We are three weeks into the NFL season, and that makes it the perfect time for a mock draft. Early results in college football have already shifted the board, especially at quarterback. Several names have risen, others have fallen, and the John Mateer injury has added another wrinkle. Still, this class is not defined by quarterbacks alone. It is stacked with elite trench talent that could change the trajectory of entire franchises.
Draft positions are based on ESPN’s September 23 projections. Let’s take a way-too-early look at how things could fall out come April.
1. Tennessee Titans: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
Bain has been the most impactful player through four weeks of college football. He is a relentless pass rusher who blends power and speed with refined technique. He projects as a day one starter and a true difference maker for Tennessee.
2. New Orleans Saints: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Despite an uneven start, Nussmeier remains QB1 in this draft. He has the arm strength, processing, accuracy, and touch to make every throw. He is the most pro ready quarterback in this class and has the ceiling of a franchise cornerstone.
3. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
With Jaxson Dart in place as the long-term quarterback, the Giants need to strengthen their offensive line. Mauigoa brings violent, physical blocking paired with a high level of technical skill. He has the traits to anchor their protection for years to come.
4. New York Jets: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
Sellers is a dual threat athlete whose big play ability is unmatched. What has moved him up boards is his improvement as a pocket passer, showing better processing and touch to pair with his athletic gifts. He belongs in the QB1 conversation.
5. Miami Dolphins: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
Miami appears headed for a reset, and resets start in the trenches. Woods is shockingly explosive for his size and can line up anywhere along the front. He consistently disrupts blocking schemes and wins matchups inside.
6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Cleveland could take a quarterback, but for purposes of this mock let’s assume they trust Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders to be their future signal caller. Fano is the best run blocker in the country and has made strides in pass protection. He has the makeup of a high level starter.
7. Houston Texans: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Proctor may have the highest ceiling of any tackle in the class. At 6-foot-7 and 369 pounds, he overwhelms defenders physically. His technical polish is still a concern, but his raw ability to dominate makes him worth the investment.
8. Carolina Panthers: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The best player in the draft finally comes off the board. Downs has instincts, processing, technique, and physical tools that make him a generational safety prospect. Carolina is getting an All-Pro caliber defender who can transform their secondary.
9. Las Vegas Raiders: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Raiders need to ease pressure on Brock Bowers, and Tyson is a natural fit. He is an explosive route runner who creates separation and has the hands to win contested catches. He looks like a reliable playmaker.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Protecting Joe Burrow must remain the top priority. Lomu has been one of the best pass protectors in college football and still has untapped upside. His run blocking needs work, but his athleticism and protection skills are exactly what Cincinnati needs.
11. Dallas Cowboys: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
After trading Micah Parsons, Dallas needs to reload at edge rusher. Parker is devastating with his hands and wins with technique even without elite first step quickness. He will provide immediate production.
12. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Stafford’s career is nearing its end, and Mendoza has emerged as a rising prospect. His accuracy, poise, and methodical style make him an ideal successor. With protection, he could be the best pure passer in the class.
13. Chicago Bears: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Even after an ACL injury, McCoy is still considered a top ten talent. He is versatile, scheme-flexible, and has the skills to become a major piece of Chicago’s secondary once healthy.
14. New England Patriots: Keldric Faulk, DT, Auburn
Faulk is a dream fit for Mike Vrabel. He is a prototypical tackle who can stuff the run and rush the passer. Auburn deploys him everywhere, and he has been effective from every spot.
15. Minnesota Vikings: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Love is a home run hitter who fits perfectly behind Aaron Jones. He brings speed, elusiveness, and receiving ability to threaten defenses in multiple ways. He is not a bruiser, but he is dynamic enough to change games.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
Hill is an instinctive linebacker who diagnoses plays quickly and has the range to cover ground. He is equally effective in coverage and blitz packages and would be a disruptive centerpiece for Arizona’s defense.
17. Denver Broncos: Austin Barber, OT, Florida
Barber is a technically polished and experienced tackle who can play on either side. He excels in zone blocking schemes and has the intelligence to offset average functional strength, making him a great fit for Sean Payton.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
Seattle has outside threats but needs a long-term slot weapon. Williams is the best route runner in this class and consistently creates separation despite a smaller frame. He projects as a reliable third option.
19. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Cleveland adds a deep threat to complement Jerry Jeudy. Tate is an advanced route runner with excellent tracking ability and intermediate skills. He has WR1 potential.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
The Steelers draft their quarterback of the future. Moore has a lightning fast release and one of the best deep balls in the class. Accuracy on short throws is still inconsistent, but his arm talent is undeniable.
21. Washington Commanders: Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
Uiagalelei is a former tight end who has developed into a dangerous pass rusher. His athletic upside is obvious, and with continued growth, he can become a major defensive weapon.
22. Kansas City Chiefs: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
With too many question marks swirling around Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice, and Kelce nearing the end, the Chiefs need a dependable number one wide receiver. Boston may not be blazing fast, but at 6-foot-4 he wins with size and contested catches. He fits perfectly with Patrick Mahomes.
23. Los Angeles Rams: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Rams add secondary help to match their strong front. Terrell is a press coverage specialist with the speed to stick with receivers and the instincts to generate turnovers.
24. Dallas Cowboys (via GB): A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State
Dallas reinforces the secondary with Harris. He is an aggressive man defender with the size and confidence to take on top targets. He adds stability to a unit that has been inconsistent.
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
Tampa Bay needs defensive reinforcements, and Overton brings rare flexibility for his size. He is already a force against the run and has the traits to grow into a complete edge rusher.
26. Indianapolis Colts: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Styles began his career as a safety but has grown into a linebacker with rare versatility. He has speed, coverage instincts, and the ability to win against blockers. He strengthens an already solid defense.
27. San Francisco 49ers: Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas
With Trent Williams nearing retirement, San Francisco finds his successor. Goosby is incredibly athletic for his size and has the raw tools to develop under Williams’ mentorship.
28. Baltimore Ravens: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Allen is a physical run stopper who thrives at tracking down ballcarriers. Coverage is still a weakness, but his violent tackling and instincts would fill an immediate need for Baltimore.
29. Philadelphia Eagles: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The Eagles could consider offense here, and Sadiq would be an intriguing addition. He is a fast vertical threat who can stretch defenses while still contributing as a blocker.
30. Los Angeles Chargers: Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
The Chargers continue to invest in their offensive line. Slaughter is an intelligent, technically sound pass protector who specializes in leverage and positioning. He is a natural fit to solidify the interior.
31. Detroit Lions: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
Pairing Dennis-Sutton with Aidan Hutchinson would give Detroit a dynamic duo. His motor and physical traits are strong, and with refinement in his pass rush, he could become a difference maker.
32. Buffalo Bills: Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M
York may be undersized, but he plays with relentless toughness. He diagnoses plays quickly and delivers violent stops. He would provide a needed boost to Buffalo’s linebacker group.
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