With the Seattle Seahawks beating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, teams must look to the offseason for the latest news and updates about their team, specifically the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh starting on April 23.
This is a deep class for cornerbacks and wide receivers, while the quarterback class is lackluster at best, creating interesting scenarios for defensive players. Let’s get right into it.
1. Las Vegas Raiders – Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Mendoza was the biggest story in all of college football this last season, going as far as winning the Heisman and giving Indiana University its first National Championship in school history. He put up highs in completion percentages, yards and touchdowns. He has the ideal size you want out of a quarterback. There’s only one question: Can the Raiders make him successful?
2. New York Jets – Linebacker Arvell Reese, Ohio State
The Jets have many outlets they could take. In this mock, Reese gets picked at number two. Though listed as a linebacker, he is more of an edge or off-ball linebacker, similar to Micah Parsons. He is a better pass rusher than a linebacker in coverage, but he can still do anything you ask him. Plus, he’s got a spark in him that can really take over a game.
3. Arizona Cardinals – Running back Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
The obvious choice for the Cardinals is offensive line; however, Love is not only a game-changing back, but he is also probably the most gifted offensive player in this whole draft. He possesses the ability to turn a five-yard play into a 50-yard touchdown. Speed, strength, balance — Love has it all, and should be an easy choice for a team that will probably lose their starting running back in free agency.
4. Tennessee Titans – Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Since 1999, there has not been a notable defensive award for an edge player with sub-31-inch arms in the NFL, which is where Bain Jr. However, I believe he’s the best pass rusher in this year’s draft. He’s very powerful, making him an above-average run defender who has a deep bag of power moves for his pass rush. Without the long arms, it’s difficult for him to win off the edge and without an ultra-talented Miami squad, he may get picked on, which is why he drops to four for me, but his upside outweighs his negatives.
5. New York Giants – Safety Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Safety is not a highly coveted position. Great players will often fall because of their value. Downs, however, is different. He plays all over the defense and is more of a jack-of-all-trades. He can be your extra linebacker, nickel corner, safety or overhang on the line of scrimmage and rush the passer.
6. Cleveland Browns – Wide receiver Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Tate is a big body receiver with some of the best hands of the class. He will fight at the catch-point and dominate in single coverage. It doesn’t matter the route, coverage or how many defenders are on him, he uses his size and hands to catch and secure the ball. He has the ability to play deep and win down the field or run more intermediate routes like digs and comebacks. For a team like the Giants, he’s the perfect addition to their receiver room.
7. Washington Commanders – Linebacker Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Styles is your classic blue-chip middle linebacker. He can read a defense, shed blocks, tackle and he’s serviceable enough in his young career to play out in coverage. He has legitimate sideline-to-sideline speed and is an extremely smart and twitchy player with natural instincts. He’s perfect for Head Coach Dan Quinn’s defensive system.
8. New Orleans Saints – Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
This is one of the biggest boom or bust picks in recent memory. Tyson injured his hamstring this past season, making him miss three games in October and November. His 2024 season ended with him breaking his collarbone. In 2022, he tore his ACL, PCL and MCL, causing him to miss the 2023 season. It’s not just one injury for him; it’s everything. If medical checks out, he could go inside the top ten, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he drops out of the first round and into day two or three of the draft despite his talent. If the medical comes back good, the Saints would be an awesome spot for him.
9. Kansas City Chiefs – Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech
The Chiefs get a steal with Bailey at nine and can add some juice to their edge room. There’s plenty of debate on whether he or Reese will be taken first in this draft; regardless, the Texas Tech product has the speed and power to win against any competition in the NFL. He has a plan when he rushes and relies on his mind as much as he does on his physical tools with a motor to match.
10. Cincinnati Bengals – Tackle Francis Mauigoa, Miami
Mauigoa is the best tackle in this draft. He has the size and the mentality to destroy his competition. Whether it’s in the passing or running game, he will play until the whistle. He can block in space if needed, but he needs to work on his technique. Still, there’s no one better at his position than Mauigoa.
