Why say lot word when few word do trick? My only first-round mock here. Has trades!

Dive in, read, and comment. Or don’t, not beggar. Enjoy!

Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward, QB, Miami

The consensus comes to a point almost every year. The Titans need a quarterback, and Cam Ward is easily the best one this year. Let’s not complicate it.

Cleveland Browns – Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

It’s been obvious for a long time how much Browns GM Andrew Berry has GLOWED over Hunter and his potential, particularly as a wide receiver. This entire team is a mess – as usual – but Hunter offers them an elite piece on offense or defense as they rebuild. Hopefully they don’t ruin him.

New York Giants – Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

It’s not often a team with a top 3 selection could be seen as being in an unenviable position but…well, leave it to the Giants. They desperately crave a quarterback above all else, but it’s the worst year in a while to need one. The best players far and away, at this point, are an edge rusher and a running back. Those are areas where the Giants are not particularly hurting.

Ultimately, take the prospect at the highest impact position, and a team can never have too many pass rushers. A top three of Carter, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux is daunting, at the least – probably not daunting enough to save the jobs of Joe Schoen or Brian Daboll though.

New England Patriots – Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Some simple calculus for new head coach Mike Vrabel: Current Patriots offensive line is very bad, Will Campbell or Armand Membou are good.

I’d personally go with Membou here but Campbell has the left tackle pedigree with high optimism for him to pan out at guard if the blind side doesn’t work out. It’s a fine choice for a team that must protect franchise QB Drake Maye at all costs.

(TRADE) Chicago Bears – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

I would not rule out an aggressive trade like this for the Bears to ensure this scenario becomes reality – they have the draft capital to make it happen.

On a roster with few glaring holes and a new head coach who heavily emphasizes the ground game, Jeanty is a skill player pick who makes all the sense in the world in a draft like this. Jeanty’s supreme talent behind a rebuilt offensive line supporting Caleb Williams in his second year could finally help the Bears break through.

Las Vegas Raiders – Armand Membou, OL, Missouri

The Raiders are not necessarily bad on the offensive line, but they could really galvanize the entire unit with a pick like Membou.

New GM, and former Buccaneers executive, John Spytek cut his teeth with Jason Licht building through the trenches, and the opportunity to add arguably the best available tackle who can adapt to either side or even play guard may be too tempting to pass up.

New York Jets – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

The Jets would be hard-pressed to pass on the best interior player in the draft to play next to Quinnen Williams, especially with how much new head coach Aaron Glenn values good defensive tackle play (see how much Detroit invested there in recent years).

Graham is not an athletic specimen, but he’s athletic enough with incredible strength, understanding of leverage, and technique. He should still be a no-doubt top-10 pick.

Carolina Panthers – Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

Walker won’t escape the top 10 thanks to his dynamic pass-rushing chops and burgeoning off-ball ability.

The Panthers’ first preference might be a trade, which they could pull off, but Walker is far from a consolation prize for a team that felt starved for defensive pressure in 2024. They have a creative defensive coordinator who could take advantage of Walker’s unique profile.

New Orleans Saints – Kelvin Banks, OL, Texas

The Saints have so many holes on a patchwork roster, yet no one should put it past GM Mickey Loomis to make an irresponsible decision and pick a quarterback or tight end.

However, we’ll give benefit of the doubt and have them making a push to reinforce their protection up front for whoever ends up being their QB of the future. Former first-rounder Trevor Penning is fine, but still not great, and left guard is a black hole, while Banks has the profile to fill in right away at either spot with his nimble feet and intelligent approach to blocking. Get your best starting 5 on the field.

(TRADE) Jacksonville Jaguars – Tetaroia McMillan, WR, Arizona

All of the smoke blowing in the wind sure feels like the Jaguars desperately want to get out of the top 5 and acquire more selections to fill numerous holes across the roster. Since Chicago has a second-rounder to spare and then some, the Jags lift some capital, drop down, and still get a playmaker to pair with Trevor Lawrence and Brian Thomas.

New HC Liam Coen knows the value of a having big target who can move around the formation thanks to a certain Mike Evans, and while McMillan isn’t quite that archetype, he’s still very good and gives some contrast to Thomas’s big-time downfield ability.

San Francisco 49ers – Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

The 49ers need to rebuild their defensive front, which lacks any form of top-tier playmaker outside of Nick Bosa and measurably affected their overall performance last season.

If there’s any coach who can get the most out of an untapped root like Williams, it’s probably Kris Kocurek. Williams is an excellent athlete and run defender who’s just 20 years old with awesome character and tenacity, and there are enticing flashes of what he can be on plays when it’s all clicking.

Dallas Cowboys – Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

It’s felt obvious for a while that the Cowboys are going to augment their skill corps to make life easier for Dak Prescott. It’s really a matter of whom, and they have choices between the two best remaining receivers, the second-best running back, or the top two tight ends.

Golden is absolutely a top 2 talent at wide receiver this year with the profile to make an impact right away. He’s versatile enough to play across the formation with big-time speed, smooth body control, and competitiveness at the catch point.

Miami Dolphins – Jahdae Barron, DB, Texas

The Dolphins are in dire straits on both their defensive line and secondary, especially with the news that Jalen Ramsey is all but gonezo. The offensive line, as always, could use reinforcement as well but it never seems to be a priority under this regime, so we’re going to continue operating under that assumption.

It’s hard to ignore Barron’s impressive film as a Swiss army knife this past year. Whether it was outside, inside, at safety, or even at dime linebacker, the Texas defense adorned him with multiple hats and he wore them all with aplomb. He’s an instant starter wherever the Dolphins stick him in the secondary.

Indianapolis Colts – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

Another chalky pick but it’s hard to deny the fit.

Tight end is a staple in Shane Steichen’s offense, and they currently don’t have a good one. Oh, and Warren is also a monster who’s a bonafide top 15 player in this class — top 10 wouldn’t be a shock either.

In a critical prove-it year for everyone in the organization, most notably for Anthony Richardson (and Daniel Jones I guess), Warren adds to the supporting cast in a big way with his rugged, George Kittle-esque playstyle.

Atlanta Falcons – Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

Every year several of us think, “Surely the Falcons won’t keep ignoring their stunning lack of pass rush, right?” And lo and behold, we look like idiots.

Well not this year, friends!

I’m choosing to believe the drought finally comes to an end. Who will it be? I’m not really sure! Talent-wise, it should absolutely be Mike Green, who destroyed all forms of competition while at Marshall. That said, he’s dealing with two separate sexual assault allegations (no charges filed), and it is impossible to know what teams will and won’t be okay with that. So we’ll operate under the notion he clears team background checks and slot him in at a spot his talent warrants.

Arizona Cardinals – Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M

The Cardinals brought back iron man Calais Campbell along with Dalvin Tomlinson (both in their 30s), but neither are long-term solutions on a defensive line that needs to get better.

After signing Josh Sweat in free agency and securing the services of Baron Browning, a true edge doesn’t feel as likely here, so let’s go with the alien physical specimen in Stewart who can move around the formation. Stewart is, quite frankly, not a very good football player right now, but he is reportedly a hard worker with a good locker room presence who clearly gives it his all on the field. Some team in or near the top 15 will envision the art they can create with this blank canvas, so why not Jonathan Gannon and Co.?

Cincinnati Bengals – Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

The Bengals’ defense was a disaster last year, as their front 7 did very little to help out Trey Hendrickson even with him leading the league in sacks. They did draft a couple defensive tackles last year but it became quickly apparent neither possesses the profile of a true 3-technique game wrecker.

Nolen does.

He’s got character concerns, supposedly, but that doesn’t show on the field as a twitchy, explosive wrecking ball with a good motor to get involved in either the run or pass game.

Seattle Seahawks – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Seattle has been doing homework on cornerbacks, and it feels like it would be a shock if they didn’t scoop up a former consensus top-10 guy who’s falling down the board.

Johnson has proven production at an elite program with the measurables to back it up, long speed be damned. Injuries will push him down to this point, but his talent is still undeniable and seriously beefs up Seattle’s perimeter defense to complement Devon Witherspoon in the nickel.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College

The Bucs are in a great spot if the board falls this way, with plenty of options to consider across the defense. Ultimately, I feel that Jihaad Campbell is going to be a pass due to his shoulder surgery and other reported injury issues that could very well hamper, and possibly erase, his rookie season.

The team is in its competitive window, it needs contributors now, and there are few prospects as polished and ready to play as Ezeiruaku.

The Boston College sackmaster earned first-team All-American honors by finishing second in the FBS with 16.5 sacks and third in tackles for loss with 20.5. He lives in the backfield with plus athleticism, incredible length, and an impressively high football IQ that raises his floor pretty high. Are there questions about his “go-to” trait and if his ceiling is elite? Yes, but he’s the type of prospect any team should be willing to bet on due to his work ethic, character, and history of production.

A true four-deep rotation with him, Haason Reddick, Yaya Diaby, and Chris Braswell should finally solve this team’s non-blitzing pass-rush issues and help bring the defense back to a level that’s complementary to an elite offense.

(TRADE) Los Angeles Rams – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Loveland is a top-15 talent but the injury concerns may be real and will need to be considered by whoever drafts him. He might still go top 15 but we shouldn’t preclude a slide given how stacked the crop is at other positions. Sean McVay, who’s had hope for a two-tight end offense for a while, decides Loveland won’t get lost in the crowd.

The Rams don’t typically invest high capital at tight end (the highest was Gerald Everett in the second round 8 years ago), but GMs like Les Snead can always evolve. Loveland would complement Davante Adams and Puka Nacua brilliantly and provide an adrenaline dose. It all adds up to a savvy trade and pick.

(TRADE) Buffalo Bills – Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss

The Bills have an extra second-round pick to tempt a capital-needy Steelers team to make this jump ahead of other teams (like the Packers) who might target one of the best corners remaining.

If you’re talking scheme fit, it’s hard to find a better one for what the Bills do than Trey Amos. He’s got the team’s preferred measurables and athletic profile, and he’s someone who can play press and operates well out of zone concepts.

Los Angeles Chargers – Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

The Chargers and Jim Harbaugh believe steadfastly in building through the trenches, and the defensive side is seriously hurting for talent right now. So why not go with someone who has plenty of familiarity with the coaching staff already?

Grant is still figuring the technical stuff out, but he’s a mammoth of a human with rare movement skills who profiles as a future top 5 nose tackle in the vein of Dexter Lawrence or Vita Vea. He’s easily more talented than his predecessor Mazi Smith, who went in a similar range a couple years ago to the Cowboys.

Green Bay Packers – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Two drought breakers in one draft? Oh yea, I’m feeling spicier than some questionable jalapeno cheddar that I just found in the back of my fridge.

The Packers have tried the mid-round draft pick strategy for a while now at wide receiver, and it’s gotten to the point where it’s just not paying off the way it should. Injury-plagued Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs both seem like they’ll soon be history, Jayden Reed is good but not elite, and Dontayvion Wicks literally cannot do the most important thing a receiver is asked to do (actually catch the ball).

It’s time to spin the barrel and finally take a shot in the first round, and Egbuka is a perfect person to dip your toes back into the water for. He’s incredibly consistent and reliable in much the same ways former Buckeyes teammate Jaxson Smith-Njigba was for Seattle, and the latter is ascending into top-25 territory as a pro. Jordan Love needs that stability, and Egbuka will readily offer it from Day 1.

(TRADE) Kansas City Chiefs – Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

If the Vikings, who have 4 picks total and not another one until No. 97, don’t trade back, it might be the shock of the first round. The Chiefs have double the amount of picks and a spare third-rounder to dangle.

The Chiefs, as dominant as they’ve been, have continued to struggle with building a consistent, reliable offensive line for Patrick Mahomes, and that’s going to become more and more of a problem as Mahomes gets older and less mobile. The failure has directly cost the team two Super Bowls (poor them).

Attacking the need and trading up for the best-remaining tackle feels like a strong strategy. Simmons blew out his patellar tendon early last year but reportedly is looking in great shape to start the season on time, so he would be a strong value at the back-end of Round 1.

Houston Texans – Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State

The Texans are another team that must protect their franchise passer, and that’s especially true after they decided that most of 2024’s version of their line was not earning its paycheck.

Zabel is a smooth athlete who’s played every OL position, though he projects best inside at either guard or center, both of which need reinforcements for Houston. He should be an immediate upgrade over any combination of Tytus Howard, Juice Scruggs, or Jarrett Patterson.

(TRADE) Denver Broncos – TreyVeon Henderson, RB, Ohio State

This has been a hot yet underrated fit for a while that I’m absolutely buying it.

Henderson has the exact skill set the Broncos are lacking and one that Sean Payton adores (you can see the archetype litter his past roster history). It might be rich to some, but more than one insider is saying it’s not. Henderson is going within the top 40 picks regardless so it doesn’t feel like an egregious reach for a roster that’s pretty well set up to compete now — especially if they can find a trade partner and collect some extra picks along the way as laid out here.

Baltimore Ravens – Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

The Ravens do what they do, hanging in patiently toward the latter half of Round 1 and letting the board fall to them, and it gifts them with a wealth of choices that should instantly upgrade their roster. We’ll stick them with upgrading a vulnerable defense and getting a proper running mate for Roquan Smith.

Campbell’s camp is trying to push out the news that his torn labrum, which he had surgery for right after the Scouting Combine, is good to go, but they don’t get to decide that: team doctors and medical personnel do. Therefore, you could very well see a slide like this come draft day, even though the talent is top-20 worthy. Campbell’s pass-rushing juice and fast-developing off-ball instincts will play well in Baltimore’s front 7.

Detroit Lions – Tyler Booker, G, Alabama

The Lions have prospered in large part due to their investment in trenches, blocking for their monstrous run game and protecting Jared Goff – who can only function at his best when he’s well-insulated like a fragile bird egg.

Losing Kevin Zeitler hurts a lot, and Graham Glasgow fell off quite a bit last year. Christian Mahogany has some good potential as a second-year player, but it shouldn’t be a shock at all to see further investment to keep everything rolling along.

Booker is, objectively, not a very good athlete but is an exceptional technician with overwhelming power and reportedly sterling leadership and toughness. He’ll fit right into Detroit’s culture.

Washington Commanders – Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

After they gave away several draft picks to bring in established veterans (good moves!), Washington is hurting for capital right now. Thus, a trade back out of the first round feels like a solid bet.

That said, I’ll stick and pick here as the Commanders upgrade their secondary with a diverse talent like Emmanwori. A physical freak who ranked No. 1 in Relative Athletic Score (RAS) out of ALL qualified players since 1987, Emmanwori provides a tempting package of traits for a creative defensive mind like Dan Quinn. Emmanwori would slot right into the same role as the departed Jeremy Chinn, with the upside and tools to become a Pro Bowler.

(TRADE) Pittsburgh Steelers – Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

The Steelers have been visiting with every major running back available this draft cycle, and Hampton is basically a juiced-up Najee Harris who would immediately slot into the timeshare with Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell.

With a second-round pick (and more) once again in hand from the hypothetical Bills trade, they can use that to focus on defensive line or quarterback with less pressure to reach for players who might be risky (Derrick Harmon and his medicals) or unbefitting of the spot (basically every passer left).

(TRADE) Minnesota Vikings – Malaki Starks, DB, Georgia

With a few more arrows in the quiver after trading down, Minnesota would likely feel better about their prospects for the whole weekend. Even then, they could possibly swing another trade for more selections.

For fun though, we’ll stay and get arguably the best safety in the draft to replace Cam Bynum and eventually succeed Harrison Smith. Starks is intelligent, decisive, and flexible, which makes him a perfect fit for Brian Flores to play either safety spot or even nickel.

(TRADE) New York Giants – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

We let Shedeur sweat it out but it seems pretty unlikely that he’ll fall out of Round 1, so let’s make the trade and finish the draft’s first night like it started.

No team has done more work on Sanders than the Giants it seems, so if he gets this far it feels like a no-brainer that they’ll move assets to get that fifth-year option on him and extinguish the possibility of the Browns or Saints poaching him at the top of Day 2.

Sanders is not an elite prospect, but he is a good one and probably offers the floor of a solid starting quarterback in the league. Can he be more? I’m not sold, but the Giants really don’t have the luxury of taking a pitch looking here. They have to swing at someone, so we’ll see if it’s a backward K, a bloop single, or a maybe even jaw-dropping homer.