The 2024 NFL Season is officially wrapped up after the Philadelphia Eagles ran the Kansas City Chiefs out of the gym in Super Bowl 59, and what should be a fascinating offseason is now (sort of) here. Obviously, the NFL Draft is the centerpiece of these next few months, and this year's draft, while not as good as last year by the seems of it, still has some excellent talent to offer in both trenches, tight end, and at running back, among other spots of course. But, in an exercise that's more leaned toward what I think some of these teams will do come April (with a few exceptions as I saw fit), here's my official 1.0 Mock for the 2025 NFL Draft.
2025 NFL (Mock) Draft
Pick 1) Tennessee Titans
Projected Top Team Needs: Quarterback, Wide Receiver, Core Special Teamers (as in several)
Projected Top Free Agents: Nick Westbrook-Ihkine (WR), Sebastian Joseph-Day (IDL), Ryan Stonehouse (P, RFA)
The Pick: Cam Ward, QB (The U)
Much to my surprise, one Pete Thamel and Freinds of ESPN fame came out with a Senior Bowl intel piece on ESPN+, with the named party claiming that "the building sentiment from scouts and executives [at the Senior Bowl] was that [Cam] Ward is likely to be the No. 1 Overall pick." That would be quite the development, given specific comments by Titans President of Football Ops Chad Brinker at New GM Mike Borgonzi.
Saying that going into a draft with not one quarterback worthy of that distinction and taking one at No. 1 overall is QUITE the gambit. On the other hand, I'd like that more than trading for either Derek Carr or Aaron Rodgers, who you know by default are damaged goods at this point. What there is to like about Ward is the arm talent there (with plus-deep ball placement); he can improvise at a high level. It is nowhere near a finished product, but as much as I advise against this for Tennessee, this is notably better than having a 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers or any other veteran QB option. As long as everyone there is on the same page about how they expect him to progress, I could warm up to this in time.
Pick 2) Cleveland Browns
Projected Top Team Needs: Quarterback, Left Tackle, EDGE
Projected Top Free Agents: Elijah Moore (WR), Nick Chubb (RB), Jedrick Wills (OT)
The Pick: Will Campbell, OT (LSU)
The TLDR on recent developments with the Browns is they are beyond screwed. Trading Myles Garrett will likely cost them millions in cap and, in turn, other starting caliber players as cap casualties. Never mind that their offensive line is filled with pending UFA or guys at/over 30. I wouldn't call Campbell a sexy pick here by any means, but is it necessary? Absolutely. He was a force in SEC play and should be an instant plug-and-play LT, even with the lack of wingspan. He's not my No. 1 tackle, but I can understand the consensus from others. They cannot go into 2026 without a left tackle for whoever replaces [The Nasty Man].
Pick 3) New York Giants
Projected Top Team Needs: Quarterback, Right Tackle, Safety
Projected Top Free Agents: Azeez Ojulari (EDGE), Darius Slayton (WR), Greg Van Roten (IOL)
The Pick: Shedeur Sanders, QB (Colorado)
The Giants aren't as much of a mystery as the Browns are on the QB front. They're desperate after their failed Drake Maye pursuit last year, and good, bad, or indifferent, there's probably not going to be a next year to draft a new signal caller for the Dabol-Schoen regime. It sounds like they've done their homework on both Ward and Sanders, and it's the latter they end up with here. Schoen gushed about the Colorado signal caller after touching the ground at the Senior Bowl and said what you want about his personality: he's willing to stand in the pocket and take hits, throws a very accurate ball, and sees the field exceptionally well.
Pick 4) New England Patriots
Projected Top Team Needs: Left Tackle, (X) Wide Receiver, Linebacker
Projected Top Free Agents: Jonathan Jones (CB), Austin Hooper (TE), Deatrich Wise (IDL/EDGE)
The Pick: Abdul Carter, EDGE (Penn State)
It's easy to say about any team, but no one's free agency period will affect what they do on Draft Night 1 in April, quite like the Patriots. Lots of cap space to play with, potentially some defenders on the way out with a defensive scheme change, and a ton of holes to fill at premium spots. And even better news here: the board could turn out GREAT for them if two quarterbacks go in the top three. If Carter was gone by now, this would probably be either Will Campbell or Travis Hunter, but the Patriots' pass rush wasn't that much better than their 2024 offensive line outside of Keion White.
The Penn State product has only been a full-time EDGE for one year, which should give some pause on the idea he's "generational." However, he impressed a lot as the year went along, and he was a force of nature in those playoff games, especially against Notre Dame, where he was clearly hurt. New Patriots DC Terrell Williams mentioned wanting violent defenders when he was in Detroit last year, and I'd imagine Carter fits that bill.
Pick 5) Jacksonville Jaguars
Projected Top Team Needs: Interior Offensive Line, Secondary, Interior Defensive Line
Projected Top Free Agents: Andre Cisco (SAF), Brandon Scherff (IOL), Jeremiah Ledbetter (IDL)
The Pick: Travis Hunter, WR/CB (Colorado)
Jaguars fans going from losing out on Liam Coen (who should never say Duval ever again under any circumstances) to regaining him AND losing Trent Baalke and drafting Travis Hunter at No. 5 would be quite the multi-month adrenaline rush. As for what he'd end up playing more of here, the play would be inserting him in a secondary with Tyson Campbell and Jarrian Jones, but they should try to design some packages for him offensively. An offense with a healthy Evan Engram, Brian Thomas Jr., and Travis Hunter in plus territory would be nightmare fuel for NFL defenses.
For Travis Hunter's Wide Receiver Scouting Report, click here. For Travis Hunter's Cornerback Scouting Report, click here.
Pick 6) Las Vegas Raiders
Projected Top Team Needs: Quarterback, (X) Wide Receiver, Cornerback
Projected Top Free Agents: Robert Spillane (LB), Tre'Von Moehrig (SAF), Alexander Mattison (RB)
The Pick: Will Johnson, CB (Michigan)
Had Will Johnson not been available here, this would've been a DEFCON 1 situation for the Raiders, losing out on both top QBs and top CB options. Luckily, the shutdown man out of Michigan is still here, and he's exactly what the doctor ordered for a secondary that lacks that true cornerstone to take that next step. Johnson reminds me a ton of Patriots All-Pro corner Christian Gonzalez in his build and movement skills. Still, despite some drawbacks, he is a better ball producer than the former Oregon Duck was coming into the league in 2023. Feels like a no-brainer here at six.
Pick 7) New York Jets
Projected Top Team Needs: Quarterback, Boundary Cornerback, Interior Defensive Line
Projected Top Free Agents: DJ Reed (CB), Jamien Sherwood (LB), Haason Reddick (EDGE)
The Pick: Mason Graham, IDL (Michigan)
The Aaron Rodgers era in New York is mercifully over, but something tells me the Jets will hold off on a quarterback for year one of the Aaron Glenn era. Will Johnson would've been a fun option had he been available, so why not do the next best thing and pair Mason Graham with Quinnen Williams? It makes sense in that Javon Kinlaw is on an expiring deal; educated money on him going back to San Fran, and you could continue the ability to consistently only rush four with a high success rate. Graham is statistically one of the best pass-rushing interior linemen in terms of win rate over the last decade.
Pick 8) Carolina Panthers
Projected Top Team Needs: EDGE, Safety, Center
Projected Top Free Agents: Xavier Woods (SAF), Jordan Fuller (SAF), Austin Corbert (IOL)
The Pick: Malaki Starks, SAF (Georgia)
The NFL doesn't value these STAR types who have some range at safety; however, I do. Both Panthers starting safeties are on expiring deals, and that defense needs a ton of work in the secondary and off the edge. Malaki Starks is the instant impact guy this unit could use in a secondary already touting Jaycee Horn. You can play him just about anywhere. He's a tremendous athlete, and his ball production numbers over three years at Georgia were top-notch. Starks is absolutely worth a top-10 pick.
Pick 9) New Orleans Saints
Projected Top Team Needs: Cap Space, EDGE, Wide Receiver
Projected Top Free Agents: Chase Young (EDGE), Ty Mathieu (SAF), Juwuan Johnson (TE)
The Pick: Ashton Jeanty, RB (Bosie State)
I'm not saying that this is what I'd do, but now that it appears Kellen Moore is NOLA bound, it wouldn't be shocking that he'd want a running-back tandem to carry the offensive load in year one with a black hole at quarterback. Jeanty's contact balance is otherworldly and is a big play waiting to happen on every down with his elite athletic upside. He does have some fumble concerns, but he's as legit as any running back prospect who's entered the draft in the last several years; he is closer to Bijan Robinson/Jahmyr Gibbs level than, say, Saquon Barkley.
Pick 10) Chicago Bears
Projected Top Team Needs: Offensive Line, Defensive Line
Projected Top Free Agents: Tevin Jenkins (IOL), Keenan Allen (WR), Darrell Taylor (EDGE)
The Pick: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT/IOL (Texas)
The Bears getting a guy like Banks here would be one hell of a coup for a team that realistically needs upgrades at either 3-or-4 OL spots, depending on Tevin Jenkins' future. While he's a tackle at the next level (very similar build to Vikings tackle Christian Darrisaw), he'd be the best option for Chicago at either left tackle or left guard. He's got some real power in his hands despite the lack of length, and if coaching can unlock some better mechanics, the sky is the limit for him.
Pick 11) San Francisco 49ers
Projected Top Team Needs: (Long-Term) Left Tackle, Interior Defensive Line, Interior Offensive Line
Projected Top Free Agents: Talanoa Hufanga (SAF), Charvarius Ward (CB), Dre Greenlaw (LB)
The Pick: Tyler Booker, IOL (Alabama)
There are many notable free agents for the 49ers this year, including the names you see above, as well as Javon Hargrave and starting guard Aaron Banks. This team cannot afford to go into next year with not much upfront outside of Trent Williams and risk him missing time for the third year in a row. Where Tyler Booker places among all players in this class depends on who you talk to, but he's undeniably one of this draft's top interior OL prospects. He has plus size, length, and power that would fit nicely lined up to Williams' right flank on that front. Also, a fun fact: Booker played for IMG the year they played Bishop Sycamore. Do with that information what you will.
Pick 12) Dallas Cowboys
Projected Top Team Needs: Defense (The entire side of the ball, yes)
Projected Top Free Agents: Demarcus Lawrence (EDGE), Zak Martin (IOL), Erik Kendricks (LB)
The Pick: James Pearce Jr., EDGE (Tennessee)
My fear with the Cowboys was that they would go the easy route and hire Kellen Moore to replace Mike McCarthy as Jerry Jones' lapdog, and they somehow went with an even worse option. Comically bad franchise. Anyways, this defense was an absolute trainwreck in 2024, mainly playing without Tank Lawrence save for three-plus games. They couldn't stop the run if it meant it'd solve world peace, Trevon Diggs was more concerned with the press coverage of him than the fact his team was awful, and Da'Ron Bland managed to give up four TDs in coverage despite missing 10 games. So yeah, this defense is Micah Parsons, Damarion Overshown (whenever he heals up), and many guys. Take James Pearce; that's, at the very least, a start.
Pick 13) Miami Dolphins
Projected Top Team Needs: Interior Defensive Line, Offensive Guard, Safety
Projected Top Free Agents: Jevon Holland (SAF), Calais Campbell (IDL), Robert Jones (IOL)
The Pick: Shemar Stewart, EDGE/IDL (Texas A&M)
Miami is another AFC East squad that I'm fascinated to see tackle this offseason. They shouldn't have many problems getting out of their cap hole, but the real issue is they have some key guys likely headed out the door and need to reinforce the inside of both trenches. A guy like Shemar Stewart, who's a bit of a tweener, much like Keion White or Darius Robinson these last two years, could be a massive addition to a team that already boasts Jaelan Phillips and Zach Sieler on the defensive front. He is a bit raw, but his stock has been through the roof since the Senior Bowl.
Pick 14) Indianapolis Colts
Projected Top Team Needs: Secondary, Tight End, Interior Offensive Line
Projected Top Free Agents: Ryan Kelly (IOL), Julian Blackmon (SAF), Mo Allie-Cox (TE)
The Pick: Tyler Warren, TE (Penn State)
Ryan Kelly is the key domino for the Colts in free agency, but that would not affect what they do here much. Not a true center prospect worth taking at the spot, but a tight end like Tyler Warren could be the final core piece to slot into a pretty fun Colts skill group. He is not a Brock Bowers-level prospect, but the Penn State product is undoubtedly as well-rounded as he was, with a ton of usage potential and a plus pass-catching and blocking option. Instant plug-and-play replacement for Mo Allie Cox.
Pick 15) Atlanta Falcons
Projected Top Team Needs: EDGE, EDGE, EDGE
Projected Top Free Agents: Matt Judon (EDGE), Justin Simmons (SAF), Mike Hughes (CB)
The Pick: Mykel Williams, EDGE (Georgia)
While the gamble for Matt Judon last year was probably the right call even after the fact, he was nowhere near what he looked like in New England pre-injury. Without a third-rounder, anything short of them not taking an EDGE here should cost Terry Fontenot his job on the spot. That's not even close to sarcasm, either. Get a toolsy freak like Mykel Williams, and that's a win by default. I've done limited research on him and have been a big fan so far.
Pick 16) Arizona Cardinals
Projected Top Team Needs: Defensive Front Seven, Interior Offensive Line
Projected Top Free Agents: Kyzir White (LB), Evan Brown (IOL), Dennis Gardeck (EDGE)
The Pick: Jalon Walker, EDGE/LB (Georgia)
Speaking of teams with pass-rushing woes, we've reached the Arizona Cardinals. Their entire front seven leaves much to be desired, which is precisely why adding someone like Walker would be a great fit. A true hybrid linebacker and edge rusher who outright led Georgia this year with 6.5 sacks while also racking up 61 tackles and a pair of PBUs and fumble recoveries. He was can't miss in the 'Dawgs win vs. Texas back in October and has been a fairly consistent riser over the last few months. Jonathan Gannon would undoubtedly like a guy with Walker's skillset and intangibles.
Pick 17) Cincinnati Bengals
Projected Top Team Needs: Boundary Receiver, Cornerback, EDGE
Projected Top Free Agents: Tee Higgins (WR), Mike Hilton (CB), B.J. Hill (IDL)
The Pick: Tetairoa McMillan, WR (Arizona)
There is not much doubt about where Cincinnati goes this April, outside of the possibility that things will go south quickly with Trey Hendrickson as he looks for a renegotiated deal. Replacing Tee Higgins is a must, even with holes defensively. I wouldn't be surprised if McMillan isn't even my WR2 by draft night (Counting Hunter, for the record. The blocking effort and overall aggression leave a lot to be desired), but his hands are great, and that offense would still have a big body wideout with a gigantic catch radius to play off of Ja'Marr Chase.
Pick 18) Seattle Seahawks
Projected Top Team Needs: Interior Offensive Line, Interior Defensive Line, Wide Receiver
Projected Top Free Agents: Ernest Jones (LB), Jaren Reed (IDL), Laken Tomlinson (IOL)
The Pick: Armand Membou, OT/IOL (Mizzou)
Believe it or not, the Seahawks are in just about the same dead cap range as the Browns are headed into the new league year, but they also have a better path to getting out, although it's still not great. Under the assumption that one of DK Metcalf or Tyler Lockett could be on the way out, a wideout such as Luther Burder or Emeka Egbuka wouldn't stun me here. However, I'd still want them going with a new mainstay at one of the guard spots. Armand Membou, out of Mizzou, was a monster at right tackle this last season but could and probably should kick inside. He's a really good athlete for an OL, but he's a hair over 6'3 1/2" tall, which I think will seal the deal for all 32 on where to play him. His tape looks phenomenal, though.
Pick 19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Projected Top Team Needs: Linebacker, Secondary, Wide Receiver
Projected Top Free Agents: Lavonte David (LB), Chris Godwin (WR), Ben Bredsen (IOL)
The Pick: Shavon Revel, CB (Eastern Carolina)
Tampa has many options here, but adding a cornerback to one of the worst pass defenses in the league wouldn't be a terrible start to this draft. Revel has all the high-end traits you're looking for in a corner; it's just that he's at a smaller school, ECU, and, more importantly, missed the wide majority of 2024 with a torn ACL. How teams think his knee is healing up will make or break him, but everyone I know who's done their homework on Revel loves him. 6'3", weighs in the 190 lb range, and has extraordinary length. A number of people that I know personally and trust LOVE him.
Pick 20) Denver Broncos
Projected Top Team Needs: Two-Gap IDL, Tight End, Linebacker
Projected Top Free Agents: D.J. Jones (IDL), Cody Barton (LB), Justin Strnad (LB)
The Pick: Harold Fannin Jr., TE (Bowling Green)
Wide receiver is a popular mock draft option for these Broncos right now, but they're pretty good there with Sutton, Mims, and Vele if you ask me. Tight End would be a different story, and Harold Fannin Jr. is someone who could somewhat (not entirely) fill that "Joker" role Sean Payton mentioned last week in New Orleans. He's coming off the most prolific season for a college tight end ever and can line up all over the place. I imagine taking fullback reps at the Senior Bowl did him a favor, too.
Pick 21) Pittsburgh Steelers
Projected Top Team Needs: Wide Receiver, Boundary Cornerback, Running Back
Projected Top Free Agents: Justin Fields (QB), Russell Wilson (QB), Donte Jackson (CB)
The Pick: Luther Burden II, WR (Mizzou)
Even factoring in George Pickens being...well...George Pickens, Pittsburgh has four other wideouts hitting the open market, marking the perfect opportunity to get a blue-chip WR in round one, something they haven't done since Santonio Holmes back in '06. Mizzou's Luther Burden has been someone I've been excited about for some time with his ability to create after the catch with some peak Deebo Samuel-esque usage to boot. Would I trust Arthur Smith to get the best out of him? Probably not, but Burden is a very exciting player, nevertheless.
Pick 22) Los Angeles Chargers
Projected Top Team Needs: Tight End, Cornerback, EDGE
Projected Top Free Agents: Khalil Mack (EDGE), Elijah Molden (CB), Asante Samuel Jr. (CB)
The Pick: Colston Loveland, TE (Michigan)
No other AFC Playoff team from this year has anywhere near the cap space to burn like the Chargers do this year, which, despite how things ended, is a scary thought given how good they were defensively for the bulk of 2024. I'd expect them to make a few splashes (Tee Higgins perhaps?) and retain a bulk of their own players, allowing them to take someone Jim Harbaugh is familiar with in Colston Loveland. The Chargers have lacked quality production from the tight end spot ever since they lost Hunter Henry, and the smooth mover out of Michigan could be a very dangerous weapon on an offense that already has Ladd McConkey.
Pick 23) Green Bay Packers
Projected Top Team Needs: EDGE, X Receiver, Cornerback
Projected Top Free Agents: Isaiah McDuffie (LB), Eric Wilson (LB), Josh Meyers (IOL)
The Pick: Princely Umanmeilen, EDGE (Ole Miss)
Not exactly a super consequential UFA group for Green Bay since Josh Meyers can be considered a key name, but beyond needing an upgrade at center, the Packers have objectively failed to upgrade their pass rush through the draft, and the declining pressure rate numbers over the last three seasons would tell you Rashan Gary isn't going to be someone you can rely upon much longer. Brian Gutekunst loves himself some RAS guys, and I think he'd pass on some potentially better options to go with a toolsy and bigger option in Princely Umanneilen. He had 17.5 sacks over his last two seasons between Ole Miss and Florida. (Live bet everything you own on Mykel Williams going here if he's still available).
Pick 24) Minnesota Vikings
Projected Top Team Needs: Secondary, Interior Defensive Line, Running Back
Projected Top Free Agents: Sam Darnold (QB), Camryn Bynum (SAF), Byron Murphy (CB)
The Pick: Xavier Watts, SAF (Notre Dame)
I have a hard time imagining Harrison Smith coming back at 36 years old for the Vikings, and they could lose out on Cam Bynum on the open market as well. A guy like Xavier Watts could seamlessly transition into a Brian Flores defense with his football IQ, athletic upside, and playmaking ability in the event the backend is completely reset.
On an unrelated side note, I wonder if the Vikings get any calls on Dallas Turner in the coming weeks/months. He seems roadblocked from a bigger role for the foreseeable future, and I think no shortage of teams would be interested in adding him.
Pick 25) Houston Texans
Projected Top Team Needs: Interior Offensive Line, Interior Defensive Line, Wide Receiver
Projected Top Free Agents: Eric Murray (SAF), Stefon Diggs (WR), Mario Edwards (IDL)
The Pick: Kenneth Grant, IDL (Michigan)
There are certainly some options for the Texans here, but I'd have a pretty hard time seeing a guy like Kenneth Grant falling any lower than this, especially given the need for DeMeco Ryans' defense to get younger between the edges. If you could only call one player in this entire draft a freak, the Michigan product would get that distinction without hesitation. 6'3", nearly 340 lbs, but moves like a guy in the 260-270 range. His upside as a 0-3 tech IDL is horrifying, and while I wouldn't be shocked one bit if he goes in the first half of this round, you do wonder how quickly he'll be able to be an everydown contributor. 2024 was Grant's first season playing north of 500 snaps, and the 547 he played were more than his freshman and sophomore totals combined.
Pick 26) Los Angeles Rams
Projected Top Team Needs: Offensive Tackle, Cornerback, Wide Receiver
Projected Top Free Agents: Joe Noteboom (OT), Demarcus Robinson (WR), Christian Rozeboom (LB)
The Pick: Josh Simmons, OT (Ohio State)
The looming Cooper Kupp trade will be a headline until the deal gets done, but if the Rams want to maximize their window with Matt Stafford, they have to hit the reset button at tackle. Josh Simmons is someone highly thought of as a tackle prospect, but the catch is he missed a ton of time in 2024 with an undisclosed knee injury. At this point in the first round, Les Snead would be willing to take a bit of a calculated gamble. Simmons has the ideal frame for a starting NFL left tackle and still made All-Big 10 Third-Team this year despite only playing in six games.
Pick 27) Baltimore Ravens
Projected Top Team Needs: Offensive Tackle, Interior Offensive Line, Safety
Projected Top Free Agents: Ronnie Stanley (OT), Pat Ricard (FB), Ar'Darius Washington (SAF)
The Pick: Josh Conerly, OT (Oregon)
As of the time of writing, I don't anticipate the Ravens being able to give Ronnie Stanley a contract up to par with what should be a heavy market for his services. Their best option to replace him is Josh Conerly, who had some ups and downs at the Senior Bowl but undoubtedly has a very desirable size and athletic profile for an NFL left tackle and was a mainstay at Oregon.
Pick 28) Detroit Lions
Projected Top Team Needs: Interior Offensive Line, EDGE, Interior Defensive Line
Projected Top Free Agents: Kevin Zeitler (IOL), Carlton Davis (CB), Levi Onwuzurike (IDL)
The Pick: Mike Green, EDGE (Marshall)
I don't know if this Lions team wants to go into next year with essentially just Aidan Hutchinson off the edge. Mike Green is as exciting a non-P4 prospect in this 2025 draft, and had some awesome performances in 2024 against teams like Ohio State en route to a NCAA leading 17 sack campaign. Lack of functional length usage is a concern with only 34 1/4" inch arms (8th percentile; a touch better than Hutchinson, believe it or not), but having a guy with his pass-rushing upside opposite of a perennial DPOY contender is too good to pass up.
Pick 29) Washington Commanders
Projected Top Team Needs: Wide Receiver, EDGE, Cornerback
Projected Top Free Agents: Bobby Wagner (LB), Jeremy Chinn (SAF), Dante Fowler (EDGE)
The Pick: Emeka Egbuka, WR (Ohio State)
Washington shouldn't have much issue retaining some key pieces on expiring contracts, never mind adding external talent after the year they just had. Whether or not they do this through the open market or here in the draft, they certainly could use a true No. 2 wideout to compliment Scary Terry, and they can't do better than Ohio State's All-Time leading pass catcher Emeka Egbuka. He's an uber-reliable target with plus route running skills and hands; he'd make for quite the secondary option for Jayden Daniels.
Pick 30) Buffalo Bills
Projected Top Team Needs: EDGE, Wide Receiver, Interior Defensive Line
Projected Top Free Agents: Damar Hamlin (SAF), Amari Cooper (WR), Mack Hollins (WR)
The Pick: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE (Boston College)
Assuming Von Miller will be getting cut before free agency, Buffalo's priority is to get another pass rusher in the building to play off of Greg Rosseau. BC's Donovan Ezeiruaku broke out in a big way in 2024 with 16.5 sacks but has an odd frame outside of a pretty good wingspan. That said, he was really good against the run and pass for Bill O'Brien's team this year, taking home ACC DPOY honors. Some other EDGE rushers would also make sense here, but I'd say Ezeiruaku is their best all-around option.
Pick 31) Kansas City Chiefs
Projected Top Team Needs: Left Tackle/Right Guard, Linebacker, Tight End
Projected Top Free Agents: Trey Smith (IOL), Nick Bolton (LB), Justin Reid (SAF)
The Pick: Aireontay Ersery, OT (Minnesota)
WELP!!! That Super Bowl performance was...something. Now, even with some restructures likely on the way to get into a manageable cap situation, there's north of, say, a 30% chance that this team doesn't have either Trey Smith or Nick Bolton on it next year if their markets are as big as I think they'll be. That said, they can never be in a position where Joe Thuney, objectively one of the five best guards of the last decade, is your best left tackle option. If they don't feel good enough about Kingsley Suamataia moving forward, drafting a guy like Ersery is such an easy route to take. Really good build for a tackle at 6'5" and around the 340 lb mark.
Pick 32) Philadelphia Eagles
Projected Top Team Needs: EDGE, Interior Defensive Line, Interior Offensive Line
Projected Top Free Agents: Josh Sweat (EDGE), Zack Baun (LB), Milton Williams (IDL)
The Pick: Nic Scourton, EDGE (Texas A&M)
The Eagles' offseason was going to be interesting no matter how this Super Bowl went, but they'll likely lose some key guys like Josh Sweat next month. There's not a ton of cap space to work with at the moment, and there's not a ton of easy ways to free up a ton of cash, but that's why it's good to have Howie Roseman. Nic Scourton is a guy whose stock has fallen a bit in recent weeks, which the PFF Stock Exchange boys talked about some time ago, but the athletic tools are there, and you'd be banking on his Purdue output over his A&M output as a ceiling.
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