It’s NFL Draft week. That actually feels pretty wild to type. It’s a huge one for both the Giants (No. 6 pick in the first round) and Jets (No. 10). Both teams are looking to take a major step forward with their selections. They should, too. This draft is believed by most to be loaded.
With this mock, we’re making each of the first 10 selections based off of multiple conversations with sources across the NFL. So, based off that information, what could the first round look like?
Here’s our final mock draft before Thursday...
No. 1: Chicago Bears - Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Williams is undeniably the most talented quarterback in this year’s class and has a ceiling higher than most recent quarterback prospects. One source told me the only thing he likes more than Williams’ physical gifts is his persona. He believes he’s the best and has no problem telling you. Doubting him only fuels him more.
No. 2: Washington Commanders - Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Give the Commanders credit for keeping their intentions clouded, but Daniels makes too much sense. His physical gifts are second to only Williams in this class. The Commanders — under new leadership at the ownership, management and coaching level — need a new face of the franchise. Daniels is that.
No. 3: New England Patriots - Drake Maye, QB, UNC
I think there’s an outside chance the Patriots go with Marvin Harrison Jr. here. That would cause quite the shakeup at No. 4. If Drake Maye is somehow available, I believe you’ll see Giants general manager Joe Schoen get more aggressive than he wants to in order to acquire him. Common sense prevails here, though. Not only do the Patriots not have a legitimate quarterbacking option on the roster (Jacoby Brissett and Bailey Zappe are not that), but the weak 2025 class makes getting one now even more important. Maye it is.
No. 4: Minnesota Vikings (via Arizona Cardinals) - J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
This is the one of the worst-kept secrets around the NFL right now. The Vikings, sources said, are hellbent in getting a quarterback for receiver Justin Jefferson and head coach Kevin O’Connell. They’re quite high on McCarthy, and believe he’ll be a much better pro than college quarterback. His football acumen meshes perfectly with O’Connell. He’s essentially a more physically gifted Kirk Cousins. Here’s a sneaky team to keep an eye on for a Cardinals trade up: The Denver Broncos. They can’t match the picks that the Vikings can, but do have players.