1. Las Vegas Raiders - Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Vegas begins a new era under Klint Kubiak and Mendoza gets the chance to learn under Kirk Cousins briefly, which Tom Brady has made clear would be his preferred entrance into the NFL for a young QB.
2. New York Jets - Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
The Jets canceled their top 30 visit with David Bailey and they desperately need a pass rusher, so Reese feels like the slam dunk here. Maybe now they can force an interception.
3. Arizona Cardinals - Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
The Cardinals’ best path to success is creating a turn-key environment for whoever will become the quarterback of the future. Locking down the offensive line should be the first objective on that checklist.
4. Tennessee Titans - David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Titans are definitely tempted by Jeremiyah Love here, but Big Bob Saleh loves himself a good pass rusher and his mentality will ultimately win out with the first round pick for the Titans.
5. New York Giants - Caleb Downs, Safety, Ohio State
John Harbaugh would love to be able to bring a new version of Kyle Hamilton to the New York Giants and Caleb Downs is the perfect guy to take that shot with.
6. Cleveland Browns - Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Browns’ offensive weaponry might be the worst in all of football, so grabbing a guy like Carnell Tate immediately gives them some sort of legitimate talent.
7. Washington Commanders - Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
I mean, Jayden Daniels and Jeremiyah Love in the same backfield? Even if this is total wish casting, I couldn’t help myself.
8. New Orleans Saints - Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Tyler Shough showed he was a capable NFL quarterback last season, so now is the opportunity to add some talent opposite Chris Olave and try to elevate the offense to the next level.
9. Kansas City Chiefs - Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Of course the biggest athletic freak from the NFL combine falls right into the lap of the Chiefs.
10. New York Giants - Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The big Dexter Lawrence trade allows the Giants to grab a piece they believe will complement Malik Nabers and really give Jaxson Dart a nice cache of weaponry.
11. Miami Dolphins - Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
As much as they would love to get a replacement at receiver, they take the best corner in the draft to start building a solid defense for new head coach Jeff Hafley.
12. Dallas Cowboys - Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami
Jerry Jones is doing the electric slide in the war room as the Rueben Bain Jr off-field issues get him to fall right to the Cowboys. Maybe trading Micah Parsons was the right thing to do?
13. Los Angeles Rams - Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
“Protect Matthew Stafford at all costs” should be on every wall and door in the Rams facility, Obviously that means they need to beef up the offensive line.
14. Baltimore Ravens - Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
I can’t explain it, but this feels exactly like what the very first pick will be for new head coach Jesse Minter.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
McCoy could be considered a bit of a risky draft pick with his injury history, but the Bucs need enough corner help that it’s worth the big swing.
16. New York Jets - Omar Cooper, WR, Indiana
They addressed the whole no interceptions thing already, so I’d say now would be the time to address the “we didn’t have a 400-yard receiver last season” problem.
17. Detroit Lions - Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The Lions need to get back to the identity that made them one of the most competitive teams in the NFL over the last few years under Dan Campbell. Build a monster offensive line and live and die in the trenches.
18. Minnesota Vikings - Dillon Thieneman, Safety, Oregon
Thieneman has the versatility the Vikings will need to upgrade their defense heading into the 2026 season.
19. Carolina Panthers - Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Tet McMillan is clearly a baller. Now it’s time to give Bryce Young another really talented offensive weapon and see if he can repeat as the NFC South champion.
20. Dallas Cowboys - Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Cowboys got their pass rusher already this draft, so now it’s time to lock up the back end and add a talented young cornerback.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers - Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M
Bisontis has impressed a bunch of teams this offseason and the Steelers need to secure the offensive line before they can start addressing other issues.
22. Los Angeles Chargers - Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
Tui Tuipulotu is a great pass rusher, but the Chargers need to be able to get pressure on both sides of the line and adding Mesidor could be the solution.
23. Philadelphia Eagles - TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Philly looks to build up their pass rush group and Parker brings an uber powerful style that could cause nightmares next to someone like Jalen Carter.
24. Cleveland Browns - Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
The Browns need to come out of this draft with offensive players at nearly every spot and after adding Carnell Tate earlier on, they now get their tackle to bolster the offensive line.
25. Chicago Bears - Keldrick Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
The Bears were great at creating turnovers last season and adding Faulk will help create more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and hopefully continue the defense’s turnover potential.
26. Buffalo Bills - Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
The Bills addressed their biggest offensive need in the offseason by acquiring DJ Moore and can now focus solely on the defense. Malachi Lawrence brings an explosive pass rushing potential this team has not had in quite some time.
27. San Francisco 49ers - Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Caleb Lomu feels like the perfect fit in San Francisco thanks to his light feet and athleticism. Thanks to the elite measurables, Kyle Shanahan may fall in love with this player.
28. Houston Texans - Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
Did you watch the Patriots vs Texans playoff game this season? That’s the only justification you need to make this pick.
29. Kansas City Chiefs - Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Let’s trade away our number one corner back to the LA Rams because we don’t want to pay him and just replace him with a rookie. Flawless plan, what could go wrong.
30. Miami Dolphins - Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Without Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, the Dolphins needed to find a target to pair with new quarterback Malik Willis, and Boston brings a big bodied receiver who can get deep and take advantage of Willis’s howitzer arm.
*** WE HAVE A TRADE! The New England Patriots trade the 31st pick to the Arizona Cardinals!
31. Arizona Cardinals - Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The Cardinals know that Jacoby Brissett is not the long term answer, so they swoop in at the end of the first round to grab a young quarterback who has shown flashes but simply has not played enough games yet in his career.
32. Seattle Seahawks - Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
The reigning Super Bowl champs continue to try to improve the best unit on their team by adding a young corner to the mix.
