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This NFL mock draft is based on what I would do personally if I were the GM for each team drafting. Players are selected based on my own draft board and team needs while also considering where the players would realistically go in the draft. The players with their links listed are the ones I’ve watched four-plus games on, while the rest I’ve only watched one or two or haven’t watched at all. I’ve watched a total of about 48 players so far, but I have done some research into the ones I haven’t watched. Please use code TREYSCHNEIDER on Underdog Fantasy to match your deposit up to $100. Gamble responsibly and leave your feedback on Twitter @FBIntellect.
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Draft Grade – 81.3
After the combine, it’s looking like Caleb Williams going to the Bears is a lock. There have been reports Chicago isn’t entertaining any trades for the number one pick, so I’m just sticking with what’s realistic. It may seem like Chicago doesn’t have the ideal surrounding core for Williams to succeed. However, this O-Line is young and growing, and these weapons will be improved after the draft.
Fans seem to act like Caleb doesn’t have a moderately safe floor as a player. They’ll find the most minute things to nitpick about him and that’s because he was quickly given this generational tag, which led to people looking for every little reason why he isn’t generational. While generational may not be the best way to describe him, he is on par with some of the best QB prospects from this past decade. Fields is exciting, but at the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with taking Caleb.
Draft Grade – 79.9
Drake Maye going to Washington is also starting to look like a lock. The reports show everything went excellent with his combine interviews, and Washington is in a position where QB is one of their few needs. The accuracy and poise are all there with Maye, and it’s just about him getting accustomed to an NFL offense. He and Kliff Kingsbury would make for a solid pairing. If Washington can improve this O-Line in free agency, he’ll have a legitimate chance to grow into a top 8 QB. With Terry McLaurin to throw to, you’d feel pretty good about this offense heading into the future.
Draft Grade – 85.3
As tempting as it is to take Jayden Daniels here, it’s best to improve what is the worst roster in the NFL first. Fortunately, this draft class has QBs you can get in the late first or early second. By drafting Marvin Harrison Jr., you’re setting up an infrastructure for whoever the new QB is to succeed. Barring an injury, New England would be getting a perennial all-pro at a position of need. His size, paired with his nuanced route-running ability and release package, make for one of the surest prospects we’ll ever see. Not to mention he’s a dominant hands guy as well. If everything goes to plan, this offense will be back on track sooner than later.
Draft Grade – 82.3
A debate has arisen about whether Malik Nabers is better than Harrison Jr. While you could argue Naber’s potential is better, I’d still much rather have Harrison Jr. However, at pick four, Nabers is still a fantastic option. Nabers has a rare combo of size and movement skills, making him one of the best Receiver prospects from this past decade. It just happens he’s in the same class as a generational Receiver prospect. Arizona might let Marquise Brown walk in free agency, making Receiver a need. Kyler depends on having a good weapon to throw to, and Malik Nabers certainly has alpha number one Receiver potential. As awesome as it would be to have Harrison Jr., it’s hard to be upset with landing Nabers.
Draft Grade – 76.9
MIN Acquires: Fifth OVR, 110th OVR
LAC Acquires: 11th OVR, 2025 First
Minnesota has the roster talent to support a rookie like Jayden Daniels who isn’t this sure thing. They could either go with Bo Nix or J.J. McCarthy, or they can trade up and get the clear-cut third-best QB. When you have a competitive team like Minnesota has, it makes the most sense to go all out. There’s a chance this backfires, and he busts, but I feel confident this coaching staff can coach him up. Plus, Daniels has a decent floor as he can rely on his unreal athleticism like Fields did. After finally letting Kirk walk, the Vikings have a shot to get a possible upgrade, and it’s hard to pass up on that chance.
Draft Grade – 79.1
Brian Thomas Jr. dramatically boosted his draft stock at the combine by showing elite explosiveness and speed. New York just let Saquon walk, and having some firepower on offense is crucial. While you can get a new back later, you can get a potential X-Receiver now. Thomas Jr., at 6’3″, 209 lbs, has a rare burst off the line and ran a 4.33 forty time. Whether he can develop as a route runner is a question, but he’s entering the league with an impressive release package. He’s capable of starting in year one and has some of the best upside out of any player in this class. That’s someone you draft in the top ten, and New York desperately needs a Receiver.
Draft Grade – 80.0
Even though Rome Odunze is available this time around, I’m sticking with the Olu Fashanu pick for Tennessee. Will Levis has immense upside, and getting someone to protect his blindside should be priority number one. This is a stacked Receiver class, and you can probably get one in round two. Olu is arguably the best Tackle in the class, and you don’t have to trade up for him. He did get injured at the combine, but it was a rather minor injury. I still have him as Tackle-one, as his kick slide and ability to mirror are better than any other prospect I’ve seen. If it were up to Will Levis, this is someone he’d likely take, and you feel good this pass-pro will improve next year.
Draft Grade – 79.9
Atlanta took care of the Receiver and QB positions in free agency, leaving EDGE as one of their few holes to fill. Other analysts tend to have Latu and Turner higher, but I see the most potential in Jared Verse. When it comes to length, explosiveness, and hand usage, he has the full package. Verse put up a 4.58 forty, a 127′ broad jump, and benched 31 reps at the combine. He pairs his elite physical tools with a refined pass-rush skillset which is why I’m so high on him. Additionally, he showed massive improvement going into his fourth season. That’s someone I bet on, especially considering he’s still relatively young. After getting the offense fixed, Atlanta makes the most of the draft by taking a future star at a needed position on defense.
Draft Grade – 79.3
I strongly considered offense to help out Caleb, but it’s hard to resist the urge to patch up the D-Line with a phenomenal prospect like Byron Murphy II. The league has started to value D-Tackles more and more. Meanwhile, Chicago hasn’t done much to improve that area. Murphy II can be a flexible piece with star potential that’s needed on this defense. He shoots through gaps very effectively and is the perfect size to rush the passer at the next level. You already see him pull off veteran-level moves and with his athleticism, he could become a dominant player. Chicago could undoubtedly use another weapon, but the defensive personnel is just as much of a priority.
Draft Grade – 79.8
With how the draft board fell this time, the Jets luck out and get a shot at a premium Tackle prospect. Joe Alt fits the mold of what these wide-zone offenses look for. He’s big and athletic, making him capable of blocking on the move and in the second level. In addition to surely improving the run blocking, Alt should be an upgrade in pass-pro. With Rodger’s mobility to be shot, it only makes sense to take a Tackle here. Alt is likely a franchise Tackle, and getting that without trading up is a massive victory.
Draft Grade – 77.2
MIN Acquires: Fifth OVR, 110th OVR
LAC Acquires: 11th OVR, 2025 First
One of the only needs on this offense is a new Right Tackle. Fortunately, this class is loaded at Tackle, which allows them to trade down and still get a franchise player. Taliese Fuaga is a natural Right Tackle who has the traits Jim Harbaugh loves in O-Linemen. That would be size, power, and the proper tenacity in the run game. He’s quite explosive for being 330 lbs and also has a decent kick slide. The problem is his mediocre length which will limit his upside against power rushers. Ultimately, you’re taking this guy to kick ass as a run blocker, and to hopefully just be a solid pass-protector. Landing a high-end Tackle prospect in addition to acquiring several picks puts this franchise in a position to compete again.
Draft Grade – 75.6
Denver made a controversial decision to cut Russell Wilson and now is in a position where they must draft a QB. I wanted to trade up for Jayden Daniels, but their draft capital isn’t quite good enough. Unlike most draft fans, I feel confident Bo Nix can succeed in the pros. Hopefully, they make a move for a Receiver because he’ll need more help than what they have. However, the play-calling and O-Line here are solid and they have a building piece on defense. While I’m not sure it’ll work out here, there is no other option besides drafting a third-round QB.
Draft Grade – 80.1
Las Vegas recently paid Christian Wilkins an enormous contract that checks the defensive interior off the list of needs. Now, it’s between Tackle and Corner, and I like the value more at Corner. Kool-Aid seems to get more underrated by the day. I get he isn’t a special athlete, but his combination of press technique and fluidity could make him an elite press-man corner. I wish he ran at the combine because I think he would’ve surprised some people. I’m a sucker for lengthy and fluid Corners, as they’re rare, and that’s why I’m so high on him. He also demonstrated a high IQ to be able to play complex coverages. All Las Vegas has had on defense recently is Maxx Crosby, and now they are looking at a much more complete unit.
Draft Grade – 77.9
As Trevor Penning turned out to be a bust, it leaves Left Tackle as a need for New Orleans. Troy Fautanu proved he is an NFL Tackle at the combine, as he has enough length paired with exceptional quickness. There might not have been one other Tackle at the combine who moved as well as Fautanu. His film met the high expectations I had for him after the combine. He has some of the best feet in pass-pro you’ll see in a prospect. While he leaves some to be desired as a run blocker, if you just want someone to protect the QB then he’s your guy. EDGE is still a need, but you could argue Tackle is more critical, and Fautanu is of good value here.
Draft Grade – 83.1
Tight End happened to not be the number one need for all of these teams, and Bowers falls to Indianapolis to make for a freighting pairing. A coach like Steichen would know precisely how to use Bowers, and he would give Richardson every more chance to succeed. For a team that loves to run it, Bowers would fit in and he’d improve this offense in both dimensions. Just imagine Richardson throwing lazars to Bowers on crossers and deep corner routes. This is one of the few picks I’d feel confident wouldn’t fail. The combo of Bowers, Richardson, JT, and Steichen calling plays is a match made in heaven.
Draft Grade – N/A
PHI Acquires: 16th OVR
SEA Acquires: 22nd OVR, 2025 Second
Philly added more juice to this offense in free agency and now has the chance to reinforce the defense with Quinyon Mitchell. Darius Slay took a massive step down last year, and a potential all-pro is available if you trade up. He’s one of the few first-rounders I haven’t evaluated yet, but it seems obvious this is a true first-round talent. He ran a 4.33 forty and from what I heard is a balanced and well-rounded player. He has size and athleticism, and the coverage metrics were phenomenal. Mitchell’s allowed only 41% of his targets to be completed over the past two seasons and gave up zero TDs in 2023. It sounds like he could fit any scheme, but it appears he would particularly thrive in Fangio’s system. This pick just seems like the type of steal Howie Roseman would come away with, and all of a sudden, this defense is starting to look in much better shape.
Draft Grade – 79.2
Jacksonville just lost Darious Williams, and this happens to be a good Corner class. Nate Wiggins ran an absurd forty time at 4.28 but got injured. Fortunately, he should be ready for his pro day, so it’s not much to worry about. In addition to being absurdly fast, he’s sticky in man coverage and can effectively press. He’s not bad in zone coverage either. The only true negatives he has are his ball skills and tackling ability. He’s not far off from being my Corner-one, and the Jags could use some upside in this secondary. Even though they don’t land a Center, Wiggins might be the better value long-term.
Draft Grade – 78.6
Receiver isn’t a need as of right now, but it’s looking like Tee Higgins will be traded. Just like the Titans did with AJ Brown, we draft his replacement right after here. Rome Odunze has the upside to be one of the best number-twos in the league like Higgins. He doesn’t have this crazy athletic profile, but it’s good enough to be a solid deep threat. You’re mainly drafting him to be a consistent possession Receiver. He has reliable hands and an excellent catch radius. Additionally, he’s a refined route runner with a nice release package. Playing with Burrow, it’s hard to see him fail, and you aren’t finding a better succession plan at pick 18.
Draft Grade – 77.3
Dallas Turner is about as good of a scheme fit that LA could find at EDGE this year. He’s meant for a 3-4 system where his lack of size and run-defense ability isn’t as much of a liability. His pass rush upside is elite as he showed world-class speed for an EDGE, running a 4.46 forty. He also measured in with over 34-inch arms giving him even higher potential. The problem is that he’s raw and must develop some play strength to reach his potential. If Aaron Donald can teach him a thing or two, he could very well become a star quickly. This is one of the few teams I feel confident Turner could be a stud on, and it’s some of the best value in the draft.
Draft Grade – 77.5
One of the last missing pieces to this offense is a quality Center. The only Center from this class I feel comfortable spending a first on is Jackson Powers-Johnson. With Arthur Smith as the new OC, this team will run a lot of wide zone, and Center is an underrated piece to the wide-zone offense. It requires an athletic Center to block at the second level in this offense. While he’s not particularly athletic, he has just enough mobility to make it work in this offense. His size and strength are rare for a Center, which will aid him in pass-pro. Bringing in Russell Wilson and a stud Center could certainly get this offense back on track.
Draft Grade – 77.1
Miami could potentially use an upgrade at Right Tackle and at the very least will need someone to step in when Terron Armstead goes down. They just re-signed Austin Jackson, but I’m still not sure he’s the long-term answer. Armarius Mims has a chance to be a significantly better player and gives them needed depth. He had impressive numbers at the combine, considering he’s 340 lbs. Mims ran a 5.07 forty, broad jumped 111 inches, and measured in with over 36-inch arms. He’s a physical freak of nature, and Miami has the opportunity to steal him in a loaded Tackle class. The scheme fit is ideal, and he could allow this offense to run more consistently down the road.
Draft Grade – N/A
PHI Acquires: 16th OVR
SEA Acquires: 22nd OVR, 2025 Second
I specifically wanted to target a Linebacker for Seattle, as that group is significantly lacking right now. The value wasn’t at pick 16, so trading down to select Payton Wilson seemed like the best bet. Mike Macdonald got elite play out of Roquan Smith and got Patrick Queen to look like a stud. Give him a freak athlete like Wilson, and you could be getting a star Linebacker, which is hard to find. At 6’4″, 233 lbs, Wilson ran a 4.43 forty and had a 1.54 split time. He has the size and range to shut down the middle of the field and had 41 run stops in 2023. This defense was rather mediocre last year, and this pick is the best way they can improve it.
Draft Grade – 77.3
CIN Acquires: 23rd OVR
MIN Acquires: Tee Higgins, 2025 Fifth
Minnesota has the cap space to pay Tee Higgins as they moved off Kirk. Using that extra first-rounder to give Daniels elite weapons makes the most sense. For Cincinnati, I don’t want to give up Higgins, but it’s looking like they won’t have the cap to pay him. He reportedly wants a trade, and it would be wise to give him to an NFC team. This move mostly benefits Minnesota, but Cincy still gets a day-one starter at Tackle and Receiver, making it not so bad.
JC Latham is the ideal guy to target in the draft if you’re Cincinnati. He’s exactly what they look for in Tackles as he’s big, lengthy, and a versatile run blocker. His arms measured in at over 35 inches, and his hands were 11 inches. That’s something that will tremendously aid him in pass-pro. He won’t have the best feet but can still handle bend and finesse decently well. Latham is pro-ready and will help Cincinnati win this year. Cincinnati currently doesn’t have a clear answer at Tackle, and this is about as good as you’re going to get for a Tackle at pick 23.
Draft Grade – 79.4
Terrion Arnold is one of the best players available and Corner is a need for Dallas. Mike Zimmer will need athletic Corners who can press and play match coverage. That’s where Arnold can excel as he has good length and borderline elite quickness. He played a lot of match coverage at Alabama and has an above-average zone IQ. While his long speed isn’t the best, I feel he’ll still be a stud, especially in this defense. I considered trading for Higgins, but ultimately this Corner spot is more of an urgent need.
Draft Grade – 78.4
After doing a full analysis of Cooper DeJean, this pick makes even more sense. It’s hard to pass on a Tackle, but you can still sign someone like Tyron Smith. DeJean can be a big nickel in this defense and possibly play a bit of Strong Safety and outside Corner. While they’re different players, his skill set is similar to Kyle Hamilton who has had an incredible start to his career. With terrific long speed, DeJean is a willing and physical run defender with several plus traits in coverage. He excels in press-man and off-man while also being a ball hawk. It’s easy to see why so many fans are high on him. While I don’t see a top-ten prospect, for the right team, he could be elite at his position. It’s just that will be an elite player in a position that’s easy to find.
Draft Grade – 78.3
For one reason or another, Laiatu Latu falls in this mock, and the Buccs scoop him for incredible value. Since the combine, I’ve increased his grade as he impressed me with his drills and numbers. He’s got some of the best finesse moves I’ve ever seen in a prospect. What draws concern with Latu is his lack of arm length. Like Aidan Hutchinson, he’s intelligent with a full tool belt of pass rush moves but has t-rex arms. There aren’t many better day-one prospects this year, and that’s saying something, considering how insane this class is. Will he ever be elite? It’s hard to say as it’s much harder to reach that level with an average physical skillset. Regardless, you know you’re getting a day-one quality starter, so arguing with this pick isn’t easy.
Draft Grade – 78.8
Jer’Zhan Newton is exactly what Arizona needs on defense. They signed Sean Murphy-Bunting at Corner, and while they also got Bial Nichols, this D-Line still needs help more than any other position. Newton can hold up in run defense from day one and has stellar potential as a pass rusher. His agility and get-off could allow him to develop elite-level finesse moves. Newton’s pass-rush win rate was near the top of college. While he didn’t compete at the combine, the athleticism popped off of the film. Bringing in both Newton and Nichols will turn what used to be an abysmal unit into a decent unit.
Draft Grade – 78.6
Adonai Mitchell is one of the most intriguing players in this class. At 6’2″ and 205 lbs, Mitchell has exceptional feet and can accelerate in a hurry. His 4.34 forty time blew me away as he didn’t appear to have the best long speed. However, he mentioned at the combine how he doesn’t run routes at full speed. To top off his forty time, he broad jumped 136 inches, which is in the 98th percentile for Receivers. He runs routes uniquely, but it’s also very effective for him. Mitchell could develop an elite release package with his size and agile feet. He’d be a top-20 pick in most classes but gets overshadowed in a deep class. Buffalo let Gabe Davis walk, and Mitchell could be a significantly better version of Davis.
Draft Grade – 74.7
NE Acquires: 29th OVR
DET Acquires: 34th OVR, 103rd OVR
Now that Jacoby Brissett is here, I love this pick move even more. New England has done an excellent job of retaining their core talent. Add Harrison Jr., who can be a dominant number-one Receiver, and you have a decent surrounding core for someone like J.J. McCarthy to take over. The plan is to sit McCarthy for a year, draft a Tackle next year, and then you have a conducive environment for him to succeed. McCarthy has a nice blend of arm talent and mobility, giving him a higher upside than Mac Jones. He needs to work on his deep ball, but he has a good combo of traits to rely on. If a few things go their way, I feel confident this move can get them back in the playoffs within a few years.
Draft Grade – 78.3
Ladd McConkey is another Receiver who fell due to the depth of the Receiver class. I’d feel okay taking McConkey in the top 20, so getting him here is a massive win. He’d be paired with his former OC and would fit into this culture as he’s a tough and physical player. While he’s physical, he’s also undersized so he lacks catch radius. However, this is one of the most twitched-up and refined route runners to come out of college in a long time. Lamar needs high-end weapons to compete with teams like Kansas City and Cincinnati. McConkey will be a versatile and effective weapon in this offense immediately. Alongside the Derrick Henry signing, this will be a nightmare of an offense to gameplan for.
Draft Grade – 74.7
I typically wouldn’t take Tyler Guyton in round one, but in the case of the Niners, he fits perfectly and will be able to learn from Trent Williams. Guyton is this very raw but insanely traitsy player who fits best in a wide-zone offense. At 6’8″, 322 lbs, he has rare explosiveness and lateral quickness. He didn’t have the greatest combine, but he showed freighting power at the Senior Bowl. With excellent length, a killer kick slide, and adequate feet, he has an all-pro upside. You ideally want day-one starters in round one, but I feel great about Guyton working out here. It’s an ideal scheme for him, and they’ll be hurting at Tackle when Trent retires if they don’t draft one here.
Draft Grade – 77.6
Xavier Worthy is a boom-or-bust prospect, but I’d lean more toward him booming if he lands here. I don’t like any of the Tackles left at pick 32, but Worthy would fit in here perfectly. They brought in Marquise Brown, but it’s a one-year deal, and Worthy is more of a long-term plan. Coach him up for a year and by then, he might be one of the best deep threats in the NFL. And Reid will know how to use him, and he’ll take the top off the defense like none other. The reason someone who broke the forty record isn’t higher is his lack of catch radius and contested catch ability. Still, at pick 32, you can’t complain about getting this good of an athlete.
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