It is officially draft week in the NFL, and on Thursday, the first 32 selections will be made as top prospects make their NFL dreams come true.
All teams in the top 10 have very important things to consider, especially after the struggle they went through last year. For example, the Saints finished with a horrendous 5-12 and now hold the ninth-overall pick. This record would have landed them the fifth pick the year prior.
If your team is in the top 10, don’t worry, as I am going to tell you what direction it is expected to head in this year’s draft.
First Pick, Tennessee Titans — Cam Ward, QB, Miami: The Titans have a very interesting first-overall selection coming their way on Thursday, as their huge need for a QB can be fulfilled by Ward. However, they have concerns for edge rusher and corner. Despite there being better prospects in those positions, I cannot see the Titans passing up the opportunity to secure Ward as their QB.
Second Pick, Cleveland Browns — Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado: The Browns are a team in desperate need of help and talent in almost every position. Even though they extended Myles Garrett, I can still see them picking EDGE Abdul Carter from Penn State. However, with general manager Andrew Barry publicly praising Hunter as a prospect, I think it’s also likely that they’ll go in that direction. Hunter’s versatility would be a great benefit to their team, as he could solve their receiver problem and fill the role of CB.
Third Pick, New York Giants — Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State: For the longest time, I thought Shedeur Sanders would be the Giant’s pick. That hype has died down a lot, and I truly think they look to go QB in round 2-3. With that being said, it seems almost impossible for them to pass up on Carter since their 2022 first round pick, Kayvon Thibodeaux, has been injury-prone and might be looking to move on.
Fourth Pick, New England Patriots — Will Campbell, OT, LSU: It isn’t the most exciting pick, like Carter or Hunter, but I think this is the smartest move for New England. Being the third-overall pick in 2024, QB Drake Maye is a star in the making that the Patriots absolutely need to protect. Campbell is a fantastic lineman who canstart from day one and potentially reach a higher ceiling if he is moved to guard. Campbell has the potential to be the stonewall that the team needs to keep Maye safe.
Fifth Pick, Jacksonville Jaguars — Mason Graham, DL, Michigan: Graham is a top-five player in the class and it is super easy to notice. He is unbelievably polished for an interior defensive lineman, showcasing his ability to be a good pass rusher and great run stuffer throughout his time in the Big 10. This solidifies him as the player with arguably the highest floor, who can help elevate a bottom 10 team rushing defense from last season.
Sixth Pick, Las Vegas Raiders — Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State: In my previous article, I went in depth on why this player is the real deal and why the Raiders cannot pass up on this unbelievable running back prospect. Last year, they refused to pass up on a blue-chip tight end prospect, and the trend continues. The Raiders had the worst rushing offense last season, but that can change with Jeanty in the backfield.
Seventh Pick, New York Jets — Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona: The Jets, despite having an issue with their offensive line, need to go with a pass catcher for their first-round selection. Garrett Wilson is a stud at wide receiver but beyond him, the Jets are streched thin. I can see Tyler Warren being a possibility here, but I think the strong handed, physical deep threat wide receiver is a slightly better choice for the Jets.
Eighth Pick, Carolina Panthers — Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia: I have absolutely fallen in love with Jalon Walker as a prospect. He is an absolute stud who can play off-ball LB, with impressive run-stuffing skills and the ability to drop back into coverage at times. What makes him a top 10 pick in my eyes is his flexibility. If needed, he can be put off the edge and he will deliver as a pass rusher, having led Georgia in sacks last season with 6.5. He’s the perfect prospect for a team looking to strengthen its pash rush.
Ninth Pick, New Orleans Saints — Armand Membou, OT, Missouri: This isn’t my favorite pick, as New Orleans has lots of problems within its defense, specifically on the defensive line. However, with the recent retirement of Ryan Ramczyk and Trevor Penning’s shaky development, I think they will address this issue by drafting Membou. He is a strong lineman who’s athletisicm is strong enough to hold his own from day one for the Saints. Drafting Membou and pairing him with 2024 first-rounder Taliese Fuaga gives the team a powerful long-term tackle duo.
Tenth Pick, Chicago Bears — Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall: Over the past month, the Bears’ biggest draft need has shifted from offensive line to defensive line. In my opinion, Green is exactly what they’re looking for, perfect for Chicago. His production speaks for itself, as he led the nation in sacks last season with 17. His speed is great, but the best part about him is his intelligence. He knows exactly when and how to set up his moves. Pairing him up with Montez Sweat gives the Bears a dangerous duo.