Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) attempts a pass during the first 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:
3. New York Giants—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
The Giants passed on Micah Parsons years ago; there is no way they pass on Carter.
8. Carolina Panthers—Edge Jalon Walker, Georgia
Feb 26, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker (LB28) on the SiriusXM radio set during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Expect Carolina to trade out of this spot as a lot of teams are incredibly high on Walker.
9. New Orleans Saints—QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
BOULDER, COLORADO – APRIL 27: Quarterback Shedeur Sanders #2 of the Colorado Buffaloes warms-up prior to their spring game at Folsom Field on April 27, 2024 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Kellen Moore starts his tenure with the Saints getting a young quarterback that he can build around. Deion has already given his blessing which helps too.
10. Chicago Bears—OT Kelvin Banks, Texas
Mar 2, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas offensive lineman Kelvin Banks (OL01) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Ben Johnson knows the only way the Bears win is if they protect Caleb Williams.
11. San Francisco 49ers—DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon (DL15) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
San Francisco’s defense needs to get more pressure on the quarterback.
12. Dallas Cowboys—WR Tet MacMillan, Arizona
Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of the jersey of Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
This draft is deep at running back so Jerry takes the top WR off the board to pair with Lamb.
15. Atlanta Falcons—LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell (LB05) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Atlanta is ecstatic that Campbell makes it to them at 15.
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart (DL68) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Stewart has a big-time motor and will help improve the Cardinals pass rush dramatically.
18. Seattle Seahawks—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
Seattle continues to reshape its offense adding an OL who has big time upside.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers—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
Starks can be an impact player in Tampa’s secondary.
23. Green Bay Packers—Edge Mykel Williams, Georgia
Feb 26, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams (DL73) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Green Bay needs to improve its pass rush.
24. Minnesota Vikings—S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; South Carolina defensive back Nick Emmanwori (DB40) runs in the 40 yard dash during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
With all the great passing attacks in their division, Minnesota takes a player who could start relatively quickly.
26. Los Angeles Rams—WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State wideout Emeka Egbuka (WO12) speaks during a press conference during the 2025 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images
Egbuka gives Matthew Stafford a slot receiver to replace Cooper Kupp.
28. Detroit Lions—DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan
Feb 26, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant (DL12) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
In a QB dominated NFC North, Detroit needs to get more pressure on the opposing quarterback.
29. Washington Commanders—DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
Feb 26, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Mississippi defensive lineman Walter Nolen (DL23) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Washington needs to replace Jonathan Allen.
32. Philadelphia Eagles—CB Trey Amos, Ole Miss
Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Mississippi defensive back Trey Amos (DB03) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Amos could step into Darius Slay’s starting role at corner.
