Gunner's 2025 Mock Draft - v1.0

[GunnerBill]

- - - - - WARNING: LONG POST - - - - -

 

I get it, for some people this is still too soon and they haven't digested the the trauma of Sunday sufficiently to be thinking ahead to April. However, it is the week after the Conference Championship games which means it is time for version 1 of my 2025 Mock Draft. For any new readers I do three mocks every year:

 

Version 1 - a two rounder, no trades, released late January;

Version 2 - a one rounder allowing myself trades after free agency;

Version 3 - a one rounder, no trades, in the 48 hours before the draft and that is the one I then score myself against for accuracy (the last three years I have rightly called 27, 27 and then 28 of those picked in the first round correctly though not to the exact right teams I hasten to add).

 

There is at least the additional excitement of three Bills picks to get stuck into this year rather than two, so let's get started!!

 

- - - Round 1 - - -

 

1 – Tennessee Titans – Shedeur Sanders – Quarterback, Colorado

It’s clear the Titans are done with the Will Levis experiment already and therefore this pick is undoubtedly going to be a Quarterback. I think most people feel Cam Ward is the consensus QB1 in this class but Brian Callahan’s offense feels like more of a fit for Sanders who is a more traditional pocket passer.

 

2 – Cleveland Browns – Cam Ward – Quarterback, Miami

If Deshaun Watson was definitely going to be healthy then I could see Cleveland passing here and going another direction or trading out. They still might trade back for a sizeable bounty but if Watson is not playing while costing you $72m on the cap in 2025 your only shot at keeping a competitive roster and getting serviceable QB play is with a cost-controlled rookie signal caller.

 

3 – New York Giants – Travis Hunter – Cornerback / Wide Receiver, Colorado

The Giants are so talent deficient they should not overthink this. Yes, they need a Quarterback, but if the top two are gone then they should just take Hunter who is the best player among a relatively weak crop of first round talents. I’m not sold that it is sustainable to be a long-term two-way player in the NFL but select him, then worry about where or how you use him later.

 

4 – New England Patriots – Tetairoa McMillan – Wide Receiver, Arizona

The Patriots look like they might have their Quarterback of the future in Drake Maye and so everything they do this offseason should be about maximising his chance to develop further. They already provided him a proper Head Coach, this pick has to be offensive line or offensive playmaker. I think McMillan is better than the blockers available and so he should be the selection.

 

5 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Mason Graham – Defensive Tackle, Michigan

There are needs literally all over this roster and Trent Baalke just paid for that with his job. I’ve leaned towards Graham not just because they need a dominant player in the middle of that defensive line but because I think they need some of the toughness and attitude he will bring to a defense that played soft way too often in 2024.

 

6 – Las Vegas Raiders – Abdul Carter – Edge Rusher, Penn State

The Raiders have bigger needs in the secondary but Carter is the best player on the board at this spot and with speculation about Maxx Crosby’s long term future with the team and him coming off an ankle surgery I think pass rusher is a sneaky need. It means giving up on 2023 first rounder Tyree Wilson, but they are onto their second new General Manager since that pick was made.

 

7 – New York Jets – Will Johnson – Cornerback, Michigan

Aaron Glenn, a former Jets defensive back, inherits a roster where every starting defensive back except for Sauce Gardner is an impending free agent. We know from his time in Detroit that Glenn loves to leave his corners 1v1 on the outside and so you better have two guys capable of holding up in those looks. Johnson wasn’t quite as good in 2024 as 2023 but is still a high-level prospect.

 

8 – Carolina Panthers – Jalon Walker – Edge Rusher, Georgia

Given that Ikem Ekwonu showed signs of improvement at left tackle in 2024 the Panthers biggest need is probably edge rush help to replace Brian Burns who they traded away last spring. Walker played more off the ball linebacker in college but projects best as a stand up 3-4 outside linebacker at the pro level where his athleticism should make him a pass rush weapon.

 

9 – New Orleans Saints – Mykel Williams – Edge Rusher, Georgia

Cam Jordan may one day get consideration for the Hall of Fame, but he is 35 years old and has only six sacks over the last two seasons combined. Chase Young, who played reasonably well in a rotational role in 2024 is a free agent. I don’t have a first-round grade on Williams but he has the classic Mickey Loomis edge rusher profile and I think he’d be in play here.

 

10 – Chicago Bears – Will Campbell – Offensive Tackle, LSU

If the Chicago Bears want to be taken seriously as a franchise they need to stop trotting Braxton Jones onto the field and telling the world they are fine at left tackle. Ben Johnson arrives as Head Coach having benefitted significantly from the best tackle combination in the league during his spell as Detroit’s offensive coordinator. His rebuild starts here.

 

11 – San Francisco 49ers – Kelvin Banks Jr – Offensive Tackle – Texas

Here comes the run on tackles. Trent Williams has been elite for most of his career in San Francisco after arriving from Washington, but he is now 36, missed 7 games in 2024 and didn’t look totally healthy even when suiting up. Kelvin Banks has the elite athleticism that Kyle Shanahan loves and he could slot in and play at guard as a rookie before taking over from Williams if needs be.

 

12 – Dallas Cowboys – Ashton Jeanty – Running Back, Boise State

This one is too easy. Jerry Jones showed when taking Zeke Elliott in the top five back in 2016 that he is not scared of drafting a running back early and the Cowboys running back room was comfortably the worst in the NFL in 2024. Add to that they have just hired Brian Schottenheimer as their Head Coach, who loves to run the football, and all the dots are adding up.

 

13 – Miami Dolphins – Malaki Starks – Safety, Georgia

The only safety currently signed for the Dolphins in 2025 is Patrick McMorris who they drafted out of Cal in the 6th round of last year’s draft. It looks very likely that they will lose Jevon Holland in free agency and Jordan Poyer should retire. That leaves them in desperate need at the spot and Starks is one of the best players in this draft. He can play deep, in the box or at nickel and have impact.

 

14 – Indianapolis Colts – Tyler Warren – Tight End, Penn State

Who knows where the Colts are with the Anthony Richardson experiment? But given the paucity of alternative options I think it is likely they give it one more shot in 2025. If they are going to do that then more help is needed around him and Tyler Warren is just a tremendous football player. He can play in line, in the slot, wide out, running back, wildcat Quarterback... wherever you need him to.

 

15 – Atlanta Falcons – James Pearce – Edge Rusher, Tennessee

I feel like I mock an edge rusher to the Falcons in round one every single year and instead they select an offensive player. It hasn’t worked and their 7-year playoff drought is tied for the second longest active streak. They still need pass rush and Pearce is a scheme fit. Going into the year he looked like being a top 10 pick, but if he does slide a bit outside that range Atlanta should snap him up.

 

16 – Arizona Cardinals – Kenneth Grant – Defensive Tackle, Michigan

The Cardinals could still use some help on the offensive line but you would think Jonathan Gannon, a defensive coach, has to fix the defense going into year three of his tenure. They could go edge rusher or corner but their current nose tackle, a critical piece in the 3-4 scheme, is a former 6th rounder they picked up off the street after Houston cut him. Grant would be a huge upgrade.

 

17 – Cincinnati Bengals – Luther Burden III – Wide Receiver, Missouri

Tee Higgins tallied 911 yards and 10 touchdowns in only 12 games in 2024. He is going to get paid – Brandon Aiyuk’s $30m AAV is the likely comparator – and I just don’t see the Bengals going there. That will annoy Joe Burrow no end, and so I suspect they will try and placate him by drafting a receiver. Burden is probably more a replacement for Tyler Boyd than Higgins, but that is also a need.

 

18 – Seattle Seahawks – Armand Membou – Offensive Tackle, Missouri

Other than Charles Cross, who is a stud at left tackle, the rest of the Seahwaks offensive line was a mess in 2024, not helped by Connor Williams their center retiring halfway through the season. Membou might not be getting the buzz he deserves at this stage but it will come. I think his best spot might be guard but he can play right tackle too if Abraham Lucas continues to struggle with injuries.

 

19 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jihaad Campbell – Linebacker, Alabama

The Buccs offense was excellent in 2025, ranking top five in yards and points, but their defense was mediocre and Todd Bowles will be under pressure to get more out of his side of the ball. They particularly struggled at the second level and while bringing Lavonte David back, aged 35, was a serviceable sticking plaster, Campbell would give them a long-term solution at linebacker.

 

20 – Denver Broncos – Colston Loveland – Tight End, Michigan

The Broncos took a big step forward in 2024 with rookie Quarterback Bo Nix having an impressive debut season but they still need to add more reliable weapons around him. Courtland Sutton is a legitimate #1 outside the numbers but Sean Payton’s best offenses have always liked to utilise the middle of the field with a big slot or a tight end down the seam. Loveland can play that role.

 

21 – Pittsburgh Steelers – Emeka Egbuka – Wide Receiver, Ohio State

While the Quarterback situation in Pittsburgh remains in flux, whoever is playing the position needs more receiving talent. George Pickens is a deep shot, contested catch, specialist but they need a compliment for his skill set. Egbuka is more of a natural separator who has more variety in his route running and can play from the slot or outside.

 

22 – Los Angeles Chargers – Jahdae Barron – Cornerback, Texas

The Chargers defense was excellent in 2024 but both Asante Samuel (coming off an injury) and Kristian Fulton (after an impressive performance on a 1 year deal) are free agents at corner and there is a need for investment at that spot. Barron moved to outside corner in 2024 and was elite for the Longhorns, giving up zero touchdowns while snagging 5 interceptions.

 

23 – Green Bay Packers – Shermar Stewart – Edge Rusher, Texas A&M

The Packers broke tendency last year and drafted an offensive player in round one. However, this class is stronger on defense at the top and so I’d expect them to return to that side of the ball. Stewart is a bigger end whose athletic profile is more impressive than his college production, which reminds me of Rashan Gary who the current regime in Green Bay drafted back in 2019.

 

24 – Minnesota Vikings – Shanon Revel – Cornerback, East Carolina

The early noise out of Minnesota is that the Vikings are locked in on corner early in this draft. Byron Murphy had a career year in 2024, and Stefon Gilmore was fine as a vet sticking plaster, but both are impending free agents and there is not much behind them in the pipeline. Revel suffered an ACL injury early in the college season otherwise he’d likely be a top 15 pick.

 

25 – Houston Texans – Tyler Booker – Offensive Guard, Alabama

Houston’s offensive line play fell off a cliff in 2024 and CJ Stroud’s performance suffered as a result. They particularly struggled on the interior and former first round pick Kenyon Green might be running out of road at this stage after three underwhelming years with the Texans. Booker could solidify that spot and help keep their Quarterback cleaner in 2025.

 

26 – Los Angeles Rams – Josh Simmons – Offensive Tackle, Ohio State

Alaric Jackson had a career year at left tackle for the Rams after moving out from his guard spot, but he is a free agent this spring and his future is open to debate. Add to that Rob Havenstein, their right tackle, will be 33 by the start of next season and the opportunity to draft Simmons, who was trending towards top 10 pick status before tearing his ACL, might be too good to pass up.

 

27 – Baltimore Ravens – Josh Conerly Jnr – Offensive Tackle, Oregon

Ronnie Stanley finally stayed healthy this season, in a contract year no less! However, given that he is due to hit free agency and isn’t quite the force of old there is a chance the Ravens let him walk. If they do they need to draft a replacement and Conerly isn’t the biggest tackle in the world but has good feet and allowed just two sacks in over 1,000 pass block reps the past two years for the Ducks.

 

28 – Detroit Lions – Nick Scourton – Edge Rusher, Texas A&M

Aiden Hutchinson’s injury might not have stopped Detroit claiming the #1 seed in the NFC but it is hard not to imagine him making a difference in their playoff defeat to Washington. They traded for Za’Darius Smith in-season to replace him but they save $4m by cutting the veteran this offseason and Scourton is all motor in a way that I can easily see appealing to Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell.

 

29 – Washington Commanders – Mike Green – Edge Rusher, Marshall

The Commanders are well stocked in the middle of their defensive line with Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne joined by last year’s second round pick Johnny Newton but on the edge their 2024 sack leader Dante Fowler Jnr is an upcoming free agent and Green is an intriguing prospect whose all-round game needs some work but who as a pure pass rusher is dynamite.

 

30 – Buffalo Bills – Derrick Harmon – Defensive Tackle, Oregon

I’m almost certain the Bills selection here is going to be a defensive lineman. I considered the Ole Miss edge rusher Princely Umanmielen among others, but I think Derrick Harmon could slip in seamlessly next to Ed Oliver, be a solid run defender and get some penetration upfield too. He led the FBS in pressures among interior defensive linemen this past season.

 

31 – Philadelphia Eagles – Matthew Golden – Wide Receiver, Texas

The Eagles could prioritise an edge rusher here or take a corner as a long-term replacement for Darius Slay. However, offensively they need more firepower. When AJ Brown missed four games they went 2-2 and their points per game dropped from 30 to 18. Golden is not a direct replacement and projects more as a slot but he has blazing speed to compliment Brown and DeVonta Smith.

 

32 – Kansas City Chiefs – Walter Nolen, Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss

Kansas City’s roster doesn’t have a ton of needs going into the offseason, but it has a glaring one at left tackle. This is a no-trade mock but in reality, unless they find a guy in free agency, I expect them to move up for one in the draft. If they don’t, they could stand to add some talent and youth to the interior of their Dline and the guy I see when I watch Walter Nolen is a young Chris Jones.

 

- - - Round 2 - - - 

 

33 – Cleveland Browns – Aireontae Ersery – Offensive Tackle, Minnesota

It looks like time for an overhaul of the Browns offensive line. Joel Bitonio might retire and Jedrick Wills is a free agent after never really reaching his ceiling in Cleveland. Ersery has some inconsistency and balance issues on tape but he is a big man with surprisingly quick feet and could start early.

 

34 – New York Giants – Jalen Milroe – Quarterback, Alabama

It is a pretty uninspiring veteran market for Quarterbacks this offseason unless you overpay Sam Darnold or hope for some sort of renaissance from Aaron Rodgers or Kirk Cousins. Therefore, if the Giants miss out on day 1 of the draft, as they do in this mock, they might have to take a shot here.

 

35 – Tennessee Titans – Cameron Williams – Offensive Tackle, Texas

The Titans have spent consecutive first round picks in 2023 and 2024 on shoring up the left side of their offensive line but the other three spots are still a disaster and they can’t subject a rookie Quarterback to Jaelyn Duncan at right tackle. Williams is a natural right tackle and slots straight in.

 

36 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Benjamin Morrison – Cornerback, Notre Dame

The Jaguars have a desperate need at corner opposite Tyson Campbell. Former seventh round pick Montaric Brown gave up over 600 yards and 4 touchdowns when targeted in 2024. Morrison’s season was ended early by hip surgery or else he’d likely be a first rounder.

 

37 – Las Vegas Raiders – Maxwell Hariston – Cornerback, Kentucky

And the Raiders secondary is, if anything, even worse than the Jaguars. All four starters could stand to be upgraded and Hariston is a long, toolsy corner who also had injury problems in 2024 which stopped him matching the heights he hit in 2023. Still significant potential though.

 

38 – New England Patriots – Donovan Jackson – Offensive Guard, Ohio State

The Patriots offensive line has been in a constant state of flux in recent years and they need to infuse it with talent to give Drake Maye the best chance to succeed. I think Jackson is a guard at the next level but he did shift over to play left tackle for the Buckeyes in their championship run.

 

39 – Chicago Bears – Tyleik Williams – Defensive Tackle, Ohio State

The Bears had success with a defensive tackle on day 2 of the 2023 draft as Gervon Dexter has developed into a solid 3tech. But they need an upgrade at 1tech alongside him as evidenced by their 28th ranked run defense in 2024. Williams is a bit one dimensional but an excellent run stuffer.

 

40 – New Orleans Saints – Elic Ayomanor – Wide Receiver, Stanford

The Saints ended the season with Maques Valdez-Scantling as their #1 wide receiver which tells you all you need to know about the depth they have at the position. I’m not sure Ayomanor has true #1 receiver potential but he is a good route runner who can separate on the boundary.

 

41 – Chicago Bears – Wyatt Milum – Offensive Guard, West Virginia

All three of the Bears starters on the interior of their offensive line are free agents. Milum is your classic college left tackle who will transition inside at the next level. Possibly to guard but I even think he could be a center long term.

 

42 – New York Jets – Alfred Collins – Defensive Tackle, Texas

The Jets interior defensive lineman are all free agents apart from Quinnen Williams and given that the likes of Javon Kinlaw and Solomon Thomas were Saleh guys who followed him from the 49ers I wouldn’t expect them back. Collins is a big powerful run stuffer who’d compliment Williams well.

 

43 – San Francisco 49ers – Trey Amos – Cornerback, Ole Miss

Charvarius Ward is a free agent and there is speculation that he won’t be back. That would leave them short at corner but Trey Amos could have been built in a lab to play in the scheme of returning defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and would slot straight in on the outside.

 

44 – Dallas Cowboys – Princely Umanmielen – Edge Rusher, Ole Miss

The Cowboys pass rush has become extremely Micah Parsons dependent and in any event Demarcus Lawrence and Chauncey Golston are both impending free agents. Umanmielen needs to add some muscle to his frame to be a three down player but he can have an immediate impact as a rusher.

 

45 – Indianapolis Colts – Nick Emmanwori – Safety, South Carolina

The Colts secondary hasn’t been good enough in recent years and while they have invested some early picks into the likes of Nick Cross and JuJu Brents they still need more talent. Emmanwori is a do it all safety who can play in the box or as a deep center fielder.

 

46 – Atlanta Falcons – Omarr Norman-Lott – Defensive Tackle, Tennessee

I am sticking with the defensive front for the Falcons in round two. Grady Jarrett has been a brilliant player but is on the decline, nose tackle Eddie Goldman is 31 and about to hit free agency, and David Onyemata is 32. Norman-Lott has some positional flex to play a couple of spots in their 3-4 scheme.

 

47 – Arizona Cardinals – Landon Jackson – Edge Rusher, Arkansas

I am also prioritising defensive line with consecutive picks for the Cardinals. Jackson is a tough projection, despite impressive tape, as he is a very specific scheme fit as a 5tech in a 3-4 front. Adding him to last year’s first rounder Darius Robinson should create more interior pass rush.

 

48 – Miami Dolphins – Jonah Savaiinaea – Offensive Guard, Arizona

Both of Miami’s guard are impending free agents and given they let Robert Hunt and Connor Williams walk last year I don’t expect them to be retained. Savaiinaea is a mobile, zone blocking, lineman so fits in this scheme and has experience at tackle too where Miami also has questions.

 

49 – Cincinnati Bengals – Azareye’h Thomas – Cornerback, Florida State

A big reason Lou Anarumo is no longer the defensive coordinator for the Bengals is he just couldn’t seem to get the secondary right. They ended last season with Dax Hill, drafted as a safety, playing boundary corner. The word on Thomas is teams really like him and he is already rising up boards.

 

50 – Seattle Seahawks – Carson Schwesinger – Linebacker, UCLA

The linebacker spot was a constant problem for the Seahawks in 2024. The signed Ty Dodson and Jerome Baker as free agents before the year, then traded Baker for Ernest Jones in-season and released Dodson. Schwesinger is a one-year wonder but he is fast, instinctive and can hit.

 

51 – Denver Broncos – Omarion Hampton – Running Back, North Carolina

It is pretty clear that Sean Payton was not happy with his running back situation at any stage in 2024. He had five backs on the active roster and tried multiple combinations of them without success. Drafting Hampton, with 30 rushing touchdowns in his last two seasons, would be an upgrade.

 

52 – Pittsburgh Steelers – TJ Sanders – Defensive Tackle, South Carolina

Cam Heyward has been a Pittsburgh Steelers great, but he turns 36 the week after the draft. They need to begin planning for life without him. Sanders has not yet got as much buzz in the process as his tape deserves and he is a similar physical profile to Heyward as an interior pass rusher.

 

53 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jack Sawyer – Edge Rusher, Ohio State

While the Buccs have arguably the best interior pass rush combination in the league with Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey they got very little production from the edge rushers in 2024 and both Joe Tryon and Anthony Nelson are free agents. Sawyer had a great play-off run and may yet rise higher.

 

54 – Green Bay Packers – Marcus Mbow – Offensive Tackle, Purdue

The Packers have a real need at corner but the board is pretty hollowed out there. Therefore, they might look for a replacement for free agent center Josh Myers and they could find it in Mbow who looks like a typical college tackle to pro center conversion project, especially in a zone scheme.

 

55 – Los Angeles Chargers – Jayden Higgins – Wide Receiver, Iowa State

The Chargers offense in 2024 amounted to run it or throw it short to Ladd McConkey and hope he breaks some tackles. They have to develop more of a downfield passing game and Higgins, while not the fastest, is a big boundary receiver who has some initial burst and runs good routes.

 

56 – Buffalo Bills – JT Tuimoloau – Edge Rusher, Ohio State

Even if they take a defensive tackle on day one it’s possible the Bills look for edge help in round two. Dawuane Smoot is a free agent, Von Miller is a likely cut and AJ Epenesa is cuttable too. Tuimoloau is more of a power rusher than an explosive, twitchy guy but the value here might be too good to pass.

 

57 – Carolina Panthers – Demetrious Knight – Linebacker, South Carolina

Shaq Thompson is a free agent, about to be 31 and as brilliant as he has been for the Panthers, it might be time to move on. Joesy Jewell at the other starting linebacker spot is as unathletic as they come so Knight, a six-year college player, will add some dynamism to that group.

 

58 – Houston Texans – Tre Harris – Wide Receiver, Ole Miss

The Stefon Diggs trade really didn’t work out for Houston and with him on the road back from an ACL it is not expected that they will retain him. They still have a need though for a possession receiver to compliment Nico Collins and Tank Dell’s big play potential. Harris could provide that.

 

59 – Baltimore Ravens – Xavier Watts – Safety, Notre Dame

The Ravens defense turned the corner after they benched Marcus Williams and moved Kyle Hamilton back to be the deep safety. That meant they definitely lost some of his playmaking ability in the box so they might move him back to his previous spot if they can snag Watts to play deep.

 

60 – Detroit Lions – Gray Zabel – Offensive Guard, North Dakota State

The Lions success in recent times has been built on their offensive line. But left guard Graham Glasgow is 32 and right guard Kevin Zeitler is 34 and a free agent. Zabel has played all five spots on the offensive line in his college career but I see him most likely as a left guard at the next level.

 

61 – Washington Commanders – Harold Fannin Jnr – Tight End, Bowling Green

Zach Ertz has had a nice year as a comfort blanket option for Jayden Daniels during his offensive rookie of the year campaign. But Ertz is 34 and on a 1-year deal so the Commanders might draft a replacement in Fannin who had over 1,500 receiving yards last season and is a willing blocker too.

 

62 – Buffalo Bills – Isaiah Bond – Wide Receiver, Texas

The Bills traded for Amari Cooper mid-season to try and give them a downfield receiver on the boundary, but he is a free agent and most would be surprised if he is retained. Bond is by no means the complete package and he is a #2 receiver more than a #1 but is a vertical threat, big play option.

 

63 – Philadelphia Eagles – Donovan Ezeiruaku – Edge Rusher, Boston College

Bryce Huff was not everything Philadelphia hoped for as their big offseason pass rush addition and Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham both look set to depart. Ezeiruaku is a nice piece for Vic Fangio. He can play as an outside linebacker, a 4-3 end or in a 3 man front in the Eagles’ multiple defense.

 

64 – Kansas City – Charles Grant – Offensive Tackle, William & Mary

Having missed out on the round one tackles, the Chiefs might do so again depending on how they see Charles Grant. He played at left tackle in a heavy zone run scheme at William & Mary but some project him to guard at the NFL level. With the Chiefs he’d likely get a shot to play left tackle.

 

 

 

There you go - flame away!

 

[BarleyNY]

I’d be delighted with this scenario. 

[BillsFan2313]

Great work! Love all the picks. I might lean towards DE Donovan Ezeiruaku over JT but wouldn't be upset with JT

[Bill from NYC]

Is Derrick Harmon truly a better DT than Walter Nolen? I know nohing at all about Harmon but Nolen is a monster. I have watched him play for years and he is really tough to move. I even doubt that Nolen will be there that late.

 

In any event thanks for the post.

Edited yesterday at 03:48 PM by Bill from NYC

[Brandon]

I think it's very likely that one of those picks will be a CB.  If I had to guess,  they'll try to sign a decent DT in FA and draft one later. 

[Don Otreply]

13 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

- - - - - WARNING: LONG POST - - - - -

 

I get it, for some people this is still too soon and they haven't digested the the trauma of Sunday sufficiently to be thinking ahead to April. However, it is the week after the Conference Championship games which means it is time for version 1 of my 2025 Mock Draft. For any new readers I do three mocks every year:

 

Version 1 - a two rounder, no trades, released late January;

Version 2 - a one rounder allowing myself trades after free agency;

Version 3 - a one rounder, no trades, in the 48 hours before the draft and that is the one I then score myself against for accuracy (the last three years I have rightly called 27, 27 and then 28 of those picked in the first round correctly though not to the exact right teams I hasten to add).

 

There is at least the additional excitement of three Bills picks to get stuck into this year rather than two, so let's get started!!

 

- - - Round 1 - - -

 

1 – Tennessee Titans – Shedeur Sanders – Quarterback, Colorado

It’s clear the Titans are done with the Will Levis experiment already and therefore this pick is undoubtedly going to be a Quarterback. I think most people feel Cam Ward is the consensus QB1 in this class but Brian Callahan’s offense feels like more of a fit for Sanders who is a more traditional pocket passer.

 

2 – Cleveland Browns – Cam Ward – Quarterback, Miami

If Deshaun Watson was definitely going to be healthy then I could see Cleveland passing here and going another direction or trading out. They still might trade back for a sizeable bounty but if Watson is not playing while costing you $72m on the cap in 2025 your only shot at keeping a competitive roster and getting serviceable QB play is with a cost-controlled rookie signal caller.

 

3 – New York Giants – Travis Hunter – Cornerback / Wide Receiver, Colorado

The Giants are so talent deficient they should not overthink this. Yes, they need a Quarterback, but if the top two are gone then they should just take Hunter who is the best player among a relatively weak crop of first round talents. I’m not sold that it is sustainable to be a long-term two-way player in the NFL but select him, then worry about where or how you use him later.

 

4 – New England Patriots – Tetairoa McMillan – Wide Receiver, Arizona

The Patriots look like they might have their Quarterback of the future in Drake Maye and so everything they do this offseason should be about maximising his chance to develop further. They already provided him a proper Head Coach, this pick has to be offensive line or offensive playmaker. I think McMillan is better than the blockers available and so he should be the selection.

 

5 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Mason Graham – Defensive Tackle, Michigan

There are needs literally all over this roster and Trent Baalke just paid for that with his job. I’ve leaned towards Graham not just because they need a dominant player in the middle of that defensive line but because I think they need some of the toughness and attitude he will bring to a defense that played soft way too often in 2024.

 

6 – Las Vegas Raiders – Abdul Carter – Edge Rusher, Penn State

The Raiders have bigger needs in the secondary but Carter is the best player on the board at this spot and with speculation about Maxx Crosby’s long term future with the team and him coming off an ankle surgery I think pass rusher is a sneaky need. It means giving up on 2023 first rounder Tyree Wilson, but they are onto their second new General Manager since that pick was made.

 

7 – New York Jets – Will Johnson – Cornerback, Michigan

Aaron Glenn, a former Jets defensive back, inherits a roster where every starting defensive back except for Sauce Gardner is an impending free agent. We know from his time in Detroit that Glenn loves to leave his corners 1v1 on the outside and so you better have two guys capable of holding up in those looks. Johnson wasn’t quite as good in 2024 as 2023 but is still a high-level prospect.

 

8 – Carolina Panthers – Jalon Walker – Edge Rusher, Georgia

Given that Ikem Ekwonu showed signs of improvement at left tackle in 2024 the Panthers biggest need is probably edge rush help to replace Brian Burns who they traded away last spring. Walker played more off the ball linebacker in college but projects best as a stand up 3-4 outside linebacker at the pro level where his athleticism should make him a pass rush weapon.

 

9 – New Orleans Saints – Mykel Williams – Edge Rusher, Georgia

Cam Jordan may one day get consideration for the Hall of Fame, but he is 35 years old and has only six sacks over the last two seasons combined. Chase Young, who played reasonably well in a rotational role in 2024 is a free agent. I don’t have a first-round grade on Williams but he has the classic Mickey Loomis edge rusher profile and I think he’d be in play here.

 

10 – Chicago Bears – Will Campbell – Offensive Tackle, LSU

If the Chicago Bears want to be taken seriously as a franchise they need to stop trotting Braxton Jones onto the field and telling the world they are fine at left tackle. Ben Johnson arrives as Head Coach having benefitted significantly from the best tackle combination in the league during his spell as Detroit’s offensive coordinator. His rebuild starts here.

 

11 – San Francisco 49ers – Kelvin Banks Jr – Offensive Tackle – Texas

Here comes the run on tackles. Trent Williams has been elite for most of his career in San Francisco after arriving from Washington, but he is now 36, missed 7 games in 2024 and didn’t look totally healthy even when suiting up. Kelvin Banks has the elite athleticism that Kyle Shanahan loves and he could slot in and play at guard as a rookie before taking over from Williams if needs be.

 

12 – Dallas Cowboys – Ashton Jeanty – Running Back, Boise State

This one is too easy. Jerry Jones showed when taking Zeke Elliott in the top five back in 2016 that he is not scared of drafting a running back early and the Cowboys running back room was comfortably the worst in the NFL in 2024. Add to that they have just hired Brian Schottenheimer as their Head Coach, who loves to run the football, and all the dots are adding up.

 

13 – Miami Dolphins – Malaki Starks – Safety, Georgia

The only safety currently signed for the Dolphins in 2025 is Patrick McMorris who they drafted out of Cal in the 6th round of last year’s draft. It looks very likely that they will lose Jevon Holland in free agency and Jordan Poyer should retire. That leaves them in desperate need at the spot and Starks is one of the best players in this draft. He can play deep, in the box or at nickel and have impact.

 

14 – Indianapolis Colts – Tyler Warren – Tight End, Penn State

Who knows where the Colts are with the Anthony Richardson experiment? But given the paucity of alternative options I think it is likely they give it one more shot in 2025. If they are going to do that then more help is needed around him and Tyler Warren is just a tremendous football player. He can play in line, in the slot, wide out, running back, wildcat Quarterback... wherever you need him to.

 

15 – Atlanta Falcons – James Pearce – Edge Rusher, Tennessee

I feel like I mock an edge rusher to the Falcons in round one every single year and instead they select an offensive player. It hasn’t worked and their 7-year playoff drought is tied for the second longest active streak. They still need pass rush and Pearce is a scheme fit. Going into the year he looked like being a top 10 pick, but if he does slide a bit outside that range Atlanta should snap him up.

 

16 – Arizona Cardinals – Kenneth Grant – Defensive Tackle, Michigan

The Cardinals could still use some help on the offensive line but you would think Jonathan Gannon, a defensive coach, has to fix the defense going into year three of his tenure. They could go edge rusher or corner but their current nose tackle, a critical piece in the 3-4 scheme, is a former 6th rounder they picked up off the street after Houston cut him. Grant would be a huge upgrade.

 

17 – Cincinnati Bengals – Luther Burden III – Wide Receiver, Missouri

Tee Higgins tallied 911 yards and 10 touchdowns in only 12 games in 2024. He is going to get paid – Brandon Aiyuk’s $30m AAV is the likely comparator – and I just don’t see the Bengals going there. That will annoy Joe Burrow no end, and so I suspect they will try and placate him by drafting a receiver. Burden is probably more a replacement for Tyler Boyd than Higgins, but that is also a need.

 

18 – Seattle Seahawks – Armand Membou – Offensive Tackle, Missouri

Other than Charles Cross, who is a stud at left tackle, the rest of the Seahwaks offensive line was a mess in 2024, not helped by Connor Williams their center retiring halfway through the season. Membou might not be getting the buzz he deserves at this stage but it will come. I think his best spot might be guard but he can play right tackle too if Abraham Lucas continues to struggle with injuries.

 

19 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jihaad Campbell – Linebacker, Alabama

The Buccs offense was excellent in 2025, ranking top five in yards and points, but their defense was mediocre and Todd Bowles will be under pressure to get more out of his side of the ball. They particularly struggled at the second level and while bringing Lavonte David back, aged 35, was a serviceable sticking plaster, Campbell would give them a long-term solution at linebacker.

 

20 – Denver Broncos – Colston Loveland – Tight End, Michigan

The Broncos took a big step forward in 2024 with rookie Quarterback Bo Nix having an impressive debut season but they still need to add more reliable weapons around him. Courtland Sutton is a legitimate #1 outside the numbers but Sean Payton’s best offenses have always liked to utilise the middle of the field with a big slot or a tight end down the seam. Loveland can play that role.

 

21 – Pittsburgh Steelers – Emeka Egbuka – Wide Receiver, Ohio State

While the Quarterback situation in Pittsburgh remains in flux, whoever is playing the position needs more receiving talent. George Pickens is a deep shot, contested catch, specialist but they need a compliment for his skill set. Egbuka is more of a natural separator who has more variety in his route running and can play from the slot or outside.

 

22 – Los Angeles Chargers – Jahdae Barron – Cornerback, Texas

The Chargers defense was excellent in 2024 but both Asante Samuel (coming off an injury) and Kristian Fulton (after an impressive performance on a 1 year deal) are free agents at corner and there is a need for investment at that spot. Barron moved to outside corner in 2024 and was elite for the Longhorns, giving up zero touchdowns while snagging 5 interceptions.

 

23 – Green Bay Packers – Shermar Stewart – Edge Rusher, Texas A&M

The Packers broke tendency last year and drafted an offensive player in round one. However, this class is stronger on defense at the top and so I’d expect them to return to that side of the ball. Stewart is a bigger end whose athletic profile is more impressive than his college production, which reminds me of Rashan Gary who the current regime in Green Bay drafted back in 2019.

 

24 – Minnesota Vikings – Shanon Revel – Cornerback, East Carolina

The early noise out of Minnesota is that the Vikings are locked in on corner early in this draft. Byron Murphy had a career year in 2024, and Stefon Gilmore was fine as a vet sticking plaster, but both are impending free agents and there is not much behind them in the pipeline. Revel suffered an ACL injury early in the college season otherwise he’d likely be a top 15 pick.

 

25 – Houston Texans – Tyler Booker – Offensive Guard, Alabama

Houston’s offensive line play fell off a cliff in 2024 and CJ Stroud’s performance suffered as a result. They particularly struggled on the interior and former first round pick Kenyon Green might be running out of road at this stage after three underwhelming years with the Texans. Booker could solidify that spot and help keep their Quarterback cleaner in 2025.

 

26 – Los Angeles Rams – Josh Simmons – Offensive Tackle, Ohio State

Alaric Jackson had a career year at left tackle for the Rams after moving out from his guard spot, but he is a free agent this spring and his future is open to debate. Add to that Rob Havenstein, their right tackle, will be 33 by the start of next season and the opportunity to draft Simmons, who was trending towards top 10 pick status before tearing his ACL, might be too good to pass up.

 

27 – Baltimore Ravens – Josh Conerly Jnr – Offensive Tackle, Oregon

Ronnie Stanley finally stayed healthy this season, in a contract year no less! However, given that he is due to hit free agency and isn’t quite the force of old there is a chance the Ravens let him walk. If they do they need to draft a replacement and Conerly isn’t the biggest tackle in the world but has good feet and allowed just two sacks in over 1,000 pass block reps the past two years for the Ducks.

 

28 – Detroit Lions – Nick Scourton – Edge Rusher, Texas A&M

Aiden Hutchinson’s injury might not have stopped Detroit claiming the #1 seed in the NFC but it is hard not to imagine him making a difference in their playoff defeat to Washington. They traded for Za’Darius Smith in-season to replace him but they save $4m by cutting the veteran this offseason and Scourton is all motor in a way that I can easily see appealing to Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell.

 

29 – Washington Commanders – Mike Green – Edge Rusher, Marshall

The Commanders are well stocked in the middle of their defensive line with Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne joined by last year’s second round pick Johnny Newton but on the edge their 2024 sack leader Dante Fowler Jnr is an upcoming free agent and Green is an intriguing prospect whose all-round game needs some work but who as a pure pass rusher is dynamite.

 

30 – Buffalo Bills – Derrick Harmon – Defensive Tackle, Oregon

I’m almost certain the Bills selection here is going to be a defensive lineman. I considered the Ole Miss edge rusher Princely Umanmielen among others, but I think Derrick Harmon could slip in seamlessly next to Ed Oliver, be a solid run defender and get some penetration upfield too. He led the FBS in pressures among interior defensive linemen this past season.

 

31 – Philadelphia Eagles – Matthew Golden – Wide Receiver, Texas

The Eagles could prioritise an edge rusher here or take a corner as a long-term replacement for Darius Slay. However, offensively they need more firepower. When AJ Brown missed four games they went 2-2 and their points per game dropped from 30 to 18. Golden is not a direct replacement and projects more as a slot but he has blazing speed to compliment Brown and DeVonta Smith.

 

32 – Kansas City Chiefs – Walter Nolen, Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss

Kansas City’s roster doesn’t have a ton of needs going into the offseason, but it has a glaring one at left tackle. This is a no-trade mock but in reality, unless they find a guy in free agency, I expect them to move up for one in the draft. If they don’t, they could stand to add some talent and youth to the interior of their Dline and the guy I see when I watch Walter Nolen is a young Chris Jones.

 

- - - Round 2 - - - 

 

33 – Cleveland Browns – Aireontae Ersery – Offensive Tackle, Minnesota

It looks like time for an overhaul of the Browns offensive line. Joel Bitonio might retire and Jedrick Wills is a free agent after never really reaching his ceiling in Cleveland. Ersery has some inconsistency and balance issues on tape but he is a big man with surprisingly quick feet and could start early.

 

34 – New York Giants – Jalen Milroe – Quarterback, Alabama

It is a pretty uninspiring veteran market for Quarterbacks this offseason unless you overpay Sam Darnold or hope for some sort of renaissance from Aaron Rodgers or Kirk Cousins. Therefore, if the Giants miss out on day 1 of the draft, as they do in this mock, they might have to take a shot here.

 

35 – Tennessee Titans – Cameron Williams – Offensive Tackle, Texas

The Titans have spent consecutive first round picks in 2023 and 2024 on shoring up the left side of their offensive line but the other three spots are still a disaster and they can’t subject a rookie Quarterback to Jaelyn Duncan at right tackle. Williams is a natural right tackle and slots straight in.

 

36 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Benjamin Morrison – Cornerback, Notre Dame

The Jaguars have a desperate need at corner opposite Tyson Campbell. Former seventh round pick Montaric Brown gave up over 600 yards and 4 touchdowns when targeted in 2024. Morrison’s season was ended early by hip surgery or else he’d likely be a first rounder.

 

37 – Las Vegas Raiders – Maxwell Hariston – Cornerback, Kentucky

And the Raiders secondary is, if anything, even worse than the Jaguars. All four starters could stand to be upgraded and Hariston is a long, toolsy corner who also had injury problems in 2024 which stopped him matching the heights he hit in 2023. Still significant potential though.

 

38 – New England Patriots – Donovan Jackson – Offensive Guard, Ohio State

The Patriots offensive line has been in a constant state of flux in recent years and they need to infuse it with talent to give Drake Maye the best chance to succeed. I think Jackson is a guard at the next level but he did shift over to play left tackle for the Buckeyes in their championship run.

 

39 – Chicago Bears – Tyleik Williams – Defensive Tackle, Ohio State

The Bears had success with a defensive tackle on day 2 of the 2023 draft as Gervon Dexter has developed into a solid 3tech. But they need an upgrade at 1tech alongside him as evidenced by their 28th ranked run defense in 2024. Williams is a bit one dimensional but an excellent run stuffer.

 

40 – New Orleans Saints – Elic Ayomanor – Wide Receiver, Stanford

The Saints ended the season with Maques Valdez-Scantling as their #1 wide receiver which tells you all you need to know about the depth they have at the position. I’m not sure Ayomanor has true #1 receiver potential but he is a good route runner who can separate on the boundary.

 

41 – Chicago Bears – Wyatt Milum – Offensive Guard, West Virginia

All three of the Bears starters on the interior of their offensive line are free agents. Milum is your classic college left tackle who will transition inside at the next level. Possibly to guard but I even think he could be a center long term.

 

42 – New York Jets – Alfred Collins – Defensive Tackle, Texas

The Jets interior defensive lineman are all free agents apart from Quinnen Williams and given that the likes of Javon Kinlaw and Solomon Thomas were Saleh guys who followed him from the 49ers I wouldn’t expect them back. Collins is a big powerful run stuffer who’d compliment Williams well.

 

43 – San Francisco 49ers – Trey Amos – Cornerback, Ole Miss

Charvarius Ward is a free agent and there is speculation that he won’t be back. That would leave them short at corner but Trey Amos could have been built in a lab to play in the scheme of returning defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and would slot straight in on the outside.

 

44 – Dallas Cowboys – Princely Umanmielen – Edge Rusher, Ole Miss

The Cowboys pass rush has become extremely Micah Parsons dependent and in any event Demarcus Lawrence and Chauncey Golston are both impending free agents. Umanmielen needs to add some muscle to his frame to be a three down player but he can have an immediate impact as a rusher.

 

45 – Indianapolis Colts – Nick Emmanwori – Safety, South Carolina

The Colts secondary hasn’t been good enough in recent years and while they have invested some early picks into the likes of Nick Cross and JuJu Brents they still need more talent. Emmanwori is a do it all safety who can play in the box or as a deep center fielder.

 

46 – Atlanta Falcons – Omarr Norman-Lott – Defensive Tackle, Tennessee

I am sticking with the defensive front for the Falcons in round two. Grady Jarrett has been a brilliant player but is on the decline, nose tackle Eddie Goldman is 31 and about to hit free agency, and David Onyemata is 32. Norman-Lott has some positional flex to play a couple of spots in their 3-4 scheme.

 

47 – Arizona Cardinals – Landon Jackson – Edge Rusher, Arkansas

I am also prioritising defensive line with consecutive picks for the Cardinals. Jackson is a tough projection, despite impressive tape, as he is a very specific scheme fit as a 5tech in a 3-4 front. Adding him to last year’s first rounder Darius Robinson should create more interior pass rush.

 

48 – Miami Dolphins – Jonah Savaiinaea – Offensive Guard, Arizona

Both of Miami’s guard are impending free agents and given they let Robert Hunt and Connor Williams walk last year I don’t expect them to be retained. Savaiinaea is a mobile, zone blocking, lineman so fits in this scheme and has experience at tackle too where Miami also has questions.

 

49 – Cincinnati Bengals – Azareye’h Thomas – Cornerback, Florida State

A big reason Lou Anarumo is no longer the defensive coordinator for the Bengals is he just couldn’t seem to get the secondary right. They ended last season with Dax Hill, drafted as a safety, playing boundary corner. The word on Thomas is teams really like him and he is already rising up boards.

 

50 – Seattle Seahawks – Carson Schwesinger – Linebacker, UCLA

The linebacker spot was a constant problem for the Seahawks in 2024. The signed Ty Dodson and Jerome Baker as free agents before the year, then traded Baker for Ernest Jones in-season and released Dodson. Schwesinger is a one-year wonder but he is fast, instinctive and can hit.

 

51 – Denver Broncos – Omarion Hampton – Running Back, North Carolina

It is pretty clear that Sean Payton was not happy with his running back situation at any stage in 2024. He had five backs on the active roster and tried multiple combinations of them without success. Drafting Hampton, with 30 rushing touchdowns in his last two seasons, would be an upgrade.

 

52 – Pittsburgh Steelers – TJ Sanders – Defensive Tackle, South Carolina

Cam Heyward has been a Pittsburgh Steelers great, but he turns 36 the week after the draft. They need to begin planning for life without him. Sanders has not yet got as much buzz in the process as his tape deserves and he is a similar physical profile to Heyward as an interior pass rusher.

 

53 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jack Sawyer – Edge Rusher, Ohio State

While the Buccs have arguably the best interior pass rush combination in the league with Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey they got very little production from the edge rushers in 2024 and both Joe Tryon and Anthony Nelson are free agents. Sawyer had a great play-off run and may yet rise higher.

 

54 – Green Bay Packers – Marcus Mbow – Offensive Tackle, Purdue

The Packers have a real need at corner but the board is pretty hollowed out there. Therefore, they might look for a replacement for free agent center Josh Myers and they could find it in Mbow who looks like a typical college tackle to pro center conversion project, especially in a zone scheme.

 

55 – Los Angeles Chargers – Jayden Higgins – Wide Receiver, Iowa State

The Chargers offense in 2024 amounted to run it or throw it short to Ladd McConkey and hope he breaks some tackles. They have to develop more of a downfield passing game and Higgins, while not the fastest, is a big boundary receiver who has some initial burst and runs good routes.

 

56 – Buffalo Bills – JT Tuimoloau – Edge Rusher, Ohio State

Even if they take a defensive tackle on day one it’s possible the Bills look for edge help in round two. Dawuane Smoot is a free agent, Von Miller is a likely cut and AJ Epenesa is cuttable too. Tuimoloau is more of a power rusher than an explosive, twitchy guy but the value here might be too good to pass.

 

57 – Carolina Panthers – Demetrious Knight – Linebacker, South Carolina

Shaq Thompson is a free agent, about to be 31 and as brilliant as he has been for the Panthers, it might be time to move on. Joesy Jewell at the other starting linebacker spot is as unathletic as they come so Knight, a six-year college player, will add some dynamism to that group.

 

58 – Houston Texans – Tre Harris – Wide Receiver, Ole Miss

The Stefon Diggs trade really didn’t work out for Houston and with him on the road back from an ACL it is not expected that they will retain him. They still have a need though for a possession receiver to compliment Nico Collins and Tank Dell’s big play potential. Harris could provide that.

 

59 – Baltimore Ravens – Xavier Watts – Safety, Notre Dame

The Ravens defense turned the corner after they benched Marcus Williams and moved Kyle Hamilton back to be the deep safety. That meant they definitely lost some of his playmaking ability in the box so they might move him back to his previous spot if they can snag Watts to play deep.

 

60 – Detroit Lions – Gray Zabel – Offensive Guard, North Dakota State

The Lions success in recent times has been built on their offensive line. But left guard Graham Glasgow is 32 and right guard Kevin Zeitler is 34 and a free agent. Zabel has played all five spots on the offensive line in his college career but I see him most likely as a left guard at the next level.

 

61 – Washington Commanders – Harold Fannin Jnr – Tight End, Bowling Green

Zach Ertz has had a nice year as a comfort blanket option for Jayden Daniels during his offensive rookie of the year campaign. But Ertz is 34 and on a 1-year deal so the Commanders might draft a replacement in Fannin who had over 1,500 receiving yards last season and is a willing blocker too.

 

62 – Buffalo Bills – Isaiah Bond – Wide Receiver, Texas

The Bills traded for Amari Cooper mid-season to try and give them a downfield receiver on the boundary, but he is a free agent and most would be surprised if he is retained. Bond is by no means the complete package and he is a #2 receiver more than a #1 but is a vertical threat, big play option.

 

63 – Philadelphia Eagles – Donovan Ezeiruaku – Edge Rusher, Boston College

Bryce Huff was not everything Philadelphia hoped for as their big offseason pass rush addition and Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham both look set to depart. Ezeiruaku is a nice piece for Vic Fangio. He can play as an outside linebacker, a 4-3 end or in a 3 man front in the Eagles’ multiple defense.

 

64 – Kansas City – Charles Grant – Offensive Tackle, William & Mary

Having missed out on the round one tackles, the Chiefs might do so again depending on how they see Charles Grant. He played at left tackle in a heavy zone run scheme at William & Mary but some project him to guard at the NFL level. With the Chiefs he’d likely get a shot to play left tackle.

 

 

 

There you go - flame away!

 

No rest for the weary, nicely put together Gunner, you as usual have done your homework, 

[C.Biscuit97]

Appreciate the effort. But it is wild that after spending a 2 1sts (Groot and Oliver), a 2nd (AJ), and a ton of money on Von, that would we need to use 2 high picks on D line (which makes sense). 
 

maybe we should just trade for a proven guy a la Diggs since it clearly is a Bills weakness in finding major impact d linemen in the draft. Sad that the Raiders can find Maxx in the fourth and we would have to trade multiple high picks for him, but I would be on board since it’s such a major need.  

4 minutes ago, Brandon said:

I think it's very likely that one of those picks will be a CB.  If I had to guess,  they'll try to sign a decent DT in FA and draft one later. 

It’s definitely going to be a corner. So frustrating after just spending a 1st on one. 
 

hitting on Allen buys you a lot of job security. But man, these drafts have been meh. 

[oldmanfan]

Sign me up for this.  I could see a move for a CB in the first three picks if Benford can't make it back.   I'll look forward to the next version after free agency; I see the Bills going after a big-time edge rusher or WR.

[nuklz2594]

well done.this draft and maxx crosby would be golden

[GunnerBill]

14 minutes ago, Bill from NYC said:

Is Derrick Harmon truly a better DT than Walter Nolen? I know nohing at all about Harmon but Nolen is a monster. I have watched him play for tears and he is really tough to move. I even doubt that Nolen will be there that late.

 

In any event thanks for the post.

 

I love Nolen. I have him graded higher than Harom. Nolen is one of my true 1sts. Harmon is more a high 2. I just think he is more the Bills type. 

[78thealltimegreat]

This is a really good draft gunner I would only say while Isiah Bond is a good pick after the way he’s ankle breaking DBs in the east west shrine bowl practices I’m watching Jimmy Horn closely 

[Ray Stonada]

Man, I don't know how many hours of work goes into these things, but I appreciate it.

 

I hope we go for guys who are bigger and have more athletic potential, but maybe haven't fully realized it, like Spencer Brown.

 

Chris Jones is an example too. Big and strong but didn't have many sacks in college. Chiefs got him in the 2nd round.

[Yobogoya!]

30 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

I love Nolen. I have him graded higher than Harom. Nolen is one of my true 1sts. Harmon is more a high 2. I just think he is more the Bills type. 

Have to say I hope the Bills go a lot less “Bills type” this draft. The process archetype isn’t producing the type of game changers we’ve needed to get over the hump. 
 

Not that I think they’ll break character at this point, but a boy can dream. 

[Bray Wyatt]

Just curious since it seems we are picking the same position as the Chiefs again (seems to be happening over and over, WR, DB, now DT if this holds), why would we pick 

 

30 – Buffalo Bills – Derrick Harmon – Defensive Tackle, Oregon

I’m almost certain the Bills selection here is going to be a defensive lineman. I considered the Ole Miss edge rusher Princely Umanmielen among others, but I think Derrick Harmon could slip in seamlessly next to Ed Oliver, be a solid run defender and get some penetration upfield too. He led the FBS in pressures among interior defensive linemen this past season.

 

Over

 

32 – Kansas City Chiefs – Walter Nolen, Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss

Kansas City’s roster doesn’t have a ton of needs going into the offseason, but it has a glaring one at left tackle. This is a no-trade mock but in reality, unless they find a guy in free agency, I expect them to move up for one in the draft. If they don’t, they could stand to add some talent and youth to the interior of their Dline and the guy I see when I watch Walter Nolen is a young Chris Jones.

 

What separates the two and why wouldnt we want a young Chris Jones?

[SCBills]

4 minutes ago, Bray Wyatt said:

Just curious since it seems we are picking the same position as the Chiefs again (seems to be happening over and over, WR, DB, now DT if this holds), why would we pick 

 

30 – Buffalo Bills – Derrick Harmon – Defensive Tackle, Oregon

I’m almost certain the Bills selection here is going to be a defensive lineman. I considered the Ole Miss edge rusher Princely Umanmielen among others, but I think Derrick Harmon could slip in seamlessly next to Ed Oliver, be a solid run defender and get some penetration upfield too. He led the FBS in pressures among interior defensive linemen this past season.

 

Over

 

32 – Kansas City Chiefs – Walter Nolen, Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss

Kansas City’s roster doesn’t have a ton of needs going into the offseason, but it has a glaring one at left tackle. This is a no-trade mock but in reality, unless they find a guy in free agency, I expect them to move up for one in the draft. If they don’t, they could stand to add some talent and youth to the interior of their Dline and the guy I see when I watch Walter Nolen is a young Chris Jones.

 

What separates the two and why wouldnt we want a young Chris Jones?

 

At this point Beane should just ask himself who would Kansas City Draft. 

 

We're now 0-2 in McDuffie vs Elam and Worthy vs Coleman (granted, the book isn't written on Keon yet)

[LabattBlue]

54 minutes ago, C.Biscuit97 said:

Appreciate the effort. But it is wild that after spending a 2 1sts (Groot and Oliver), a 2nd (AJ), and a ton of money on Von, that would we need to use 2 high picks on D line (which makes sense). 
 

maybe we should just trade for a proven guy a la Diggs since it clearly is a Bills weakness in finding major impact d linemen in the draft. Sad that the Raiders can find Maxx in the fourth and we would have to trade multiple high picks for him, but I would be on board since it’s such a major need.  

It’s definitely going to be a corner. So frustrating after just spending a 1st on one. 
 

hitting on Allen buys you a lot of job security. But man, these drafts have been meh. 

Don’t forget Boogie and a guy(Carter) in the 3rd who wasn’t even active for the last game. 

[GunnerBill]

9 minutes ago, Bray Wyatt said:

Just curious since it seems we are picking the same position as the Chiefs again (seems to be happening over and over, WR, DB, now DT if this holds), why would we pick 

 

30 – Buffalo Bills – Derrick Harmon – Defensive Tackle, Oregon

I’m almost certain the Bills selection here is going to be a defensive lineman. I considered the Ole Miss edge rusher Princely Umanmielen among others, but I think Derrick Harmon could slip in seamlessly next to Ed Oliver, be a solid run defender and get some penetration upfield too. He led the FBS in pressures among interior defensive linemen this past season.

 

Over

 

32 – Kansas City Chiefs – Walter Nolen, Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss

Kansas City’s roster doesn’t have a ton of needs going into the offseason, but it has a glaring one at left tackle. This is a no-trade mock but in reality, unless they find a guy in free agency, I expect them to move up for one in the draft. If they don’t, they could stand to add some talent and youth to the interior of their Dline and the guy I see when I watch Walter Nolen is a young Chris Jones.

 

What separates the two and why wouldnt we want a young Chris Jones?

 

As I said to @Bill from NYC above I love Nolen. I'd take him. My reasons for thinking the Bills would go Harmon in this scenario are:

 

1. Length. I know they took Ed Oliver who has shorter arms but generally long arms is something they look for and given they are looking for a guy to pair with Ed I think another shorter armed guy is unlikely to be where they go. Harmon has freakishly long arms. 

 

2. I think Harmon right now is the better player at absorbing double teams and preventing offensive lineman from being able to get to the next level and get hands on a linebacker. The Bills are big on that from their D Tackles.

 

3. I think he is more consistent with his leverage than Nolen who can have issues letting olinemen get under his pad level and becoming a bit upright. Harmon's fundamentals are just a bit more consistent.

[Aussie Joe]

58 minutes ago, C.Biscuit97 said:

 

maybe we should just trade for a proven guy a la Diggs since it clearly is a Bills weakness in finding major impact d linemen in the draft. Sad that the Raiders can find Maxx in the fourth and we would have to trade multiple high picks for him, but I would be on board since it’s such a major need.  

It’s definitely going to be a corner. So frustrating after just spending a 1st on one. 
 

 

I would be prepared to pay the cost to get to Crosby … which won’t be cheap…they need someone elite to actually be able to help next year to try to move them the next step..

 

If they take a guy at the end of the second he is unlikely to have much of an impact next year 

[Bray Wyatt]

21 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

As I said to @Bill from NYC above I love Nolen. I'd take him. My reasons for thinking the Bills would go Harmon in this scenario are:

 

1. Length. I know they took Ed Oliver who has shorter arms but generally long arms is something they look for and given they are looking for a guy to pair with Ed I think another shorter armed guy is unlikely to be where they go. Harmon has freakishly long arms. 

 

2. I think Harmon right now is the better player at absorbing double teams and preventing offensive lineman from being able to get to the next level and get hands on a linebacker. The Bills are big on that from their D Tackles.

 

3. I think he is more consistent with his leverage than Nolen who can have issues letting olinemen get under his pad level and becoming a bit upright. Harmon's fundamentals are just a bit more consistent.

 

So it sounds like he is more plug and play year one, but what about upside? I am not nit picking, just seeking to understand the whole picture. Are their upsides similar?

[D. L. Hot-Flamethrower]

Thanks! That was helpful to get me looking forward again. The defense is in need of a huge talent upgrade, as is the receiver room needing a boundary guy.