The NFL Draft is just 17 days away, and somehow, the closer we get to it, the murkier the picture of it all gets. Usually, as more information shines through, it somehow complicates matters as we use it to figure things out for one team before pivoting to another and asking, "Now what?"
In our latest first-round mock draft, some news over the weekend regarding quarterbacks is adding a new wrinkle to the proceedings.
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe was invited to and accepted to be in Green Bay for the NFL Draft later this month. The invitations are usually only extended to players expected to go in round one, so it has shifted people's expectations of him. We also have the constant carousel that is Jaxson Dart, which complicates picks later in round one. Despite all of it, picks at the top are starting to take shape, which we have reflected in this mock draft.
Outside of the top four picks, we let the chaos fly.
1) Tennessee Titans - Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
The Titans canceled their scheduled private workout with Shedeur Sanders, which leads everyone to believe Cam Ward is their guy. Ward is well-traveled, has handled adversity, and has a chance to elevate the Titans' offense behind a rejuvenated offensive line.
2) Cleveland Browns - Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
The Browns are not being attached to Shedeur Sanders at the number two pick, perhaps they are down the road. Right now, this team needs good football players, and one of the best ones in the class is Travis Hunter. The Heisman Trophy winner can be a fun WR2 option alongside Jerry Jeudy on offense, and on defense, he can work alongside Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II.
3) New York Giants - Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
The team has Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns at the edge position, so they have some treasures there, so why not take a quarterback? This team signed Russell Wilson, and they seem happy with that as a win-now move to save the jobs of Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll. What could help matters is having a top-tier defense, and adding Abdul Carter to that pass-rushing group does that.
4) New England Patriots - Will Campbell, OL, LSU
The Patriots are reportedly big fans of Will Campbell, and why shouldn't they be? No matter where they plug him in, he will be an instant upgrade for the Patriots and help Drake Maye take the next step in his development.
5) Jacksonville Jaguars - Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Liam Coen appreciates a thunder and lightning approach to his running back group. Ashton Jeanty and Travis Etienne would be one of the best running back rooms in the entire NFL, and it will take pressure off Trevor Lawrence immediately. What he did with Bucky Irving and Rachaad White in Tampa Bay could easily be achieved with these two in Jacksonville.
6) Las Vegas Raiders - Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
The team released Jack Jones on Sunday, and it now has their cornerback room looking like someone who lost their mortgage at the blackjack table down the road from the facility. Barron plays great outside in man, is reliable in zone, and finds the ball consistently. If Pete Carroll wants to win now, picking Barron to help intercept passes while Maxx Crosby creates pressures is a good start.
