LAS VEGAS -- With the NFL Scouting Combine in the rearview mirror, draft boards are beginning to take shape as teams prepare for Pro Days and free agency moves. One of the biggest takeaways from Indianapolis? Shedeur Sanders’ stock may not be as secure in the top 10 as once believed. While some scouts question whether he’ll even be a first-round pick, I still see teams valuing the QB position enough for him to land in the top 10—just not with the Raiders.
This latest mock draft features a massive blockbuster trade for the No. 1 pick, a few shocking first-round surprises, and plenty of intrigue surrounding the Tennessee Titans’ plans for the top selection. Cam Ward is now the undisputed QB1, but who emerges as QB2? Could Sanders face serious competition from Jaxson Dart or Jalen Milroe?
With elite playmakers, rising prospects, and high-stakes draft-day scenarios, let’s dive into how the first round could unfold following the Combine.
1. Las Vegas Raiders (via TEN): Cam Ward, QB, Miami (6-2)
Cam Ward has skyrocketed up draft boards, establishing himself as the premier QB in this class. According to sources, there’s a significant gap between Ward and Sanders, making him the clear-cut QB1. If the Raiders fail to sign Sam Darnold, expect them to trade multiple firsts and at least one second to secure their future franchise quarterback. Ward’s elite arm talent, playmaking ability, and relentless work ethic make him the only QB worth a top-10 pick in this class.
2. Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State (6-4)
Cleveland could entertain drafting a quarterback, but with Ward off the board, they’ll pivot to the best player available: Abdul Carter, a Micah Parsons-esque edge rusher. Whether Myles Garrett remains in Cleveland is still uncertain, but Carter’s elite athleticism and pass-rushing versatility make him a no-brainer selection.
3. New York Giants: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado (6-1)
Travis Hunter is the most dynamic player in this draft and could redefine positional value in the NFL. The Giants may go all-in on Aaron Rodgers in a make-or-break year for General Manager Joe Schoen, but if they don’t, they could be aggressive in trading up to No. 1. If Hunter's two-way play transitions successfully to the NFL, he could become a generational talent.
4. New England Patriots: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri (6-4)
With Will Campbell’s wingspan raising concerns, the Patriots shift their focus to a true tackle in Armand Membou, who impressed with a 4.91-second 40-yard dash at his size. Membou boasts the best tape of any offensive lineman in this class, making him my OT1. While WR is a major need, New England is likely to address it in Rounds 2 or 3.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan (6-3)
Mason Graham might not have the eye-popping athleticism of other defensive linemen, but he’s the most NFL-ready disruptor in this class. He dominated against top-tier competition (Ohio State, Alabama, Washington) and brings an elite motor to Jacksonville’s revamped defensive front alongside Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen.
6. Tennessee Titans (via LV): Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado (6-2)
The Titans would prefer Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter, but after acquiring Las Vegas' 2026 first and second-round picks, they still need a quarterback. Sanders is a polarizing prospect, but Tennessee takes the swing, knowing they can evaluate Drew Allar or Arch Manning in next year’s draft if needed. This is a low-risk, high-reward pick for a rebuilding Titans squad.
7. New York Jets: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State (6-5)
The Jets go best player available, and that’s Tyler Warren—the most versatile tight end in this class. His elite contested catch rate, ability to line up in multiple formations, and surprising usage as an RB (sometimes) make him an offensive chess piece. Though the Jets lack a franchise QB, they continue to build a dominant offense for the future.
8. Carolina Panthers: Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M (6-5)
Shemar Stewart stole the show at the Combine, posting a 4.59-second 40-yard dash, 40-inch vertical, and 10’11 broad jump. Scouts compare him to Myles Garrett, but his college production (just 4.5 sacks) raises red flags. The Panthers need an elite pass rusher to revamp their defense, and Stewart’s superstar upside makes him worth the risk.
9. New Orleans Saints: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri (6-0)
Luther Burden III is an elite YAC (yards after catch) machine and one of the most explosive receivers in this draft. With Tetairoa McMillan slipping and the Saints’ WR room in dire need of help, Burden adds instant juice to their offense.
10. Chicago Bears: Will Campbell, OT/OG, LSU (6-6)
The Bears prioritize protecting Caleb Williams even further. They just traded for Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney to play guard, so Campbell will start at tackle but has All-Pro guard potential if he transitions inside. I can see Chicago taking Ashton Jeanty, but this is a historically deep RB class.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss (6-3)
The 49ers need O-line help, but with Armand Membou and Will Campbell off the board, they pivot to defense. Walter Nolen is a run-stopping monster and fits the big-bodied prototype this regime prefers. If the 49ers don’t go DL, Michigan CB Will Johnson is another strong option.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State (5-9)
The Cowboys thrive when they have an elite RB, and Ashton Jeanty is a do-it-all back with underrated pass-catching and blocking skills. Dallas could opt for WR Tet McMillan here, but Jeanty’s fit in this scheme makes too much sense.
13. Miami Dolphins: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia (6-1)
With Jevon Holland likely departing, Malaki Starks fills a major hole in Miami’s secondary. His elite range and instincts make him the perfect long-term solution at safety.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan (6-2)
The Colts were hoping for Tyler Warren, but Johnson is the best pure CB in this class. His slide stops here.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas (6-0)
Jahdae Barron has top-10 buzz, and Atlanta needs secondary help. They could take an edge rusher, but drafting a potential Pro Bowl CB outweighs other needs.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas (6-5)
The Cardinals desperately need offensive line help, and Kelvin Banks Jr. fits the bill as a plug-and-play tackle with the versatility to transition inside if needed. While safety is also a concern, protecting Kyler Murray takes priority. Banks’ natural pass-blocking ability and elite footwork make him a surefire first-round pick.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan (6-3)
With Ja’Marr Chase and Trey Hendrickson likely being extended, the Bengals finally invest in their defensive line. Kenneth Grant is an elite run-stopper with an explosive first step, making him a culture-changing pick for Cincinnati’s defense.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Jaxson Dart, QB, Mississippi (6-2)
The Seahawks are eyeing a long-term QB, and with their top O-line targets off the board, they take a gamble on Jaxson Dart. Dart is an excellent downfield passer who can extend plas with his legs when need be. He's played a ton of college games, but I still think he needs to sit a year behind a veteran to truly develop. Dart can sit and develop behind Geno Smith, a guy who has gone through all of the ups and downs possible in the NFL. Seattle missed out on Michael Penix Jr. last year—this time, they land a high-upside signal-caller.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tetairora McMillan, WR, Arizona (6-4)
Tetairoa McMillan’s draft stock is fluctuating, but some scouts believe his Pro Day could push him back into WR1 contention. With Chris Godwin leaving and Mike Evans aging, the Buccaneers add a dynamic X-receiver to keep their high-powered offense rolling.
20. Denver Broncos: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina (6-0)
The Broncos need a game-changing RB, and Omarion Hampton fits Sean Payton’s offense perfectly. Some scouts believe he’s as elite as Jeanty, making this a potential steal for Denver.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State (6-0)
Instead of reaching for a defensive lineman, the Steelers go all-in on fixing their WR room. Egbuka is a safe, high-floor pick with elite route-running and sure hands, making him a perfect weapon for their next QB.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan (6-5)
Jim Harbaugh reuniting with his Michigan TE? It makes too much sense. Loveland is the best separator and blocker at his position, and his familiarity with Harbaugh’s system ensures a seamless transition to the Chargers' offense.
23. Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas (6-0)
Golden’s blazing 4.30-second 40-yard dash at the Combine has skyrocketed his draft stock. His elite separation ability and route-running make him a perfect WR1 or WR2—if the Packers can properly utilize him.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon (6-5)
The Vikings, under Brian Flores, emphasize pressure and run defense. Derrick Harmon has the ideal blend of pass-rushing ability and run-stuffing to thrive in this scheme.
25. Houston Texans: Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia (6-2)
Walker’s size (on the smaller side for an edge rusher) might be a concern, but his blend of pass-rushing skills and coverage versatility makes him an underrated asset for the Texans.
26. Los Angeles Rams: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama (6-3)
After moving Ernest Jones, the Rams need a high-IQ linebacker. Jihaad Campbell is drawing Fred Warner comparisons, making him a top-15 talent in a defense-loaded draft. Imagine Campbell linking up to a defense that already boasts Jared Verse, Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, and Byron Young.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State (6-5)
If Ronnie Stanley walks, this pick is a no-brainer for the Ravens. Simmons, despite injury concerns, has elite tape at tackle. If he stays healthy, he could be one of the biggest steals of the first round.
28. Detroit Lions: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee (6-5)
This is a dream scenario for the Lions—a top-10 player slipping due to character concerns and size (243 pounds at EDGE). Detroit pairs Pearce Jr. with Aidan Hutchinson, forming a scary pass-rushing duo.
29. Washington Commanders: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall (6-4)
Green’s competition level in college may cause him to drop, but the Commanders need an edge rusher. If he develops properly, this could be a major steal.
30. Buffalo Bills: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina (6-3)
The Bills were hoping for Matthew Golden or Derrick Harmon, but they settle for an elite safety with one of the best Combine performances ever at the position in Nick Emmanwori.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Grey Zabel, IOL, North Dakota State (6-5)
The Chiefs must fix their O-line, and Zabel has the versatility to play tackle or inside. Protecting Patrick Mahomes is priority No. 1, making this a logical pick.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia (6-5)
Williams’ lack of Combine participation leaves scouts uncertain of his stock, but Philly thrives at developing D-line talent. With pending free-agent losses, Williams is a high-upside investment.
Final Takeaways:
- Cam Ward is the undisputed QB1 and worthy of a trade-up.
- Travis Hunter could redefine positional value if his two-way game translates.
- Mason Graham proves production matters more than Combine numbers.
- Shedeur Sanders lands in Tennessee as a long-term project.
- Late risers like Shemar Stewart and Matthew Golden shake up the board.