Tennessee is willing to part ways with the No. 1 pick, and several teams have interest in the rights to take Miami’s Cam Ward. Ward might have been a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft had he come out following his final season at Washington State. Ward and Sanders are the only expected top 10 picks at quarterback this cycle during a down year for signal callers. Ward was the ACC’s Player of the Year last season and nearly took the Hurricanes to the playoff.

The Browns are expected to go defense first at No. 2 overall, but this is the first time Michigan’s Mason Graham projected to go ahead of Penn State’s Abdul Carter. There’s some risk there. Graham and fellow ex-Wolverines defensive lineman Kenneth Grant are interior defensive line mavens expected to go on Day 1. It’s going to be difficult for Sherrone Moore and Michigan in 2025 to replace two absolute stalwarts in the middle.

New York likely goes best player available here and that would be Travis Hunter. Both are immediate difference-makers on defense and the Giants could tinker with Hunter a few snaps offensively every week as another target for a new quarterback. New York could also dangle this No. 3 pick as trade bait if Hunter is not the top player on the franchise’s board. It’ll be interesting to see what Hunter does in the pre-draft circuit in the upcoming weeks.

New England likely goes best offensive tackle available here and that would be Will Campbell on all accounts. Campbell protected Jayden Daniels and Garrett Nussmeier during his LSU career. He will be the first offensive tackle taken in April. He is a reliable blocker who proved himself at the highest level of college football as a former elite-level recruit. New England could use a corner player up front to protect Drake Maye and Campbell has the look of an athlete who will be an All-Pro caliber player for many years to come.

Rarely does Jacksonville get this lucky on draft day, but Carter falling to No. 5 overall would be an absolute gift for the Jaguars. There’s been talk of Carter going No. 1 overall If Tennessee keeps its selection and fails to find a trade partner. He is similar in talent to Micah Parsons and projects to go No. 1 in other mocks as well. Carter is a player numerous teams covet, so it would not be surprising if there are others moving into the top 5 to get him if he’s available after the first few picks.

This would be best-case scenario for Las Vegas if Shedeur Sanders is the quarterback the Raiders want in the first round. Not having to move up to get him would be lovely and the former Colorado star has already said this would be a dream landing spot of sorts. Sanders isn’t expected to throw at the NFL Combine in a few weeks, but there’s going to be several teams inside the top 10 in anticipation of his Pro Day.

For trading the top pick, Tennessee would still get a chance to get a Day 1 starter early and Tetairoa McMillan fits the mold. He’s an every-down threat at the next level and would be Jacksonville’s immediate top threat on the outside if he’s the selection here. Drops were never an issue at the college level as McMillan was one of the most productive pass-catchers of all-time with the Wildcats. McMillan would address the big-play issue Tennessee currently has in the passing game.

Jalon Walker is a native of North Carolina, so you know he would love to head back home and play for the Panthers after starring as a former five-star prospect. Carolina has several options in this spot, whether it’s going after another target for Bryce Young or getting help on the pass-rush side of things. Walker should show out at the NFL Combine and assume top billing from an edge rusher standpoint.

Kelvin Banks’ draft stock has been all over the place over the last few months as his final season at Texas was not quite as dominant as expected. With LSU’s Will Campbell locking up OT1 billing, Banks could be the next off the board. The San Francisco 49ers haven’t shown their hand yet, but the belief around the league is that they’re aiming for a franchise tackle and could be willing to trade up to make it happen it appears.

Armand Membou doesn’t possess the size most offensive tackles do and could be a risk here at No. 10 overall. However, he’s expected to test extremely well in Indianapolis and could be one of the first round’s biggest risers once he leaves the combine. At Missouri, Membou’s tape was some of the best in the SEC, part of the reason why he’s projected here to Chicago at No. 10. The Bears are expected to go with help up front to protect Caleb Williams and Membou has been mentioned as a player in their crosshairs.

11. Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M (New Orleans Saints)

12. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State (Dallas Cowboys)

13. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri (Miami Dolphins)

14. Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State (Indianapolis Colts)

One of the top offensive weapons in Mizzou football history, Luther Burden III is a former five-star recruit who lived up to his billing over three seasons with the Tiger. He is a versatile playmaker who could play a variety of positions in Miami, whether that’s on the outside as WR1 or lined up in various spots in the backfield. Just get the ball in Burden’s hands and he’ll make things happen in the open field.

Penn State utilized the Mackey Award winner to his highest extent this season, lining Warren up out of the backfield as an H-back of sorts and as the go-to option on third down. In the red zone, Warren was prolific. He’s Travis Kelce, but more powerful. Brock Bowers was an instant sensation at the position last fall and Warren is next.

15. Mike Green, Edge, Marshall (Atlanta Falcons)

16. Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss (Arizona Cardinals)

17. Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan (Cincinnati Bengals)

18. Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama (Seattle Seahawks)

Nolen’s presence last season as the Rebels’ most consistent defensive lineman helped Ole Miss win double-digit games again under Lane Kiffin. He’s a former five-star recruit and was a prized possession in the transfer portal for 2024’s top-rated class. As a mid-first rounder, Nolen would give Arizona an instant starter talent and is a utility piece of sorts up front.

19. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

20. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan (Denver Broncos)

21. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan (Pittsburgh Steelers)

22. Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia (Los Angeles Chargers)

Loveland logged 56 receptions — a single-season record for Michigan tight ends — with 582 yards and five touchdowns in 2024. All three figures led Michigan’s pass-catchers by a wide margin. Loveland alone accounted for 31.2% of Michigan’s receptions and 36.3% of the Wolverines’ receiving yards through 12 games, and he was one of three finalists for the 2024 Mackey Award, which recognizes the nation’s top tight end.

This would be a considerable slide for Johnson, going from top 10 to outside the top 20. Limited during his final season in Ann Arbor due to injury, when he was healthy, Johnson was college football’s top cornerback. He is the alpha in a class that does not possess many can’t-miss ballhawks, or at least players you’re comfortable putting on an island as a rookie at the next level.

23. Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon (Green Bay Packers)

24. Jahdae Barron, S, Texas (Minnesota Vikings)

25. Grey Zabel, OT, North Dakota State (Houston Texans)

26. Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State (Los Angeles Rams)

27. James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee (Baltimore Ravens)

One of college football’s most dependable starters in the secondary last season, Barron was a star for the Longhorns on a defense loaded with elite talent. He is cut from the same cloth as Minkah Fitzpatrick given his ball-hawking skills and ability to cover plays from all over the field. He delivers solid run support, too.