The wait is just about over. We’re now one day away from the start of the 2025 NFL Draft.
After months of evaluations, predictions and a steady flow of mock drafts, the night all 32 teams and their fans have been anticipating will officially kick off. There’s been lots of intrigue surrounding this year’s class, as no one is completely sure how the top of the draft will play out. Miami quarterback Cam Ward will presumably go No. 1 overall to the Tennessee Titans, but then the fun begins.
Our staff of NFL reporters took one more stab at predicting the first round with our final beat writer mock draft before the real deal begins Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.
1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
The only drama here is the extent to which the Titans will overdramatize their possibilities before making a selection that has been obvious for weeks. The NFL would certainly love to see some manufactured intrigue. Maybe the Titans would still love to see a ridiculous offer from another team that they can’t refuse. But that’s not coming, not for a prospect who rates as the clear top quarterback in this draft but might have been the sixth signal caller taken a year ago.
Ward has the tools to be great, and some risk-taking tendencies that need retooling. He joins a franchise that has successfully taken a quarterback high in the draft once, in 1995 with Steve McNair. He joins an organization with ownership issues, a rebuilt front office and a second-year coach (Brian Callahan) who must quickly prove he is indeed a QB developer. He joins a team with holes all over the field. — Joe Rexrode
Cam Ward Miami (FL) HT
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Loose, instinctive passer who can rip accurate strikes with natural rhythm
2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
I’m not completely convinced the Browns are taking Hunter over Abdul Carter, but they have talked Hunter up publicly to the point that most feel their decision is made. Hunter wants to play both offense and defense, and Cleveland likely views him as a wide receiver first.
In either case, if Hunter is the pick, the Browns believe he is talented enough to help on both sides as they navigate how to divide his preparation time and put him in positions to immediately impact games. The Browns need offensive pop, and given some seasoning and solid quarterback play, Hunter could eventually become a true big-play threat in the pass game who also gets designed touches and plays in certain defensive packages. — Zac Jackson
3. New York Giants: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
The top three prospects have felt certain over the last few weeks, and all that’s been changing is the back-and-forth between Hunter and Carter to the Browns. There’s no need to force a QB pick here, and the Giants go with the blue-chip bet. They choose a formidable prospect who could help re-establish their pass rush of yesteryears.
Carter will instantly add to the Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns rotation. Combine that trio with All-Pro Dexter Lawrence, and the Giants will truly have a defensive line that should cause problems for opposing offensive coordinators. — Charlotte Carroll
4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
The harsh reality for the Patriots is that there isn’t an obvious, clear-cut fourth-best prospect for them here. But given their current situation as they kick off the Mike Vrabel era with a still-rebuilding roster, let’s go with a safe pick in Campbell.
Will he be a left tackle for years to come given his lack of length? Who knows. But he should be a solid offensive lineman for a long time, even if he ends up at guard. The Pats could use a lot more players like that. — Chad Graff
Will Campbell LSU HT
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Short arms but wins with athleticism, strength and competitiveness
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
There have been a handful of offensive pieces linked to the Jaguars, and there’s a valid case to be made for Liam Coen to boost the skill players around Trevor Lawrence. However, Graham is the best player on the board and will help Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker off the edge. The Jaguars can tap into the talented pool of running backs, tight ends and receivers later in the draft. — Jeff Howe
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The Raiders need help everywhere and will take a true best-player-available approach to the draft. Once they got on the clock, there was no question that the player was Jeanty. He should immediately become the difference-maker in the backfield that the Raiders have lacked since they let Josh Jacobs walk last offseason.
To perform like one of the top running backs in the league, however, he’ll need the Raiders to do more to improve an offensive line that was one of the worst in the NFL last year. The lone significant addition they made this offseason was guard Alex Cappa, and he’s struggled in back-to-back seasons. O-line has to be a top priority for the Raiders going into Day 2 of the draft. — Tashan Reed
7. New York Jets: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
The Jets tried to trade down with New Orleans to pull out a couple of extra picks for a QB-needy team, but the Saints wouldn’t bite. Maybe they’re bitter after Aaron Glenn spurned them. Alas, the Jets are going chalk.
It was always going to be either Membou or Penn State tight end Tyler Warren. We went with Membou with the hope that someone like LSU’s Mason Taylor falls to No. 42, the Jets’ second-round pick. Membou will start on day one at right tackle as part of what should be a solid offensive line entirely made up of under-30 players. — Zack Rosenblatt
8. Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia
I feel like I’ve written 4,000 words on Walker over the past three months, and there could be more in store in the coming days and weeks. While Panthers general manager Dan Morgan has strongly suggested his preference would be to trade back, he may not have any takers.
I unsuccessfully tried to get Pittsburgh to trade with Carolina to get in front of New Orleans in this exercise. It’s not like the Panthers would be settling with Walker, a natural playmaker and culture-builder — two things Carolina needs more of. What’s less clear is whether Walker can be an edge-rushing force in the NFL, but that’s a projection Morgan seems willing to bet on. — Joseph Person
9. New Orleans Saints: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The suspense surrounding this pick mounted once the Raiders passed on Shedeur Sanders. Despite the Saints’ desperate situation at quarterback, taking one at No. 9 feels like a mistake. Warren was a prolific weapon in the receiving game in college and gives New Orleans a long-term option at the position with injury issues to Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau.
Yes, Juwan Johnson re-signed this offseason, but offensive firepower for a to-be-announced quarterback still wouldn’t hurt. He’s No. 8 on the big board from “The Beast,” so this feels like a smart, safe pick. Something tells me, though, that New Orleans still might be on the QB hunt before the end of Round 1. — Larry Holder
10. Chicago Bears: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
This might be a frustrating scenario for Bears fans, with Campbell, Graham, Jeanty, Membou and Warren off the board, and no one wanted to trade up for Sanders. Here’s some synergy with 2018 — when the Bears hired a first-time, offensive-minded head coach, but the first pick of the Matt Nagy era was Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith, who would massively help veteran defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s defense.
Seven years later, Ryan Poles and first-time, offensive-minded head coach Ben Johnson get a weapon for veteran defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s defense in Williams, who has the size and length that fits what Allen likes at the position. With Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo already on the roster, Williams doesn’t need to be more than a rotational edge rusher early on, as he can continue to grow into the position and help a Bears pass rush that sorely needs it. — Kevin Fishbain
11. San Francisco 49ers: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
If the board fell this way, the 49ers would be looking at Nolen, Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, Texas A&M defensive end Shemar Stewart and Texas tackle/guard Kelvin Banks Jr. Nolen wins that competition because the interior of San Francisco’s defensive line is currently bereft of talent, and because he’s such a good scheme fit.
Defensive line coach Kris Kocurek wants powerful defensive tackles who spring off the snap and attack gaps. That’s Nolen, who had 35 quarterback pressures last season and was a strong tackler in run defense. With Nolen on board, the 49ers would be on the lookout for a bigger-bodied defensive tackle later in the draft, someone like Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams, Texas’ Alfred Collins or Oregon’s Jamaree Caldwell. — Matt Barrows
12. Dallas Cowboys: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Cowboys went heavy on defense during free agency, which would lead many to believe they will attack their offensive holes through the draft. One of the biggest holes is with the No. 2 wide receiver spot. The Cowboys have a bona fide No. 1 in CeeDee Lamb and a collection of receivers who fit the mold of No. 3 options and beyond. However, they haven’t had a reliable No. 2 for the past couple of years after the Brandin Cooks experiment did not pan out.
While the Cowboys can still get their RB1 in the second or third round, the first round may be their only shot to get a No. 2 receiver. To have the board fall in a way that they have their choice from the entire receiver crop would be fortunate. McMillan is not only a great talent, but he possesses a skill set that complements Lamb well and would open things up for Dak Prescott in the pass game. — Saad Yousuf
13. Miami Dolphins: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
I won’t lie: I was tempted to take Sanders, who I think could be a good fit for Mike McDaniel’s offense. But I decided against it, as it would be a luxury pick this regime cannot afford to make right now. The roster, particularly on defense, has way too many holes. Miami needs guys who can play right away, and that’s what Johnson is. According to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, he’s a “day one starting outside cornerback.”
The Dolphins already have a hole at cornerback, and if they truly plan to trade Jalen Ramsey, that hole becomes too gaping to ignore. This defense also desperately needs help on the interior, but it’s a deep defensive tackle class, so Miami can afford to wait until Day 2. As for the hole(s) at safety, South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori was the other player I considered here. — Jim Ayello
14. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
I tried to trade back from No. 14, which would’ve been a classic move by Colts general manager Chris Ballard, but everyone stood pat. The Steelers also tried to move up from No. 21 in a trade proposal centered on veteran Minkah Fitzpatrick, but I immediately shot that down since Indy doesn’t need another safety.
After some deliberation, I eventually selected Loveland over Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell. Loveland, 21, fills the most glaring hole on Indy’s roster and offers a lot of upside thanks to his fluid route running and sticky hands that should make him a constant mismatch. I also think he’s a better blocker than given credit for. — James Boyd
Colston Loveland Michigan HT
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Primary target with tools and upside reminiscent of Zach Ertz
15. Atlanta Falcons: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
The Falcons tried hard to trade down from this spot but didn’t get any serious takers. Maybe that will end up being good luck in the long run. Green has juice around the edge, and Atlanta hasn’t had a pass rusher with juice in a long time. The 6-foot-3, 251-pound Green is Brugler’s No. 4 pass rusher and No. 10 overall prospect.
Green, who led the FBS in sacks last year with 17, has off-field issues (two sexual assault allegations that resulted in no charges, and in which Green has denied any wrongdoing) and won’t be an option for some teams, but Atlanta will point to strong references from his coaches and will be motivated by a chance to fix its historically bad sack numbers. — Josh Kendall
16. Arizona Cardinals: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
The Cardinals’ best move might be trading back and selecting an offensive lineman, someone like Alabama’s Tyler Booker or Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson. If they stay at 16, they cannot go wrong with the versatile and dependable Harmon, who led FBS interior defensive tackles during his final college season with 55 pressures.
Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell deserves consideration, especially since he plays a position of need, but general manager Monti Ossenfort and coach Jonathan Gannon believe strongly in using the draft to build the trenches. The Cardinals upgraded their defensive front during free agency. Harmon continues that push. — Doug Haller
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas
The entire league might be expecting the Bengals to go defense here, but potentially finding a long-term answer in protecting Joe Burrow and raising the floor for the line as a whole goes a long way. Banks would plug in as a starter at guard immediately, with a chance to become a tackle of the future or, at the very least, move out to tackle if injury issues return for Orlando Brown Jr. or Amarius Mims on the edges.
Suddenly, the Bengals’ offensive line feels more stable for the short and long term than at any point with Burrow. Paired with the return of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the offense is set, and Cincinnati can turn all attention to the other side of the ball and take advantage of the defensive line depth for new coordinator Al Golden. — Paul Dehner Jr.
18. Detroit Lions (via Seahawks): Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
Seahawks trade No. 18 to Lions for Nos. 28, 102 and a 2026 third-round pick
The Lions don’t have a long-term edge option next to Aidan Hutchinson. General manager Brad Holmes is all about landing the right player, though, and won’t just take an edge to fill a need. Stewart, whom the Lions brought in for a top 30 visit, ranks No. 9 on Brugler’s final big board. If there’s a scenario where he or Mykel Williams makes it to the mid-to-late teens, I could see Detroit going up. The Lions were awarded third-round comp picks in 2025 (No. 102) and 2026 for Glenn’s departure, which makes the capital easier to part with.
Stewart lacked sack production in college but led Texas A&M with 39 pressures and was excellent at both the Senior Bowl and combine (a perfect 10.00 relative athletic score). He has size, speed, length and all the tools to develop into a dream fit next to Hutchinson as the Lions continue to hand out extensions to members of their young core. — Colton Pouncy
Shemar Stewart Texas A&M HT
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Rare combination of talent and motor to be game-wrecker against run or pass
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
The Bucs already signed Haason Reddick in free agency and have a potential emerging star at edge in Yaya Diaby. But there’s no such thing as too much pass rush, and coach Todd Bowles believes big plays on defense can take the Bucs to a higher level. Also worth noting is that Reddick signed a one-year contract and may only be a temporary solution.
A proven producer, Ezeiruaku is likely to appeal to Bucs general manager Jason Licht, one of the NFL’s most shrewd talent evaluators. Licht also may find it difficult to pass Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell or one of the cornerbacks. The Bucs may be tempted by Georgia safety Malaki Starks, who would blend nicely with Antoine Winfield Jr. What seems certain is the Bucs will have good options. — Dan Pompei
20. Denver Broncos: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
The Broncos reached out to the Browns and Giants to gauge their interest in moving up to draft a quarterback. Both GMs passed, the Giants ultimately striking a friendlier deal with the Steelers. They tried to leverage the Lions’ desire to move up for a pass rusher, but Detroit ultimately made a pact with Seattle to get up to No. 18. With no takers in a trade back, the Broncos considered explosive wide receiver Matthew Golden, versatile linebacker Jihaad Campbell and another running back, TreVeyon Henderson, at No. 20.
Ultimately, the selection of Hampton provides an immediate and significant upgrade to a Broncos backfield that lacked firepower last season. Adding a running back who rushed for more than 3,000 yards across the past two seasons should help quarterback Bo Nix take a big leap in Year 2 after a promising rookie season in which he helped lead the Broncos to the playoffs for the first time in nine years. — Nick Kosmider
21. New York Giants (via Steelers): Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Steelers trade Nos. 21 and 185 to Giants for Nos. 34, 154 and a 2026 second-rounder
The Giants get a little spicy for their first quarterback selection since Daniel Jones in 2019. Having already landed a blue-chip prospect (Carter) with their No. 3 pick, the Giants felt more comfortable taking a risk with this trade to get the quarterback of the future.
In negotiating earlier attempts to trade up, losing the No. 65 pick felt a bit too rich, so the Giants were more comfortable doling out No. 154 and looking ahead to 2026. After all, if the Giants get this quarterback pick right, who cares? Then they still have both third-rounders to invest in defensive and offensive line additions. Plus, this team might now have the most fun QB room in NFL history. — Carroll
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Need and value aligned quite beautifully for the Chargers. On a broad level, they’re lacking playmakers on offense outside of slot receiver Ladd McConkey. On a more specific level, they’re desperate for pass-catching options to threaten defenses vertically. Late in the 2024 season, opponents started doubling and even tripling McConkey, who was the Chargers’ only pass catcher capable of consistently beating man coverage.
The Chargers must solve that problem heading into 2025 and find options who can take attention away from McConkey. They missed out on truly upgrading at receiver in free agency. Golden is the No. 15 player on Brugler’s big board. The Chargers get him at 22. He has 4.29 speed and the ability to win in various ways in the deep part of the field. — Daniel Popper
23. Green Bay Packers: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Green Bay’s run defense improved vastly last season under first-year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. After mammoth defensive tackle T.J. Slaton signed with the Bengals in free agency, the Packers replace him with the run-stuffing menace Grant, whose 6-foot-4, 330-pound frame isn’t anything to scoff at.
With pass-rush upside, Grant can eventually help what was an inconsistent pass rush last season, which got little in that department from interior defensive linemen. And if Kenny Clark is in his last year or two with the Packers, Grant can be their new anchor up front whenever he leaves. — Matt Schneidman
24. Minnesota Vikings: Grey Zabel, C, North Dakota State
Were the Vikings tempted to trade back? Absolutely. Few teams were willing to part with premium picks on Day 2, though, so it did not feel like the optimal move. Losing out on maybe the most versatile offensive lineman in the draft would have stung. Instead, Minnesota landed an immediate starter at left guard, introducing Zabel next to elite left tackle Christian Darrisaw and veteran center Ryan Kelly. His addition gives Minnesota maybe the most improved front in the NFL, with Will Fries and Brian O’Neill also in the mix.
Zabel’s movement ability also keeps him an option for multiple future positions. If Kelly suffers an injury, Zabel could slide over and play center. He also played both left and right tackle in college. Taking an interior offensive lineman at the top might feel like a reach — and it was difficult to rule out Alabama’s Booker as an option here, too — but Zabel’s ability to play all five positions made him the pick. — Alec Lewis
25. Houston Texans: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
After working to fortify their defense — by extending rising stars and adding veteran talent — the Texans use their first pick of the draft on Simmons, in hopes of finding a reliable blindside protector for young quarterback C.J. Stroud. After trading Laremy Tunsil to Washington, left tackle became a pressing need.
Houston signed veteran Cam Robinson to a one-year deal, and he could serve as a bridge if Simmons isn’t ready to start on day one after suffering a knee injury midway through his final season at Ohio State. Once healthy, Simmons has the potential to shine. Had it not been for the injury, and with a stronger interview process, he could have wound up as the first offensive tackle selected in this draft. — Mike Jones
26. Chicago Bears (via Rams): Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Rams trade Nos. 26 and 127 to Bears for Nos. 39, 72 and a 2026 fifth-rounder
Sometimes you have to go get your guy. Taking advantage of the two second-round picks, the Bears were able to move up, recoup a fourth and get a game-changing receiver in Egbuka. If you’re trading up, it should be for a premium position and someone you feel really good about. While Egbuka might not flash dominant traits, he’s “a very quarterback-friendly target,” per Brugler, and would be a perfect complement to Rome Odunze and DJ Moore, providing Caleb Williams quite the trio of receivers.
There’s a big drop-off at wideout on the roster after Odunze and Moore. Enter Egbuka. If the Bears don’t go tight end or running back at No. 10, this allows them to get a weapon for Williams and Ben Johnson, and they can go offensive tackle at No. 41 and still find a starter. — Fishbain
Emeka Egbuka Ohio State HT
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QB-friendly target who understands subtleties of the position
27. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
If the Ravens are on the clock and Booker, safeties Nick Emmanwori and Malaki Starks, inside linebacker Jihaad Campbell and cornerback Jahdae Barron are all available, general manager Eric DeCosta will be looking to trade back four or five spots, knowing one of those guys will still fall to Baltimore.
My phone, however, didn’t ring. Booker is a plug-and-play guard with Pro Bowl potential. He’s a mauler in the run game and fits the Ravens’ style perfectly. It was tough to bypass one of the safeties, but this draft class features some very good Day 2 options. This draft is about solidifying the trenches for Baltimore. — Jeff Zrebiec
28. Seattle Seahawks (via Lions): Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
An increase in analytics has led to a lack of uniformity among teams regarding trade value charts, Seahawks general manager John Schneider says, which is why compensation for deals in this portion of the first round has diminished in recent years. That said, this exchange results in an extra third-round pick this year and a future third — which Seattle will value, I’d imagine — to move down 10 spots and select a player it should be willing to draft at No. 18.
Campbell, the No. 14 prospect in Brugler’s top 100, is a do-it-all linebacker who would fit nicely next to Ernest Jones IV. When Mike Macdonald had the No. 1 defense in football, his unit featured a pair of stud inside linebackers. Seattle traded for Jones and gave him a new three-year contract. Further investment in this position shouldn’t catch anyone by surprise. — Michael-Shawn Dugar
29. New Orleans Saints (via Commanders): Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Commanders trade No. 29 to Saints for Nos. 40, 93 and 184
Finally, the Saints have drafted a quarterback in Round 1. The last one in 1971 also came from Ole Miss: Archie Manning. I didn’t want to risk waiting until No. 40 for Dart or Tyler Shough to fall. So losing the price didn’t feel too high since the Saints kept their earlier third-round pick with this deal. As for Dart, I feel like he brings more to the table than Sanders. I would’ve taken Dart even if Sanders was available.
If Derek Carr can’t play with his shoulder injury, this would give the Saints a legitimate quarterback battle between Dart and Spencer Rattler. Do I think Dart is a Week 1 starter? Well, he might have to be if he’s the best option available for first-year coach Kellen Moore. Dart might be the long-term answer in New Orleans. He might not. But I wasn’t leaving the first round without a challenger to Rattler for the starting job. — Holder
30. Buffalo Bills: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
After working the phones for much of the draft for a potential trade-down, the Bills couldn’t look at a gift of Barron making it to No. 30 and not take advantage. Most projections have him going within the top 15. Barron would become a potential day one starter at boundary cornerback, having the plus instincts and ball skills perfectly suited to their zone scheme and being a tenacious run defender.
He’s a little smaller than the Bills typically go for at boundary cornerback, but they were high on the similarly statured Trent McDuffie in 2022 before the Chiefs swooped in to take him. Barron’s skill set in Buffalo’s defense transcends any height or length concerns while also allowing for some personnel creativity. — Joe Buscaglia
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
This mock didn’t go in the Chiefs’ favor throughout the first 20 picks. Of course, the Texans’ selection of Simmons was perhaps the last left tackle prospect general manager Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid could consider for the first round. With most of the top pass-rushing prospects no longer available, the best decision for the Chiefs is to keep things simple: Who is the most talented prospect on the board? Burden is the easy answer, even if this selection is a bit of a luxury for Kansas City.
Burden has above-average skills when it comes to generating yards after the catch, and there are few coaches better than Reid at designing passing plays for such a receiver alongside tight end Travis Kelce. “We always want to surround (quarterback Patrick Mahomes) with playmakers, and the more talented wideouts you can throw on the field at one time is something important to us,” Veach said last week. With 2025 likely being Kelce’s final season, it’s a wise decision for the Chiefs to surround Mahomes with a trio of young receivers in Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Burden. — Nate Taylor
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
The Eagles do what they’ve never done in the Super Bowl era: spend a first-round pick on a safety. Emmanwori was simply the best player available, and it helps that he fulfills a position of need. There was brief consideration to select Josh Conerly Jr. out of Oregon, but right tackle Lane Johnson remains under contract through 2027 and the Eagles got considerable production at right guard last season at a lower investment than they’d be spending on Conerly.
The Eagles instead acquire Emmanwori, a physical freak whose four interceptions in 2024 included two pick sixes. — Brooks Kubena
Round 2 (teams without a first-round pick)
34. Pittsburgh Steelers (via Giants): Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo
The Steelers found out the hard way in 2022 when they drafted Kenny Pickett that just because a team needs a quarterback doesn’t mean the answer will be there in the first round. With Sanders still on the board at No. 21, Pittsburgh was preparing to draft Grant, the defensive tackle out of Michigan, when the phone rang with an opportunity to add a 2026 second-round pick. As part of the trade with the Giants, the Steelers also turned their 2025 sixth-rounder into a fifth in a pick swap.
But what about quarterback, you ask? The Steelers have been stockpiling picks for next year, when the draft is in Pittsburgh and the QB class is considered much stronger. The Steelers are already expected to receive four comp picks in 2026. By adding an early Day 2 pick to the arsenal, they’ll be well-positioned to move up and take an aggressive swing at a quarterback next year.
By trading out of the first round, the Steelers would also be betting on the depth of the defensive tackle class. In this exercise, the Steelers landed Alexander. The 6-foot-4, 305-pound lineman took a “30” visit in Pittsburgh and was voted the National team’s top defensive lineman at the Senior Bowl, where the Steelers love to find talent. — Mike DeFabo
39. Los Angeles Rams (via Bears): Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
I have predicted that the Rams will either select a skill player or an offensive lineman with their first pick in this year’s draft. As we know, general manager Les Snead will probably want to trade back into the second round, and the Bears offered the perfect opportunity. Although the Rams signed Davante Adams to a two-year deal and extended Tutu Atwell on a one-year deal, there is very little depth behind the trio of Puka Nacua, Atwell and Adams.
Coach Sean McVay wants to keep evolving his offense, and the return of quarterback Matthew Stafford (for at least one more season) puts the Rams in win-now mode after consecutive playoff runs. Noel is a fit in McVay’s offense not just from the slot, where he played most of his college snaps, but also as a motion and misdirection player with trusty hands and explosive ability. He will also have a connection to Nathan Scheelhaase, the Rams’ pass game coordinator who was previously the offensive coordinator at Iowa State. — Jourdan Rodrigue
Jaylin Noel Iowa State HT
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Confident hands and versatility reminiscent of Christian Kirk as a prospect
40. Washington Commanders (via Saints): Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M
Adding talent around quarterback Jayden Daniels and speed on both sides of the ball are Washington’s top priorities. Acquiring additional draft picks helps the cause, though Oregon’s Conerly, Ohio State’s Henderson and Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos were tempting. Three trades since November left the Commanders with only five picks in 2025 (two in the top 127) and 2026.
Edge rusher is the Commanders’ top need, and Scourton, Brugler’s No. 59 prospect, is a perfect match on the field (2023 Big Ten leader in sacks, 29 tackles for loss over last two seasons) and in the locker room (team captain at Purdue at the age of 19). Scourton’s athletic ceiling is lower than other edge prospects, but don’t be stunned if he is a first-round pick, in which case Washington could pivot to East Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. — Ben Standig
(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; photos: Scott Taetsch, Ed Zurga, Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)
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