Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) reacts after a penalty is called during the second quarter against the Brigham Young Cougars at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
It’s almost NFL draft time! Here is how we think the first round will go for each NFC 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—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.
Hunter is somewhat polarizing as to his true position, but no one can deny his talent.
4. New England Patriots—OT Will Campbell, LSU
Mar 2, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell (OL05) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Mike Vrabel knows that protecting Drake Maye will be the key to getting the Patriots back to the playoffs.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars—DT Mason Graham, Michigan
Feb 26, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham (DL11) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
This might be a pick where a team (Chicago?) trades up to get Graham, who is a force on defense.
6. Las Vegas Raiders—RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) reacts after the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Pete Carroll knows he needs a running game if he wants any chance of competing.
7. New York Jets—OT Armand Membou, Missouri
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
Aaron Glenn saw first-hand the importance of an imposing OL in Detroit.
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 Tyler Warren, Penn State
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)
The Colts have been desperate for a TE ever since Dallas Clark retired.
17. Cincinnati Bengals—Edge Mike Green, Marshall
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Marshall defensive lineman Mike Green (DL49) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
A definite need pick if Cincinnati has playoff aspirations, as Green can get to the quarterback.
20. Denver Broncos—RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton (RB09) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
As soon as Dallas decided to pass on Hampton, Sean Payton makes sure to get the player who can spark the Broncos’ run game.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers—QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
MOBILE, ALABAMA – JANUARY 29: Jaxson Dart #2 of Ole Miss during Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 29, 2025 in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh moves on from the Aaron Rodgers waiting game to take a young QB with mobility and a solid arm.
22. Los Angeles Chargers—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
Jim Harbaugh gets his tight end from Michigan.
25. Houston Texans—OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Josh Simmons works out during the pro day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletic Cente on March 26, 2025.
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—WR Matthew Golden, Texas
Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas wideout Matthew Golden (WO16) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Kansas City will be happy to take Golden, but more than likely, they will move down as someone will pay a ransom for him.
