With the NFL season concluding, fans, management and coaches are now shifting their focus to the draft, which is scheduled for April 23 to April 25 in Pittsburgh. The draft provides teams with the grueling decision of selecting players from a pool of hundreds of talented collegiate athletes. Whether it be to reshape their team, fix the missing pieces of their game, or make trades for already proven stars, the NFL draft is an undoubtedly consequential event. That being said, the purpose of this article is to establish a preliminary mock draft for the first round. For each of the 32 selections, I will assume no trades will occur, and I will provide a brief reasoning for each of these selections given the team’s needs.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Indiana University: The Raiders tried and failed with the Geno Smith experiment. Mendoza’s Heisman-caliber abilities provide a much-needed spark for Vegas.
2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, Linebacker, Ohio State University: The Jets’ defense was last in turnovers. Reese’s disruptive presence is mandatory for this struggling team.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, Running Back, University of Notre Dame: A Heisman finalist, Love will mesh well in Arizona’s run-heavy scheme, which has struggled with Kyler Murray’s injuries and inconsistencies.
4. Tennessee Titans: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge Rusher, University of Miami (FL): The Titans’ defense lacks flashiness. Drafting the Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year will provide Tennessee with a solution.
5. New York Giants: Carnell Tate, Wide Receiver, Ohio State University: Jaxson Dart proved the Giants are on the right path. Drafting Tate could put the Giants in playoff contention.
6. Cleveland Browns: Makai Lemon, Wide Receiver, University of Southern California (USC): I think the Browns will give Shedeur Sanders another shot. Lemon’s agility will enhance Sanders’ play.
7. Washington Commanders: Caleb Downs, Safety, Ohio State University: The Commanders’ secondary was heavily underwhelming this year. Downs’ defensive IQ will create stability for Washington.
8. New Orleans Saints: Spencer Fano, Offensive Tackle, University of Utah: This could be a reach, but Tyler Shough needs to be protected. Fano did well for Utah’s offense.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Francis Mauigoa, Offensive Tackle, University of Miami (FL): The Chiefs’ offense collapsed, largely due to Patrick Mahomes’ lack of an offensive line. Mauigoa’s strength will keep Mahomes away from pressure.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Peter Woods, Defensive Tackle, Clemson University: The Bengals have ignored their defensive woes. Woods’ talent is comparable to Aaron Donald’s dominance. This is a no-brainer.
11. Miami Dolphins: Jordyn Tyson, Wide Receiver, Arizona State University: The Dolphins’ offense has failed to get it together. Tyson’s smooth route-running should give Miami’s quarterback some leverage.
12. Dallas Cowboys: David Bailey, Edge Rusher, Texas Tech University: This is not a major need for the Cowboys, but Bailey’s explosiveness and athleticism are too game-changing to pass up.
13. Los Angeles Rams: Mansoor Delane, Cornerback, Louisiana State University (LSU): The Rams were getting beaten up by talented pass offenses. Delane will provide depth to their secondary.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Keldric Faulk, Edge Rusher, Auburn University: The Ravens put up an embarrassing 30 sacks this season. Faulk will create much-needed defensive pressure for Baltimore.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sonny Styles, Linebacker, Ohio State University: Styles is one of the most versatile athletes in this entire draft, a perfect choice to clean up the Buccaneers’ defense.
16. New York Jets: Ty Simpson, Quarterback, University of Alabama: This is a hefty reach, but the Jets desperately need a quarterback. Simpson’s dual-threat ability and short-pass game will be optimal.
17. Detroit Lions: Jermod McCoy, Cornerback, University of Tennessee: The Lions’ secondary has major holes. McCoy, although injured this past season, has proven to be a shutdown cornerback.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Avieon Terrell, Cornerback, Clemson University: Brother to Atlanta Falcons star AJ Terrell, Avieon’s aggressive play will benefit another spotty defense.
19. Carolina Panthers: Denzel Boston, Wide Receiver, University of Washington: Bryce Young has lacked weapons since coming to Carolina. Tetairoa McMillan was the first step, and now, it is time for Boston.
20. Dallas Cowboys: Olaivavega Ioane, Offensive Guard, Penn State University: The Cowboys lack a consistent run game. As injuries pile up, it is crucial to add some depth to their offensive line.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kadyn Proctor, Offensive Tackle, University of Alabama: We saw what happened to Aaron Rodgers against Houston. The Steelers desperately need offensive line help, and Proctor has been talked about as a generational talent since last year.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Kayden McDonald, Defensive Tackle, Ohio State University: The Chargers frontline pressure has not been ideal. McDonald’s unusual production as a defensive tackle makes him an intriguing prospect.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Kenyon Sadiq, Tight End, University of Oregon: Grant Calcaterra is likely to become a free agent, and the Eagles need to develop a short-pass game for Jalen Hurts.
24. Cleveland Browns: Caleb Lomu, Offensive Tackle, University of Utah: No matter who the quarterback is for Cleveland, he will need help. Lomu’s core strength and quickness will be vital.
25. Chicago Bears: Caleb Banks, Defensive Tackle, University of Florida: The Bears lack a major presence at defensive tackle. Banks’ massive frame and physical play will solve this.
26. Buffalo Bills: KC Concepcion, Wide Receiver, Texas A&M University: The Bills have lacked a certified wide receiver for years. Concepcion will provide a deep-threat option for Josh Allen.
27. San Francisco 49ers: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Safety, University of Toledo: The most injured defense in the NFL needs depth. Although a reach, McNeil-Warren has a big frame and an aggressive playstyle.
28. Houston Texans: Christen Miller, Defensive Tackle, University of Georgia: This Texans defense is one piece away from being unstoppable. Miller and his power will be that piece.
29. Los Angeles Rams: Monroe Freeling, Offensive Tackle, University of Georgia: With Matthew Stafford back for another year, his lack of mobility means he will need protection. Freeling’s frame and elusiveness will come in handy.
30. Denver Broncos: Chris Bell, Wide Receiver, University of Louisville: Besides Courtland Sutton, Bo Nix lacks a bona fide receiver room. Bell’s physical play is something the Broncos should consider.
31. New England Patriots: Emmanuel Pregnon, Offensive Guard, University of Oregon: We all know why the Patriots lost Super Bowl LX: poor quarterback protection. Pregnon will protect Drake Maye so that he can actually make plays.
32. Seattle Seahawks: CJ Allen, Linebacker, University of Georgia: Seattle already has a superstar defense. Why not add some depth with a guy with excellent body control and toughness?
With over two months until the draft, questions remain unanswered. As time progresses, news emerges, and draft stocks will continue to rise and fall. No matter what, I can confidently say that these 32 individuals have a strong chance of becoming NFL stars.