I sat in my living room on Tuesday afternoon with what must have been a brooding look on my face. My wife asked me if everything was okay. I immediately started ranting about the rumors surrounding the Jaguars' pick at 5. For the last few months, Mason Graham was inked into that spot. And here we are, about 48 hours from the NFL Draft, and we're hearing that they're interested in Ashton Jeanty, Tetairoa McMillan, and Tyler Warren. Is it true? Is it bait to lure a team into trading up? I don't know. You don't know. And to be honest, NFL insiders probably don't even know.
Still, I ponder the possibilities all day. Walking my dog, at the gym, in the shower, and apparently while brooding in my living room. That's the joy of the NFL Draft. We take in as much information as we can and prognosticate about how we expect things to turn out. And just a few picks into Thursday night, expectations will prove to be laughably wrong. Whether you're adhering to your priors or adjusting to new news, you're going to be wrong.
As our Cecil Lammey likes to say, this is the Season of Lies. The truths we gather are far behind us: college production and tape, Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl performances, NFL Combine and pro days. Almost everything else we hear during the offseason is a motivated leak to gain leverage or impact player values. Insiders are in the pockets of agents and team executives, and they pull strings to gain microadvantages. It's hard to discern the truth from the lies at this point.
So I choose to ignore almost all of it.
When I first started working on this mock draft, I was allowing recent rumors to dictate many of my picks. Mason Graham fell outside of the top 10. Shedeur Sanders and Jalen Milroe fell to Round 2. The Bears traded up for Ashton Jeanty. The Colts drafted Colston Loveland. This mock was going to be chock-full of recent rumors. And then I took a step back and reevaluated.
I formalize my own list of player rankings. I can review a depth chart and identify a team's needs. I know the tendencies of teams and coaches. And I know what players will fit in specific schemes. A few things have changed throughout my three mock drafts, but I stuck with many of my original picks and disregarded the rumors swirling in the final hours. There's no right or wrong way to create a mock draft, but chasing betting lines that swing faster than Aaron Rodgers' retirement decision didn't seem like the "right" way for me.
Pick 1 - Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
Everything the Titans have done this offseason has signalled a desire to select Cam Ward first overall, and he's good enough to be selected first overall. Everything we've heard this offseason suggests that it's already a done deal. This is a quarterback-driven league, and Will Levis isn't the long-term answer for the Titans. Ward returned to Miami in 2024, had a great season, and followed it up with a strong pro day performance. People are quick to nitpick Ward's flaws and compare him to last year's loaded class. But for a team like Tennessee desperately searching for a quarterback, taking a chance on Ward is a good decision. He has the physical traits to be among the league's best, but he will need some developmental patience for the team that drafts him. Brian Callahan came over from Cincinnati, where they successfully built around Joe Burrow, another No. 1 pick. Don't be shocked to see Tennessee follow that plan. They may even follow the exact blueprint and use their early second-rounder to draft a wide receiver, just like the Bengals did in 2019 with Burrow and Tee Higgins. Either way, the Titans and Callahan need to rebuild the offense, and that starts with addressing the glaring hole at quarterback.
Pick 2 - Cleveland Browns
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
The dreams of pairing up Myles Garrett and Abdul Carter look hazier by the day. Word out of Cleveland is that they are enamored with Heisman-winner Travis Hunter, and for good reason. Comparing Hunter and Carter is tough because both are otherworldly talents. But Hunter is the best receiver in this class by a large margin, and his ability as a defender puts him in consideration as the most valuable player in this year's draft. The Browns signed veteran Joe Flacco this offseason. During his recent stint as the Browns' quarterback, head coach Kevin Stefanski opted for a pass-heavy approach. Adding Hunter to a pass-catching room with Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, and David Njoku will likely have him follow a similar path in 2025. Expect Hunter to be deployed primarily as a receiver in Cleveland with a handful of snaps per game as a nickel corner.
Pick 3 - New York Giants
Abdul Carter, ED, Penn State
The Giants have reportedly tried trading up to select Cam Ward. But with the Titans firmly holding their pick, the Giants have an easy decision to make at pick No. 3. Whether the Browns go with Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter, the Giants will happily nab whoever they don't. Carter is arguably the best player in this class and plays a premium position. There are some medical concerns. But assuming he's healthy and ready to play, he'll immediately contribute on a defense that is desperate for playmakers.
Pick 4 - New England Patriots
Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Despite playing defense throughout his career, Mike Vrabel has shown a preference for building his offensive line as a head coach during his tenure in Tennessee. Drake Maye regularly made lemonade out of lemons last year behind a porous offensive line. But if the team is serious about his development, bolstering his protection is a must. Campbell's arm length has been a big talking point throughout the offseason. But Vrabel has said that he's confident he'll be able to play tackle. There are many parallels between Campbell and Peter Skoronski, the bookend tackle Vrabel drafted in Tennessee. Protecting their young quarterback is a must, and Campbell has the makings to be their long-term left tackle.
Pick 5 - Jacksonville Jaguars
Mason Graham, DI, Michigan
I'm calling the bluff. Adam Schefter recently reported that he didn't think the Jaguars would draft Mason Graham. They are starting to show interest in Ashton Jeanty and Tetairoa McMillan. They may be disguising their plans in the hope that someone else will make a trade to move up. The Jaguars are quickly approaching teardown territory after pushing all of their chips in a couple of offseasons ago. During the fallout, they have a litany of positional needs to address. They are in best-player-available mode. The Jaguars' strength is already in their defensive line. However, Graham's pressure up the middle, alongside Arik Armstead, as Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker squeeze the pocket, could be a nightmare for offensive coordinators to deal with. While not the most pressing need, it'll be hard to imagine Jacksonville passing on Graham if he's still there at No. 5.
Pick 6 - Las Vegas Raiders
Ashton Jeanty, HB, Las Vegas Raiders
Pete Carroll has never shied away from spending draft capital on running backs. He traded a couple of Day 2 picks for Marshawn Lynch in 2010. He invested a first-round pick in Rashaad Penny and a second in Christine Michael. After hitting on Ken Walker III in Round 2 of the 2022 Draft, he went right back to the well in 2023, spending another second-rounder on Zach Charbonnet. Carroll's offenses implement a read option that only works with the threat of a strong run game. The current room of Raheem Mostert, Sincere McCormick, Zamir White, and Dylan Laube will not strike fear in defenses. Jeanty's addition to this offense alongside superstar Brock Bowers would give them two young blue-chip prospects to build around. When general manager John Spytek was asked about Jeanty during a press conference, Carroll leaned over and whispered, "Be careful." Did they tip their hand, or was it a bit of gamesmanship during the season of lies? We'll find out on Thursday!
Pick 7 - New York Jets
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
When trying to find flaws in Tyler Warren's game, you'll be left searching. He's a dominant and physical athlete with the versatility expected from tight ends at the NFL level. He can get dirty in the run game, tear up the seam from an inline position, or run creative routes out of the slot. He's excellent with the ball in his hands, moving like a freight train after the catch. The Jets also have other premium positions to draft, but Warren has a chance to be an immediate offensive difference-maker with the young corps of Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall. His contributions as a blocker could help bolster what's expected to be a run-heavy offense with Aaron Glenn and Justin Fields. Jeremy Ruckert is a promising and young tight end on the roster, but Warren is a pro-ready weapon who can immediately provide Glenn with more flexible personnel groupings.
Pick 8 - Carolina Panthers
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Panthers have often turned to the wide receiver position early in recent years, with very little success. They did a good job building out their offensive line in free agency last year, and Bryce Young looked comfortable in the offense once it settled. But there's still a glaring need at wide receiver. Dave Canales' offenses have focused on big-bodied receivers who can stretch the field vertically, most notably DK Metcalf and Mike Evans. They tried with Jonathan Mingo. They hoped Xavier Legette could be that guy, but inconsistent play and poor hands made for a frustrating rookie campaign. Tetairoa McMillan can be a dominant and versatile X-receiver that this offense needs. Legette can move to the slot, a role where he can rely on his elite physicality. Jalen Coker can move to his natural position as a Y. It addresses the need at WR1 and puts Legette and Coker in better long-term roles as they prepare their roster for life without Adam Thielen. Young has looked good in the most recent football we've seen from him. The offensive line and the run game are strong. McMillan could be the missing piece to get the Panthers to play at a high level consistently.
Pick 9 - New Orleans Saints
Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
The Saints are a mess right now, and there's no clear idea which direction they'll go in Round 1. They're still awaiting news on Derek Carr's shoulder. And while Kellen Moore would assuredly love to draft some offensive weapons, they are likely in best-play-available mode. Jalon Walker is the prototypical outside linebacker for a 3-4 defense. He's a highly versatile and athletic weapon who can contribute as a pass rusher or a sideline-to-sideline tackling machine. As much as they probably need to draft a quarterback, they'll likely select the best player here and hope to nab Jalen Milroe, Tyler Shough, or Jaxson Dart with pick No. 40.
Pick 10 - Chicago Bears
Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
After adding Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney via trades before free agency and Drew Dallman on Day 1, the Bears have made their plan very clear: provide Caleb Williams with the protection he needs to develop. After the promise they've seen from Darnell Wright, Armand Membou would be the finishing piece for a completely new-look offensive line handpicked by Ben Johnson. Braxton Jones has provided decent tackle play, especially considering his fifth-round price tag. Whether Membou wins a spot in camp or waits his turn, his athleticism as a developmental lineman is very enticing. At 6-4 and 332 pounds, Membou logged an eye-popping 9.89 Relative Athletic Score. The Bears are sound elsewhere on offense, and this would be the first time in recent history they've heavily invested in protection for a young quarterback. While they also have some defensive needs, Membou could help set up a dominant offensive line for years to come.
Pick 11 - San Francisco 49ers
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Kelvin Banks Jr. has been a massive riser throughout this offseason. He's a tractor in the run game, having paved the way for Bijan Robinson, Roschon Johnson, Jonathon Brooks, Jaydon Blue, and Quintrevion Wisner at Texas. He has the elasticity to play guard or tackle. While their interior line play has been promising right now, they have a lot of question marks at tackle. Colton McKivitz has shown promise on the right side, but his inconsistencies make it tough to view him as a long-term option. And while Trent Williams showed up to the 49ers offseason workouts, he's entering his age-37 season. Banks is a good enough prospect that he should immediately take McKivitz's job with hopes that he'll develop into the heir apparent for Trent Williams.
Pick 12 - Dallas Cowboys
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
He was raised in Houston, played college in Austin, and could start his NFL career in Dallas. Matthew Golden has been a quick riser since his 4.29 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Despite his short stature, he was a weapon all over the field at Texas. The player comp in our rookie guide is Brandin Cooks, so he'd fit an immediate need for the Cowboys, who just lost Cooks in free agency. His field-stretching abilities would be perfect for a passing game that focuses on CeeDee Lamb. New head coach Brian Schottenheimer wants to install a run-heavy offense that draws defenses in, allowing for deep shots on play action. Golden's speed is essential to unlocking that offense. In addition to the ideal schematic fit, Dak Prescott desperately needs another playmaker. The Texas-raised Golden makes a lot of sense for the Cowboys.
Pick 13 - Miami Dolphins
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Rumors about a Jalen Ramsey trade have been swirling. And whether the Dolphins choose to trade him or keep him, they have a team-friendly out after the 2025 season built into his contract. Will Johnson has the making to be one of the league's best cornerbacks. The Dolphins have a lot of obvious needs, most notably the offensive line. But if they're in a position where Armand Membou and Kelvin Banks Jr. are off the board, it'll be tough to justify using pick No. 13 on any other lineman. Johnson has been a cornerstone of Michigan's offense over the last few years. Cornerback certainly isn't the biggest immediate need for the Dolphins, but it'll be tough to imagine them passing on a player of Johnson's caliber if he slides to them.
Pick 14 - Indianapolis Colts
Jihaad Campbell, ILB, Alabama
Signing defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo this offseason was a big get for the Colts, and he'll hope to add some immediate playmakers on defense. The Colts have been blessed with strong linebacking from Zaire Franklin over the years, and Jihaad Campbell can line up alongside him as the Will linebacker in Anarumo's 4-3 scheme. Looking at Anarumo's time in Cincinnati, he likes versatile hybrid players, and Campbell, while able to play off-ball linebacker, also has underrated abilities as a pass rusher. And I know, everyone wants the Colts to draft a tight end here. But the Eagles have signalled that Dallas Goedert is available via trade. His best years came while playing under Shane Steichen. Trading for Goedert and using their lone premium draft pick on another position of need would be a savvy move by Chris Ballard. After losing E.J. Speed in free agency this offseason, Campbell could fill that hole.
Pick 15 - Atlanta Falcons
Shemar Stewart, ED, Texas A&M
Shemar Stewart has been flying up draft boards since he lit up the NFL Combine with a perfect 10.00 Relative Athletic Score, the best among all defensive ends since 1987. He has the size, speed, and explosion to develop into the league's best edge rusher. Stewart's intensity can vary on a play-by-play basis, but he's a game-wrecker when he locks in. He possesses the physical traits that teams will drool over as a developmental project. Atlanta's pass rush was a weakness last year, and Stewart could be the piece they build around in the future.
Pick 16 - Arizona Cardinals
Mykel Williams, ED, Georgia
By selecting Mykel Williams, the Cardinals get the best player available, a premium position, and a need. They already locked up Josh Sweat on a 4-year/$76.4M contract in free agency. And while they still have glue-guy Justin Jones on the defensive line, he's got the flexibility to move inside. With Williams and Sweat on the edges, they'll quickly address one of last year's most significant weaknesses: pass rush. Adding Williams can turn this defensive line into one of the league's more promising corps. Jonathan Gannon knows the importance of a strong defensive line from his time as Philadelphia's defense coordinator, and this would allow him to build out similar defensive game plans starting in the trenches.
Pick 17 - Cincinnati Bengals
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
After the offseason investments made on offense, the Bengals almost have no choice but to draft a defensive player in Round 1 this year. And to rebuild the defense after the departure of Lou Anarumo, taking the best available defensive player makes sense. Jahdae Barron, the top-ranked cornerback to test at the NFL Combine, logged a solid 8.99 Relative Athletic Score, largely due to a sub-4.40 40-yard dash. The Bengals hoped moving Dax Hill from safety to cornerback would revive his career, but they need an improvement across from Cam Taylor-Britt. Barron would likely be an immediate starter on a defense fraught with needs.
Pick 18 - Seattle Seahawks
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
I try not to overreact too much to last-minute news regarding draft rumors, but Shedeur Sanders falling makes a lot of sense. He was the odds-on favorite to be the first overall pick this time last year. But an underwhelming 2024 campaign highlighted by salacious storylines rather than on-field play isn't what NFL teams want to see. The teams up top seem to have little interest in Sanders, but at a much cheaper cost, the Seahawks might. Sanders, despite his shortcomings, did a good job of running Colorado's offense and getting the ball to his playmakers. Klint Kubiak will hope to implement a similar offense in Seattle, where short passes can work as an extension of the run game. Heavy usage of motion, misdirection, and play action should make the quarterback's job easy. Sam Darnold is presumed to be the Week 1 starter. But his contract wasn't nearly as gaudy as the "$105M" headlines would lead you to believe. With just $52.5M guaranteed, they can easily move on if they decide that Sanders is the better long-term play. Remember the lead-up to the 2012 NFL Draft, when the Seahawks gave Matt Flynn a three-year contract before drafting Russell Wilson? As the saying goes, history often repeats itself.
Pick 19 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mike Green, ED, Marshall
The Bucaneers have been anchored by a strong defense for a long time. But in the blink of an eye, they lost Devin White. Lavonte David turned 35. Vita Vea turned 30. Their biggest playmakers are quickly aging out. They brought in Haason Reddick, but there's no long-term vision for a 31-year-old on a one-year deal. They have a handful of young and promising defenders, notably Yaya Diaby. Jamel Dean and Tykee Smith make a strong duo at cornerback. But the primary weakness on defense is at end, where Calijah Kancey struggled terribly last year. Official Combine measurements validated concerns about Mike Green's size. But his violent play style and high motor could immediately address the defense's weakest unit.
Pick 20 - Denver Broncos
Omarion Hampton, HB, North Carolina
The starting running back in Denver has been a nonstop carousel since Sean Payton showed up in 2023. While known for tailoring his offenses to the playmakers available, a workhorse running back has been a stalwart in most of Payton's teams. Jeanty is the consensus RB1 of this class, but it's not crazy to think some teams may prefer Hampton's size. He's a big and punishing back who also showed abilities as a check-down option at North Carolina. While the depth of this running back class has been discussed ad nauseam, the talent at the top is equally impressive. Hampton is a pro-ready running back with the tools to emerge as the best from this year's Draft. Much ado has been made about how Payton likes running backs who fit the TreVeyon Henderson archetype; Reggie Bush, Alvin Kamara, Darren Sproles. But we can't forget that Payton also drafted Deuce McCallister and Mark Ingram II, providing both of them with hefty workloads. With the threat of Bo Nix as a rusher, Hampton can flourish immediately in this offense. There are some other needs for the Broncos, but the biggest on offense is running back. Hampton would be an Offensive Rookie Of The Year candidate in this system.
Pick 21 - Pittsburgh Steelers
Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
Years ago, Milroe's skill set would have been alluring enough to garner top-ten consideration. After teams successfully drafted and developed quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes II, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Jalen Hurts, everyone started searching for the next quarterback with a similar athletic mold. But after disappointing starts for Trey Lance, Justin Fields, and Anthony Richardson, a toolsy quarterback like Milroe is probably less appealing to quarterback-needy teams. But we've seen Arthur Smith's offenses at their best with a mobile quarterback. The Steelers tried last year with Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. Milroe has Fields' speed with Wilson's big arm. He's far from a sure thing and might benefit from a red-shirt rookie season. But for a team desperate for a quarterback to go along with their newly-acquired receiver duo, the Steelers could be allured by Milroe's schematic fit and potential upside. Milroe is more than just quick feet and a big arm, too. He was an Academic Heisman winner who got his undergrad degree with cum laude honors in just three years. He returned to Alabama to play more football and get his master's degree. His leadership qualities are lauded by anyone who has ever played with him. A polarizing prospect, no doubt, Milroe's got the skillset that the Steelers should bet on.
Pick 22 - Los Angeles Chargers
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
If Colston Loveland is available at No. 22, Jim Harbaugh won't be able to turn in a card with his name on it quickly enough. Loveland was the do-it-all weapon for Harbaugh's championship-winning Michigan team in 2023. He saw a dip in production without Harbaugh and J.J. McCarthy in 2024, but still displayed the traits that should make him a first-round pick in this Draft. Despite being 6-6, Loveland is a natural route runner with hands like a wide receiver. He has the bend to line up wide, the strength to play with his hand in the dirt, and the creativity to beat nickel corners from the slot. The Chargers struck gold with Ladd McConkey last year. And Quentin Johnston and Mike Williams will both be serviceable field-stretchers. But Loveland has the upside of being another lethal weapon alongside McConkey, hopefully unlocking Justin Herbert and this Chargers' offense. Another team may select Loveland earlier, but it's hard to imagine him making it past the Chargers.
Pick 23 - Green Bay Packers
James Pearce Jr., ED, Tennessee
The Packers' strength is in their defense, and James Pearce Jr. would immediately be able to address one of their few weaknesses. Rashan Gary has left his 2022 injury behind him and has developed into one of the league's best edges. But Lukas Van Ness has not taken the steps the Packers' fans hoped for. Pearce would hopefully line up across Gary, allowing Van Ness to come in situationally. The Packers have a savvy front office and don't typically reach for positional needs, but they won't pass on a need when it falls into their lap either.
Pick 24 - Minnesota Vikings
Kenneth Grant, DI, Michigan
Kenneth Grant is a huge guy who can plug up the interior while also flashing enough burst to contribute to the pass rush. Like many defensive linemen, he needs some refinement in his technique. But he's got the size and motor that make him a desirable target for a team that wants to improve its defensive line. The Vikings already invested heavily in Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave this offseason. Grant would be the cherry on top to wreck game plans in a quarterback-driven NFC North.
Pick 25 - Houston Texans
Josh Simmons, T, Ohio State
After shipping off Laremy Tunsil to Washington, the Texans signaled that they want to make big changes to their offensive line. C.J. Stroud's regression in 2024 was concerning, and better protection should help him rebound. Josh Simmons suffered a season-ending knee injury, impacting his draft stock. But if he returns to his pre-injury self, the Texans could land a blue-chip offensive tackle late in Round 1. Even if Simmons is off the board here, the Texans might reach for another offensive lineman. It's a massive need for them.
Pick 26 - Los Angeles Rams
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
The Rams struck gold by catching a sliding Jared Verse last year and could likely do the same if Malaki Starks falls to them in this year's Draft. Starks deserves to be higher than pick 26 in a flat list of prospect rankings. But the teams ahead of the Rams all have pressing needs, none of which are safety. Starks could fall into their lap. After a disastrous Combine week (5.29 Relative Athletic Score), don't be surprised to see the Georgia standout fall to one of the later picks in Round 1.
Pick 27 - Baltimore Ravens
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
This one might raise some eyebrows. But the Ravens haven't shied away from first-round receivers in the Lamar Jackson era. Marquise Brown, Rashod Bateman, and Zay Flowers have all been drafted by Baltimore since 2019. Flowers has been the best of the bunch. And Bateman finally started to put it together last year. But adding a pure slot receiver in Egbuka can allow the other receivers to play where they're best, out wide. Flowers has been forced into slot usage with Mark Andrews and Isiah Likely, but his best play in college came while lining up out wide. Bateman can play his natural role as a flanker. This would likely push the Ravens away from their base 12-personnel we saw last year, but Egbuka's abilities as a blocker should still benefit the already dominant run game. We've recently heard some rumors about an Andrews trade as the Ravens seek cap relief. Drafting Egbuka could allow them to move Andrews and switch comfortably to a base 11 personnel while still maintaining their signature run game.
Pick 28 - Detroit Lions
Donovan Ezeiruaku, ED, Boston College
The Lions are in a unique spot where they don't really have any pressing needs. And when teams can afford that, they'll look to the best player available and premium positions. Donovan Ezeiruaku is both. Ezeiruaku is listed as an edge, but he's a bit undersized and often drops back as a linebacker. But he's got the speed to get involved in the pass rush, the fluidity to cover, and the tenacity to fill gaps in the run game. With a dominant pass rush bolstered by Aidan Hutchison and a deep linebacking group, Ezeiruaku's versatility makes Detroit a perfect landing spot where Dan Campbell can get him reps from multiple alignments.
Pick 29 - Washington Commanders
Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
Since pairing up college teammates Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase at the next level, other teams have followed similar blueprints. Jalen Hurts and DeVonta Smith carried their chemistry from Alabama to Philadelphia. The Jets brought in Justin Fields this offseason, reuniting him with his WR1 from Ohio State, Garrett Wilson. The Cardinals recently signed Marquise Brown to play with Kyler Murray. The Raiders thought they could resuscitate Derek Carr by bringing back his Fresno teammate, Davante Adams. And Jayden Daniels and Mason Taylor had an undeniable connection in college, highlighted by an overtime two-point conversion to beat Alabama in 2022 when Taylor was a freshman. Still just 20 years old, Taylor has a lot of room to grow. But he's already got the prototypical size for an NFL tight end and fluid athleticism to match. He clocked an impressive 4.65 40-yard dash and 28 bench press reps at his pro day. He moves with the fluidity of an undersized receiver, displaying elite athleticism in every movement. It's easy to watch Taylor's film from LSU and immediately see how it will translate to the NFL. With Zach Ertz, Terry McLaurin, and Deebo Samuel Sr. all on the wrong side of the age curve, it would behoove the Commanders to get a young target for their exciting young quarterback.
Pick 30 - Buffalo Bills
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
The Bills would be lucky if Nick Emmanwori falls to them at pick 30. Emmanwori had one of the best NFL Combine performances we've ever seen. He checked in with impressive size and then clocked elite marks in every drill. Although billed as a strong safety, Emmanwori also has the speed and awareness to play free safety. The Bills could also entertain moving Taylor Rapp to free safety, a position he has some familiarity with from his time with the Rams. Damar Hamlin, brought back on a cheap one-year deal, could rotate in. The safety deployment might not be transparent now. Either way, Emmanwori's Combine performance alone is worth a first-round price tag. The Bills can draft him here and figure out the depth chart in the summer.
Pick 31 - Kansas City Chiefs
TreVeyon Henderson, HB, Ohio State
Scars from Clyde Edwards-Helaire are still fresh enough that some people might not like this pick. But TreVeyon Henderson has an explosive play-making ability that Chiefs' head coach Andy Reid drools over. He's a big-play machine who can stay on the field for passing downs as a shifty route runner and shockingly good pass blocker. The Chiefs' offense has lacked firepower since losing Tyreek Hill. Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco don't have the long speed to rip off chunk plays consistently, and that's precisely what Henderson does best. There have been late rumors about the Chiefs meeting with Henderson, and he's got the skill worthy of sneaking in as a late first-rounder.
Pick 32 - Philadelphia Eagles
Walter Nolen, DI, Mississippi
Howie Roseman did it again! It seems like a dominant defensive lineman slides in the NFL Draft every year, and the Eagles happily select them. Walter Nolen doesn't have the frame of most interior defenders, but he makes up for it with refined handwork and great instincts. And playing alongside Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis in 3-4 sets will only make his job more manageable. Nolen doesn't have a ton of familiarity with these packages, but his speed and strength should translate to most schemes.