BH's Round 1 (+Full Panthers) Mock

[Bear Hands]

Decided to finally paste this in from my google drive...enjoy the mini-book. May make 1 addendum pre-draft.

 

2025 Mock Draft - Full 1st Round

Note: 4 trades, just teams jumping for guys I think they’re targeting.

 

1. TEN - Cameron Ward QB Miami - Seems like Ward #1 is a near lock.

2. CLE - Travis Hunter DB/WR Colorado - The Browns are craving offense right now and I believe the rumors.  He brings it on both sides of the ball, elevates the entire team. 

3. NYG - Adbul Carter DE/OLB Penn State - I don’t want to go Carter here, but it’s either this or Schoen/Daboll take a swing on Shedeur.  I just don’t think he’s going that high - their careers depend on this pick.  They landed Russ to band-aid, so him and a Carter addition could improve each side of the ball enough to survive another year.  

4. NE - Will Campbell OT LSU - His game is great; it sounds like many teams have no issue with his size and think he can go at LT.  Great scenario for Maye if NE is one of those teams.  

5. TRADE SF (from JAX) - Armand Membou OT Missouri - I think they’re taking calls and SF could have the ammo.  This is a spot that seems penciled in as Graham for JAX, but it’s just not feeling like the scenario for me.  Lynch/Shanahan are not shy to trade up.  They usually don’t go OL high, but everyone bucks their trends once in a while.  Huge need and they have a boatload of picks.  I could see a bit of crazy happening.

6. LVR - Ashton Jeanty RB Boise State - I’m buying into the common refrain here.  Jeanty in Carrol’s offense with Bowers as the top target is super interesting.  Could make Geno’s job a lot easier.

7. NYJ - Mason Graham DT Michigan - The value is just too good and the fit is great.  I have a sense that Graham could slip, but he meshes well with Glenn and that growing defense.  Doesn't get past NYJ.

8. CAR - Jalon Walker LB Georgia - Could easily see a trade if Graham and Walker are gone (SF, SEA & IND as potential suitors).  But with Walker here, he just makes a lot of sense for building that defense.  Lots of buzz around him going higher, but unsure where that would be.  This marriage feels inevitable.  

9. NO - Shedeur Sanders QB Colorado - Sanders lands in New Orleans.  I just see the organization being the one that fits him and could take the risk.  Carr is not guaranteed that starter spot much longer if his play like last season continues.  

10. TRADE IND (from CHI) - Tyler Warren TE Penn State - With Jeanty & OTs gone, Chicago takes calls.  Warren is available here, and I could see Indy jumping up slightly to grab him.  Chicago may want to gather more picks to best build Ben’s team for Caleb.

11. JAX (from SF) - Derrick Harmon DE/DT Oregon - Harmon would be a great fit to help with their DL.  One of my favorite players in the draft who I think is way more coveted than let on.  Wins with his hands, has great size, length, gets after the QB, good run defender.  Slippery, high motor, understands how to advance in the trenches.  Too promising to go much later.

12. DAL - Mykel Williams DE/EDGE UGA - May not have the production you want, but the flashes are there.  Has the size and a great motor.  Needs to improve his pass rush plan, but after watching interviews, I can see why he’s viewed favorably.  Heavily linked to Dallas, could go as high as 8/CAR.

13. MIA - Jahdae Barron DB Texas - Best defensive playmaker in the draft and they are in need of more talent across the board on defense.  High football IQ, all over the field type. Good long term option, high floor, great skills.  Pairing him with Ramsey would be nice.  

14. CHI (from IND) - Omarion Hampton RB UNC - Here’s where it gets interesting.  They’ve met with him multiple times, and I could see Johnson licking his chops at the possibility of Hampton.  It’s much more stomach-able with this trade down, gaining some capital in the process.  

15. ATL - Donovan Ezeiruaku OLB BC - There’s reported interest and I think teams are pretty high on Ez (for good reason).  Being an Ez fan, I don’t want to see him in ATL, but they need a sure-thing pass rusher, and he’s the most sure thing in that department this draft.  

16. TRADE GB (from AZ) - Matthew Golden WR Texas - The Packers finally buck the trend and aggressively go after a round 1 receiver.  If Golden is around, and they like him enough, I can see this type of move being made to help Love.  

17. CIN - Kenneth Grant DT/NT Michigan - Shoring up the DL would be a smart move.  They need a boost in a big way, and Grant is a monster who I have a hard time not seeing being effective, and quickly.  Awesome fit for what the Bengals need as well.

18. SEA - Kelvin Banks Jr OT Texas - They’ve been linked, met, have the need, and could be wise given all the new investments on offense.  Zabel or Banks are in play here, could also see them trade up with their picks.  

19. TB - Will Johnson CB Notre Dame - His value here becomes too good to ignore but injury concerns do bring him down a tad. Bucs wind up with a corner they can’t refuse.

20. DEN - Tetiaroa McMillan WR Arizona - Slipping just a bit, he makes it to Denver who lands guy for Nix to grow with.  

21. PIT - Tyleik Williams DT/NT Ohio State - A bit higher than expected – the Steelers are in need of offensive help in a major way but they need an overall reset.  For that - it’s trenches out.  Arguably the best run defender in the draft and is being way overlooked.  Has met with every team, is spoken of super highly in scouting circles.  Tyleik is one of those guys everyone is trying to be quiet about.

22. LAC - Colston Loveland TE Michigan - Harbaugh brings in familiar company to LA.  They have some DL needs but pairing Loveland in that offense could be a great situation to boost Herbert and team.  I don't think he's this mid-round 1 pick everyone seems to be stamping in but this is a nice scenario.    

23. AZ (from GB) - Walter Nolen DT Ole Miss - Nolen doesn’t slip all the way past round 1, too much talent.  Cardinals get a much needed DL presence.

24. MIN - Jihaad Campbell LB Alabama - Tore his labrum post-combine, so will likely miss half the season (at least), but I don’t think that drops him too far.  Vikes have the roster built to let him mend and ease into things.  

25. HOU - Donovan Jackson OT/G Ohio State - He fits their needs in a big way and is viewed more favorably by teams than the other IOLs.  Stroud gets a familiar pal for much needed protection.

26. LAR - Trey Amos CB Ole Miss - A riser who keeps rising and fits the zone/man combo that McVay likes.  Could fit very nicely in LA.

27. BAL - Grey Zabel IOL North Dakota State - BAL is a popular safety destination but I see IOL as a primary target if Zabel is here.  He’s been a major riser, getting real R1 love.  The fit here is pretty spot on.

28. DET - Mike Green EDGE/OLB Marshall - Green is a gamble, his history is a bit of an unknown, but suspect.  If he checks out interview-wise with teams, he could end up in a solid late round spot.  Huge boost for the Lions. (Watch for Scourton here too)

29. WAS - Nick Emmanwori S South Carolina - After seeing what they were able to get out of Chinn, this could be a great fit for a defense who needs some secondary help.  

30. BUF - Emeka Egbuka WR Ohio State - A bit of a WR slippage allows the Bills to grab a complimentary piece along with Coleman.  Pairs well to boost that offense and get them a bit more efficient.  

31. KC - Josh Simmons OT Ohio State - Could be a smart move for the second half of Mahomes career.  It was a problem come playoff time and he needs the help, worth the gamble here even with his injury.  

32. TRADE CHI (from PHI) - Josh Conerly OT Oregon - I think there could be some OLs to fly off the board late 1st.  Chicago now having gained picks, moves up from 39.  Hampton + Conerly would be a haul with pick 41 not far away for their 3rd pick.  

 

Notables Not Included:

QB3 - Not buying Milroe, Dart, Shough, any of them, as round 1 quarterbacks.

Shavon Revel Jr. CB ECU - Could easily see Revel in the first, Vikes or Bills are possibilities.  Awesome name.

Aireontae Ersery OT Minnesota - Like him but he’s just on the outside looking in with round 1, only so many spots.

Malaki Starks S UGA - He’s a very solid prospect but safeties simply are not coveted, he lacks deep speed, and had a spotty 2024.  Legit talent is there - could fall into someone’s arms like Branch did in DET.

Tyler Booker OG Alabama - I simply don’t see 3 IOLs in R1.  Still see him going top-40.

Maxwell Hairston CB Kentucky - Another really solid prospect I just didn't find the fit for.

Nic Scourton DE/EDGE Texas A&M - Was a top 2025 prospect before last season, and he still has the traits that got him that hype.  A potential Lions target.

Shemar Stewart DL/EDGE - Just not seeing it even with the testing. Maybe a team takes the gamble but unsure.

Darius Alexander DL - Like him but just didn’t find the right spot.  Age (25) could impact where he goes. 

Luther Burden III WR Missouri - I just didn’t see a fit and could see him fall out of the first due to a variety of reasons. 

James Pearce Jr. OLB Tennessee - I feel there’s traction to his character concerns more than the others.  I don’t see him in R1.
 

--

 

Panthers Draft:

Still predictive with a hint of my guys/targets:  

1. Jalon Walker LB UGA 6’2 243

Land a guy who can become a vocal leader for the team and create a bit of energy on defense.  Instant pass-rusher/edge in some sets, I think he pairs well with Trevin longer term and can get snaps alongside Jewell playing off-ball. Instant impact all around. (Edited for some clarity)

2.1 - Bradyn Swinson EDGE/OLB LSU  6’4 255 33”+ arms, ~10” hands 

A high upside, big framed 3-4 edge rusher from a major program.  Swinson had strong production, exhibits great bend and quickness. Can easily fill in with his frame to become a capable edge setter.  Would be a sound decision in R2.

2.2 (Trade Up) 3rd+5th - Jaylin Noel WR Iowa State 5’11 201

I don’t think he’ll be there come round 3, but this is the specific guy I think we should target.  It’s not just that he’s the “shifty” type, but his catch radius is huge for his size.  Great hand/eye coordination and extremely good at contested catches.  From video interviews I’ve seen, I also imagine this kid is killing it with meetings and seems very into the game.  Teams definitely like him.  We’ve got (3) 5th rounders, so whatevs, use one to move up a bit.        

4.1 Jacob Parrish NB/CB Kansas State 5’10 191

Really fluid, plays bigger than he is and would be a long term solution as the primary NB.  Immediately comes in over Smith-Wade who is still solid depth. 

4.2 Jonas Sanker S Virginia

Seems to be a safety they’ve taken a liking to.  Could be a nice fit alongside Moehrig.   

5.1 (traded) - if not - Tai Felton WR Maryland is one of my favorite mid/late round WRs

5.2 Jonah Monheim C/G/T USC - Versatile late round swing lineman to take a flyer on.

5.3 Warren Brinson DT/NT UGA

Bring in one of Walker’s teammates as well who could work out long term with some grooming behind Bobby Brown.  Big boy at 6’5 315.  Depth and competition in the trenches is needed to bolster this defense.

7. Caden Davis K Ole Miss

Wrap it up by landing a kicker.  What a dude.

 

[Panthero]

Great poo. 

[CPF4LIFE]

Inevitable marriage.

[theinstrumental]

Thanks for the great post! Can you say why you prefer Brinson to Stackhouse? Same team, same-ish position, but Stackhouse started and got more of the playing time over the nose on those teams.

[pantherclaw]

I would be good with this draft.

[Icege]

After looking at the Panthers' mock, I might need to go to the doctor in 4 hours for... reasons...

[pantherclaw]

8 minutes ago, Icege said:

After looking at the Panthers' mock, I might need to go to the doctor in 4 hours for... reasons...

Longer than that if you have the new Viagra. 

[MHS831]

I just decided to think this with my brain: 

If Cleveland takes Hunter, the Giants would obviously take Sanders or trade.  Why?  Abdul Carter would be the third DE (Thib, Burns, and Carter) while they have a need at DT and G and the secondary is a bit suspect.  This is Sanders' best hope of going third--but remember,the Giants have W QBs Wilson and Winston.  Next year's draft at QB is unreal.  So take a guy at #3 or build around Wilson?  Still, you do not take Carter.  I am guessing they trade out or take Graham.

If Cleveland takes Carter to play opposite Garrett, they would be awesome, but they have another W QB, Watson and Kenny Pickett.  Yikes.  Coach Stefanski is not a threat to win Mayor of Cleveland right now, so we shall see how patient they are with him.  A desperate GM and Coach would take Sanders.  If their plan is given an endorsement from the owner, they will trade back.  With Carter on the board, that trade would happen.

If the Browns take Carter, the Giants take Hunter and play him in their weak secondary and give Nabors a friend on offense at times. 

 

[Swaggasaurus]

Jalon Walker will not be playing inside backer. Even if he was 5’10”. He’s a 3-4 OLB all day.

[jfra78]

2 minutes ago, Swaggasaurus said:

Jalon Walker will not be playing inside backer. Even if he was 5’10”. He’s a 3-4 OLB all day.

They are going to use him like Luvu, they play very similarly 

[Bear Hands]

1 minute ago, Swaggasaurus said:

Jalon Walker will not be playing inside backer. Even if he was 5’10”. He’s a 3-4 OLB all day.

I think it just depends on the package. He’ll be moving around but I see usage at both spots - I like him outside in base sets but in nickel, which is bulk, can see him in the middle. Playing around with simulated pressures, spying and blitzing. Having that element while still having perimeter rushers could confuse a lot of mid QBs.

[Bear Hands]

14 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

I just decided to think this with my brain: 

If Cleveland takes Hunter, the Giants would obviously take Sanders or trade.  Why?  Abdul Carter would be the third DE (Thib, Burns, and Carter) while they have a need at DT and G and the secondary is a bit suspect.  This is Sanders' best hope of going third--but remember,the Giants have W QBs Wilson and Winston.  Next year's draft at QB is unreal.  So take a guy at #3 or build around Wilson?  Still, you do not take Carter.  I am guessing they trade out or take Graham.

If Cleveland takes Carter to play opposite Garrett, they would be awesome, but they have another W QB, Watson and Kenny Pickett.  Yikes.  Coach Stefanski is not a threat to win Mayor of Cleveland right now, so we shall see how patient they are with him.  A desperate GM and Coach would take Sanders.  If their plan is given an endorsement from the owner, they will trade back.  With Carter on the board, that trade would happen.

If the Browns take Carter, the Giants take Hunter and play him in their weak secondary and give Nabors a friend on offense at times. 

 

I just don’t think Sanders goes at 2 or 3.  And with how Thib’s career trajectory looks and Burns’ disappointing season, it sounds like an organization that has no problem going with an edge rusher again. Graham doesn’t push the needle for them/isn’t a target. Carter in NY could easily happen.

Heck, KT could be on the block for all we know. Probably a good call if they’re thinking about maximizing assets.

I also don’t see JAX, LVR, NYJ, or anyone else further down trading up for Carter at 3. Takes two to tango. The capital required isn’t worth it.  Even though he’s one of the few blue chips, he’s not generational and worth that type of package. 

[Swaggasaurus]

7 minutes ago, jfra78 said:

They are going to use him like Luvu, they play very similarly 

He has UDFA tape for his 1/2 down plays at ILB. His run fits and instincts are atrocious. I like him as an edge and a move piece on obvious passing downs, but I can’t believe we are this far in with anybody thinking this guy is going to play any traditional inside backer for any significant snaps.

[MHS831]

If the Panthers are on the clock and Sanders is in the green room, probably fuming with his daddy, does Pittsburgh call?  (They do not have a second rounder).  Does Cleveland attempt to move back up and grab a QB?  It would cost them 33, 67, 94 and a 2026 second rounder. 

Or do you take Jalon Walker?