If The Season Ended Today: NFL Mock Draft
Travis Hunter of the University of Colorado, Boulder. (Derek Marckel/University of Colorado, Boulder Athletics)
By John Towey, Staff Writer
As the holiday season approaches, football season is unfortunately all but over for some teams. Today, we’ll be looking at the top 10 teams projected to finish with the worst records and who they may select in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9) | Travis Hunter – WR/CB
With the first overall pick, I think the Jaguars will select wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter from the University of Colorado. Hunter is indisputably the best player in the class and would instantly elevate the Jaguars’ secondary or receiver room. However, there is a possibility that Jacksonville could trade down for a player that better addresses their needs with a team in need of a quarterback.
New York Giants (2-9) | Cam Ward – QB
It’s a pretty even race for the best quarterback in this year’s draft class, but I’m giving the narrow edge to Miami’s Cam Ward. Drafting him is not as egregious of a reach as drafting Daniel Jones six years ago, but it is a gamble for desperate Big Blue. If New York does not draft a quarterback in the first round, Michigan lineman Mason Graham would help bolster their poor run defense.
Las Vegas Raiders (2-9) | Sheduer Sanders – QB
On a similar note, Sheduer Sanders is another top-rated quarterback. I believe the Las Vegas Raiders will select him because of their recent struggles at the position with Gardner Minshew being benched for Aiden O’Connell. If head coach Antonio Pierce is fired at the end of the season, I could also see Coach Prime being a package deal and going to Las Vegas with his son.
New England Patriots (3-8) | Will Campbell – OT
With a rising star in quarterback Drake Maye, New England needs to beef up their offensive line. LSU’s Will Campbell is the best tackle in the draft and I’d expect the Patriots to select him sixth overall.
Carolina Panthers (3-8) | Abdul Carter – OLB
With the fifth pick, I expect the Carolina Panthers to select Abdul Carter, an edge rusher from Penn State. The Panthers haven’t had much of a presence in the pass rush since trading Brian Burns to the Giants, and this pick would strengthen their defense.
Tennessee Titans (3-8) | Tetairoa McMillan – WR
The Tennessee Titans are in an interesting position for this offseason. It is unclear whether they are ready to move on from quarterback Will Levis. For now, I have them selecting Arizona wideout Tetairoa McMillan. Wide receiver may not be the Titans’ biggest need but McMillan’s talent is too great to ignore.
New York Jets (3-8) | Will Johnson – CB
Michigan’s Will Johnson is probably one of the best players in this year’s draft. PFF ranks him as the 3rd best in this year’s draft. I believe the Jets will draft him to start opposite star cornerback Sauce Garnder. This move will hopefully stop the bleeding in what was a good defense last year but has not been the same since head coach Robert Saleh was fired.
Cleveland Browns (3-8) | Kelvin Banks – OT
Aside from various QB problems, the biggest issue for the Browns this season has been their porous offensive line. With that in mind, I have the Browns drafting Texas tackle Kelvin Banks.
New Orleans Saints (4-7) | Mason Graham – DT
Star Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham would be a great fit for the Saints as they need a real presence on the defensive line next to Chase Young on the edge.
Cincinnati Bengals (4-7) | Luther Burden III – WR
Finally, with the tenth overall pick, I think the Bengals will draft Missouri wideout Luther Burden III. He will hopefully fill the void left when Tee Higgins inevitably walks in free agency next March.
