As I think everyone at this point knows, I do one mock draft every year. This year I decided to project some trades and have some fun with it.
Advance intel:
-I think there is one very specific scenario in which the Broncos would trade up. I did not project that here, but if a certain QB were available at a certain point I think they would TRY.
-There are a couple teams I'm aware of that are monitoring and would possibly move from the second round back into the first. The Texans and Commanders are two of those teams. I believe the Commanders want an OT.
-The Bills have made calls about moving up for a WR, but as of this writing I don't see that happening.
-There's a lot of talk centered around Michael Penix in the first recently. Most people I've talked to, their teams aren't considering that but could see another team doing that. I'd suggest that the leading teams to trade back in and do that would be the Patriots, Giants and possibly the Raiders (who love Jayden Daniels).
-There are some WR that may be traded during the draft that could definitely shake up the outcomes (Aiyuk, Sutton).
-Quite a few teams trying to burn the phones up as of this writing to get up and get their tackle. I expect a lot of trades.
So without further ado...
- Bears - QB Caleb Williams. This is a no brainer. Everyone has known this since the Senior Bowl when they were openly shopping Justin Fields, despite reports to the contrary.
- Commanders - QB Jayden Daniels. Almost universally everyone I talked to had him over Drake Maye.
- Patriots - QB Drake Maye I really thought the Vikings might crack and make the trade to get here. Ultimately Pats take Maye.
- Cardinals - WR Marvin Harrison While a trade back is possible, I suspect the parties that'd be interested simply aren't willing to give enough to move them.
- Vikings (via LAC)* - QB JJ McCarthy Trade up! After missing on Maye, four QBs in the top 5. Vikings only give one first this year.
- Giants - WR Malik Nabers Several teams have him as the top WR in this draft.
- Titans - OT Joe Alt Don't rule out a WR here.
- Falcons - EDGE Dallas Turner Best coverage edge rusher for a scheme that demands their edges drop back at times. Latu in play here as well.
- Saints (via CHI)* - OT Olu Fashanu Saints move up and fill a huge need.
- Jets - TE Brock Bowers Versatile mismatch TE/ off the line Y for Aaron Rodgers. Fuaga a consideration here.
- Chargers (via Minn)* - OL JC Latham I think the Chargers can get quality WR help later.
- Eagles (via Den)* - CB Quinyon Mitchell Eagles trade up to get their corner. (give up pick 50)
- Raiders - CB Terrion Arnold Raiders could look to go OL here as well. Not buying Penix at 13 hype.
- Bears (via NO)* - DT Byron Murphy Bears land the premier IDL talent in the draft.
- Colts - WR Rome Odunze Slide stops here, adds a weapon for Anthony Richardson. Could see trade down here.
- Seahawks - OT Troy Fautanu OC Ryan Grubb was his collegiate coach
- 49ers (via JAX)* - WR Brian Thomas Jr I projected an Aiyuk trade and pick swap here
- Bengals - OL Taliese Fuaga Slide stops here
- Rams - EDGE Laitu Latu I think OT would be a strong consideration here as well.
- Steelers - OL Graham Barton The Steelers need at C is well known. Russ needs clean A gaps to operate.
- Dolphins - OL Jackson Powers-Johnson I think they'd love Barton to be here, but McDaniel will love JPJ personality
- Broncos (via PHI)* - EDGE Jared Verse Possibility the Broncos could move back yet again and grab more picks. Nix is a day two talent.
- Vikings - OL Tyler Guyton After not giving up this pick in trade (future picks) the Vikings get additional QB protection.
- Cowboys - OL Amarius Mims Cowboys have too many needs to trade up, take the OL that falls in their lap.
- Packers - DB Cooper DeJean Versatile DB can play safety or corner. Wouldn't be surprised to see Packers TRY to move up.
- Buccaneers - EDGE Chop Robinson - Couple options here CB or edge. ultimately went edge.
- Commanders (via AZ) - OL Patrick Paul Maybe a bit earlier than expected.
- Bills - WR Xavier Worthy Bills tried to trade up but were unsuccessful. Land a WR anyway.
- Lions - CB Kool Aid McKinistry Lions could be a trade back candidate here,
- Ravens - OL Jordan Morgan Went back and forth with this one. Probably my most debated pick
- Jaguars (via SF)* - CB Nate Wiggins Wiggins could slip to 2nd.
- Chiefs - OL Kingsley Suamataia BYU connection again for Reid?
EDIT: The trade compensation is as follows
MIN/LAC: LAC gives 5 overall for 11, 129, 2025 1st and 2026 2nd
NO/CHI: CHI gives 9 overall for pick 14 a 2025 2nd and pick 150
PHI/DEN: Den gives pick 12 for 22, 50 and 172
SF/ JAX: Jax gives pick 17, 116 for Aiyuk and 31
WAS/AZ: AZ gives pick 27 for 36 and 78