At the start of the 2023-24 college football season, Caleb Williams was all but guaranteed to go first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. This year is very different. While blue-chip players exist on both sides of the ball, the top overall pick remains a mystery. When I did the 2023 way-too-early mock draft, I only correctly chose 15 players that ended up drafted in the first round. I’ll try to beat that number this year, but so much will change over the next few months. New players will separate themselves from the pack to become top picks for NFL franchises by April.
For those of you upset with the projected order for the 2025 NFL Draft, don’t blame me! These projections come from ESPN and will look very different by the end of the season. Hopefully, this mock draft can serve as a guide for who to watch throughout the remainder of the college football season. Here’s how I see the draft unfolding:
1. New England Patriots → Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas) – OT
If the Patriots land the number one overall pick in April, don’t be surprised if they trade down to a team in need of a quarterback. However, if they stay at number one, Banks seems like a great pickup for a team desperately needing offensive line help. The Texas tackle has only allowed two sacks in 1,789 career snaps and could protect Drake Maye’s blind side right away.
2. Carolina Panthers → Carson Beck (Georgia) – QB
Did you see Bryce Young arriving at the Panthers training camp in early August? Not for me. I believe this season will show that he is not an NFL starter. Bringing in Carson Beck, a 6-foot-4, smooth and accurate quarterback, presents a much different style than Young. Beck did lose Ladd McConkey and Brock Bowers to the NFL, so scouts will closely watch how he familiarizes himself with new wideouts this season.
3. Denver Broncos → James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee) – DE
When you think of James Pearce Jr., the first word that comes to mind is explosive. The Volunteers’ edge rusher recorded 10 sacks last season and is projected to go No. 1 in several mock drafts. The Broncos could look at the offensive line at this spot as well, but Pearce’s ability to get to the quarterback is tough for any team to pass up.
4. Tennessee Titans → Mykel Williams (Georgia) – DE
If Will Levis flops in his sophomore season, the Titans will almost certainly draft a quarterback with this pick. However, because of the weapons surrounding Levis, I think he’ll have a pretty good year. If that’s the case, Tennessee would be more than happy to take Williams, who is a next-level athlete and a plug-and-play starter.
5. Washington Commanders → Will Campbell (LSU) – OT
It’s early, but all anyone out of Washington can talk about is their No. 2 overall draft pick, Jayden Daniels. His electrifying play has rejuvenated the fan base, but his small frame and frantic play style present concerns. Because of this, expect the Commanders to focus on top O-line talent such as Campbell to make sure he stays healthy.
6. New York Giants → Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) – QB
Deion Sanders’ son in New York? What’s not to love about that? This quarterback seems ready for the bright lights of New York City and the Giants seem ready for a change under center. While Colorado had a difficult end to their season, Shedeur displayed strong accuracy and toughness in the pocket. In addition, although he has yet to play an NFL game, pairing exciting rookie receiver Malik Nabers with Shedeur would be must-see TV.
7. Minnesota Vikings → Mason Graham (Michigan) – DT
To me, this would be a bit of a slide for Graham, who can be drafted in the top three because of his ability to get into the backfield so quickly. He’ll be the anchor of Michigan’s defense this year and Minnesota would be more than happy if he slides.
8. Las Vegas Raiders → Cam Ward (Miami) – QB
Ward is the most likely candidate for a meteoric rise up draft boards like Jayden Daniels last season. After transferring from Washington State, Miami fans are excited by his tools as a dual-threat quarterback who can throw the football from any angle. If he can progress through his reads faster, he could guide Miami to their first-ever playoff appearance and end up in the top 10 of the NFL draft.
9. Arizona Cardinals → Will Johnson (Michigan) – CB
This upcoming season, Arizona is going to have to win games shootout-style. The Cardinals' defense has several holes, but Johnson provides the ideal frame and physicality for a top-level NFL corner and could go a long way to fixing the secondary.
10. New Orleans Saints → Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) – QB
My bold prediction for the 2024 college football season: Jaxson Dart wins the Heisman Trophy. And, fun fact, the last Heisman trophy-winning quarterback who was not selected in the first round was Auburn quarterback Pat Sullivan in 1972. Saints fans would love this signal-caller from Oxford, Mississippi whose arm strength and ability to make out-of-structure plays would be a significant upgrade from Derek Carr.
11. Seattle Seahawks → Nic Scourton (Texas A&M) – DE
If he continues to use his lethal spin moves and long arms in the opening game against Notre Dame, Purdue transfer Nic Scourton could cause major problems for the Fighting Irish. He could play a pivotal role for Seattle coach Mike Macdonald, who is trying to reshape the defense in his image after Pete Carroll’s departure.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers → Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona) – WR
McMillan, who was arguably my favorite player in all of college football last season, has a large catch radius and the ability to consistently pull down 50/50 balls. The Buccaneers might look to address their secondary here, but it would be great to see veteran Mike Evans take this 6-foot-5 wideout under his wing and teach him a thing or two.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers → Travis Hunter (Colorado) – WR/CB
I think Hunter makes more sense as a cornerback at the next level, but who knows. He could very well still do both. I could also see the Steelers targeting wide receiver if they don’t land Brandon Aiyuk during the season.
14. Indianapolis Colts → Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame) – CB
Morrison’s ability to locate the ball and force turnovers has been key for the Irish defense over the past two seasons. Chris Ballard has a knack for finding blue-chip players in key positions throughout the draft, and Morrison would be no exception.
15. Jacksonville Jaguars → Luther Burden III (Missouri) – WR
16. Cleveland Browns → Emery Jones Jr. (LSU) – OT
17. Chicago Bears → Abdul Carter (Penn State) – DE
18. Los Angeles Chargers → Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State) – WR
19. Los Angeles Rams → J.T. Tuimoloau (Ohio State) – DT
20. New York Jets → Malaki Starks (Georgia) – S
21. Miami Dolphins → Harold Perkins Jr. (LSU) – LB
22. Atlanta Falcons → Jonah Savaiinaea (Arizona) – OT
23. Houston Texans → Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State) – RB
24. Green Bay Packers → Patrick Payton (Florida State) – DE
25. Cincinnati Bengals → Tez Johnson (Oregon) – WR
26. Buffalo Bills → Landon Jackson (Arkansas) – DE
27. Dallas Cowboys → Ollie Gordon II (Oklahoma State) – RB
28. Philadelphia Eagles → Colston Loveland (Michigan) – TE
29. Baltimore Ravens → Tyler Booker (Alabama) – OG
30. Detroit Lions → Isaiah Bond (Texas) – WR
31. Kansas City Chiefs → Deone Walker (Kentucky) – DT
32. San Francisco 49ers → Rylie Mills (Notre Dame) – DE
