This is the third version I’ve done on this mock draft. I hadn’t published before the Rams-Chiefs trade, then the Ravens-Raiders trade happened the night after I published.
Some quick thoughts on the big trade:
I love the trade for the Raiders. Even though Maxx Crosby is a great player, he wasn’t going to help the Raiders get back into contention. The Raiders face a long rebuild and a 29 year old edge rusher, even a superstar, doesn’t fit their timeline. Now, Vegas joins the NY Jets, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys & Kansas City Chiefs as teams with multiple first round picks. They can get their franchise quarterback & someone who can help him realize his potential.
I had some hope that Crosby would end up in Chicago, but I always knew he wouldn’t and the price Baltimore paid is why. I knew the Bears would never part with two first round picks, and I thought they’d be hesitant about one. This isn’t the Ryan Pace Bears this is the Ryan Poles Bears. They value high end draft picks over high priced veterans.
Though the price was steep, I do like the trade for Baltimore, too. The Ravens were one of the more disappointing teams in 2025 and their defense was a big reason why. Baltimore was my preseason pick to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl and I still think they’re one of the more talented teams in the AFC. The Ravens brass obviously believes they’re a Super Bowl contender and adding Maxx Crosby might push them over the top.
Now, onto the mock draft, which, barring any more blockbuster trades on the eve of free agency, should be my last one for a couple weeks.
Raiders get their franchise quarterback.Jets get a centerpiece for their defense.Cardinals beef up their offensive line.I like the Titans to go edge here & I think Bailey has surged ahead.Giants could go receiver here, but I have them taking the star of the Combine.I have the Browns pouncing on Tate if the Giants pass.I like the Commanders to go with an edge, they’ll take the one Tennessee doesn’t.Saints need playmakers for Tyler Shough.Chiefs would love it if Love is still on the board (pun intended).Bengals have to go defense & Downs might be the best player in the draft.Dolphins could go several directions, I’ve had them taking Delane is just about every mock.Cowboys need to go defense & they should start with a pass rusher.Even after acquiring McDuffie, I wouldn’t rule out a corner for the Rams, but I have them going tackle here.With the pick they got from Baltimore, the Raiders shore up the protection for Mendoza.Buccaneers grab the super athletic tight end from Oregon.Jets went defense with their first pick, now they get another weapon for whoever plays quarterback for them.If the Lions pair Mesidor with Aidan Hutchinson that would give NFC North quarterbacks nightmares.Vikings find the perfect replacement for Harrison Smith.Panthers will have a solid cornerback tandem with McCoy & Jaycee Horn.Cowboys stay with defense with their second pick and grab a corner.Steelers need another receiver for whoever plays quarterback for them.Chargers build up their interior pass rush.Eagles draft a successor to Lane Johnson.Browns have to use one of their first round picks on the offensive line.Feels like the Bears have to go defensive line here, I think they’ll opt for the more explosive pass rusher.After acquiring DJ Moore, I don’t think the Bills will go receiver here, instead they’ll add an edge rusher.Niners need to retool their receiving corps.Texans almost have to go offensive line here.With the pick they got from the Rams, the Chiefs add a piece to their secondary.I have the Broncos replacing Alex Singleton with this pick.Patriots go with an edge rusher.Seahawks go cornerback.
Nickels and Dimes 