Ideal Pick for Every Team in 1st Round of 2025 NFL Draft
The NFL draft has few guarantees. Every year, there are surprise picks and trades. Sometimes, the first round can be complete madness.
Some teams are willing to move up for an ideal draft target, while other clubs follow the big board and take who’s available.
Regardless of method, every team has a dream prospect atop the draft list after months of intense scouting in preparation for the late-April selection process.
Based on position order, roster needs, schematic fit and recent draft-related reports and rumors, we’ll highlight the ideal first-round target for all 32 teams.
To avoid repetition, each club is linked to a different prospect.
Arizona Cardinals: G Tyler Booker
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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray told reporters that he wants to run more in 2025. If offensive coordinator Drew Petzing allows it, the Cardinals will need more manpower along the offensive line.
At 6'5", 321 pounds, Tyler Booker would bring much-needed size up front on the offensive side of the ball.
Coming from an RPO-based scheme with Jalen Milroe under center at Alabama, Booker should be able to keep up with how electric Murray can be on the move.
Murray can make defenders miss, and physical running back James Conner bulldozes would-be tacklers. Defenders will find it harder to stop them with Booker taking on lead blocks in the run game.
Atlanta Falcons: Edge Mike Green
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Last offseason, the Atlanta Falcons tried to strengthen their pass rush with a veteran acquisition, acquiring Matt Judon from the New England Patriots, but they saw minimal returns from that move.
Judon recorded 5.5 sacks and 12 pressures in 17 games (15 starts). Atlanta ranked 25th in pressure rate (20 percent) last season.
The Falcons signed Leonard Floyd in free agency, but they need to pair him with a high-upside rookie who could be an immediate difference-maker.
Mike Green is more than just a viral Senior Bowl week highlight. He can wreck an opposing team's game plan with his pass-rushing ability.
In 2024, Green led FBS defenders in sacks with 17, and he recorded the second-most tackles for loss (22.5) behind only Abdul Carter.
That said, the Falcons must do their due diligence on Green's off-field background because he's denied two sexual assault allegations.
Baltimore Ravens: S Xavier Watts
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Last year, Ar'Darius Washington made the most of an increased role, lining up at both safety positions and in the slot. He registered 64 tackles, five for loss, eight pass breakups and two interceptions while allowing a 78.1 passer rating in coverage.
However, Washington is a restricted free agent entering a contract year, and if he builds on last year's performance, the 25-year-old defensive back could earn a hefty salary on the free-agent market next offseason.
The Baltimore Ravens should be eyeing a versatile rookie defensive back who can fill the same spots as Washington and offer more upside. Xavier Watts fits the bill.
At Notre Dame, Watts saw extensive action at both safety spots and in the slot. Over the last two years, he developed into a true ball hawk, snagging 13 interceptions. Though his coverage ability stands out, the thick-framed 6'0", 203-pounder can also thump in the box. He would reinforce the Ravens' physical playing style.
Watts and Kyle Hamilton didn't play together as starters at Notre Dame, but the Ravens could reunite the two as a dynamic safety duo in the pros.
Buffalo Bills: CB Trey Amos
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The Buffalo Bills must address the cornerback position early in the draft. They haven't re-signed Rasul Douglas and traded 2022 first-rounder Kaiir Elam to the Dallas Cowboys.
Though the Bills brought back reserve cornerback Dane Jackson through free agency, they need a starter to line up opposite Christian Benford on the boundary.
Buffalo finished the 2024 season with the 24th-ranked pass defense despite generating the 10th-highest pressure rate (23.6 percent), which indicates the club needs to revamp its pass coverage.
At pick No. 30, the Bills can take Trey Amos, who could slip into the first round after a standout year at Ole Miss.
In 2024, Amos made First-Team All-SEC with 50 tackles, 3.5 for loss, 13 pass breakups and three interceptions. He aggressively covers all three levels of the field and looks for contact in run support.
Amos would bring feistiness to the back end of the Bills defense.
Carolina Panthers: LB Jalon Walker
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After fielding a historically bad defense, the Carolina Panthers added multiple free agents to address that side of the ball: Tre'von Moehrig, Bobby Brown III, Tershawn Wharton and Patrick Jones II.
Still, the Panthers have more work to do on defense to improve the pass rush.
Jones hasn't played more than 56 percent of defensive snaps in his four seasons. Jadeveon Clowney is entering his age-32 term.
Carolina also needs an athletic do-it-all off-ball linebacker. Jalon Walker can check both of the team's needs across the defensive front.
As a hybrid linebacker who lined up on the edge and on the inside, Walker will come into the league as a versatile talent. Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero can mold him in a variety of ways, though the Georgia product may be best at using his speed in situational pass-rushing situations and blitzes.
At 6'1", 243 pounds, Walker could struggle to carve out a full-time edge-rusher role, but his coverage and run-stopping ability will allow him to make an immediate impact on all three downs.
Chicago Bears: RB Ashton Jeanty
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The Chicago Bears will get back to a physical brand of football under new head coach Ben Johnson, who led a top-six rushing offense as the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator in 2023 and 2024.
During Johnson's time in the Motor City, the Lions drafted Jahmyr Gibbs with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2023 draft, raising eyebrows regarding position value. Nonetheless, Gibbs put together two Pro Bowl seasons as a key contributor in Johnson's offense.
In Chicago, Johnson can build a strong ground game with a top running back from this year's class.
According to ESPN's Matt Miller, the Bears "love" Ashton Jeanty, which makes sense with Johnson's track record of featuring the run game in Detroit.
At Boise State, Jeanty was a bruising workhorse ball-carrier who racked up 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns on the ground. The runner-up in 2024 Heisman Trophy votes would be an immediate force in the Bears backfield under Johnson.
Remember, the Lions traded D'Andre Swift one year after Johnson took over play-calling duties in Detroit. The Bears could make a similar transition if they draft Jeanty.
Cincinnati Bengals: Edge Mykel Williams
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The Cincinnati Bengals and edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson are in a contract dispute that could result in a trade.
The Bengals could use their No. 17 pick on a potential high-upside pass-rusher who can see early growth in a big role.
At Georgia, Mykel Williams shared the pass-rushing workload in a rotation but still made his presence felt, logging at least 4.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss in three consecutive collegiate terms.
Williams should be able to make an immediate impact in run support. He routinely shed blocks to stop ball-carriers at or behind the line of scrimmage.
Though Williams isn't a polished pass-rusher, pro-level coaching could help him match technique with his above-average athleticism and NFL body frame (6'5", 265 lbs).
Cleveland Browns: WR/CB Travis Hunter
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The Cleveland Browns need a quarterback and another offensive playmaker. They should be deciding between Colorado prospects Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders. Hunter is the ideal choice, though.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry don't have time to endure growing pains with a rookie quarterback. The Browns signed Joe Flacco, who strung together quality performances under Stefanski in 2023. The Athletic's Dianna Russini believes Kirk Cousins could eventually end up in Cleveland.
Assuming the Browns go the veteran route at quarterback while Deshaun Watson recovers from tearing his Achilles twice, they need an immediate contributor at wideout.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Berry told reporters that he believes the team can fully utilize Hunter's ball-tracking abilities at wide receiver.
"I do think that there's just an element where his superpower, his superpower, they're really his ball skills and that's a position where you can use it a hundred times during the season versus maybe 30 on the high end," Berry said.
In 2024, Hunter caught 96 passes for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns. Hunter could be an elite cornerback, though he has a chance to be an electric receiver for an offense that scored the fewest points last season.
Dallas Cowboys: WR Tetairoa McMillan
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With and without quarterback Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys have been a pass-heavy team over the last two years, ranking eighth and third in attempts for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, respectively.
Last offseason, the Cowboys signed Prescott to a four-year, $240 million extension. Now, they should do everything possible to get their money's worth out of the three-time Pro Bowl signal-caller.
Dallas needs a stronger presence at the No. 2 wide receiver spot. Jalen Tolbert made strides in his third season last year, but he's going into a contract term.
Tetairoa McMillan could be the big-play complementary receiver to CeeDee Lamb.
At Arizona, McMillan averaged at least 15.6 yards per catch in all three of his collegiate campaigns.
At 6'5", 212 pounds, McMillan could become an immediate threat in the red zone, which would be critical following a year in which the Cowboys finished 31st in red-zone scoring percentage.
The Ringer's Todd McShay said he's heard "a lot of noise" about McMillan going to Dallas at No. 12 (starts at 6:10 mark), and the fit makes sense considering the club's recent passing trends.
Denver Broncos: WR Matthew Golden
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Quarterback Bo Nix had an impressive rookie campaign, throwing for 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with a 66.3 percent completion rate. He can lead a more explosive passing attack with a big-play receiver.
Instead of drafting a running back early in a class full of talent at the position, the Broncos should target a top receiver.
Matthew Golden may be the No. 1 receiver on some big boards, and he can quickly become a top target in the Broncos' aerial attack.
In 2024, Golden transferred from Houston to Texas. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, he blossomed into an explosive playmaker, averaging 17 yards per catch.
With reliable hands, 4.29 40-yard speed and the ability to line up on the perimeter or in the slot, Golden could be a matchup nightmare in head coach Sean Payton's offense.
Detroit Lions: G Tate Ratledge
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The Detroit Lions lost Kevin Zeitler in free agency. Last season, Graham Glasgow allowed four sacks and committed six penalties, per Pro Football Focus. Detroit has a glaring need at guard, especially with its downhill physical playing style.
At the back end of the draft order, the Lions can take Tate Ratledge, who probably won't be available when they get back on the clock for pick No. 60.
Ratledge would bring the type of nastiness that Detroit needs to maintain its top-six ground attack. Though he imposes his will on the field with a physical nature, the Georgia product plays with discipline, rarely drawing penalties.
As a four-year collegiate starter, Ratledge shouldn't have an issue winning the starting right guard job and handling his responsibilities in run blocking and pass protection.
Green Bay Packers: CB Jahdae Barron
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The Green Bay Packers may be in the range to draft a direct replacement for Jaire Alexander, whose future with the team is in doubt.
In February, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the Packers are "open to moving" Alexander for the proper compensation.
Even though general manager Brian Gutekunst told reporters that "it could be a possibility" that Alexander remains with the team, the oft-injured cornerback could be expendable if the Packers draft a first-rounder who plays his position.
Like Alexander has done in Green Bay, Jahdae Barron lined up in the slot and on the boundary at Texas, excelling in both positions. He had a breakout year on the outside last season, logging 11 pass breakups and five interceptions.
Because of his versatility and foresight to see a play develop before it happens, Barron would be an ideal complement to safety Xavier McKinney, who's made plays on the ball in various positions. Together, they could shut down a passing attack.
Barron also brings a high level of physicality, which allows him to make plays in run support while lining up in the slot and blitz packages.
Houston Texans: OT Josh Simmons
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This offseason, the Houston Texans reconstructed their offensive line. They traded Laremy Tunsil and Kenyon Green and released Shaq Mason. In free agency, the club signed Cam Robinson, Laken Tomlinson and Trent Brown and acquired Ed Ingram from the Minnesota Vikings.
The Texans have veteran placeholders in key spots along the offensive line. At left tackle, Robinson is on a one-year deal. Houston must consider the future of that unit.
A three-year starter out of Ohio State, Josh Simmons has experience at left and right tackle. He could be Robinson's successor or compete against Blake Fisher for the starting job on the right side.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Simmons expects to be ready for the start of the 2025 season after tearing his patellar tendon last October.
If the Texans see Simmons as their future left tackle, they don't have to rush him back to action, though. When healthy, the athletic 6'5", 317-pounder can be a reliable bodyguard for C.J. Stroud, who took the second-most sacks (52) last year.
Simmons has smooth lateral quickness coupled with active hands to handle an increasing number of powerful, agile pro edge-rushers.
Indianapolis Colts: TE Tyler Warren
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The Indianapolis Colts have a decent offensive line, an All-Pro running back and a solid quartet of receivers that include Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Alec Pierce and Adonai Mitchell.
But the Colts haven't had a consistent starter at tight end since Jack Doyle, who put together a couple of Pro Bowl seasons with the club.
The best way to help the winner of the quarterback battle between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones is to draft the best tight end on the board in the first round. A big-bodied pass-catcher can help a quarterback who is struggling with his accuracy.
In his last two years at Penn State, Tyler Warren was a scoring machine, though he broke out as a senior, hauling in 104 passes for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns.
Warren can play a physical style with his blocking assignments, though the Colts should target him for his quarterback-friendly hands on short-to-intermediate routes and acrobatic catches.
Jacksonville Jaguars: DL Mason Graham
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The Jacksonville Jaguars must fortify the interior of their front lines on both sides of the ball.
Unless the Jaguars see Will Campbell as a guard and he's available at No. 5, they should take Mason Graham, who fills a need and could be an anchor on the defensive line.
Graham is a technically sound defensive tackle who's rarely out of position to make a play in the scrums close to the line of scrimmage. He's also comfortable lining up in different spots across the defensive front.
Even with his sturdy 6'3", 306-pound frame, he uses a quick get-off to blow up plays for little to no gain.
Graham isn't an elite pass-rusher, but he has the skill set to grow significantly in that area while Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker attacking the pocket off the edge.
Kansas City Chiefs: OT Josh Conerly Jr.
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Last year, the Kansas City Chiefs tried to address a significant need at left tackle, taking Kingsley Suamataia in the second round. The BYU product struggled in pass protection, allowing three sacks while on the field for just 195 snaps, per Pro Football Focus.
The Chiefs will probably like to take another swing at an offensive tackle early in the upcoming draft. They would be excited to see Josh Conerly Jr. available on the back end of the first round.
Conerly is an experienced left tackle with 28 collegiate starts at the position. As a former running back, he's light on his feet, mirroring pass-rushers on an island.
The Chiefs may want to see Conerly improve his strength so he can finish a little stronger against powerful bull-rushers, but with more time in the weight room, he can be a high-level pro tackle.
Las Vegas Raiders: QB Shedeur Sanders
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The Las Vegas Raiders can stay competitive for the next decade with a high-end quarterback prospect behind Geno Smith, whom the team acquired from the Seattle Seahawks.
Las Vegas can take a page out of the Atlanta Falcons' 2024 draft playbook, adding Shedeur Sanders as the quarterback of its future with the present starter on the roster. Remember, Smith is 34 years old with only two years of guaranteed money on a three-year deal.
According to The Athletic's Vic Tafur, Raiders minority owner Tom Brady favors the idea of rookie quarterbacks "sitting and soaking it all in" before they lead an offense.
Also, ESPN's Louis Riddick believes that Sanders' camp would prefer that he go to a team outside of the top three picks.
Behind a subpar offensive line and with one of the nation's most ineffective ground attacks, Sanders stood in the pocket with poise and delivered pinpoint accurate throws all over the field, completing 71.8 percent of his passes over the last two years at Colorado.
Sanders is a pro-ready quarterback who can take over a huddle if necessary. Though in Las Vegas, he can learn the game for a year or two and keep the Raiders out of the quarterback carousel in the long haul. The Silver and Black can build sustainable success in a highly competitive AFC West division with a Smith-Sanders combination.
Los Angeles Chargers: DL Kenneth Grant
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In 2024, the Los Angeles Chargers were the stingiest team in the red zone, allowing the lowest touchdown scoring percentage and the fewest rushing touchdowns inside the 20-yard line.
However, the Chargers had some issues stopping the run outside 20 yards of the goal line, giving up the sixth-most yards per rush attempt (4.7).
Los Angeles needs more beef up front after losing Poona Ford to the Los Angeles Rams in free agency. The Chargers can show more resistance on run downs with the addition of Kenneth Grant.
Of course, Grant has a connection with lead skipper Jim Harbaugh, who was his head coach at Michigan between 2022 and 2023.
Grant continued to make strides after Harbaugh's departure to Los Angeles, recording 32 tackles, 6.5 for loss, three sacks and five pass breakups.
A mountain of a man at 6'4", 331 pounds, Grant could be a primary run-stopper and occupy blocks, clearing lanes for Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu and Bud Dupree to rush quarterbacks.
Los Angeles Rams: LB Jihaad Campbell
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On the back end of the first round, the Los Angeles Rams can add another playmaker to their budding defense that features 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse and fellow rookie standout Braden Fiske from last year's rookie class.
Linebacker Jihaad Campbell could make plays all over the field with Verse, Fiske and Kobie Turner on the defensive front.
Last year, Campbell improved his ability to diagnose plays and make tackles behind the line of scrimmage. He registered 11.5 tackles for loss and five sacks in his final collegiate term at Alabama.
In 2024, the Rams finished 22nd against the run and 20th in pressure rate (21.4 percent). Campbell can help them in both areas.
Los Angeles needs a bonafide starter at inside linebacker after it traded Ernest Jones IV last offseason. As a rookie, Campbell has a good chance to be the Rams' best off-ball linebacker.
Miami Dolphins: CB Will Johnson
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The Miami Dolphins and star cornerback Jalen Ramsey will likely split in the coming weeks.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Dolphins and Ramsey are "mutually set to explore trade options."
Assuming the Dolphins move on from Ramsey, they would have big cleats to fill in the secondary. They can take a big swing at the best cornerback of this class, aside from two-way prospect Travis Hunter.
Last Monday, Will Johnson held a private workout, recording a below-average short shuttle time (4.33) for a prospect at his position and a decent 37-inch vertical. He didn't run a 40-yard dash. While those workout numbers won't negate three years of college tape, teams may be skeptical about taking him in the top 10.
However, the Dolphins should be all over Johnson, who has the prototypical size and skill set of a lockdown cornerback.
Johnson is comfortable reading the quarterback and pressing receivers at the line of scrimmage to disrupt opposing passing attacks. Though he has a shorter arm length (30 and ⅛ inches), the 6'2", 202-pounder can break on passes and close windows quickly in coverage.
Johnson would bring the playmaking ability that the Dolphins will need if they move on from Ramsey.
Minnesota Vikings: S Malaki Starks
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Safety Harrison Smith turned 36 years old in February, and he's shown some decline in coverage, giving up 11.8 yards per reception and four touchdowns last season.
Though Josh Metellus has worked his way into a bigger role over the last two years, the Vikings should bolster the safety position with a young athletic cover defender who can shore up holes on the back end of a defense that ranked 28th in passing yards allowed last season.
Malaki Starks did it all in head coach Kirby Smart's system at the star position. He displayed his coverage ability in all three collegiate terms, logging six interceptions and 17 pass breakups in total. Last year, the 6'1", 205-pounder was more active in the box, recording 77 tackles, four for loss.
Tasked with seeing the field and making plays on every level of Georgia's defense, Starks has the skill set and capability to play alongside Harrison and become the 14th-year safety's successor.
Starks looks like the total package on the field, with All-Pro-Pro Bowl potential.
New England Patriots: OL Will Campbell
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The New England Patriots must protect their most valuable asset and potential franchise quarterback. Last year, Drake Maye took 34 sacks in 13 games (12 starts).
Knowing Maye took nearly three sacks a game last season, Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf should invest more resources into arguably the league's worst offensive line from the previous season.
The Patriots signed Morgan Moses in free agency. They can complete the rebuild project at offensive tackle with the addition of Will Campbell.
According to ESPN's Field Yates, many evaluators are "unbothered" by Campbell's arm length measurement.
"The number of evaluators who are unbothered by Will Campbell's arm length really stands out to me. I was hard pressed to find an exec or coach who doesn't view LSU's Campbell as the best tackle of this class, and those same people told me his length wasn't a concern on tape."
If the Patriots share the same thoughts as that group, they should be ecstatic to draft Campbell at No. 4.
Campbell has the athleticism to keep up with Maye's movement in the pocket. He's also aggressive, with a powerful punch. Though he must reduce pre-snap penalties, the coaching staff can help him with timing.
As a two-year captain at LSU, Campbell can bring leadership to one of the Patriots' weakest position groups.
New Orleans Saints: QB Jaxson Dart
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The New Orleans Saints need a quarterback contingency plan while Derek Carr considers his options regarding a shoulder injury.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Carr's injury threatens his availability for the start of the 2025 campaign.
Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football revealed that the Saints and Carr have been communicating about the injury "for a while."
New Orleans has brought in quarterbacks Quinn Ewers (h/t John Hendrix of Athlon Sports) and Tyler Shough (h/t New Orleans Times-Picayune's Jeff Duncan) for pre-draft visits.
The Saints could target Ewers and Shough on Day 2 to develop in case Carr is out for an extended time, or they can be aggressive by taking Jaxson Dart with the ninth pick.
Over the last three years, Dart posted strong passing numbers in head coach Lane Kiffin's offense. In 2024, he threw for 4,279 yards, 29 touchdowns and six interceptions, which catapulted him into early-round draft discussions.
The Saints may happily take Dart in the top 10 as a mild shocker for the masses, not for The Ringer's Todd McShay, though.
New York Giants: Edge Abdul Carter
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The New York Giants don't need an edge-rusher, but they should be looking to add a top prospect who can help them right away. Abdul Carter checks that box.
Early in the draft evaluation process, some analysts listed Carter as the potential No. 1 overall pick.
Sure, Carter is dealing with a stress fracture in his foot, but according to his agent Drew Rosenhaus via ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Penn State standout won't need surgery.
The Giants could field one of the best pass-rushing defenses with two-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns, 2022 first-rounder Kayvon Thibodeaux and Carter on the edge.
Remember, in their division, the Giants must chase down Jalen Hurts, Jayden Daniels and perhaps a healthy Dak Prescott, all Pro Bowl-caliber quarterbacks.
Big Blue can help its quarterback, Russell Wilson, and the offense with a dominant defense that limits opponent scoring opportunities.
New York Jets: OT Armand Membou
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You can make a valid case for the New York Jets to take their highest-graded tight end with the No. 7 pick. However, there's a stronger case for Armand Membou in this spot.
As is the case at Bleacher Report, if you have Will Campbell listed as an interior offensive lineman, Membou is probably the top offensive tackle in your rankings.
Membou is an experienced 21-year-old prospect with 29 career starts at right tackle. The Jets can plug him into a void on the perimeter of their offensive line opposite Olu Fashanu.
Gang Green lost Morgan Moses to the New England Patriots in free agency. Coming from the Detroit Lions, who have dominated teams at the line of scrimmage, head coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand understand the importance of building a strong offensive line.
Membou would help protect quarterback Justin Fields as he tries to reinvent himself with his third team and open up lanes for the Jets' ground game, which racked up the second-fewest yards last season.
Philadelphia Eagles: Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku
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Philadelphia Eagles executive vice president and general manager Howie Roseman will likely stick to his script of taking defensive and offensive linemen early in the draft.
This offseason, the Eagles lost two edge-rushers. Josh Sweat signed with the Arizona Cardinals and Brandon Graham retired.
Moreover, edge-rusher Bryce Huff had a disappointing first year with the Eagles, recording 13 tackles, three for loss, 2.5 sacks and eight pressures in 12 games. He didn't even suit up for Super Bowl LIX.
Azeez Ojulari could be a solid pickup for the pass rush, but he's unreliable because of his extensive injury history. Josh Uche had two forgettable seasons after an 11.5-sack campaign in 2022.
Donovan Ezeiruaku can immediately impact a defense that needs help on the edge.
Ezeiruaku finished second among FBS defenders in sacks (16.5) for the 2024 collegiate campaign. He's not a one-year wonder, though. As a sophomore at Boston College, the 6'2", 248-pounder registered 8.5 sacks.
In the pros, Ezeiruaku will need a little more bulk to battle with bigger offensive tackles, but he fits in the same mold as Nolan Smith Jr. (6'2", 238 lbs), whom the Eagles selected in the first round of the 2023 draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers: DL Derrick Harmon
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Cameron Heyward will turn 36 years old in May. The Pittsburgh Steelers shouldn't rely solely on him to make game-changing plays across the defensive front while Keeanu Benton comes along in his third year.
If the Steelers intend to knock the Baltimore Ravens off their AFC North throne, they need to be stronger up front to slow down Derrick Henry.
Derrick Harmon could help the Steelers in that regard.
At 6'5", 313 pounds, Harmon has the size and athleticism to slip blocks to make plays in the backfield on all three downs.
After three years at Michigan State, Harmon transferred to Oregon, showcasing his ability to impact run and pass situations, logging 45 tackles, 10.5 for loss, five sacks and four pass breakups.
Pittsburgh can pick up Harmon in the first round and plug him into its starting rotation along the defensive line in the upcoming campaign.
San Francisco 49ers: Edge Shemar Stewart
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The San Francisco 49ers lost several starters across their defense. Among those departures, they released Leonard Floyd, who registered 8.5 sacks, 21 pressures and eight tackles for loss last year.
In order for the 49ers to once again field a top-10 scoring defense, they need a high-upside pass-rusher opposite of Nick Bosa, and Shemar Stewart could be that guy.
As a top-11 pick at edge-rusher, Stewart is an outlier because of his modest sack numbers, 4.5 in three collegiate terms at Texas A&M.
However, Stewart has an exceptional athletic profile, which could lead to more impressive pro pass-rushing numbers under defensive line coach Kris Kocurek.
At 6'5", 281 pounds, Stewart has the size and strength to line up on the inside as well, which may be a solution to bolster the talent level on the interior of the defensive line. He could outplay Jordan Elliott and Evan Anderson at defensive tackle.
Based on the boxscore, this pick looks like a reach at No. 11, but Stewart has the physical tools to blossom into an impact playmaker.
Seattle Seahawks: CB Maxwell Hairston
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The Seattle Seahawks will head into the draft with two-time Pro Bowler Devon Witherspoon, Riq Woolen and Josh Jobe at cornerback.
Last season, Jobe logged seven pass breakups and an interception while allowing a 76.6 passer rating, but he's only started in nine games through three seasons. Woolen will be a free agent next offseason.
Head coach Mike Macdonald, who has a defensive background, may prioritize the need for a boundary cornerback. If so, Maxwell Hairston could be atop the Seahawks' big board.
In two years as a starter at Kentucky, Hairston demonstrated his playmaking ability, recording six interceptions, returning three for pick-sixes, and 10 pass breakups.
At 6'1", 186 pounds, with 4.28 40-yard speed, he has the physical tools to defend various pro receivers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: S Nick Emmanwori
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Last season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers went through rough stretches in pass defense, especially when All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. missed time because of injuries. They gave up the fourth-most passing yards and tied for the fourth-fewest interceptions (seven).
The Buccaneers need an immediate difference-maker who can play multiple roles. While they could target a cornerback, Nick Emmanwori has the skill set to line up all over the secondary and form a strong safety duo with Winfield.
Emmanwori snagged six interceptions, returning two for touchdowns, and logged 10 pass breakups over the last two years.
While some argue that Emmanwori has more potential than polish in his game, he can be a do-it-all defender who excels in coverage, run support and occasional blitzes. The South Carolina standout may have the highest ceiling among safeties in this year's class.
Tennessee Titans: QB Cam Ward
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Barring a trade down, the Tennessee Titans are guaranteed to get their ideal draft target.
According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Titans have their sights set on Cam Ward.
"All signs appear to be pointing to the Titans taking Cam Ward with the No. 1 pick," Russini posted on X.
The Titans offense has struggled mightily with Will Levis under center. In addition to his turnover-prone play, the 25-year-old signal-caller has battled injuries that cost him multiple games or hampered his play in two years.
With new general manager Mike Borgonzi, Tennessee can start a new era with Ward, who can re-energize the franchise.
Ward can make routine and spectacular throws all over the field, whether he's in the pocket or extending plays with his legs to uncork a pass downfield.
At Incarnate Word, Washington State and Miami, Ward displayed consistent accuracy, functional mobility and improvisational skills, all key traits for a modern-day quarterback.
Of course, the Titans must surround Ward with a quality supporting cast, though he can immediately uplift their offense with his playmaking ability.
Washington Commanders: Edge James Pearce Jr.
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The Washington Commanders made aggressive moves to build around quarterback Jayden Daniels, acquiring left tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel in trades. So, at the end of the first round, they should address their biggest defensive weakness on the edge.
In free agency, the Commanders lost their 2024 sack leader Dante Fowler Jr., who went back to the Dallas Cowboys, leaving Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Clelin Ferrell as their top defensive ends. Armstrong and Ferrell combined for 8.5 sacks last year.
With the Commanders' current stable of defensive ends, James Pearce Jr. would have a chance to become the team's lead pass-rusher within a year or two.
For most of the last two years, Pearce has been a standout playmaker at Tennessee, registering 27.5 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks. He played in the Leo position, making him a viable schematic fit in a defense with Dan Quinn's influence.
College football statistics are provided by cfbstats.com.
Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.
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