The NFL postseason is upon us. The 14-team playoff field is shaped, and the teams that didn’t make it know where they’ll select. 

A lot can change before Roger Goodell stands at the podium in Green Bay on April 24. Teams can make trades for their desired player, for example. But it’s never too early to wonder what your favorite team is going to do in the NFL Draft. In this mock draft, I’ll assume no trades will be made. 

This is a very early mock draft. It’s admittedly hard to predict the draft order before the College Football Playoff semifinal games, the Reese’s Senior Bowl, and the NFL Draft Combine, not to mention free agency. Still, I’ve made my best attempt at judging where veterans will sign, and I broke down salary cap restrictions that will dictate most picks. And since no first-round picks have been traded yet, every team is set to enter the draft with its Day 1 selection.

Without further ado, here is the “Matt Goldman: Way too Early Mock Draft 1.0.”

1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

After a bad first year in the Brian Callahan era in Tennessee, the first-time head coach will get his guy for the foreseeable future. After stints at Incarnate Word and Washington State, Cam Ward exploded for the Miami Hurricanes, finishing 2nd in the FBS in passing yards. With reports saying Tennessee “loves” Ward, the Will Levis era for the Titans comes to a quick end. Ward’s big play ability and his critical decision making puts him above Sheduar Sanders in this case. 

2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

The Browns had many problems, most notably in their receiving room and secondary. Now imagine a player who can help in both aspects. It makes sense for Cleveland to get the best available player in this year’s draft.

3. New York Giants: Sheduer Sanders, QB, Colorado

With Daniel Jones a memory of the past in New York, the Giants are looking for someone who can save the franchise under center. Enter Sheduer Sanders. The critically acclaimed son of NFL Legend Deion Sanders wore New York Giant-themed cleats during the Alamo Bowl vs. BYU. This ultimately proves Sanders wants to be a Giant, and the Giants get their quarterback. 

4. New England Patriots: Kelvin Banks Jr, OT, Texas

The Patriots ended up costing their chance at the #1 pick after their win against the Buffalo Bills. Picking at four puts them in a unique situation. A franchise cornerstone left tackle with many accolades during his time with the Texas Longhorns gives New England a ton of insurance for Drake Maye in the future. 

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

2024 was a disaster for Jacksonville. Outside of Tyson Campbell in the secondary, the Jaguars didn’t have a reliable player, as many teams would attack them over the top. Despite being injured for most of the 2024 season, Will Johnson’s potential is through the roof, and Jacksonville has an opportunity to improve its secondary by taking the All-American. 

6. Las Vegas Raiders: Tetairoa McMillian, WR, Arizona 

The quarterback situation in Las Vegas could be handled by Free Agency this offseason. Quarterbacks such as Kirk Cousins, Sam Darnold, Justin Fields create an interesting situation for the Raiders. A receiver prospect like Tetairoa McMillian seems impossible to pass up on. An accomplished player since his true freshman season, pairing up Brock Bowers with McMillian creates one of the scarier vertical dynamics in the league. 

7. New York Jets: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

The Jets have a lot of question marks this offseason. One thing they can do to improve for next year is take a sure-fire prospect like Mason Graham. The interior defensive line combination of Graham and Quinnen Williams would be scary for any offense. 

8. Carolina Panthers- Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State

Abdul Carter was one of the best defensive players in the country for 2024. The Panthers have had a hole in their premier edge rusher role since trading away Brian Burns to the Giants. This fit almost feels like a match made in heaven; Carter can make his presence known immediately in Carolina. 

9. New Orleans Saints: Luther Burden Jr, WR, Missouri

Whoever plays quarterback for the Saints next year would be in awe of Luther Burden Jr. He didn’t have a ton of prosecution as a senior, but his yards-after-catches ability is what makes him such an intriguing prospect. Pairing him with Chris Olave should create one of the most deadly combinations in football. 

10. Chicago Bears: Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia

The Bears offensive line has been a weak point for years, but with how weak their pass rush has been, their success depends on bringing quarterbacks down.  If there’s one thing to trust, it’s to trust Georgia defensive players when they enter the NFL. Williams was the best player on the Bulldog’s defense in 2024 and will fill the edge spot immediately in Chicago. Outside of Montez Sweat, the Bears need a pass rusher, and Williams’ presence, especially in the SEC championship game, fits the Chicago mold.

11. San Francisco 49ers: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

2024 was not kind to San Francisco. After a Super Bowl slump and many on- and off-field issues, the 49ers have an opportunity to pick up a guy like Will Campbell. The decorated All-American can play both tackle and guard if needed. Trent Williams’ future as a 49er is up in the air, but with Campbell, San Francisco will feel a lot safer. 

12. Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Despite Rico Dowdle rushing for 1000 yards this season, Dallas has their eyes set on the record-breaking back from Boise State. Jenaty led the FBS in Rushing Yards and was second in Rushing Touchdowns. He propelled the Broncos to a college football playoff berth. Giving Dak Prescott another toy on Offense is prevalent if they don’t want their Super Bowl window to close. 

13. Miami Dolphins: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Miami will most likely need two starting-caliber safeties during this off-season. Starks is a guy you can throw into the fold on Day 1, and he will excel. He’s been a freak of nature for the Georgia Bulldogs for the past three seasons, and finally, in 2025, he’ll have an opportunity to make his mark. 

14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

If you want Anthony Richardson to develop into a star, you must surround him with as many weapons as possible. Penn State’s do-it-all Tight End proved in 2024 that he can be the best player on a given offense. Warren can line up at tight end, wide receiver, running back, quarterback, and even center. The Colts are in need of a Swiss army knife, and Warren can do it all. 

15. Atlanta Falcons: Benjamin Morrision, CB, Notre Dame

Another cornerback injured in 2024, Benjamin Morrision had a hip injury and was out since the middle of October. Morrison had such an impact in 2022 and 2023, leading the Fighting Irish secondary in interceptions and pass deflections. Adding a proven player like Morrison on the other side of AJ Terrell should scare quarterbacks into throwing both ways. 

16. Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

Walter Nolen was one of the most sought-after recruits in recent memory. At first, he struggled in his collegiate career but found his home at Ole Miss. Arizona can pair him up with Roy Lopez to clog up the middle. Nolan’s potential is limitless, and Arizona investing in him would create a guy who can take down opposing NFL Running Backs for years. 

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Whether Tee Higgins returns, Emeka Egbuka is a perfect fit for the Bengals. Defense may be a top priority for Cincinnati, but if Egbuka falls this low he can make one of the league’s top offenses even more precise. Over 2500 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns for his career as a reliable source in the Buckeyes offense.  Giving Joe Burrow another weapon and how he can fit next to Jamarr Chase may propel the Bengals offense to new levels in 2025. 

18. Seattle Seahawks: James Pearce Jr, DE, Tennessee

Giving Mike Macdonald another pass rusher would be scary for any opposing team in 2025. James Pearce Jr.’s potential is off the charts, and his ability to leave his mark as a Tennessee Volunteer will interest scouts nonetheless. Having the opportunity to beef up the defensive line even more for Seattle seems like a no-brainer. 

19. Houston Texans: Tyliek Williams, DT, Ohio State

The Texans’ interior defensive line has been one of their weak points down the stretch as they entered the second half of the season. Tyliek Williams provides a player who can shape up that unit, as his progression for Ohio State has developed year in and year out. Having a defensive front with him alongside Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter is a quarterback’s worst nightmare. 

20: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M

Tampa Bay has one of the most well-constructed rosters in the league. They called Shaquil Barrett out of retirement just for their upcoming playoff run. Adding Nic Scourton alongside Calijah Kancey can be something special in Tampa. Scrouton, although only 20 years old, is already familiar with elite offenses in the Big 10 and the SEC. 

21. Denver Broncos: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

Denver has one of the weakest offenses on paper, but somehow, Sean Payton’s group can work together at will. If Denver selects Omarion Hampton, they are pairing him with Bo Nix and an offensive line led by Garrett Bolles and Quinn Meinerz. A proven player-maker like Hampton will make this Denver team more fearful for years to come.  

22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss

This pick isn’t the traditional Steeler way, but this Offense must take on new horizons. Tre Harris looked like a player who could have been in the Bilitkenoff discussion before the groin injury back in October. Giving whoever will play quarterback for Pittsburgh another weapon will make this Offense young but fiery. 

23. Los Angeles Rams: Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina 

The Rams’ secondary has been preventing them from being a Super Bowl contender. The Tre’Davious White experiment in LA failed, and going into the playoffs, their unit could be derailed. Adding Shavon Revel, a young, gritty, developmental piece, could either be hit or miss. Revel may take time to gel, but his long frame will cause problems for quarterbacks. 

24. Green Bay Packers: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss

Outside, Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, Carrington Valentine, and the rest of the cornerback room have struggled. Green Bay desperately needs a guy who can immediately come in and be the Cornerback #2. Trey Amos has been going against NFL-level quarterbacks for the past couple of seasons. A little on the older side, but Amos can be that plug-and-play guy. 

25. Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Justin Herbert has got many weapons he can work with throughout the years. Colston Loveland’s impact would be miles better than any tight end they have on the roster. After a transition of quarterbacks for the 2024 season for Loveland, having Herbert with him can be one of the better quarterback-to-tight-end connections entering 2025. 

26. Washington Commanders: Jonah Savaiinaea, OT, Arizona

Since moving Sam Cosmi to the inside as a guard, the Commanders desperately need a tackle who can protect franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels. Jonah Savaiinaea, a three-year starter at Arizona praised for his spatial awareness as a tackle, seems like a no-brainer. 

27. Baltimore Ravens: Wyatt Milum, OG, West Virginia

This pick for Baltimore feels right. Milum would have to compete with Andrew Vorhees and Pat Mekari for a starting guard position immediately, but he can also play tackle. The All-American is one of the most versatile players in this year’s draft and shows a lot of Christian Darrisaw in his game. 

28. Philadelphia Eagles: Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M

The Eagles could keep using pass rushers, and Shemar Stewart has been Mr. Consistent during his time at Texas A&M. He’s as serviceable as you need an edge rusher to compete in the NFL. A passing rushing core with Stewart, Nolan Smith, Josh Sweat, and Bryce Huff is a unit for which opposing teams must gameplan extra. 

29. Buffalo Bills: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

The Bills defense has been suspect at times this year. Teams are getting a ton of yards going up the middle at them. Kenneth Grant has been overshadowed a lot by Mason Graham, but he’s a star in the making. His ability to eat up blocks and closing speed will make scouts dream for him. Having him play alongside Ed Oliver will substantially support Buffalo’s future success. 

30. Minnesota Vikings: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State

A lot of what the Vikings needed is already off the board. Judkins may be the best athlete in this class, and with the heavy reliance on Aaron Jones, we can see the Vikings make a surprising choice. With how elusive and laterally quick Judkins is, Minnesota might just strike gold. 

31. Detroit Lions: Jack Sawyer, DE, Ohio State

After Aidan Huthcinson’s injury in the middle of the 2024 season, we saw how weak the Lions’ pass rush was without him. Jack Sawyer is a natural-born leader who will do anything in his power to have his team win football games. That tenacious curiosity screams Detroit Lion. Dan Campbell will eventually fall in love with Sawyer as a prospect. Pairing him on the other side of Aidan Hutchinson can be the scariest sight in a few years. 

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota

Adding playmakers for Mahomes is essential, but having people to protect is even more critical. Aireontae Ersery is a project guy who has the chance to develop into a top tackle for years to come. Starting fresh at the tackle position would benefit this team in the future. Wayna Morris and Kingsley Suamataia are not living up to the chief standard, forcing them to pick tackle.