fannin Jr. in for a Top 30 visit I practically fainted.

I can't even talk about the rest of the projections! They need a tackle, a running back, a corner. Who cares. It doesn't matter if they get Fannin Jr., it would be too upsetting. Don't do it, Brett Veach. Don't do it to me.

Pittsburgh Steelers

TRADE!
- Pick 21 to NOLA for 40, 71, 93, & 112
2.08 (40)
Azareye'h Thomas, CB
3.07 (71)
Tyler Shough, QB
3.19 (83)
Bhayshul Tuten, RB
3.29 (93)
Princely Umanmielen, EDGE

🔎

Positions of Interest: QB, RB, DL, WR, SAF, EDGE

Omar Khan and the Steelers brass see a New Orleans area code calling. They let it ring three times, four, and just before it hits voicemail, answer Mickey Loomis's call.

Some Steelers fans will be pissed to see them drop out of the first round when the only quarterback on their roster is Mason Rudolph. That's fair.

Just imagine how they'll feel when the Steelers take a corner in the second round, with their first pick in this draft.

Despondent? Hopeless?

It all depends on how you feel about Tyler Shough, the guy who was in college for a century and is the most pro-ready of the quarterback prospects but likely is more or less the same as Mason Rudolph. Is that worth taking before the third round? I don't think so.

In this scenario, with the Browns and Giants trading back into the first round, the Steelers can wait and select Shough at 71 overall. We can only hope the selection forces Aaron Rodgers into retirement.

The highlight of the Steelers draft comes at No. 83 when Bhayshul Tuten gets selected, and the world at large—and fantasy players everywhere—begin Rootin' for Tuten.

There's a decent chance Tuten is the back who emerges as the Day 2 or Day 3 rookie RB steal of the year. Arthur Smith would complicate the matter. But he fits the profile of what the Steelers typically look for in an everydown, bruising running back. Plus, Tuten has a little more juice than Najee Harris. He's capable of creating yards on his own, not just picking up what's blocked for him, both by breaking and forcing missed tackles.

But in the end, my friend, what would a Steelers draft be without a project? Somebody who Mike Tomlin can take under his wing, somebody he can teach to become a better man. That's Princely Umanmielen, who has a thing or two to learn about burning bridges.

From "The Beast":

After four seasons in Gainesville, he took advantage of the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA because of the COVID-19 pandemic and entered the transfer portal. Umanmielen stayed in the SEC and transferred to Ole Miss for his final season, saying he was "actually developed" by the Rebels' coaching staff.

Enjoy your stay in Tomlin finishing school, young buck.

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