This year’s NFL offseason has been one of the most memorable in recent memory. In the early stages, we saw superstars getting moved left and right, which had a huge implication on the NFL draft. For example, the Chicago Bears seem destined to go to the offensive line, but with getting two Pro Bowl linemen during this offseason, that move seems uncertain.
Teams that were expected to pick a position in the draft may look for their second or third position of need after Free Agency. We’ve seen an array of trades: the Raiders traded for Geno Smith, Pittsburgh traded for DK Metcalf, and Washington acquired Laremy Tunsil. Singings have been pivotal: Seattle brings in Cooper Kupp and Sam Darnold, Buffalo nabs Joey Bosa, and the Rams pair Davantae Adams with Puka Nucua.
The draft combine has also passed. A wide range of prospects rose and fell in stock. Armond Membou may be a top-five pick come draft time, and Will Johnson may not be in the top 15. In addition, we are in the midst of pro days. Georgia, Washington, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, and more have had their draft-eligible prospects show their skills.
With such a crazy turn of events, as a mock-draft fanatic, I couldn’t even finish a clear first-round mock draft with all of the craziness that occurred. With all these moves halting for now, here is the Matt Goldman NFL Mock Draft 3.0!
1. Tennessee Titans: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
Harold Landry’s departure to New England makes me more confident that Tennessee will grab the Penn State product. The only negative for the Titans is that they will more than likely have Will Levis for another year. It is likely that the Titans will trade this pick to a quarterback-needy team like the Giants, but if they do decide to keep it, a generational talent like Abdul Carter is very hard to pass up on.
2. Cleveland Browns: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
In a recent interview with NFL analyst Andrew Siciliano, Myles Garrett seemed very pleased when asked about the Browns quarterback situation next season. This makes me think that the Browns take the Miami prospect Cam Ward. After finally getting an opportunity to showcase his elite talent in a power-four setting, Ward’s arm talent, decision-making, and ability to control a game make him intriguing for a franchise struggling to find its guy under center.
3. New York Giants: Shedaur Sanders, QB, Colorado
If the Giants don’t trade up and get Cam Ward, the signs point to them getting the second-best quarterback in the draft with Sheduar Sanders. Coach Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen have made it evident to the fans they have not acquired their franchise guy under the helm. Sanders does have a cocky attitude that may not fit well in the New York market, but he does have the mental toughness and accuracy to excel in the pros.
4. New England Patriots: Tetairoa McMillian, WR, Arizona
Yes, Travis Hunter is still on the board. Still, McMillan is a top option, with New England not yet signing a premier wide receiver to pair alongside DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte. Contributing since his true freshman season at Arizona, McMillian’s jump ball ability and separation skills mimic some of the league’s very best today. There’s a big concern about McMillian’s drop issues, but New England can see past it and give Drake Maye a new “best friend.”
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
The Heisman winner falls to number five in this mock draft. It’s not really due to Hunter’s stock slipping; I believe other teams want to address their top need first. Jacksonville has really struggled recently with incorporating all of their top draft picks together. Hunter can be a reliable option on offense next to Brian Thomas and on defense next to Tyson Campbell. Getting a player who can make an instant impact in both aspects is a win for Jacksonville.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The common belief is that you don’t draft running backs too high, but some prospects deserve it, and Jeanty is one of the few exceptions. With over 2,600+ rushing yards a season ago, Jeanty will join an offense that’s slowly evolving into one of the league’s most underrated. With Geno Smith’s new quarterback under center, having a reliable back will only boost his confidence. Jeanty, Brock Bowers, and Jakobi Meyers are solid playmakers for a rebuilding offense under Pete Carroll.
7. New York Jets: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The Jets are confident with Justin Fields under center in 2025 and want to give him as much insurance as possible. Tyler Conklin is a reliable tight end, but he isn’t a tight end #1 anymore. Warren was one of the most versatile players in college football a season ago and even received Heisman votes. His body control, strength, and balance, combined with his ability to beat defensive backs in coverage, make him a top-tier tight end for the future.
8. Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, EDGE/LB, Georgia
Jalon Walker has bolstered up the draft board for a good reason. The Panthers need as much defense as possible for somebody to be the third star next to Derrick Brown and Jaycee Horn. Walker can be a top-tier edge rusher and can play an inside linebacker position. His athleticism, strong tackling ability, and potent blend of speed and power draw some comparisons to Micah Parsons. There’s been a gaping hole at the edge rusher spot; Walker can fill that hole and more for a young defense.
9. New Orleans Saints: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
The Saints have one of the worst-constructed rosters in football, so electing the best player available is their best move. Mason Graham did not participate at the draft combine and had less-than-desirable measurables, but his game-wrecking presence is something the Saints desperately need. Having him next to Brian Breese for the next few years can only produce positive results.
10. Chicago Bears: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Bears did a phenomenal job upgrading their defensive line this offseason by acquiring Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo. Ben Johnson’s philosophy is beefing up the interior as much as possible, and if an athletic freak like Shemar Stewart is still available, it’d be hard for Chicago to pass. He had similar measurables and testing statistics to someone like Myles Garrett. If you get a player remotely close to Garrett on that line, Chicago will win the 2025 NFL draft.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Will Campbell, OT/OG, LSU
The 49ers did lose Aaron Banks and Jaylon Moore in free agency, and adding that with a potential of no Trent Williams in 2025, the offensive line is their most significant need. Will Campbell is regarded to be not just the best lineman but the most versatile in this class. Having him be the lead blocker, whether in the interior or the outside, for Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey can bolster one of the best offenses from a few seasons ago into a familiar form.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
The Cowboys did miss out on the Cooper Kupp sweepstakes, as they were being heavily rumored to be linked to him. After having one of the best combines in recent memories, Matthew Golden has separated himself from most of the speedsters in this class. With a healthy Dak Prescott, a hungry CeeDee Lamb, and a new identity on offense in Dallas, Golden can immediately impact a team with the longest Championship game drought in the NFL.
13. Miami Dolphins: Armond Membou, OT/OG, Missouri
Many mock drafts regard Armond Membou as a top-ten pick, with some having him go as high as four. Many offensive line-needy teams figured out their situation in free agency, so the value for linemen isn’t too high now. Miami has a problem with the Offensive line year in and year out. To play it safe, Miami selects a player who thrives in both the interior and outside against SEC competition. Devon Achane gets a key lead blocker, and Mike McDaniel addresses the nagging of Tua injuries with this selection.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Kelvin Banks Jr, OT/OG, Texas
Free agency wasn’t great for the Colts offensive line. After losing Will Fries and Ryan Kelly to Minnesota, the Colts need to improve their unit monumentally to start 2025. Kelvin Banks sliding to 14 is a surprise, but if the Colts nab him, it’s a steal. Banks have experience going against the cream-of-the-crop defensive lineman in both the Big 12 and the SEC. He’d more than likely play guard to start his career, but there’s no denying his athleticism and his impressive lateral movement in both pass protection and downhill run blocking.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Will Johnson hasn’t seen the field in a while now, so his stock has slipped. Additionally, Michigan had a down year in 2024 without him proving his importance. Mike Hughes did have a career year a while ago, but Johnson’s impact on finding where the ball is incorporated with his rare combination of size, length, and physicality gives the Falcons a phenomenal secondary. AJ Terrell, Jessie Bates, Mike Hughes, and Will Johnson would be a deepball’s worst nightmare.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Arizona does have some more significant needs in this upcoming draft, but Jahdae Barron’s still being on the board is quite the surprise. If lined up on the other side of Garrett Williams, the Cardinals may have secretly found their cornerback duo for the future. Barron can line up all over the secondary, whether in the nickel, outside, inside, or even in a safety position if needed. The Jim Thorpe Award winner brings a lot of expense and leadership to an Arizona team expecting to make a playoff push in 2025.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
With the Bengals shopping Trey Hendrickson, they are in the process of looking for a replacement for the 2024 sacks leader. Mykel Williams is no stranger to big-time moments, having played his two best games of the season in the SEC championship and the Cotton Bowl. His size, technique, and overall competitiveness will make him a must-watch player in Cincinnati. With Sam Hubbard also retiring, Williams may enter the season as the top edge rusher for the Bengals.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
The Seahawks have not rebuilt this offseason but have somewhat reconstructed. Sam Darnold is now under center and has Cooper Kupp to throw to; defensively, DeMarcus Lawerence solves their pass-rushing issue. The Seahawk’s offensive line has been a point of emphasis; they’ve been adding to it for years, and spending another first-rounder on a lineman seems logical if they want postseason success. Tyler Booker from Alabama is accomplished; he’s a strong-body guard who is a mauler in run-blocking schemes and could be a home run pick for Seattle.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
This year’s linebacker class is not great at all, Campbell being a lone bright spot as a traditional linebacker coming out of Alabama. The Bucs have a well-constructed roster, but adding some insurance for Lavontae David once he calls his career quits is needed if they want to consider contending anytime soon. Campbell has the intangibles even to be an edge rusher; his ability to slip blocks and close on sacks makes him a dangerous player for Todd Bowles, a coach who prioritizes defense first.
20. Denver Broncos: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
The Broncos have yet to find a lead back to run behind the offensive line that they’ve developed. Out of North Carolina, Omarion Hampton has shown flashes of being a top-tier back in the NFL. His power combination and downhill running style will open up many opportunities in Denver. Bo Nix did not have a back he could rely on during his rookie year; now, in Year 2, he will finally get a premier offensive option.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
A little out of shape that the Steelers elect to draft the product out of Ole Miss but with how well he’s performed in the offseason competitions, Dart will be selected on day one. Whether it’s being the starter right away or sitting behind a veteran quarterback that the Steelers bring in, Dart has the potential to be one of the top quarterbacks of the future. The Steelers have built their offensive line for the future, traded for a superstar wide receiver, and now getting their quarterback could finally have this team finish better than 9-8.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Despite being overshadowed by Tyler Warren, Loveland was projected to be a consensus top-15 pick before the season started and the first tight end taken. He did have less than 600 receiving yards in 2024, but he’s still a reliable option for any offense he’s a part of and can take the Chargers to the next level. The Chargers finished second place in the Evan Engram sweepstakes; adding a rookie tight end with star potential written all over him can bolster one of the better young offenses in football.
23. Green Bay Packers: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
Mike Green starred at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, raising his draft stock into a clear-cut first-round pick. The Packers pass rush has been lacking, Rashan Gary’s salary has not been matching his impact on the field, and Lukas Van Ness has been underwhelming. Selecting Green, who was the FBS leader in sacks a season ago, would improve their defensive line right away. Cornerback may be the most prominent position of need, but there’s no passing up on a talented player like Green.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Cam Bynum’s loss will be crucial in 2025 as he heads to the Colts. Nick Emmanwori had an unreal combine, running under a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash and jumping over 11 feet in the broad jump. Factoring that with an aging Harrison Smith, who was recently re-signed, Emmanwori is the correct pick for Minnesota. The Vikings were a 14-win team a season ago and have only improved in player production. Emmanwori can add to that production right away.
25. Houston Texans: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
The Texans have received a ton of criticism for trading away Laremy Tunsil and Kenyon Green this offseason, stating that CJ Stroud will get attacked behind the line of scrimmage. As of right now, Houston’s point of emphasis is to select an offensive lineman. Josh Simmons, the anchor of that line, won a championship at Ohio State. A three-year starter with ideal size and athleticism gives Houston a new safety blanket for Stroud.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
The Rams’ most significant positional need is an inside linebacker, and Carson Schwesinger may be the best in that regard. Often praised for his closing speed, elite tackling ability, and high motor, Schwesinger could be a steal for the Rams. They developed their defensive line throughout the last couple of years. If they incorporate that into their front seven, we could see one of the league’s top young defenses in full effect.
27. Baltimore Ravens: James Pearce Jr, EDGE, Tennessee
The Ravens may need to select an offensive lineman or somebody to take the reins for Derrick Henry when his contract expires, but having James Pearce still available at 27 is a must-pick for Baltimore. With a stacked defensive line consisting of Nnamdi Madubuike and Odafe Oweh, Pearce will fit in as a force as he has been for the Volunteers’ pass rush over the last two seasons. With edge rushers being a hot commodity in this year’s draft, Baltimore gets theirs for the future, being a scary sight for AFC quarterbacks for years.
28. Detroit Lions: Grey Zabel, OT/OG, North Dakota State
With Kevin Zeitler leaving for the Titans, Grey Zabel is an obvious choice if Detroit wants to compete for a Super Bowl in 2025. Zabel was another riser for the Reese’s Senior Bowl; his versatility, powerful frame, and run-blocking ability have allowed him to jump this high in the draft. It’s always a risk to select a player who came out of a smaller school, but Zabel was an anchor for an FCS powerhouse, hoping to transition that to the pros.
29. Washington Commanders: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Luther Burden has been passed by many of the other receivers in this year’s class, but if he’s available this late in the first round, Washington may roll the dice on the Mizzou product. After a down year last season, Burden’s remarkable run-after-catch ability and lateral quickness make him so appealing. For a young quarterback like Jayden Daniels to have options like Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel, and Luther Burden in his second year will only lead to future success.
30. Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
With Rasul Douglas more than likely not coming back to Buffalo and Kaiir Elam traded, the Bills are lacking another reliable cornerback. Maxwell Hairston has SEC experience going toe to toe with some of the best collegiate wideouts. He had a remarkable combine, running under a 4.3 40-yard dash. His strong instincts with press-man coverage and his instincts in the zone can elevate Buffalo to a future Super Bowl appearance.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
The Chiefs acquired Jaylon Moore for big money this offseason, and this signing is what brings Patrick Mahomes more comfort. With that, the Chiefs elect to take Kenneth Grant, who is still on the board this late. Mason Graham overshadowed Grant in his time in Ann Arbor, but it’s hard to pass up that tough ability of size and strength. Chris Jones is getting up in age, and it would only be wiser to be paired up with a big rookie like Grant. This combination can make the Chiefs’ run defense a top-tier unit next season.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
The Eagles round out the draft by selecting a player with a similar skill set to those of recently departed Josh Sweat and Milton Williams. Ezeiruaku was a star in Boston a season ago with 16.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. The Eagles need as much leverage on their pass rush if there’s a chance they go back-to-back. He is undersized, but his natural burst makes him a borderline first-round pick and somebody who can excel in a Vic Fangio defense.
