Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA;Miami quarterback Cam Ward (QB15) talks to the press during the 2025 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images
The NFL Draft is less than a month away, and thus far, every team still retains its own first-round selection. Here is how it could play out for every AFC team:
1. Tennessee Titans—QB Cam Ward, Miami
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 9: Cam Ward #1 of the Miami Hurricanes warms up prior to the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium on November 9, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Ward is the closest thing this draft has to a franchise quarterback, and he put on a clinic in his pro day.
2. Cleveland Browns—Edge Abdul Carter, Penn State
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Penn State defensive lineman Abdul Carter (DL44) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Pairing him with Myles Garrett will take the Browns defense from good to great.
4. New England Patriots—CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
CU football standout athlete Travis Hunter flashes a No. 1 with his finger after a win against CSU in the Rocky Mountain Showdown at Canvas Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Fort Collins, Colo.
New England signed Stefon Diggs as a free agent last week. Hunter’s addition gives Drake Maye two stellar targets.
Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; University of Missouri offensive lineman Armand Membou (OL28) answers questions at a press conference during the 2025 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
New Head Coach Liam Coen knows that the team will need to block much better to play the type of offense he wants.
6. Las Vegas Raiders—RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 16: Ashton Jeanty #2 of the Boise State Broncos warms up before their game against the San Jose State Spartans at CEFCU Stadium on November 16, 2024 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
Pete Carroll knows he needs a running game if he wants any chance of competing.
7. New York Jets—TE Tyler Warren, Penn St.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 31: Tyler Warren #44 of the Penn State Nittany Lions catches a pass for a touchdown over Ty Benefield #0 of the Boise State Broncos during the third quarter in the 2024 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 31, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Brock Bowers laid the blueprint for rookie TE success. Look for the Jets to copy it with Warren.
13. Miami Dolphins—CB Will Johnson, Michigan
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan defensive back Will Johnson (DB17) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images
Miami needs a shutdown CB badly.
14. Indianapolis Colts—TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan tight end Colston Loveland (TE15) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images
The Colts have been desperate for a TE ever since Dallas Clark retired.
17. Cincinnati Bengals—DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon
CINCINNATI, OHIO – JUNE 15: A detail view of a Cincinnati Bengals logo during an offseason workout at Paycor Stadium on June 15, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
A definite need pick if Cincinnati has playoff aspirations as Harmon is a menace.
20. Denver Broncos—RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 18: A general view of the Denver Broncos logo on the sidelines during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 18, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
As soon as Dallas decided to pass on Hampton, Sean Payton makes sure to add Hampton who can spark the Broncos run game.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers—S Malaki Starks, Georgia
Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia defensive back Malaki Starks (DB50) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Pittsburgh always likes to have aggressive safeties
22. Los Angeles Chargers—WR Luther Burden III, Missouri
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 01: Newly appointed head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Los Angeles Chargers speaks to the media during a press conference at YouTube Theater on February 01, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Jim Harbaugh knows he can’t continue to start first-round bust Quentin Johnston much longer.
25. Houston Texans—OT, Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
Mar 2, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel (OL50) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Don’t be surprised to see Houston take as many as three OL in this draft.
27. Baltimore Ravens—Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Boston College defensive lineman Donovan Ezeiruaku (DL47) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Baltimore’s pass rush needs an influx of young talent.
30. Buffalo Bills—CB Jahdae Barron, Texas
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron (DB04) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images
Buffalo desperately needs to add a shutdown corner, and Barron is a good one.
31. Kansas City Chiefs—OL Charles Grant, William and Mary
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 29: A detail of the Kansas City Chiefs logo on a helmet prior to a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 29, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images)
Grant is a smaller school project, but given time to mature, he could be the best OL in this draft.
