Bauer’s NFL First Round Mock Draft 1.0 | New Orleans Sports Today

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How will the first round play out?

With the NFL Combine taking place this week, I thought it was time to put together my first-round mock draft for all 32 teams.

Round One

#1 Jacksonville Jaguars (TRADE WITH TENN)

Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

The Titans have said that they’re willing to listen when it comes to the first overall pick. So with that being said, I expect the Jaguars to give them a call. Jacksonville is in need of both a cornerback and a wide receiver, and Travis Hunter would undoubtedly fulfill both roles, even if his primary role is one or the other. The trade was made because Hunter could join any of the top four teams.

#2 Cleveland Browns

Abdul Carter, Penn State, DE

Capital One Orange Bowl - Penn State v Notre Dame

With Myles Garrett’s trade request, there is potentially a massive hole to fill on defense in Cleveland. And Abdul Carter might be the best candidate for the job. With his elite pass rush, he could cause some real problems in the AFC North. If they do not trade Garrett, the one-two punch of him and Carter could be unforgettable.

#3 New York Giants

Cam Ward, QB, Miami

The Giants are in desperate need of a quarterback, having released Daniel Jones midway through last season. And Tommy DeVito, the backup, failed to secure the job for himself. So, I have them selecting the calm, cool, collected Cam Ward. He has his flaws, as every prospect does, but his attitude is one that can be useful in the NFL.

#4 New England Patriots

Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Put “Protect Drake Maye” in bold letters at the top of New England’s draft board. Last season, it was just abysmal, and it should be considered a miracle that Maye avoided serious injury. Pro Football Focus even had them rated dead last in 2024. The solution would begin with Will Campbell, the top offensive tackle in the draft, according to PFF. His prowess while also standing 6’6” could make him Maye’s signature left tackle.

#5 Tennessee Titans (TRADE WITH JAX)

Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

While this might not be a glaring need for the Titans, it’s a move that would undoubtedly improve their offense. It requires more playmakers, and Warren’s playmaking ability distinguishes him as one of the top tight ends in this year’s draft.

#6 Las Vegas Raiders

Sheduer Sanders, QB, Colorado

Another city in need of a quarterback is Las Vegas, and Shedeur Sanders would be a perfect fit. Both the QB and the team have the same mentality, and owner Mark Davis has already hinted at Allegiant Stadium being Sander’s new home. I doubt the Raiders don’t take a QB here, as they missed out on the position last year.

#7 New York Jets

Jaxon Dart, QB, Ole Miss

Both teams in East Rutherford, N.J., appear to be looking for a new quarterback, as Jet’s head coach Aaron Glenn has already announced that the team and future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers will part ways. And Jaxon Dart is one of the fastest risers in the draft this year. He led the Southeastern Conference in passing yards with 4,279, a 69.3% completion rate, and a 180.7 QB rating.

#8 Carolina Panthers

Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 09 Michigan at Indiana

The Panthers need some help on defense, especially on the defensive line. And with linebacker Shaq Thompson entering free agency, its become an even bigger need. Pro Football Focus has listed Mason Graham as the top interior defensive lineman in the draft and should make fans of the team salivate. His elite run defense and pass rush would make perfect sense in Carolina.

#9 New Orleans Saints

Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Mountain West Championship - UNLV v Boise State

With Will Campbell and Mason Graham gone, I have the New Orleans Saints selecting Ashton Jeanty. The Saints select Ashton Jeanty not only due to the connection with Boise State, where head coach Kellen Moore played quarterback, but also because he was the best college running back since Barry Sanders. Jeanty would be able to relieve a lot of Alvin Kamara’s workload and possibly revive the boom and zoom.

#10 Chicago Bears

Kelvin Banks, OT, UT

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 21 UL Monroe at Texas

Similar to the situation in New England, the Bears should make protecting Caleb Williams priority #1. Chicago’s offensive line was ranked at the bottom of the league and should have a large sign that reads, “Help Wanted.” And they should consider Kelvin Banks out of Texas for the job. Rated as the second-best tackle in the draft, his pass blocking can really give Williams some relief in the pocket.

#11 San Francisco 49ers

James Pearce Jr, DE, Tennessee

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 02 Kentucky at Tennessee

They might have Nick Bosa, but the 49ers defensive line was still ranked in the bottom of the league by Pro Football Focus. Pearce Jr. had 440 snaps outside the tackle last season, according to PFF, so if selected by the team, San Francisco could have one of the league’s most terrifying defensive lines. Just imagine: Pearce Jr. on one side and Nick Bosa on the other.

#12 Dallas Cowboys

Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

With the retirement of Zack Martin, the Great Wall of Dallas officially needs to be rebuilt. And Josh Simmons could be the first brick in the wall. He had his season cut short due to a knee injury and only played in six games. However, prior to the injury, Simmons was performing well, allowing zero sacks and only one quarterback hurry. He should be ready for training camp, and when he does, he’ll also bring a championship mentality.

#13 Miami Dolphins

Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 07 SEC Championship Game

With safeties Javon Holland and Jordan Poyer both hitting free agency, there comes a potential need in the Miami safety room. However, they already have an elite defense, thanks to defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, so fans of the Fins shouldn’t be too worried. Malaki Starks, a safety out of Georgia, is rated as one of the top safeties in the draft by Pro Football Focus and could be a perfect fit with the Dolphins.

#14 Indianapolis Colts

Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

The Colts need a well-known guy at corner, and Will Johnson is one of the top defensive backs in the draft. Despite his season being cut short, Johnson managed to showcase his skills in 2024. In 279 snaps, Johnson allowed 16 receptions on 26 targets, no touchdowns, and two interceptions, according to Pro Football Focus. He should be ready for offseason activities.

#15 Atlanta Falcons

Tetairoa McMillian, WR, Arizona

This might be an unexpected move, as Atlanta has more pressing needs than wide receiver. However, over the past few years, the Falcons have had a habit of drafting the best player available and surprising the other 31 teams. I believe the Atlanta Falcons will continue to add to their young offense, giving quarterback Michael Penix Jr. another weapon. Tet McMillan could easily be the team’s WR2 and could pull a lot of the focus from defenses, bringing the opportunity for Drake London or Kyle Pitts to get more receptions.

#16 Arizona Cardinals

Mike Green, DE, Marshall

NCAA Football: Marshall at Virginia Tech

Mike Green is a prospect who really benefitted from the Senior Bowl. And because there is a drought of talent on the Arizona defensive line, I have the Cardinals selecting him here. In 2024, Green had 17 sacks in 13 games played and has an overall rating of 92.4 on Pro Football Focus.

#17 Cincinnati Bengals

Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

It seems like a broken record at this point, but the Bengals offensive line was abysmal last season. In 2025, I expect them to draft multiple offensive linemen, starting with Armand Membou. One of the top tackles in the draft, Membou allowed zero sacks through his 827 snaps taken.

#18 Seattle Seahawks

Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia

91st Allstate Sugar Bowl - Notre Dame v Georgia

If Seattle is unable to re-sign Ernest Jones IV, they’ll need another playmaker at linebacker. Even if the two do reach an agreement, Jalon Walker would be a great addition, and one that head coach Mike McDonald could find a use for.

#19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 12 Stanford at Notre Dame

The cornerback room in Tampa Bay was underwhelming in 2024, to say the least. Rated as one of the top corners in the draft by Pro Football Focus, Benjamin Morrison could really help out the Buccaneers.

#20 Denver Broncos

Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

Goodyear Cotton Bowl - Missouri v Ohio State

Denver could use a few additions at wide receiver in the offseason. Even though recent comments by head coach Sean Payton suggest they may not go this route in the draft, I believe they will be unable to deny Burden III. Last season, Burden III caught 61 out of 80 targets for 676 yards and six touchdown receptions. And if the Bronco’s WR room is already stronger than others might think, the addition of Burden III could bring it to the next level.

#21 Pittsburgh Steelers

Walter Nolen, DI, Ole Miss
With the aging and inconsistencies of their defensive line, a fresh face is needed for the Steelers. Rated as one of the top interior defensive linemen on PFF, Walter Nolen could be beneficial for Pittsburgh.

#22 Los Angeles Chargers

Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Ladd McConkey can’t possibly do it all himself in 2025. Emeka Ebuka, a wide receiver fresh off of a championship, would be able to help him out. Last season, Ebuka had 1,011 receiving yards on 81 receptions and 10 touchdown receptions.

#23 Green Bay Packers

Jahdae Barron, CB, UT
Per ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, people within the Packers organization have grown frustrated with Jaire Alexander’s inability to stay healthy/play through injuries, putting his Green Bay future in doubt. Jahdae Barron might be a good replacement. He’s a versatile cornerback who has shown an ability to play in multiple spots.

#24 Minnesota Vikings

Kenneth Grant, DI, Michigan
Kenneth Grant could help to solidify the run defense in Minnesota as well as help out in the pass rush, which ranked 28th in the league by Fox Sports. Playing in 547 snaps in 2024, he gathered three sacks and finished with a run defense grade of 87.5 on PFF.

#25 Houston Texans

Matthew Golden, WR, UT
This might be an under-the-radar need for the Texans. With Tank Dell’s season-ending injury and Stefon Diggs set to be a free agent, the depth at WR is looking shaky in Houston. So I have them selecting the hometown kid Matthew Golden, who had an impressive season in 2024. On 83 targets, he had 58 receptions for 987 yards and nine touchdowns. His best game, according to PFF, was in the Peach Bowl against Arizona State, where he had an offensive grade of 88.9 and seven receptions for 149 yards and one touchdown.

#26 Los Angeles Rams

Grey Zabel, OT, NDSU
Alaric Jackson, the left tackle, is set to test free agency, leaving the Los Angeles Rams without a reliable blindside protector. Grey Zabel, who impressed at the Senior Bowl, would be capable of coming in and filling that role. He played 961 snaps on the offensive line last season, all at left tackle, and allowed just one sack. Zabel has also shown an ability to play right tackle, as he took a significant number of snaps there in 2022 and 2023.

#27 Baltimore Ravens

Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M
The Baltimore edge rush has been called “something of a committee” by PFF. So to help make it more consistent, I have them taking Shemar Stewart in the first round. With a run defense grade of 88.2, it’s his pass defense that needs some touch-up.

#28 Detroit Lions

Tyleik Williams, DI, Ohio State
It wouldn’t hurt the Lions one bit to bolster their defensive line, because someone has to take attention away from Aiden Hutchinson. Luckily for Detroit, Tyleik Williams would be up to the task. According to PFF, in 13 games played last season, he had 17 quarterback hurries, three sacks, and one batted pass.

#29 Washington Commanders

T.J. Sanders, DI, South Carolina
With the Commanders agreeing to let defensive tackle Johnathan Allen seek a trade, they need to find his replacement. T.J. Sanders, who is ranked as the fifth-best interior defensive lineman by PFF, would be a good candidate. In 2024, 375 of his 466 defensive snaps were facing the B-gap, which is the same part of the line that Allen would see.

#30 Buffalo Bills

Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford
The Bills need to give Josh Allen more weapons. And while they could address the need in free agency, I expect them to fill that need in the draft. Elic Ayomanor would be a step in the right direction. Last season, he had 63 receptions for 831 yards and six touchdowns.

#31 Kansas City Chiefs

Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
With linebacker Nick Bolton set to hit free agency, the Kansas City Chiefs need to find a potential replacement. Jihaad Campbell would be a good fit in Kansas City. Ranked as the second-best linebacker by PFF, he had 89 total tackles, eight sacks, two pass breakups, and one interception.

#32 Philadelphia Eagles

Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo
With defensive tackle Milton Williams and edge defender Josh Swear both possibly playing elsewhere next season, the defensive line becomes a potential area for concern in Philadelphia. Darius Alexander would be a good reinforcement in that spot. He had a 90.1 grade by PFF last season, while also getting four sacks, 25 quarterback hurries, and three batted passes. The Eagles did right by selecting a Toledo man in 2024, so I don’t see why they wouldn’t draft another in 2025.