Happy Draft Day! This year's a difficult one to mock, but that's not going to stop me from trying. Here's my full first-round mock:
1. RAIDERS FERNANDO MENDOZA, QB, INDIANA
The easiest decision to make. The Raiders need a franchise quarterback and Mendoza fits the bill. Next.
2. JETS DAVID BAILEY, EDGE, TEXAS TECH
Arvell Reese could very well be the pick here, but the Jets need a premier edge rusher in the worst way and Bailey is the best true edge in the class. Plus, there's some buzz about Bailey over Reese for the Jets here, though it could be either player.
3. CARDINALS FRANCIS MAUIGOA, OT, MIAMI (FL)
The Cardinals need a quarterback, but third overall is far too high to take Ty Simpson. So, use this high of a pick to either trade down or take the best tackle in the class to protect your next quarterback.
4. TITANS ARVELL REESE, LB/EDGE, OHIO STATE
The Titans could very well go with Jeremiyah Love here to help Cam Ward on offense, but in this case, it'd be stupid to pass on Reese, who could be the next Micah Parsons. At this point, an edge is just more valuable than a running back.
5. GIANTS JEREMIYAH LOVE, RB, NOTRE DAME
Love still goes in the top five. And if he's available at fifth overall, I believe the Giants will be all over him.
6. COWBOYS (from Browns) SONNY STYLES, LB, OHIO STATE
Trade: Cowboys trade first-round pick (12th overall) and first-round pick (20th overall) to Browns for first-round pick (6th overall) and second-round pick (39th overall)
There's a lot of smoke around the Cowboys wanting to trade up to get a premier defensive player and the Browns are reportedly open to trading down. In this case, while they give up their second-round pick, they'd net three total first-round picks (12th, 20th and 24th overall). It's hard to pass that up. For the Cowboys, they get another great off-ball linebacker and leapfrog their NFC East rival to do so.
7. COMMANDERS CARNELL TATE, WR, OHIO STATE
With Styles off the board, the Commanders go with the top receiver in the class to give Jayden Daniels some more firepower.
8. SAINTS JORDYN TYSON, WR, ARIZONA STATE
The buzz is the Saints like Tyson, so with Tate off the board and Tyson ripe for the plucking, this is the pick. And I'm sure Tyler Shough wouldn't mind one bit.
9. CHIEFS MANSOOR DELANE, CB, LSU
The Chiefs could add edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., but there's some smoke about Delane going here if the Chiefs don't trade down. He'd also help solidify the back end of that defense.
10. GIANTS (from Bengals) CALEB DOWNS, S, OHIO STATE
With Love already in tow, the Giants then add an absolute baller for the back end of their defense.
11. DOLPHINS SPENCER FANO, OT, UTAH
The Dolphins could very well go wide receiver here, but they need to keep Malik Willis upright, too. I'm going with Fano, though this very well could be where we see Makai Lemon go off the board.
12. BROWNS (from Cowboys) MONROE FREELING, OT, GEORGIA
With the first of now three first-round picks, the Browns help fortify their offensive line by taking Freeling, who has a ton on upside but needs to be coached up a bit.
There is a lot of smoke of Los Angeles native Lemon going here, and I'm sure Sean McVay could do wonders with him. But, edge rusher is absolutely in play here. If Bain falls this far, I could absolutely see the Rams beefing up their defensive front, giving Chris Shula some high-end talent on that side of the ball.
14. RAVENS OLAIVAVEGA IOANE, G, PENN STATE
Ioane is heavily mocked to the Ravens, which makes sense given the need they have on the interior of their offensive line. Ioane is the best true guard in the class and could be a staple on their offensive line for the next decade.
Trade: Steelers trade first-round pick (21st overall) and third-round pick (76th overall) to Buccaneers for first-round pick (15th overall)
I didn't believe the Steelers were a true trade-up candidate until recent intel told me otherwise. There's still a good chance they stand pat at 21st overall, but if all it takes to move up six spots is the third-round pick they received for George Pickens, then how appropriate would it be to snag potentially the next great Steelers receiver. Lemon is undersized (5-11, 192 pounds), but it already a great route runner, can play both in the slot and outside and, most impressively, won a ridiculous 71.4% of contested catches in 2025. His floor is a low-end WR2 and ceiling is the next Amon-Ra St. Brown. And, most importantly, the Steelers had both a formal Combine interview and pre-draft visit with him, which I've heard went very well.
It's also important to note that if the Steelers really love Lemon, this might be where they need to trade up to snag him because the Jets are expected to take a receiver at 16th overall.
16. JETS (from Colts) OMAR COOPER JR., WR, INDIANA
With the Steelers leapfrogging them to select Lemon, the Jets settle for a great consolation prize: A first-round talent at wide receiver they hosted for a pre-draft visit. Cooper is on the Jets' radar, whether the Steelers trade up or not. In this scenario, Cooper is likely the top receiver on the Jets' board at this time.
17. LIONS KADYN PROCTOR, OT, ALABAMA
Offensive tackle is one of the Lions' biggest needs and Proctor is absolutely no each at this stage in the first round. He's a massive human being and one of the best tackles in this class.
18. VIKINGS DILLON THIENEMAN, S, OREGON
Thieneman is heavily mocked to the Vikings here, and for good reason. He's a superb athlete and is very versatile. Bottom line: He's an impact player wherever he goes. Thieneman at 18th overall is a borderline heist.
19. PANTHERS KENYON SADIQ, TE, OREGON
Sadiq is far and away the top tight end in this class, which also fits an appropriate need. Gives Bryce Young some more firepower, too.
20. BROWNS (from Cowboys through Packers) DENZEL BOSTON, WR, WASHINGTON
In this case with three first-round picks, the Browns get to add some firepower at wide receiver and still have another pick on Day 1 to take a best-player type. The Browns hosted Boston for a pre-draft visit, so this makes a lot of sense here.
The Buccaneers are expected to address defense first in this draft and could have a number of players to choose from, which is why they're a good trade partner at 15th overall. With the trade down here, they still land the powerful, versatile Faulk, who'll immediately pack a punch up front for them.
22. CHARGERS COLTON HOOD, CB, TENNESSEE
Barring any trade-up scenarios, the Chargers are heavily connected to cornerbacks at this stage of the first round. Jermod McCoy is name to watch here as he might be the most talented cornerback in the draft. Yet, there are well-documented concerns over his long-term health that could kick him out of the first round altogether. Thus, I have the Chargers going with Hood, who excels in press-man coverage.
23. EAGLES MAX IHEANACHOR, OT, ARIZONA STATE
Offensive tackle is a popular position for the Eagles here. It could very well be Blake Miller, but if there's any franchise I trust to develop and make the most of Iheanachor's eye-popping traits, it's this one.
The Browns have already taken two offensive players, so now they bolster the safety position by taking McNeil-Warren, who also had a pre-draft visit with Cleveland.
25. BEARS KAYDEN MCDONALD, DT, OHIO STATE
There's some buzz about an offensive tackle here, but the Bears are also connected to defensive tackle, as well. McDonald is the best in this class and falls into the Bears' lap at No. 25.
26. BILLS KC CONCEPCION, WR, TEXAS A&M
Josh Allen needs some elite talent to throw to, and Concepcion could very well be that guy. In fact, if he gets past the drops, he could turn into the best receiver in this class. He's a little pigeon-holed as a slot guy, but he can take chunks out of defenses and also help in the return game, as well. He'd be a great fit in Buffalo.
27. 49ERS CALEB LOMU, OT, UTAH
I know the 49ers just extended Trent Williams, but they have to find his successor at some point. So, here's a natural left tackle with good traits and a pretty high floor.
28. CARDINALS (from Texans) TY SIMPSON, QB, ALABAMA
Trade: Cardinals trade second-round pick (34th overall), fourth-round pick (104th overall) and 2027 fifth-round pick to Texans for first-round pick (28th overall)
The Cardinals are tied to Simpson in this draft, but third overall is too high and waiting until 34th overall is a huge risk since the Jets could very well take Simpson at 33rd overall, the first pick of the second round. Here, the Cardinals jump in front of the Jets and get their quarterback.
With the Chiefs landing Delane with the first of two Day 1 pick, now's the time to give Steve Spagnuolo a talented edge rusher with some intriguing traits.
McCoy's descent ends here. The concerns over the knee are very real, but the upside is absolutely spectacular. Plus, McCoy's a great fit in Jeff Halfley's scheme.
31. PATRIOTS BLAKE MILLER, OT, CLEMSON
The Patriots still need some beef up front, and Miller is a clean prospect that can immediately come in and play.
32. SEAHAWKS AVIEON TERRELL, CB, CLEMSON
All Mike MacDonald needs is another really talented player on defense. Terrell can play outside and in the slot, and he's a really smart football player that could be make this already elite defense even more scary.
THE ASYLUM
First-round mock draft: Trade up?
Happy Draft Day! This year's a difficult one to mock, but that's not going to stop me from trying. Here's my full first-round mock:
1. RAIDERS
FERNANDO MENDOZA, QB, INDIANA
The easiest decision to make. The Raiders need a franchise quarterback and Mendoza fits the bill. Next.
2. JETS
DAVID BAILEY, EDGE, TEXAS TECH
Arvell Reese could very well be the pick here, but the Jets need a premier edge rusher in the worst way and Bailey is the best true edge in the class. Plus, there's some buzz about Bailey over Reese for the Jets here, though it could be either player.
3. CARDINALS
FRANCIS MAUIGOA, OT, MIAMI (FL)
The Cardinals need a quarterback, but third overall is far too high to take Ty Simpson. So, use this high of a pick to either trade down or take the best tackle in the class to protect your next quarterback.
4. TITANS
ARVELL REESE, LB/EDGE, OHIO STATE
The Titans could very well go with Jeremiyah Love here to help Cam Ward on offense, but in this case, it'd be stupid to pass on Reese, who could be the next Micah Parsons. At this point, an edge is just more valuable than a running back.
5. GIANTS
JEREMIYAH LOVE, RB, NOTRE DAME
Love still goes in the top five. And if he's available at fifth overall, I believe the Giants will be all over him.
6. COWBOYS (from Browns)
SONNY STYLES, LB, OHIO STATE
Trade: Cowboys trade first-round pick (12th overall) and first-round pick (20th overall) to Browns for first-round pick (6th overall) and second-round pick (39th overall)
There's a lot of smoke around the Cowboys wanting to trade up to get a premier defensive player and the Browns are reportedly open to trading down. In this case, while they give up their second-round pick, they'd net three total first-round picks (12th, 20th and 24th overall). It's hard to pass that up. For the Cowboys, they get another great off-ball linebacker and leapfrog their NFC East rival to do so.
7. COMMANDERS
CARNELL TATE, WR, OHIO STATE
With Styles off the board, the Commanders go with the top receiver in the class to give Jayden Daniels some more firepower.
8. SAINTS
JORDYN TYSON, WR, ARIZONA STATE
The buzz is the Saints like Tyson, so with Tate off the board and Tyson ripe for the plucking, this is the pick. And I'm sure Tyler Shough wouldn't mind one bit.
9. CHIEFS
MANSOOR DELANE, CB, LSU
The Chiefs could add edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., but there's some smoke about Delane going here if the Chiefs don't trade down. He'd also help solidify the back end of that defense.
10. GIANTS (from Bengals)
CALEB DOWNS, S, OHIO STATE
With Love already in tow, the Giants then add an absolute baller for the back end of their defense.
11. DOLPHINS
SPENCER FANO, OT, UTAH
The Dolphins could very well go wide receiver here, but they need to keep Malik Willis upright, too. I'm going with Fano, though this very well could be where we see Makai Lemon go off the board.
12. BROWNS (from Cowboys)
MONROE FREELING, OT, GEORGIA
With the first of now three first-round picks, the Browns help fortify their offensive line by taking Freeling, who has a ton on upside but needs to be coached up a bit.
13. RAMS (from Falcons)
RUEBEN BAIN JR., EDGE, MIAMI (FL)
There is a lot of smoke of Los Angeles native Lemon going here, and I'm sure Sean McVay could do wonders with him. But, edge rusher is absolutely in play here. If Bain falls this far, I could absolutely see the Rams beefing up their defensive front, giving Chris Shula some high-end talent on that side of the ball.
14. RAVENS
OLAIVAVEGA IOANE, G, PENN STATE
Ioane is heavily mocked to the Ravens, which makes sense given the need they have on the interior of their offensive line. Ioane is the best true guard in the class and could be a staple on their offensive line for the next decade.
15. STEELERS (from Buccaneers)
MAKAI LEMON, WR, USC
Trade: Steelers trade first-round pick (21st overall) and third-round pick (76th overall) to Buccaneers for first-round pick (15th overall)
I didn't believe the Steelers were a true trade-up candidate until recent intel told me otherwise. There's still a good chance they stand pat at 21st overall, but if all it takes to move up six spots is the third-round pick they received for George Pickens, then how appropriate would it be to snag potentially the next great Steelers receiver. Lemon is undersized (5-11, 192 pounds), but it already a great route runner, can play both in the slot and outside and, most impressively, won a ridiculous 71.4% of contested catches in 2025. His floor is a low-end WR2 and ceiling is the next Amon-Ra St. Brown. And, most importantly, the Steelers had both a formal Combine interview and pre-draft visit with him, which I've heard went very well.
It's also important to note that if the Steelers really love Lemon, this might be where they need to trade up to snag him because the Jets are expected to take a receiver at 16th overall.
16. JETS (from Colts)
OMAR COOPER JR., WR, INDIANA
With the Steelers leapfrogging them to select Lemon, the Jets settle for a great consolation prize: A first-round talent at wide receiver they hosted for a pre-draft visit. Cooper is on the Jets' radar, whether the Steelers trade up or not. In this scenario, Cooper is likely the top receiver on the Jets' board at this time.
17. LIONS
KADYN PROCTOR, OT, ALABAMA
Offensive tackle is one of the Lions' biggest needs and Proctor is absolutely no each at this stage in the first round. He's a massive human being and one of the best tackles in this class.
18. VIKINGS
DILLON THIENEMAN, S, OREGON
Thieneman is heavily mocked to the Vikings here, and for good reason. He's a superb athlete and is very versatile. Bottom line: He's an impact player wherever he goes. Thieneman at 18th overall is a borderline heist.
19. PANTHERS
KENYON SADIQ, TE, OREGON
Sadiq is far and away the top tight end in this class, which also fits an appropriate need. Gives Bryce Young some more firepower, too.
20. BROWNS (from Cowboys through Packers)
DENZEL BOSTON, WR, WASHINGTON
In this case with three first-round picks, the Browns get to add some firepower at wide receiver and still have another pick on Day 1 to take a best-player type. The Browns hosted Boston for a pre-draft visit, so this makes a lot of sense here.
21. BUCCANEERS (from Steelers)
KELDRIC FAULK, EDGE, AUBURN
The Buccaneers are expected to address defense first in this draft and could have a number of players to choose from, which is why they're a good trade partner at 15th overall. With the trade down here, they still land the powerful, versatile Faulk, who'll immediately pack a punch up front for them.
22. CHARGERS
COLTON HOOD, CB, TENNESSEE
Barring any trade-up scenarios, the Chargers are heavily connected to cornerbacks at this stage of the first round. Jermod McCoy is name to watch here as he might be the most talented cornerback in the draft. Yet, there are well-documented concerns over his long-term health that could kick him out of the first round altogether. Thus, I have the Chargers going with Hood, who excels in press-man coverage.
23. EAGLES
MAX IHEANACHOR, OT, ARIZONA STATE
Offensive tackle is a popular position for the Eagles here. It could very well be Blake Miller, but if there's any franchise I trust to develop and make the most of Iheanachor's eye-popping traits, it's this one.
24. BROWNS (from Jaguars)
EMMANUEL MCNEIL-WARREN, S, TOLEDO
The Browns have already taken two offensive players, so now they bolster the safety position by taking McNeil-Warren, who also had a pre-draft visit with Cleveland.
25. BEARS
KAYDEN MCDONALD, DT, OHIO STATE
There's some buzz about an offensive tackle here, but the Bears are also connected to defensive tackle, as well. McDonald is the best in this class and falls into the Bears' lap at No. 25.
26. BILLS
KC CONCEPCION, WR, TEXAS A&M
Josh Allen needs some elite talent to throw to, and Concepcion could very well be that guy. In fact, if he gets past the drops, he could turn into the best receiver in this class. He's a little pigeon-holed as a slot guy, but he can take chunks out of defenses and also help in the return game, as well. He'd be a great fit in Buffalo.
27. 49ERS
CALEB LOMU, OT, UTAH
I know the 49ers just extended Trent Williams, but they have to find his successor at some point. So, here's a natural left tackle with good traits and a pretty high floor.
28. CARDINALS (from Texans)
TY SIMPSON, QB, ALABAMA
Trade: Cardinals trade second-round pick (34th overall), fourth-round pick (104th overall) and 2027 fifth-round pick to Texans for first-round pick (28th overall)
The Cardinals are tied to Simpson in this draft, but third overall is too high and waiting until 34th overall is a huge risk since the Jets could very well take Simpson at 33rd overall, the first pick of the second round. Here, the Cardinals jump in front of the Jets and get their quarterback.
29. CHIEFS (from Rams)
AKHEEM MESIDOR, EDGE, MIAMI (FL)
With the Chiefs landing Delane with the first of two Day 1 pick, now's the time to give Steve Spagnuolo a talented edge rusher with some intriguing traits.
30. DOLPHINS (from Broncos)
JERMOD MCCOY, CB, TENNESSEE
McCoy's descent ends here. The concerns over the knee are very real, but the upside is absolutely spectacular. Plus, McCoy's a great fit in Jeff Halfley's scheme.
31. PATRIOTS
BLAKE MILLER, OT, CLEMSON
The Patriots still need some beef up front, and Miller is a clean prospect that can immediately come in and play.
32. SEAHAWKS
AVIEON TERRELL, CB, CLEMSON
All Mike MacDonald needs is another really talented player on defense. Terrell can play outside and in the slot, and he's a really smart football player that could be make this already elite defense even more scary.
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