Picks are based on where I think they’ll end up and not who I think should be taken.
1. Las Vegas RaidersFernando Mendoza – Quarterback – IndianaMendoza is a talented quarterback with a big frame, good toughness, and enough arm talent to make high-level throws when he is in rhythm. He may need some time before he is ready to run a full NFL offense, but the upside is that of a high-end starter.
2. New York JetsArvell Reese – Linebacker – Ohio StateReese gives the Jets an explosive, rangy linebacker with impact upside in the middle of the defense. He fits as a modern second-level defender who can run, hit, and make plays all over the field.
3. Arizona CardinalsDavid Bailey – Edge – Texas TechBailey is the best pure pass rusher in this class and brings elite speed and explosiveness off the edge. He is not as complete as some of the other edge defenders, but his ability to simply win as a pass rusher makes him a premium talent.
4. Tennessee TitansSonny Styles – Linebacker – Ohio StateStyles gives Tennessee a big, athletic linebacker with versatility and real upside as a tone-setter in the middle of the defense. He looks like the type of front-seven piece who can impact both the run game and passing game.
5. New York GiantsFrancis Mauigoa – Offensive Tackle – Miami (FL)Mauigoa is one of the safest players in the draft because of his size, footwork, power, and overall polish. He projects as a long-term starting tackle who can stabilize the offensive line early in his career.
6. Cleveland BrownsCarnell Tate – Wide Receiver – Ohio StateTate is a polished receiver with elite hands, strong size, and one of the cleanest all-around receiving profiles in the class. He has the skill set to become a high-end target early and gives Cleveland a true building block at receiver.
7. Washington CommandersJeremiyah Love – Running Back – Notre DameLove is a complete running back prospect with size, explosiveness, and true three-down value. He can handle volume, create big plays, and give Washington another dynamic weapon on offense from Day 1.
8. New Orleans SaintsRueben Bain Jr. – Edge – Miami (FL)Bain is a powerful, explosive edge defender with great strength, good bend, and a strong overall feel for the game. He is not just a pass rusher, but a complete front defender who can impact both the run and pass.
9. Kansas City ChiefsCaleb Downs – Safety – Ohio StateDowns is the kind of versatile, playmaking safety who fits perfectly in a smart, aggressive defense. He gives Kansas City range, instincts, and another high-end talent on the back end.
10. New York GiantsJordyn Tyson – Wide Receiver – Arizona StateTyson is a very good all-around receiver with quickness, versatility, and the ability to line up all over the formation. He gives the Giants another quality target who can work from the slot or outside and create easy offense.
11. Miami DolphinsKenyon Sadiq – Tight End – OregonSadiq is a special tight end prospect with rare athleticism, real speed, and the ability to impact both the pass game and run game. He looks like an immediate matchup problem and would give Miami another explosive chess piece on offense.
12. Dallas CowboysAkheem Mesidor – Edge – Miami (FL)Mesidor is a polished pass rusher with a strong motor and one of the better hand-move arsenals in the class. He is not a dominant run defender, but his pass-rush skill set is good enough to make him a major weapon off the edge.
13. Los Angeles RamsMakai Lemon – Wide Receiver – USCLemon is an advanced route runner who wins with polish, feel, and intelligence rather than overwhelming physical traits. He gets open, adjusts well to the quarterback, and looks like a player who can produce right away.
14. Baltimore RavensMansoor Delane – Cornerback – LSUDelane gives Baltimore another long, athletic corner with upside on the outside. He fits the type of physical, competitive defensive back the Ravens have consistently valued.
15. Tampa Bay BuccaneersOlaivavega Ioane – Guard – Penn StateIoane is a thick, powerful interior blocker who thrives in close quarters and brings real force at the point of attack. He looks like an early NFL starter at guard and would add toughness to Tampa Bay’s front.
16. New York JetsSpencer Fano – Offensive Tackle – UtahFano is an athletic tackle with experience on both sides and the kind of quickness teams want on the edge. He still has to get stronger and more consistent, but the upside is clearly that of a starting NFL tackle.
17. Detroit LionsKadyn Proctor – Offensive Tackle – AlabamaProctor is a massive tackle with rare size, strong hands, and a ceiling as high as anyone in the offensive line group. If the consistency comes together, he has the talent to become one of the better tackles in the league.
18. Minnesota VikingsDillon Thieneman – Safety – OregonThieneman gives the Vikings a smart, rangy safety who can make plays on the ball and help organize the back end. He fits as a long-term starter with impact ability in coverage.
19. Carolina PanthersOmar Cooper Jr. – Wide Receiver – IndianaCooper is a big-play receiver with good size, strong speed, and real red-zone production. He has some inconsistencies to clean up, but the athletic profile and scoring ability give Carolina another quality weapon.