We’re over halfway through the NFL season, with many franchises already setting their eyes to the NFL Draft in April. It’s a way to inject rosters with impactful, young players who will become franchise cornerstones for years to come. The draft is often extremely chaotic, which is almost impossible to predict. However, it’s possible to make predictions based on the team needs, particularly those at the top. Let’s break down my predictions for how the first 32 will shake out come April.
Jacksonville Jaguars, Pick #1: Travis Hunter, Colorado (WR/DB)
Travis Hunter may be one of the most electrifying prospects ever. Hunter has the unique talents to play both sides of the ball at a high level. The Jaguars have been a mess this season, lacking a spark on either side of the football. Hunter puts Jacksonville in a unique position to choose where they choose to play Hunter, bringing a versatility not seen since Deion Sanders was in the league.
Tennessee Titans, Pick #2: Cameron Ward, Miami (QB)
The Titans desperately need a quarterback, especially with the struggles of Will Levis this season. Ward is currently the best prospect in a weak quarterback class. He’s played great this season for Miami, but his age could prevent him from developing in the league. However, his upside is immense, and if developed properly, he can help a Titans team that hasn’t had a true franchise quarterback since Ryan Tannehill (if you can even count him).
Cleveland Browns, Pick #3: Jalen Milroe, Alabama (QB)
Deshaun Watson has almost certainly played his last snap in Cleveland. While he has played valiantly, Jameis Winston isn’t the answer. Milroe is the best dual-threat prospect in this draft. He has problems with footwork and his accuracy, but the potential is there.
New York Giants, Pick #4: Will Johnson, Michigan (DB)
The Giants have a massive hole in the secondary. Deonte Banks has not panned out at all, and their other options for an outside corner are limited. Johnson has the size and athleticism to be a true shutdown corner. You may be wondering, don’t they need a quarterback? They do. But other than Shedeur Sanders, I don’t view any of the other quarterback prospects as first-round talent.
Las Vegas Raiders, Pick #5: Shedeur Sanders, Colorado (QB)
Why is Sanders going here, and not to the New York Giants? The Giants have said that they’re sticking with Brian Daboll for next year. The Raiders haven’t echoed that loyalty to Antonio Pierce. If the Raiders need a head coach, Deion could be a candidate. And you can ensure that he’s not going to have his son play anywhere other than for his father, especially for a team that’s as quarterback hungry as the Raiders.
New England Patriots, Pick #6: Will Campbell, LSU (OT)
The Patriots seem to have their franchise quarterback in Drake Maye. The next step is to surround him with talent, and that starts up front. New England has been rotating their offensive line all year. Campbell has been phenomenal in his time at LSU, and the Patriots hope he can help keep their signal caller upright.
New York Jets, Pick #7: Mason Graham, Michigan (DL)
Graham is the second Michigan defender off the board, but he is a phenomenal interior prospect. New York is locked into Aaron Rodgers on offense, so all they can do now is try to build up their defense. Graham will pair nicely inside with Quinnen Williams.
Carolina Panthers, Pick #8: Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona (WR)
McMillan put up over 300 yards receiving in the first game of the season. His massive frame will be much needed with Bryce Young under center. The Panthers get a reliable pass catcher, something Young has lacked for his entire career.
Dallas Cowboys, Pick #9: Ashton Jeanty, Boise State (RB)
Jeanty is having the greatest running back season in college since Barry Sanders played at Oklahoma State. Dallas has a lot of holes on their roster, but Jerry Jones loves his stars. The local boy can provide some immediate juice to the offense to help Dak and CeeDee.
New Orleans Saints, Pick #10: Abdul Carter, Penn State (EDGE)
The Saints defense has been lacking this season. In particular, they haven’t had much of a pass rush. Carter has plenty of athleticism, something that can’t be taught. The Saints will hope they can develop Carter into the next Micah Parsons.
Cincinnati Bengals, Pick #11: Tyliek Williams, Ohio State (DL)
The Bengals defense has been the worst its ever been in the Burrow era, and is arguably the worst in the NFL. Williams can come in and immediately be a run stuffing lineman, something the Bengals have been lacking this season.
Miami Dolphins, Pick #12: Kelvin Banks, Texas (OT)
Protecting Tua is going to be one of the most important things the Dolphins need to do this offseason after he suffered another concussion. Banks can be a plug and play tackle to accomplish just that.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pick #13: James Pearce Jr., Tennessee (EDGE)
Tampa Bay’s defense is another unit that has been struggling in the sack department. Pearce is a great scheme fit, and can come in day one to be an impact player. Pearce will pair nicely with Vita Vea wreaking havoc on the interior.
Chicago Bears, Pick #14: Kenneth Grant, Michigan (DL)
The Bears defense has been very solid this season. They already have Montez Sweat outside. Grant can help put some pressure on the inside, which will help both players escape double teams.
Indianapolis Colts, Pick #15: Malaki Starks, Georgia (S)
The Colts secondary has been the worst in football this season. Some of this falls on the pass rush, but the Colts have already made significant investment in that unit. Starks can immediately come in to fill a much needed hole at safety.
Seattle Seahawks, Pick #16: Mykel Williams, Georgia (EDGE)
The second straight Georgia off the board, Williams is the next great pass rusher to come out of Kirby smart’s regime. The Seahawks have invested heavily on the interior of the line, and Williams fits an immediate need outside.
Los Angeles Rams, Pick #17: Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame (DB)
While not a Georgia defender like the previous two selections, Morrison is a very solid player. Los Angeles has struggled on the back end, specifically at corner. Tre’Davious White didn’t work, so Los Angeles will hope Morrison can be a part of their young upcoming defense.
San Francisco 49ers, Pick #18: Nic Scourton, Texas A&M (EDGE)
The defensive image of San Francisco has always been rushing four, and dropping everyone back. This approach hasn’t worked this season, thanks to the lack of talent at pass rush compared to recent years, Scourton immediately comes in to play across from Nick Bosa.
Denver Broncos, Pick #19: Luther Burden III, Missouri (WR)
Bo Nix has recently come on as Denver’s franchise quarterback. Outside of Courtland Sutton, Nix doesn’t have a lot of playmakers to throw the ball to. Burden brings an aspect to this offense that Sutton lacks with his agility.
Atlanta Falcons, Pick #20: Deone Walker, Kentucky (DL)
The Falcons seem to always need someone in the trenches to get after the quarterback and stop the run. Grady Jarrett isn’t getting any younger, but he can mentor Walker to help him to develop into the pass rusher Atlanta has been lacking.
Arizona Cardinals, Pick #21: Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina (DB)
Arizona has been a surprise this season, but this hasn’t been due to their defense. Outside of Budda Baker, the secondary has been a bit lackluster. Revel was a top prospect before tearing his ACL. He should be able to recover and make an immediate impact.
Washington Commanders, Pick #22: Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State (WR)
To see Jayden Daniels has been a solid rookie is an understatement. He’s blossomed into a star. Egbuka gives him another star to throw to. He joins fellow Ohio State alumni Terry McLaurin in Washington to support Daniels.
Houston Texans, Pick #23: Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota (OT)
CJ Stroud has struggled in his sophomore season, and part of it has to do with his offensive line. They’ve been given up pressures and taking penalties all season. Houston can only hope that Ersery can being some stability to that unit.
Baltimore Ravens, Pick #24: Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona (OG)
The Ravens made Lamar Jackson one of the highest paid players in NFL history. It would be wise of the Ravens to protect this investment. Savaiinaea would come in immediately to play interior, and help protect their signal caller.
Los Angeles Chargers, Pick #25: Colston Loveland, Michigan (TE)
This is a perfect match for the Chargers. Not only does Loveland reunite with his college coach, he fits an immediate need. Loveland can be a reliable target for Herbert, and help in the run game, which is something that Harbaugh has tried to establish since coming to LA.
Green Bay Packers, Pick #26: Walter Nolan, Ole Miss (DL)
The Packers have been solid on defense, but Nolan can come in and immediately help the Packers with stopping the run, something they have struggled to do this season.
Pittsburgh Steelers, Pick #27: Isaiah Bond, Texas (WR)
Whether Russel Wilson remains the starting quarterback next season, or Justin Fields takes over, Pittsburgh will need another pass catcher. Bond comes in with a different skill set than George Pickens, which can immediately help the Steelers offense.
Minnesota Vikings, Pick #28: Tacario Davis, Arizona (DB)
The Vikings defense has been an elite unit when blitzing this season. However, they’ve struggled outside of that. Davis can help bring some help to a secondary that has struggled when having to play coverage for a prolonged time.
Philadelphia Eagles, Pick #29: Jalon Walker, Georgia (LB)
In typical Philadelphia fashion, the player they want falls right into their lap. The Eagles have been struggling at linebacker this season, and Howie Roseman loves Georgia defenders. Walker joins an Eagles defense littered with former Bulldogs, with four of the last five first rounders hailing from that school.
Buffalo Bills, Pick #30: Cameron Williams, Texas (OT)
Josh Allen is undoubtedly one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown aren’t getting any younger. Williams can come in and learn from these two veterans, and ensure Allen remains upright in the future.
Kansas City Chiefs, Pick #31: Emery Jones Jr., LSU (OT)
The Chiefs are in a similar boat as the Bills. They need to keep their franchise quarterback upright. The interior of the line is one of the best in football, but tackle has been a problem. Jones can come in to help protect Patrick Mahomes.
Detroit Lions, Pick #32: Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss (EDGE)
I never thought we would see the day where the Lions have the last pick in the draft on merit. Umanmielen can come in immediately and play opposite of Aiden Hutchinson, who is coming off a gruesome knee injury. This move will help stregthen an already strong pass rush.
