Earlier this year, I released an article called “Way Too Early NFL Mock Draft,” and it was potentially some of the absolute worst takes I’ve ever had in my entire life. So I’m going to make that right and tell you exactly what’s going to happen in this year’s NFL Draft.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Unfortunately for Fernando, the Raiders have the first pick in this year’s draft, which is something no future quarterback wants to hear. With the Raiders having a history of failures at the QB position, with the most recent being Carr, O’Connell, Garoppolo, and Smith, Mendoza might be the next disappointment at the helm. Raiders fans have expressed great excitement for this pick; I don’t think Mendoza feels the same.
2. New York Jets: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
This draft is full of incredibly talented wide receivers, and Tate is easily one of the best. Tate proved himself in tough Big Ten competition and continued to shoot up draft boards throughout the year. The 6’3 receiver brought in nine touchdowns, and his jump-ball ability would be a great pairing alongside Garrett Wilson.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
While linebacker isn’t the top need for the Cardinals this year, that doesn’t really matter when you have a prospect like Arvell Reese. Coming out of Ohio State, the 6’4 linebacker racked up 6.5 sacks, an exceptional number from a junior at the position. Reese would provide excitement on the Cardinals’ defense and could help elevate the young talent already on the roster.
4. Tennessee Titans: Reuben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
Bain Jr. proved himself this year as maybe the best defensive player in college football, leading the Miami defense to an incredible season. Bain totaled 8.5 sacks, along with a forced fumble and one interception. He could provide some much-needed defensive spark on the Titans and be the piece they build around for the future.
5. New York Giants: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Tyson could be argued as the best wide receiver in a stacked receiver class. While at Arizona State, Tyson totaled an impressive 22 touchdowns over his four seasons and proved himself as an explosive target who could excel with a quarterback like Jaxson Dart under center.
6. Cleveland Browns: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
While safety isn’t the top need for the Browns this year, it would be incredibly dumb to pass on Downs at six. Downs proved himself against some of the top offenses in college football while playing in both the SEC and Big Ten. He could provide exceptional coverage for the Browns and may end up being the steal of the draft.
7. Washington Commanders: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
With the top edge rusher already off the board in Reuben Bain Jr., Faulk is the next best option. Faulk proved he could compete at Auburn in a tough SEC conference that normally exposes weak edge rushers, which did not happen to him. At 6’6”, 275 pounds, and being one of the youngest players in the draft, this would be an exceptional pick.
8. New Orleans Saints: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Bailey excelled on a breakout Texas Tech team this year. This would once again be a value-type pick, as edge rusher isn’t necessarily a top need for the Saints, although they could use just about any player. Bailey posted some of the best stats in college football this season, totaling 14.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. He could be a huge future star, and the Saints have proven they can develop defensive line talent.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremiah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Jeremiah Love, in my opinion, is a better running back prospect than Jeanty was last year. Love was a Heisman finalist this season but didn’t receive the media coverage he deserved. The Chiefs have all the pieces to continue contending, except a true feature back. If Kansas City shifts its focus toward developing a great running back, they could become even more dangerous.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Peter Woods, DI, Clemson
Woods brings massive upside to a Bengals defensive line that could use more interior disruption. Despite some inconsistencies this year, his raw power and athleticism make him a high-ceiling prospect who could develop into a cornerstone piece for Cincinnati’s defense.
11. Miami Dolphins: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The defensive backs in this year’s draft are very interesting once you get past Caleb Downs. McCoy and Delane, the next pick, are pretty interchangeable and come down to team preference. Both SEC defensive backs are proven players, and Miami can’t go wrong with either option.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
After transferring from Virginia Tech to LSU, Delane excelled in the SEC. At 6’0”, 195 pounds, and earning First Team All-SEC honors, Delane would be a much-needed piece for a Cowboys secondary that looked shaky this season. Injuries and inconsistent performances led to a disappointing year for the defense. While Delane has some questions regarding his speed, he should be a plug-and-play contributor.
13. Los Angeles Rams: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Mauigoa has been incredible this year, and offensive line is a major need for the Rams. There have been questions about Los Angeles taking a quarterback like Ty Simpson here, but with Matthew Stafford playing so well, they can afford to wait. Building the offensive line now could set them up perfectly for a potential top quarterback in next year’s draft.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The Ravens are in an interesting position in this year’s draft. While there are multiple areas that could be addressed, the offensive line stands out as the biggest concern. With elite talent in Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, it would be disappointing to waste their primes behind poor line play. Fano could come in and make an immediate impact.
