The first two major steps in the NFL offseason -- the Senior Bowl and Scouting Combine -- are now complete: As each passes, the NFL Draft picture becomes more clear.
What do things look like after the week in Indianapolis?
Here’s our latest mock draft.
No. 1: Giants (via trade with the Tennessee Titans) - QB Cam Ward, Miami
The Giants did everything they could to acquire Matthew Stafford from the Los Angeles Rams. It didn’t work, so it’s on to Plan B. Most believe this means trading up to the top overall selection, according to multiple league sources at the NFL Combine. The Titans would like to create a bidding war, but talks for the pick likely start at a 2025 second-round pick and, at least, a 2026 third-rounder.
Any trade to No. 1 is with one player in mind: Cam Ward. I couldn’t find one evaluator in Indianapolis who believed Shedeur Sanders is a better player.
No. 2: Cleveland Browns - EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State
The Browns keep saying they don’t want to trade Myles Garrett, but they might not have a choice. Carter is the top edge rusher in this class and may be the best overall prospect. The Browns could use a quarterback, sure, but they might not need to force the issue in this draft if they can lure Kirk Cousins in free agency.
No. 3: Tennessee Titans (via trade with the Giants) - CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
Most people at the Combine shared the belief that Hunter’s future is as a full-time cornerback with a package of plays on offense. Some teams feel he’s in line with Carter as the top prospect in the class. The Titans, after trading back with the Giants, still get an elite-level prospect.
No. 4: New England Patriots - WR Tet McMillan, Arizona
The Patriots have their franchise quarterback in Drake Maye, and they desperately need to get him teammates who can make his job easier. That’s McMillan, arguably the top receiver in the class. He finished last season with 84 catches for 1,319 yards and eight touchdowns.
No. 5: Jacksonville Jaguars - DL Mason Graham, Michigan
The Jaguars already have three major pieces on their defensive line in Josh Hines-Allen, Arik Armstead, and Travon Walker. They don’t need Graham, but it’s hard to pass on him. He’s a top-tier, do-it-all player. Jacksonville's defensive front will be a force for years to come.
No. 6: Las Vegas Raiders - QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Sanders didn’t earn rave reviews out of the Combine. According to sources, he turned some teams off in the interview process. One team source actually had Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart ranked ahead of him leaving Indianapolis. Sanders raved about his relationship with Raiders minority owner Tom Brady during his interview with the media. It’s hard to see Brady passing on him if he’s still on the board.
