We're reaching the end of the NFL regular season and the start of the college football playoffs. The top of the draft order is nearly set, prospects are making transfer decisions, and draftniks like myself are reshuffling Big Boards and turning in mock drafts. These are exactly the two things I'm here to do. So instead of the usual Superflex Big Board, I'll give you a 60-Deep Full Board, including offensive line and defense.
Quarterback is incredibly shallow and tackle isn't as strong as we'd like. However, there is more depth at receiver and tight end than most realize. Yes, there are plenty of running backs for now. But I wouldn't be surprised if a few more high-profile players return to school to earn more money and a better draft position in a weaker class. This is a stacked class for IDP folks and any team that needs defensive help with plenty of versatile edge rushers and athletic linebackers.
I'll draft based on what I think will happen and not necessarily on what should happen and throw in a fun trade since we're likely to have a few. But first, Vegas is on the clock.
1.01 - Las Vegas Raiders
Cam Ward, QB | 6-2, 223 lbs
I mocked Cam Ward to the Raiders back when they were picking 8th overall, and I'm doing it again right now at 1.01 because nothing and everything has changed. I still think Sanders is the better prospect, but Ward ended the season as a Heisman finalist while leading the way for Miami's program comeback. He's earned the praise.
The Senior has all the physical tools and on-field demeanor to be the face of a franchise that desperately needs a true rebuild. However, I've been critical of his time holding the ball and processing. The biggest question is whether bringing Tom Brady into ownership can actually help personnel decisions like picking the right coach and GM to ensure whoever takes over at quarterback has the right foundation.
1.02 - New York Giants
Shedeur Sanders QB, Colorado | 6-2, 216 lbs
Shedeur Sanders to the Big Apple continues to make sense and the smoke has already begun.
Deion Sanders says here that #Giants "are not giving up that (No. 1) pick. I know that for a fact."
— Ryan Dunleavy (@rydunleavy) December 18, 2024
And "Shedeur is going to be the No. 1 pick."
Sounds like he fully expects his son to be next Giants QB if they lose out. https://t.co/cLAJu30XTN
I'm into this whether or not Daboll is the coach because I'm still unsure if he's part of the problem while he's been shackled to Daniel Jones, Tommy DeVito, and Drew Lock. The Giants need to fix their quarterback problem while they have a Blue Chip gamechanger like Nabers on a rookie deal and solid foundation pieces in other places like OT and DL. Sanders needs to be their top priority, and the biggest hurdle of "Daddy's Approval" has been cleared.
The legacy prospect has the best arm talent out of the draft class, understands NFL concepts, and has consistently made big-time throws despite sub-par offensive line play. He sometimes has lapses in progression and will stare down his top target, but you can't blame him when it's a player like Travis Hunter.
1.03 - New England Patriots
Travis Hunter WR/CB, Colorado | 6-1, 185 lbs
The Patriots need help at every position but quarterback, and the best prospect and Heisman winner falls right into their lap. Oh, and he also plays two spots at an elite level. Make no mistake--Travis Hunter truly is an elite receiver. His fluid, hyper-athletic movement and natural ball skills remind me of a smaller Brian Thomas Jr. These types of athletes may be slightly less polished than others, but that doesn't matter when nobody can keep up.
His time on both sides of the ball has honed the underrated skill of proper spacing that's lost on many young players, and I still believe he'll continue to get used both ways. Versatility is a highly valued attribute in The Patriot Way, and Jerod Mayo played on this same team that used Julian Edelman in all three phases of the game. I project him to play 70% of offensive snaps and on key downs/2-minute drills on defense and should be a core piece to New England's rebuild.
1.04 - Jacksonville Jaguars
Abdul Carter LB, Penn State | 6-3, 251 lbs
Jacksonville should be able to draft a coach like Ben Johnson to fix Trevor Lawrence and the offense in a perfect world. High draft capital picks like Brian Thomas Jr., Josh Allen-Hines, and (maybe) Lawrence have all hit, along with free agents like Evan Engram and Christian Kirk. Yet here we are again in the Top-5. So we'll take the best player available and hope the next coaching staff can figure it out.
Abdul Carter is a freaky, versatile athlete who should be a valuable chess piece for a defense that's been a punching bag. Carter will get many valid Micah Parsons comps as Swiss-Army Penn State alums, but I see him staying off-ball, whereas Parsons plays primarily on the edge. This isn't to say he won't be a consistent pass rusher, but he's a rangy coverage defender who'll be more effective when he can use his twitchy length in space.
1.05 - Carolina Panthers
Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona | 6-5, 212 lbs
The Panthers need real talent in their receiver room if they want to give Bryce Young an honest shot at beating the bust allegations. Tetairoa McMillan is the definition of real talent. I know there's somebody ready to tell me that he already has Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, Adam Thielen, and Ja'Tavion Sanders. Sure. That's fine if you want a cheap copy of Green Bay's "WR1 by Committee" ordered from Temu that arrived two sizes too small for even Bryce Young.
McMillan gives Dave Canales the kind of downfield offensive threat he's lacked since Mike Evans in Tampa Bay. With McMillan, 50/50 balls are more like 80/20, and his most frightening attribute is how fluid he moves after the catch at his size. Carolina lacks talent that commands attention, McMillan is that kind of player. Moreover, he'll elevate the tertiary pieces like Legette in the process.
1.06 - Tennessee Titans
Will Campbell OT/OG, LSU | 6-6, 324 lbs
There's already a debate about whether Will Campbell has the arm length to play tackle or if he's an overdrafted guard. I'm also drafting how I think things will happen, and the Titans are a franchise that falls into the same traps. I won't debate the arm topic heavily, but I will say that I don't even believe that Campbell is the best OT in the draft. However, he's been a strong anchor in an elite conference and is "safe" even if he has to slide into the other Guard spot opposite of Peter Skoronski.
1.07 - Cleveland Browns
Ashton Jeanty RB, Boise State | 5-9, 216 lbs
Reminder–I told you I'm drafting based on what I think will happen. Not what should happen. This means I'm going to make wild and unnecessary picks that could make sense to poor franchises like the Browns. Cleveland has a QB problem in a class that's shallow at the position, and I doubt the top two teams will trade back without receiving a king's ransom. I wouldn't be shocked to see them gamble on a QB on day two, but for now, they still need an offensive cornerstone piece.
I can see Jimmy Haslem thinking: "Life was best when we had a workhorse back like a young Nick Chubb or Jim Brown. Let's get one again with Jeanty and draft a QB next year." Don't get me wrong–Ashton Jeanty has first-round talent and is the definition of a workhorse. He has Alvin Kamara-level contact balance and is elite between the tackles. However, the Browns could use help everywhere else, and running back is deep. This isn't an ideal landing spot like the Cowboys, but it's not the worst.
1.08 - Cincinnati Bengals (Via Trade with NYJ)
Will Johnson CB, Michigan | 6-2, 203 lbs
Someone will trade up for Will Johnson if he falls this far, and I can't think of a team that needs him more than the Bengals. They'd be giving up their second-round pick and moving back to the third to make this jump with the Jets in this scenario. Trust me, it would be worth it.
Johnson is a strong corner with length, range, and instincts, making him a sticky cover corner and a tough run defender. Cincinnati lacks any impact players in their secondary, and they get a Jalen Ramsay caliber player at a discount.
1.09 - Chicago Bears
Aireontae Ersery OT, Minnesota | 6-6, 331 lbs
Length isn't a concern for Aireontae Ersey. You'd think that a team with an ex-offensive lineman as GM would be able to fix their protection issues. But here we are again, drafting in the top 10, so let's hope that an experienced bully like Ersery can stop this trend. The tape shows a dancing bear who plays with violent hands; the only question is whether he still holds up to tougher levels of competition.
1.10 - New Orleans Saints
Mason Graham DI, Michigan | 6-6, 320 lbs
The Saints are just the Creole-flavored Browns. They need a quarterback and aren't in a position to take one; however, they are slightly more competent drafters. Mason Graham is a polished technician with a high motor who can improve a leaky defense with aging stars in the trenches. Does Graham fix the problems on offense? No. But he can be a foundational piece now while they compete for Arch Manning in 2026.
1.11 - Miami Dolphins
Tyler Booker IOL, Alabama | 6-5, 325 lbs
Miami must improve Tua's protection and prevent the offense from collapsing against interior pressure. Tyler Booker is an immediate fix. Mike McDaniel should love his hulking size and mobility as a road grater at the second level. The Dolphins run their offense through the outside-zone scheme, so competent guard play is a must.
1.12 - Indianapolis Colts
Malaki Starks S, Georgia | 6-1 205 lbs
Jim Irsay is unpredictable on a good day, so nobody knows how long his patience holds with the current regime. Regardless, the defense needs help. Malaki Starks isn't my favorite pure safety in this class, but he has the most potential and versatility. He plays best in the slot near the line of scrimmage, where he can utilize his size and athleticism against the run and in man coverage. He's also just 20 years old and has plenty of room to grow instincts in other areas like shell coverage.
1.13 - New York Jets
Kelvin Banks Jr. OT/OG, Texas | 6-4, 320 lbs
Is he a guard? Is he a tackle? I don't really care because I was mocking him 1.01 a few weeks back because I believe he's that good. Texas has had one of the toughest schedules in CFB and Banks has continually held up against tougher competition. The Jets would be getting a value this late after a trade. This almost seems too competent after reading recent reports on Woody Johnson's trade veto.
1.14 - Dallas Cowboys
Benjamin Morrison CB, Notre Dame | 6-0, 190 lbs
Cleveland hopefully saves Jerry Jones from himself, and he takes the injury discount on one of the best defenders in the class. Even Jerry Jones understands he needs a running back by now. But this team needs help everywhere beyond their stars.
Benjamin Morrison would give the Cowboys a true shut-down corner that can stick to defenders and doesn't blow coverage on gambles. Running back is deep enough to allow a luxury fix and still get a quality need later.
1.15 - San Francisco 49ers
Josh Simmons OT, Ohio State | 6-5, 311 lbs
Trent Williams is arguably the most important player on the 49ers, and they must try to improve the offensive line and develop a succession plan as soon as possible. Moreover, Trent Williams allows them to be patient with Josh Simmons while he recovers and develops and they don't need to gamble on a fall in the second round. Simmons was a smooth anchor whose absence was noticeable and would've been considered much higher had he remained healthy.
1.16 - Atlanta Falcons
James Pearce Jr. Edge, Tennessee | 6-5, 243 lbs
James Pearce Jr. is one of my favorite prospects in the class. He's been an explosive problem for offenses all season at Tennessee as one of the nation's leaders in pressure rate. The Falcons' pass rush has been putrid even after trading for Matthew Judon and they luck out on one of the most talented players in the class. Pearce has an elite blend of length, bend, and speed that will make him a natural problem for offensive tackles to handle.
1.17 - Arizona Cardinals
Jalon Walker LB, Georgia | 6-2, 245 lbs
Arizona has improved on both sides of the ball and can add another elite difference-maker in Jalon Walker. He doesn't have the length to be an every-down on-ball edge but is in the same vein as Abdul Carter in his ability to cover ground. His most underrated asset is his strength while pressing a gap to run stuff. A defensive-minded head coach like Jonathan Gannon can walk away happy knowing they could have a future pro-bowler.
1.18 - Seattle Seahawks
Wyatt Milum OT, West Virginia | 6-6, 317 lbs
I wouldn't be surprised to see Wyatt Milum go higher than this because he only continues to rise up the draft community's boards. Milum has the ideal combo of length and polish while Seattle has been in shambles even before one of their best lineman medically retired. Geno Smith has played well, but he's not the type to overcome the endless pressure, so he had better pray Milum's value doesn't rise any further.
1.19 - Los Angeles Chargers
Kenneth Grant DI, Michigan | 6-3, 339 lbs
Many will want to mock pass-catchers here, but Jim Harbaugh isn't exactly subtle in his team-building approach. The Chargers will build from the trenches out, and Grant will give Harbaugh somebody who isn't just one of his guys but is also a disruptive interior defender with a high motor. Khalil Mack continues to age and Joey Bosa can't stay healthy, so the Chargers get a piece that can fit now while anchoring their future.
1.20 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Nic Scourton Edge, Texas A&M | 6-4 280 lbs
Tampa Bay needs corners and pass rushers and they luck into the best pure defensive end in the class. Nic Scourton is a stout pass rusher with the strength to press a pocket and the athleticism to transfer power to speed to finish sacks. This pick is a no-brainer.
1.21 - Los Angeles Rams
Shavon Revel CB, East Carolina | 6-3, 194 lbs
The Rams did an excellent job replacing Aaron Donald's production by taking Jared Verse and Braden Fiske. Now they just need to improve that secondary. Shavon Revel is another unfortunate injury to our elite cornerback prospects. Revel is long and rangy and will succeed in any system after he heals. His recovery speed is one of the best in the class and the Rams have a shot at continuing their hasty rebuild.
1.22 - Washington Commanders
Luther Burden III WR, Missouri | 5-11 205 lbs
Washington has figured out their QB issues and now only need to continue adding talent. Luther Burden III this late in the first would be a gift and the perfect compliment to Terry McLaurin. Burden will give many folks pause because Missouri only used him in a gadget role and struggled to get him going downfield. This was about their poor QB talent, not because their dynamic playmaker couldn't get it done.
Burden is a smooth playmaker with elite abilities after the catch who consistently flashed separation skills downfield. He can take the short plays to the house and stretch a defense when necessary. He'd make a fine addition for an ascending quarterback.
1.23 - Denver Broncos
Harold Fannin Jr. TE, Bowling Green | 6-4, 230 lbs
Sean Payton loves versatile matchup nightmares and Harold Fannin Jr. will remind the NFL of the peak Jimmy Graham days. The Bowling Green product has quite literally posted one of the greatest college football seasons for a tight end ever. "But that was in the MAC conference." Sure. But his games against Texax A&M and Penn State showcase the same hyper-athlete that pops on tape any other week.
Bo Nix is posting ROTY numbers with Courtland Sutton and scrubs, and Fannin can immediately come in a be a top target earner. Many scouts rightfully love other tight ends in this class, but none are in the athletic tier Harold Fannin Jr. is.
1.24 - Baltimore Ravens
Maxwell Hairston CB, Kentucky | 6-1, 186 lbs
Kentucky has a pair of defenders that should hear their name called on day one and the Ravens will be in a position to scoop up either. Corner is a need whereas DL is a luxury so Maxwell Hairston should be the first off the board. Baltimore has been a pass funnel secondary throughout most of the season, and Hairston can be a rangy day-one starter who could ease the burden of an aging Marlon Humphrey.
1.25 - Houston Texans
Walter Nolen DI, Ole Miss | 6-3, 304 lbs
Many forget that the Texans were able to draft C.J. Stroud so highly because the roster was just poor beyond needing a quarterback. That's not to say they haven't been decent, but they've disappointed on the offensive side of the ball in particular. This doesn't mean they should reach too high for need when an uber-talented, high-upside prospect falls into their lap. Walter Nolen is a blue-chip athlete who would step in and immediately improve an already disruptive force alongside Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. Depth along the trenches is crucial and good teams stay good by drafting talent over need.
1.26 - Pittsburgh Steelers
Emery Jones Jr. OT, LSU | 6-6, 315 lbs
When will the Steelers stop being competitive despite needing OL and receiving help year after year? Emery Jones Jr. can immediately step in and improve an often leaky offensive line. Both LSU and Texas were lucky enough to have two reliable bookends and Jones arguably has better length than Will Campbell. I wouldn't be surprised to see a receiver go here instead of bolstering their protection if they've lost confidence in Roman Wilson, however, they tend to wait for Day 2 to draft skill players and I'm continuing that trend here.
1.27 - Green Bay Packers
Deone Walker DI, Kentucky | 6-6, 344 lbs
Deone Walker moves freakishly well despite his hulking size and will be a special player at he next level. The Packers can continue to nail their draft picks by bolstering the trenches of their young team by putting a disruptive wrecker next to the already talented Kenny Clark. They're in a tough division that faces the Lions and Vikings offenses twice a year and can't afford to pass up young talent that's better than his draft position.
1.28 - Minnesota Vikings
Kevin Winston Jr. S, Penn State | 6-2, 208 lbs
The Vikings have the option to go in a few directions, including either side of the trenches. I just have a hard time believing a team would let the best deep-zone safety in the class fall much further than here. Minnesota has been stout against the run and generates turnovers but has an aging secondary susceptible to big plays. I won't compare Winston to Harrison Smith because he's not the same run defender, but his range and closing speed are ideal for Brian Flores' exotic coverages.
1.29 - Buffalo Bills
Elic Ayomanor WR, Stanford | 6-2, 209 lbs
The Bills should try again at receiver. This isn't to say that Keon Coleman or Dalton Kincaid can't take a step forward, but they traded for the Ghost of Amari Cooper for a reason. Josh Allen is one of the three best players in the NFL and playing MVP football and Buffalo is still in their championship window. Elic Ayomanor is a win-now type move that also secures the future.
Ayomanor has the big play red zone ability of Coleman, except he's a far superior route runner and elite separator. Allen has a stable of support players, but Ayomanor gives him a polished athlete who can be the focal point for targets.
1.30 - Philadelphia Eagles
Mykel Williams Edge, Georgia | 6-5, 265 lbs
The Eagles are due for another Georgia Bulldog to add to their collection. Mykel Williams is a bulky defensive end and strong bull rusher, but he won't blow anyone away with polish. Howie Roseman will lose Brandon Graham to retirement and could lose Josh Sweat in free agency. Williams isn't exactly a plug-and-play for their roles, but he can be a disruptive pocket pressure nonetheless.
1.31 - Detroit Lions
Landon Jackson Edge, Arkansas | 6-7, 280 lbs
Landon Jackson and Detroit just fit. The freakishly long edge rusher is a tough athlete with bend and violent hands. He and Aiden Hutchinson could anchor the defensive line and keep Detroit's championship window open with the same grittiness that's become their brand.
1.32 - Kansas City Chiefs
Cameron Williams OT, Texas | 6-5, 335 lbs
Cameron Williams can fix many of the Chiefs' Jawaan Taylor problems. You always want to protect your franchise player and Kansas City has only partially fixed the problem since bringing in D.J. Humphries. Williams has been a massive part of the resurgence of Texas in a tough conference and could immediately fit in anywhere across this OL.
Round 2
1. Raiders - Kaleb Johnson RB, Iowa
2. Giants - Jihaad Campbell LB, Alabama
3. Patriots - Blake Miller OT, Clemson
4. Jaguars - Donovan Jackson IOL, Ohio State
5. Bears - Derrick Harmon DT, Oregon
6. Titans - Ja'Corey Brooks WR, Lousiville
7. Browns - Emeka Egbuka WR, Ohio State
8. Jets - Alfred Collins DI, Texas
9. Bears - Shemar Stewart Edge, Texas A&M
10. Saints - Jahdae Barron SCB, Texas
11. Dolphins - Tyleik Williams DI, Ohio State
12. Colts - Mason Taylor TE, LSU
13. Jets (Via Trade with Bengals) - Tyler Warren TE, Penn State
14. Cowboys - Quinshon Judkins RB, Ohio State
15. 49ers - Jabbar Muhammad CB, Oregon
16. Falcons - Kyle Kennard Edge, South Carolina
17. Cardinals - Barrett Carter LB, Clemson
18. Seahawks - Danny Stutsman LB, Oklahoma
19. Chargers - Colston Loveland TE, Michigan
20 Buccaneers - Darien Porter CB, Iowa State
21. Panthers - Ashton Gillotte Edge, Louisville
22. Commanders - Quincy Riley CB, Louisville
23. Broncos - Isaiah Bond WR, Texas
24. Ravens - Donovan Ezeiruaku Edge, Boston College
25. Texans - Omarion Hampton RB, North Carolina
26. Steelers - Mike Green Edge, Marshall
27. Packers - Jonah Saviinaea OT, Arizona
28. Bills - Josaiah Stewart Edge, Michigan
29. Bills - Jeffrey Bassa LB, Oregon
30. Eagles - Jack Sawyer Edge, Ohio State
31. Lions - Tate Ratledge IOL, Georgia
32. Chiefs - TreVeyon Henderson RB, Ohio State