The Tennessee Titans still haven’t tipped their hand at No. 1, but every insider in the game swears Miami gunslinger Cam Ward is the name on the draft card. If the pick sticks, he’ll be the franchise QB Nashville’s been chasing since Steve McNair.

After that? Chaos. Ole Miss rocket‑armed passer Jaxson Dart is climbing so fast some scouts think he could leapfrog Colorado star Shedeur Sanders, who suddenly looks like a candidate to slide toward the back of Round 1. Alabama’s track‑speed dual‑threat Jalen Milroe waits in the wings if a QB‑hungry team trades up late.

Speaking of trades, keep an eye on Cleveland at No. 2 — multiple sources say the Browns have taken calls all afternoon. And yes, there’s real chatter that Miami might be open to trading away Tyreek Hill to stockpile draft picks.

Then there’s the wildcard: Colorado two‑way unicorn Travis Hunter, the first legit Iron‑Man prospect in decades. Depending on who you ask, he could hear his name anywhere from No. 3 to the back half of the top ten as teams argue whether he’s a lockdown corner, a game‑breaking receiver, or both.

We’ll have every pick, every trade, and every Twitter meltdown as it happens — plus instant, no‑nonsense analysis on what it all means for your team. Buckle up; night one is on the clock.

No. 1 — Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

The Titans go all-in on their future at quarterback, selecting Cam Ward — a twitchy, live-armed playmaker who’s shown flashes of brilliance across three college stops. Technically, Ward stands out for his ability to generate velocity from various platforms, with a compact, snappy release that holds up even when throwing on the run. He’s confident pushing the ball vertically and doesn’t shy away from tight windows, which both excites and scares NFL evaluators.

From a footwork standpoint, he’s still developing — particularly in rhythm-based timing concepts. Too often, Ward relies on his arm talent to bail him out instead of resetting his base. But when he’s in phase, the ball jumps off his hand with NFL-caliber zip and placement. Tennessee’s offensive line needs work, which makes his ability to escape pressure and create outside of structure a real asset in Year 1.

He’s not a finished product, but the traits — arm strength, off-script creation, competitive toughness — give him legit franchise QB upside. If Brian Callahan and his staff can tighten up Ward’s mechanics and decision-making, they might’ve just found the centerpiece of their rebuild.

No. 2 — Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

Trade: The Jaguars traded up from No. 5 to No. 2 in a deal with the Cleveland Browns.

Jaguars receive:

• 2nd overall pick (1st round)

• 104th overall pick (4th round)

• 200th overall pick (6th round)

Browns receive:

• 5th overall pick (1st round)

• 36th overall pick (2nd round)

• 126th overall pick (4th round)

• 2026 1st round pick

Jacksonville makes a bold move for versatility and star power, taking Travis Hunter at No. 2 overall. Hunter gives the Jaguars a rare weapon who can contribute on both sides of the ball — and right away. Expect him to lock down a starting role at cornerback, where his hips, fluidity, and ball skills pop off the tape. He’s instinctive in man coverage, stays glued through the route stem, and plays the ball like a receiver — because he is one.

And don’t rule out offensive usage. With the ball in his hands, Hunter is electric. Screens, jet sweeps, red zone packages — there’s plenty of room for creativity here. For a Jaguars team that struggled on both sides of the ball in 2024, Hunter offers instant playmaking and rare flexibility. If new leadership uses him the way he wants to be used, he could become one of the NFL’s most dynamic chess pieces. 

No. 3 — New York Giants: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

The Giants go defense with one of the most explosive front-seven players in the draft. Abdul Carter brings elite twitch, closing burst, and positional versatility after transitioning from off-ball linebacker to full-time edge in 2024. He racked up 23.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks this past season — numbers that really highlight both his get-off and his instincts.

For a team that finished near the bottom of the league in sacks and struggled to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks, Carter adds much-needed juice off the edge. He’s still learning the finer points of pass rush technique, but his first-step quickness and ability to convert speed to power are already NFL-ready. He can also drop into coverage when needed, giving Wink Martindale’s defense a movable chess piece.

With Dexter Lawrence anchoring the interior and Kayvon Thibodeaux continuing to develop on the opposite side, Carter gives the Giants a young, high-upside trio up front. If he hits, this defense gets scary in a hurry.

No. 4 — New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

The first pick of the Mike Vrabel era in New England is a tone-setter in the trenches. Will Campbell brings toughness, intelligence, and day-one starting potential to a Patriots offensive line that gave up 52 sacks last season. While his arm length has been a topic of conversation, his tape speaks louder — Campbell allowed just two sacks all of 2024 and shows elite timing and balance in pass sets.

He’s a plug-and-play left tackle with the athleticism to mirror speed rushers and the anchor to hold up against power. With Drake Maye entering Year 2, the Patriots make protecting their young QB the top priority — and they land a technician with nasty in his game to do it.

No. 5 — Cleveland Browns: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

The Browns stay put at No. 5 after trading down from No. 2 and still land a top-tier defensive talent in Mason Graham. The former Michigan standout brings elite leverage, violent hands, and a relentless motor to the middle of a Browns defensive front that already boasts Myles Garrett. Graham’s wrestling background shows up in his pad level and balance — he’s almost never on the ground, and he consistently finds ways to disrupt both run and pass plays.

With 18 tackles for loss and 9 sacks over his final two college seasons, Graham showed he's more than just a run stuffer. He’s a true disruptor on the interior and fits perfectly next to a game-wrecker like Garrett.

Cleveland's 3–14 season was doomed by inconsistent quarterback play and a leaky offensive line, but their defense was the heart of the team. With this pick, they double down on that identity and build out the trenches.

Immediate reaction on social media has been relatively positive — fans are excited about adding a disruptive presence like Graham while still gaining extra assets in the trade down from No. 2. It’s a smart move that adds talent now and flexibility later.

No. 6 — Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

The Raiders break convention and go running back at No. 6, but it’s not hard to see why. Ashton Jeanty is a certified game-breaker — a compact, explosive back with elite contact balance, vision, and enough burst to flip field position on any touch. His 2,200+ yard, 28-TD season at Boise State was one of the most dominant rushing campaigns in college football history.

For a Raiders team coming off a 4–13 season and undergoing a full leadership reboot with Pete Carroll, John Spytek, and Chip Kelly in charge, this pick feels like a culture-builder. Jeanty brings toughness, explosiveness, and three-down capability to an offense in need of identity.

The Raiders overhauled the roster this offseason — trading for Geno Smith, signing Raheem Mostert, and shoring up the interior OL with Alex Cappa — but lacked a true centerpiece. Jeanty changes that.

No. 7 — New York Jets: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

The Jets stick to the trenches and grab one of the cleanest tackle prospects in the draft in Armand Membou. A three-year starter at right tackle for Missouri, Membou didn’t allow a single sack in 2024 and posted one of the top PFF grades among all Power 4 tackles. He’s a premium athlete for his size, testing through the roof at the combine and flashing rare movement skills on tape.

For a franchise resetting under new leadership with Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey, Membou brings stability to an offensive line that’s been anything but in recent years. He’s plug-and-play on the right side, with the upside to potentially slide to left tackle if needed.

More importantly, he fits what this new-look Jets offense is trying to build: an explosive, physical run game with Justin Fields and Breece Hall in the backfield. Membou’s mobility, power, and finish make him a perfect match for that identity. This is a foundational pick for a team looking to get back to bullying people up front.

No. 8 — Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

The Panthers continue to rebuild around Bryce Young and give their quarterback a legitimate No. 1 option in Tetairoa McMillan. The 6'4" Arizona product shattered school receiving records and earned All-American honors in 2024 thanks to his combination of size, route polish, and body control. McMillan’s catch radius and ability to win on the perimeter make him a natural security blanket for a young quarterback.

Bryce Young salvaged what could've been the end of his career with a strong finish to last season, and Carolina’s front office responded by investing in support. With McMillan alongside breakout tight end Tommy Tremble and a reworked offensive line, the Panthers are finally building an ecosystem that allows Young to play fast and confident. This pick gives them a go-to guy — and a real plan at wideout.

No. 9 — New Orleans Saints: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

Many people were expecting the Saints to grab a quarterback with uncertainty around Derek Carr’s shoulder injury, New Orleans instead shocks a few draft rooms by locking in Kelvin Banks Jr. — arguably the most technically sound tackle in the class. Banks started 39 straight games at left tackle for Texas, won both the Outland trophy in 2024, and allowed just four sacks in over 1,500 collegiate snaps.

The Saints badly needed help up front, and Banks gives them a tone-setter on the edge. He’s a fluid pass protector with quick feet, a calm anchor, and enough nasty to clear lanes in the run game. Whether Carr returns at full strength or the Saints pivot to a new quarterback, this pick shores up the blindside for whoever’s under center. It’s not flashy — but it’s smart, physical, and foundational.

No. 10 — Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

With offensive-minded head coach Ben Johnson stepping in and a full offseason to retool the roster, the Bears make a move to support their passing attack with one of the most versatile weapons in the class. Colston Loveland, a 6’6” matchup nightmare out of Michigan, gives Chicago a legit seam-stretching tight end who can line up anywhere and create mismatches. He’s a clean route runner with soft hands, surprising agility, and the frame to win in traffic.

The Bears spent the offseason bolstering the O-line, but this pick is about giving Caleb Williams a true middle-of-the-field weapon. Loveland blocks well enough to stay on the field in any situation, but it’s his pass-catching upside that unlocks Ben Johnson’s playbook.

It’s not the splashiest pick, but for a team that hasn’t had a consistent tight end threat in years, it could be a sneaky-good piece in their offensive rebuild.

No. 11 — San Francisco 49ers: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

After a season derailed by injuries and a defense that couldn’t hold up late in games, the 49ers get back to their roots — building out the front. Mykel Williams brings length, power, and a high motor to a San Francisco defensive line that lost some key pieces this offseason, including Javon Hargrave and Dre Greenlaw. At 6’5”, 260 pounds with 34-inch arms, he fits the physical mold this team has always valued up front.

Williams has the frame to set a strong edge and the twitch to get home as a rusher, but what makes him intriguing is his ability to line up in multiple spots. Georgia used him everywhere from stand-up rusher to 4i-tech, and he thrived in both roles. He’s still growing as a technician — particularly with his hand usage and pass-rush counters — but his power and effort show up every snap.

With Robert Saleh returning as defensive coordinator and key veterans getting healthy again, this should be a very different 49ers defense in 2025. Williams gives them a young piece with a high floor, real upside, and the physical tools to become a long-term anchor.

No. 12 — Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama

The first pick of the Brian Schottenheimer era in Dallas is a trench investment, and it’s a needed one. With future Hall of Famer Zack Martin retiring and the offensive line losing multiple veterans, the Cowboys go get their new tone-setter in Tyler Booker. The former Alabama standout is a throwback — big, physical, technically sound, and built to mash.

At 6’5” and 320+, Booker brings serious lower-body power and a heavy punch in the run game. He thrives in gap schemes, where he can fire off the ball and displace defenders, but also holds up well in pass pro thanks to strong hands and good balance. He’s not the fleetest-footed interior lineman in the class, but his processing and play strength make up for it.

Dallas is coming off a rough season filled with injuries and inconsistency. With Schottenheimer now in charge, this pick lays the foundation for an offense that wants to get back to its physical identity. Booker gives them an instant starter and long-term anchor inside.

No. 13 — Miami Dolphins: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Coming off a frustrating 8–9 season that saw injuries pile up and the offense stall, the Dolphins invest in the trenches with one of the most athletic big men in the draft. Kenneth Grant is a 330-pound disruptor who posted elite testing numbers and brings rare explosion for his size. He’s strong enough to eat double teams and agile enough to chase down plays from the backside — a rare combo at defensive tackle.

Miami’s defense flashed at times last year, but they struggled to consistently generate push inside, especially with aging veterans up front. Grant changes that. He’s a true anchor with pass-rush upside, and pairing him with Christian Wilkins gives the Dolphins a powerful duo in the middle.

This is a foundational pick for a team looking to regain its edge. With Anthony Weaver now running the defense and Mike McDaniel still calling the shots on offense, Miami adds a piece that fits both their immediate needs and long-term identity.

No. 14 — Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

The Colts go all-in on offensive flexibility by grabbing Tyler Warren, a former high school quarterback turned All-American tight end. At 6’5”, 255 pounds, Warren is a matchup problem — athletic enough to flex out and win in space, tough enough to block inline, and versatile enough to contribute in the run game or wildcat packages. He brings a unique skill set to an offense that’s still figuring out its identity with Anthony Richardson and newly acquired Daniel Jones competing at QB.

Warren had a breakout 2024 season, racking up over 1,200 receiving yards and earning the Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end. He understands leverage, has natural hands, and consistently makes tough grabs through contact. His ability to read defenses and adjust on the fly — thanks in part to his QB background — gives him a real edge at the next level.

For a Colts team that struggled with consistency last season and just missed the playoffs, this pick is about giving the offense another dynamic weapon. If Richardson takes the reins and stays healthy, Warren could quickly become his best friend over the middle. It’s a pick that boosts the floor and the ceiling of this offense.

No. 15 — Atlanta Falcons: Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia

The Falcons stay in-state and land one of the most versatile defensive playmakers in the draft. Jalon Walker brings an explosive first step, pass-rush juice, and the kind of versatility that new DC Jimmy Lake can build around. At 6'1", 243, Walker is a hybrid linebacker-edge rusher who won the Butkus Award in 2024 and logged 6.5 sacks, 11 TFLs, and two forced fumbles at Georgia. He’ll be used in a variety of ways — blitz packages, off-ball coverage, even lining up on the edge in obvious passing situations.

Atlanta is coming off an 8–9 season where they showed flashes but ultimately fell short of the playoffs for the seventh straight year. Kirk Cousins didn’t work out as planned, and Michael Penix Jr. saw some late-season reps, but it was the defense that let them down down the stretch. With key offseason additions like Leonard Floyd and Morgan Fox up front, the Falcons are trying to build a more aggressive, disruptive unit.

This pick gives them a high-upside piece who can attack from all over. If used right, Walker could be the modern weapon that elevates this group into something dangerous.

No. 16 — Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

The Cardinals continue to build out the trenches by taking Walter Nolen, a disruptive, athletic interior force who starred for Ole Miss after transferring from Texas A&M. At 6’4”, 296 pounds, Nolen brings quickness off the ball, heavy hands, and the strength to anchor against the run — all while offering legitimate pass-rush upside. He posted 14 TFLs and 6.5 sacks in 2024 while helping lead one of the best defensive fronts in college football.

Arizona took a step forward in 2024 behind a healthy Kyler Murray and a much-improved offense, but it was clear the defense needed more teeth up front. With injuries plaguing their O-line and depth concerns across the roster, the Cardinals went to work this offseason — adding veterans like Dalvin Tomlinson, Morgan Fox, and Divine Deablo. Nolen gives them a younger, high-upside piece who can play multiple spots on the interior and develop into a long-term cornerstone.

This pick shows the Cardinals are serious about getting stronger up front. With Jonathan Gannon and Monti Ossenfort heading into their third year together, it feels like they’re finally starting to build some real identity in the trenches on both sides of the ball.

No. 17 — Cincinnati Bengals: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M

The Bengals had one of the most explosive offenses in the league last year — Joe Burrow led the NFL in passing, Ja'Marr Chase won the receiving triple crown, and they hung 30+ points a game on just about everybody. But they also gave up nearly as much as they scored. Their defense ranked bottom three in points allowed, which ultimately kept them out of the playoffs.

So they go defense here, grabbing raw but freaky-talented edge rusher Shemar Stewart out of Texas A&M. Stewart tested through the roof — 6'5", 267 with a 4.59 forty and a 40-inch vert — and has the kind of traits you just can’t teach. He didn’t rack up huge sack numbers in college, but he was disruptive and led the Aggies in pressures. His game still needs refinement, especially when it comes to finishing plays and hand usage, but the upside is massive.

With Lou Anarumo out and Al Golden now calling the defense, this pick signals a shift toward athleticism and length on the edge. If Stewart can put it all together, he gives Cincinnati a much-needed injection of juice up front and a potential long-term bookend opposite Trey Hendrickson.

No. 18 — Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State

The Seahawks had a solid 10–7 season in 2024 under first-year head coach Mike Macdonald but missed the playoffs due to tiebreakers. Their roster saw massive turnover this offseason, headlined by the departures of Geno Smith, DK Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett. In came Sam Darnold and Cooper Kupp, starting a truly new era on offense. With Klint Kubiak now calling plays, the front office made it clear they’re reshaping this team from the ground up.

That starts with the offensive line, where Seattle grabs one of the most athletic and versatile interior linemen in the class. Grey Zabel, a 6’6”, 312-pound mauler out of North Dakota State, brings a mix of toughness, mobility, and versatility. He played all over the line in college and helped lead NDSU to an FCS title in 2024. His tape shows a guy who thrives in the run game and moves well in space, even if his shorter arms might limit him a bit against NFL edge guys.

Zabel fits exactly what the Seahawks are trying to build — smart, nasty, athletic linemen who can grow together. With all the changes happening in Seattle, this feels like a foundational piece for the trenches.

No. 19 — Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

The Bucs offense was already one of the league’s best last year — Baker Mayfield was an MVP candidate, Mike Evans tied Jerry Rice’s record with his 11th straight 1,000-yard season, Chris Godwin did his thing, and rookie back Bucky Irving added another dimension. Now they’re adding Emeka Egbuka to the mix, and suddenly this wide receiver trio looks like one of the most dangerous in the league.

Egbuka is a smooth, polished route-runner with reliable hands and serious burst after the catch. He's  Ohio State’s all-time receptions leader and one of the most dependable targets in college football. His ability to line up inside or outside gives Tampa flexibility and should help stretch defenses horizontally and vertically.

This is a luxury pick for a team already loaded on offense, but it also sets Baker Mayfield up for another massive year. With Todd Bowles returning and new OC Josh Grizzard taking over the playcalling, Tampa’s goal is clear: keep pouring gas on the fire and let the offense go to work.

No. 20 — Denver Broncos: Jahdae Barron, DB, Texas

After finally getting back to the playoffs last season for the first time since 2015, the Broncos are looking to keep that momentum rolling — and they’re doing it with defense. Denver was one of the league’s stingiest units in 2024, ranking third in points allowed, but they lost some veteran pieces in the secondary and needed a spark. Enter Jahdae Barron.

Barron is one of the most versatile and instinctive defensive backs in the class. He played corner, nickel, and safety at Texas, racked up five picks and 16 PBUs last year, and won the Thorpe Award as the top DB in college football. He’s got great instincts, physicality, and the kind of football IQ that lets him play fast and smart.

With Sean Payton adding pieces like Talanoa Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw this offseason, Denver’s defense is built to be aggressive and flexible. Barron gives them a movable piece who can slide into different packages, cover the slot, and fly downhill when needed. It’s a smart pick that matches the direction this defense is heading.

No. 21 — Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

And the slide of Shaduer Sanders continues...

The Steelers' identity has always been built on defense, and they stay true to that by taking Derrick Harmon, a powerful and technically sound interior lineman who transferred from Michigan State to Oregon and had a breakout year. At 6’4”, 313 pounds, Harmon brings a mix of size, leverage, and hand strength that makes him tough to move in the run game and disruptive as a pass-rusher.

Pittsburgh made the playoffs last year thanks to their defense and a gritty season under Mike Tomlin, but the offense was streaky, and the defensive front needed reinforcements. Harmon gives them a piece that can rotate in early and potentially take over a starting role down the line. He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable, strong at the point of attack, and gives the Steelers more control in the trenches.

With the addition of D.K. Metcalf, this offseason’s been about balancing out the roster — and Harmon helps steady the middle of that defense.

No. 22 — Los Angeles Chargers: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

Jim Harbaugh didn’t waste time putting his stamp on the Chargers. After an 11–6 season with the league’s top-ranked scoring defense, the focus now shifts to helping Justin Herbert on the offensive side — and Hampton does exactly that.

A two-time All-American at UNC, Hampton rushed for over 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns the past two seasons. He’s a downhill runner with great balance, sneaky burst, and solid hands out of the backfield. At 6'0”, 221, he’s built to handle a heavy workload but also gives Herbert a true check-down option with pass-pro upside.

With Najee Harris and J.K. Dobbins also in the building, Hampton doesn’t need to be the guy on Day 1 — but long-term, this is a clear investment in giving the offense more versatility and physicality. Harbaugh loves tough runners, and Hampton fits that mold perfectly.

No. 23 — Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

The Packers stay aggressive in supporting Jordan Love by adding one of the fastest wideouts in the draft. Matthew Golden clocked a 4.29 in the 40 and brings home-run speed to a Green Bay offense that’s already taking shape. After transferring to Texas, Golden averaged over 17 yards a catch and added value in the return game, showing he can flip field position in a hurry.

Green Bay reached the playoffs again last year and continues to build around Love with smart, versatile pieces. Golden may not be a volume receiver right away, but his speed and ability to stretch defenses vertically give the Packers a new dimension on offense — one that pairs nicely with a revamped receiving corps and a physical run game led by Josh Jacobs.

No. 24 — Minnesota Vikings: Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State

With J.J. McCarthy set to finally take over at quarterback after missing all of last season with a knee injury, the Vikings make a smart move by investing in protection. Donovan Jackson is one of the most polished interior linemen in the class — a multi-year starter at Ohio State who’s played both guard and tackle.

Minnesota is coming off a 14–3 season where they nearly snagged the top seed in the conference with Sam Darnold under center. Now they pivot to their future, and that means keeping McCarthy upright. Jackson brings strong hands, good feet, and the ability to play multiple spots if needed. With veteran Ryan Kelly at center and a solid tackle duo already in place, this is about locking in the interior and giving the rookie QB a chance to settle in.

No. 25 — New York Giants: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss

Trade: Acquired from the Texans in exchange for picks 34, 99, and a 2026 third-rounder.

It wasn’t Shedeur. It wasn’t Milroe. The Giants made the biggest quarterback shock of the draft, trading up to take Jaxson Dart — making him the second QB off the board and leapfrogging several players who were projected to go higher.

Dart is a gamer. He’s got a cannon for an arm, showed off serious growth at Ole Miss, and just capped off a season where he broke Eli Manning’s school passing record. At 6’2”, 223, he’s a stocky, mobile QB who thrives throwing off-platform and isn’t afraid to take shots downfield. He can improvise, run through contact, and gives the Giants a different flavor than what they’ve had in recent years.

But here’s the twist: New York’s QB room already includes Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. That’s three very different styles, three very different eras of quarterbacking, and a whole lot of uncertainty. It’s a bold move, and it says the Giants aren’t convinced by anything they currently have.

Technically, Dart still needs work with post-snap reads and handling pressure, but the tools are real. If Brian Daboll can clean up the rough edges, this could end up being the best pick of the night — or the one that defines his tenure.

No. 26 — Atlanta Falcons: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee

Trade: Acquired from the Rams by sending picks 46, 242, and a 2026 first-rounder in return.

The Falcons jumped back into the first round to land one of the freakiest athletes in the draft. James Pearce Jr. has burst, length, and pass-rush upside that’s impossible to ignore. He ran a blazing 4.47 at 6’5”, 245 pounds and racked up 19.5 sacks over his college career at Tennessee.

Atlanta’s defense was middle of the road last year, and even with additions like Leonard Floyd and Morgan Fox, they still lacked juice on the edge. Pearce changes that. He’s not a finished product against the run, but his explosiveness off the line gives DC Jimmy Lake a real weapon to move around.

Coming off an 8–9 season where they couldn’t get over the hump, the Falcons are clearly leaning into young defensive playmakers by double dipping in the first round and coming out with two potential star edge rushers. Pearce may not be a Day 1 full-time starter, but he’s going to get snaps — and if he develops, he’s got double-digit sack potential.

No. 27 — Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

The Ravens love smart, versatile defenders, and Malaki Starks fits that mold to a tee. A three-year starter at Georgia, Starks played deep safety, nickel, and even some boundary snaps in college. He’s instinctive, fast, and tough — exactly what Baltimore needed after moving on from Marcus Williams this offseason.

Starks isn’t flashy, but he’s incredibly steady. He tallied nearly 200 career tackles, six picks, and 17 pass breakups while helping lead one of the top defenses in the country. His football IQ is elite, and he’s rarely out of position. With Chidobe Awuzie added at corner and Kyle Hamilton roaming around, this Ravens secondary is shaping up to be the real deal.

Coming off a 12–5 season with the league’s most balanced offense, Baltimore reloads on the back end. This is a classic Ravens pick — smart, physical, and built to last.

No. 28 — Detroit Lions: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State

The Lions were one of the best teams in football last year — 15 wins, a top-10 defense, and a loaded offense. But when their season ended with a 45-point meltdown against Washington after a snowball of injuries on the defensive end, it was clear they still needed more beef in the middle. Enter Tyleik Williams, a 334-pound hammer out of Ohio State.

Williams is a true space-eater with rare get-off for his size. He’s violent with his hands, sets a sturdy anchor in the run game, and showed flashes of interior pass rush on tape. This is a guy who can command double teams and help keep linebackers clean, which is huge for a Detroit team that wants to stay aggressive.

Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes have done a phenomenal job building the trenches, and Williams fits their mold — tough, physical, and no-nonsense. With Kerby Joseph getting locked up and D.J. Reed coming in at corner, this pick rounds out a front that should be much better (and hopefully healthier) in 2025.

No. 29 — Washington Commanders: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

Jayden Daniels was electric last year — Offensive Rookie of the Year, deep playoff run, and the clear future of the franchise. Now, Washington turns to protecting him with Josh Conerly Jr., one of the cleanest pass-prospects in the class.

Conerly started three years at left tackle for Oregon and allowed just two sacks across over 1,100 snaps. He’s athletic, smart, and technical — all traits that will help immediately at the next level. While Laremy Tunsil is also in the mix, this gives the Commanders options, depth, and a long-term answer if injuries pop up or they decide to move pieces around.

Coming off a 12–5 season with a new regime and huge roster overhaul, Washington continues to build smart around Daniels. They’ve added Deebo, Lattimore, and brought back Bobby Wagner this offseason — and now they’ve got another foundational piece for the line. This one makes a lot of sense.

No. 30 — Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

The Bills hit the reset button in the secondary with a pure ballhawk in Maxwell Hairston. After trading Kaiir Elam and getting burned in key moments late last season, Buffalo adds a corner who led the SEC in interceptions and thrives in zone-heavy systems. Hairston isn’t just productive — he’s instinctive, fluid, and has great hands at the catch point.

At 6’1”, 181, he’s lean but sticky in coverage, especially with eyes on the QB. He had six picks and multiple pick-sixes in 2024, and he brings the kind of playmaking that can flip a game. Tackling is still a work in progress, and he’ll need to bulk up to handle more physical matchups, but the instincts and awareness are top-tier.

Coming off a 13–4 season and an AFC title game appearance, the Bills are chasing margins — and this is a value pick that could pay off quickly. With Tre'Davious White aging and the rest of the CB room in flux, Hairston steps in as a long-term solution with immediate upside.

No. 31 — Philadelphia Eagles: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

Trade: Acquired from the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for pick 32 and a 2025 fifth-rounder (No. 164).

The defending champs plug one of their few defensive holes by grabbing Jihaad Campbell — a rangy, athletic linebacker who can fly sideline to sideline and cover in space. Campbell was a steady force at Alabama, notching over 100 tackles in 2024 while flashing plus coverage ability and pass-rush upside.

At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, he’s built for the modern NFL. He can hang with backs and tight ends in coverage, attack downhill against the run, and play all three linebacker spots if needed. With the retirements of Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham, the Eagles needed to get younger and faster on defense — Campbell helps do both.

Coming off a historic 14–3 season and a Super Bowl rout of the Chiefs, Philly is reloading, not rebuilding. This pick keeps the athleticism on defense sharp and adds a guy who could become the next great Eagles LB if developed right.

No. 32 — Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

After giving up six sacks in the Super Bowl loss to Philly, the Chiefs make a smart move for protection. Josh Simmons is raw but talented — a former San Diego State standout who transferred to Ohio State and locked down the left tackle spot before tearing his patellar tendon midway through 2024.

At 6-foot-5, 317 pounds, Simmons has the frame and tools to develop into a legit starter. His pass sets are clean, he mirrors well in space, and he’s got the kind of foot quickness that you can’t teach. There are still questions about his power and his recovery from injury, but the upside here is clear — especially for a Chiefs team that knows Mahomes is everything.

With Joe Thuney gone and protection slipping late last year, this is a long-view pick that could pay off big. Simmons might not start right away, but if he gets healthy and takes to NFL coaching, he’s got real long-term potential.