John IV White’s NFL Mock Draft 3.0

When I started writing for this website, my first article that was posted was my second mock draft, which is attached. With the draft 23 days away, it is time to do one of my final mock drafts. There will be several picks in this version that will carry over from the 2.0, since I believe those prospects will still be ideal picks for those teams.

1. Tennessee Titans-Cam Ward-QB-Miami (FL)

In my 2.0, I had the Giants trading up to get Cam Ward. With Tennessee showing interest in Ward and not a lot of interest in trading down, they take Cam Ward here. He is my QB1 who has a ton of experience, mobility and a good arm.

2. Cleveland Browns-Shedeur Sanders-QB-Colorado

Jimmy Haslam, the owner of the Browns, admits that the Deshaun Watson trade was a failure. Here, they take Sanders to try and recuperate the quarterback room. Sanders possesses the toughness required for the position, demonstrates accuracy in his throws, and delivers the ball on time—an essential trait in Kevin Stefanski’s offense.

3. New York Giants-Travis Hunter-ATH-Colorado

With the Giants signing both Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson, it pushes down the need at QB to later in the draft (maybe Jalen Milroe or Jaxson Dart on Day 2 if they are there). Here, they take the top athlete in the draft in Hunter, who can help improve the secondary that needed upgrades and can help be a solid weapon alongside Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton.

4. New England Patriots-Abdul Carter-EDGE-Penn State

The Patriots made a lot of upgrades with their roster, but with the top 3 picks pushing down Abdul Carter, the Patriots should not overthink this and they land the best player in the draft. Carter is fast, explosive, and strong for the position. Carter will him to a defense that had the fewest sacks last year, not to mention becoming a building block for Mike Vrabel.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars-Mason Graham-DL-Michigan

Jacksonville has two solid edge rushers in Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, but they were still one of the worst defenses in the NFL. They focus on the defensive line and add Graham, who plays with a relentless motor and knows how to use his hands to win matchups. Adding him to the middle of the defensive line will give the Jaguars one of the better defensive lines in the league, pairing him with Walker, Hines-Allen and Arik Armstead.

6. Las Vegas Raiders-Ashton Jeanty-RB-Boise State

The Raiders had the worst rushing offense last year, and new coach Pete Carroll and OC Chip Kelly want to run the ball. A true third-down back, Jeanty had one of the best seasons in college football that anyone has ever seen. His ability to get yards in any way possible, along with having the vision to see cutback lanes will make Las Vegas happy to slowly add to rebuilding the offense.

7. New York Jets-Tyler Warren-TE-Penn State

I believe that the Jets signing Justin Fields was a solid decision so they shouldn’t reach for a quarterback here. Instead, they get a Swiss army knife in Tyler Warren, who was electrifying to watch last year. A weapon in the pass and run game, Warren can become a security blanket for Fields as well as helping establish the culture Aaron Glenn is trying to build in New York.

8. Carolina Panthers-Mykel Williams-EDGE-Georgia

The Panthers made several signings to upgrade their defense and they continue to upgrade one of the worst pass-rushes in the NFL with the selection of Mykel Williams. Williams was bothered by an ankle injury last year, but still showcased the potential that people have been talking about with him for years. His explosiveness, length and versatility will be an asset for the Panthers.

9. New Orleans Saints-Will Johnson-CB-Michigan

The Saints are entering the Kellen Moore era, but they still face the same salary cap challenges. Trading away Marshon Lattimore and losing Paulson Adebo makes cornerback a need. Will Johnson is a top-10 player in the class, with great ball skills and great body control in space. Adding him can give the Saints potentially their two starting cornerbacks in Will Johnson and Kool-Aid McKinstry, last year’s 2nd round pick.

10. Chicago Bears-Will Campbell-OT-LSU

The Bears strengthened their offensive line by signing Drew Dalman and trading for Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney. However, Ben Johnson understands the value of an elite offensive line, which is why they select Campbell here. A three-year starter in the SEC, Campbell consistently held his own against top pass rushers. Adding him gives Caleb Williams two young tackles to develop alongside as they grow together.

11. San Francisco 49ers-Shemar Stewart-EDGE-Texas A&M

The 2025 49ers are going to look a lot different than the 2024 49ers. Nick Bosa needs a running mate to rush the quarterback, so they take a guy who showcases so much potential. While I was skeptical at first of Stewart, I re-watched his tape and understand the hype about him. He has freakish athletic traits, is a good run defender, and is one of the most disruptive edge rushers in the draft class.

12. Dallas Cowboys-Tetairoa McMillan-WR-Arizona

I mocked McMillan here in my 2.0 draft. I am going to keep him here, as he is a perfect receiver to take some of the pressure off CeeDee Lamb. McMillan is a big receiver who has great hands and can line up all over the field. He also ran a 4.48 40 yard dash, putting to rest some questions about his speed.

13. Miami Dolphins-Nick Emmanwori-S-South Carolina

The Dolphins lose Jevon Holland in free agency, and they needed to upgrade the safety room before free agency started. Emmanwori has flown up draft boards with his combine workout, but the tape really helps him out. He can line up with tight ends, and display his versatility lining up both in the box and up top.

14. Indianapolis Colts-Colston Loveland-TE-Michigan

While the Colts are needing to figure out their QB situation (Anthony Richardson vs Daniel Jones for QB1), they need to upgrade the tight end position no matter what. Loveland can run the route tree at all 3 levels of the field, and has sticky hands catching the ball. A solid run blocker as well, Loveland can become one of the focal points of the offense.

15. Atlanta Falcons-Jalon Walker-EDGE/LB-Georgia

The Falcons need defensive help in general. They added several players in free agency (Leonard Floyd and Jordan Fuller) but they still need to upgrade the pass rush. Jalon Walker had one of the highest pressure rates in college football, and showcased elite athleticism. He can play either edge rusher or linebacker for the Falcons, which are two needs coincidentally for them.

16. Arizona Cardinals-Jahdae Barron-CB-Texas

The Cardinals signed Josh Sweat and Dalvin Tomlinson in free agency, but can use some secondary help. Jahdae Barron can line up both inside and outside, and showcases his physicality when playing. He has great awareness, and can help add to the secondary as the Cardinals go in Year 3 with Jonathan Gannon.

17. Cincinnati Bengals-Derrick Harmon-DT-Oregon

The Bengals have paid Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. While that was important, they need to focus on fixing the defense to not waste another potentially great offensive season. The Bengals have a big hole at defensive tackle, and Derrick Harmon will be a great fit for them. He was effective in both the run and pass game for Oregon, and led the FBS with 34 pressures. The Bengals can improve that position while now focusing on keeping Trey Hendrickson in Cincinnati.

18. Seattle Seahawks-Armand Membou-OT-Missouri

Seattle trading both Geno Smith and DK Metcalf netted them extra picks to use on Day 2. There are needs that the Seahawks need to address but here, they take an offensive linemen to help protect Sam Darnold. Membou is a very physical blocker who has great body control and twitchy hands. He can move inside or play outside on the right side of the line, which has become a need for the Seahawks.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Jihaad Campbell-LB-Alabama

Another pick that I had in my 2.0 that is going to make it in my 3.0. Campbell had a breakout season this past year for the Crimson Tide, posting 117 tackles and 5 sacks. His explosiveness, sideline-to-sideline speed and pass rush skills are incredible for an off-ball linebacker. Todd Bowles will love to use him in different looks, and he can give the Buccaneers someone to complement Lavonte David.

20. Denver Broncos-Omarion Hampton-RB-North Carolina

Broncos upgraded at tight end with the signing of Evan Engram. Now, they can still focus on upgrading the positions around Bo Nix with drafting Omarion Hampton to upgrade the running back room. Hampton is a violent runner who can get extra yards while being a nice option in the passing game. You can check out my scouting report on Hampton with the link attached in this part of the article, as he is one of my favorite prospects in this draft class.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers-Emeka Egbuka-WR-Ohio State

The Steelers need to figure out their quarterback situation, and it’s going to come down to either signing Aaron Rodgers or drafting a quarterback. While I do not believe there is a quarterback in the draft who can help the Steelers now, they turn the focus on getting a receiver in Egbuka. Egbuka is a smooth route runner, can get open versus coverage and can help the Steelers form a nice trio of George Pickens, DK Metcalf and Emeka Egbuka.

22. Los Angeles Chargers-Donovan Ezeiruaku-EDGE-Boston College

Joey Bosa is gone, and Khalil Mack is returning on a one year deal. The Chargers need to add pass rush help, and Ezeiruaku can give the Chargers a young pass rusher to develop. Donovan has long arms for the position, and his versatility lining up all over can give DC Jesse Minter ways to rush the quarterbacks in the AFC West.

23. Green Bay Packers–James Pearce-EDGE-Tennessee

The Packers have needs all over the defense, and they need to upgrade the pass rush. James Pearce had top 10 hype going into the season, and while he didn’t have the best season, he still showed his potential. He is explosive, with exceptional length and speed for the position.

24. Minnesota Vikings-Malaki Starks-S-Georgia

The Vikings need to replace Cam Bynum and Harrison Smith isn’t going to be back there for much longer. Starks is versatile, and can fly to the football. Brian Flores love to be creative, and giving him a player like Starks will help a secondary that is replacing some players.

25. Houston Texans-Matthew Golden-WR-Texas

The Texans have overhauled their offensive line this offseason but are needing to still replace Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell this season. Matthew Golden flew up draft boards this season, with his speed and body control when catching the ball. He also showed a knack for coming up big in clutch moments, and he can help build a rapport with CJ Stroud.

26. Los Angeles Rams-Luther Burden III-WR-Missouri

While the Rams signed Davante Adams to pair up with Puka Nacua, they can use someone who can play in the slot and give Sean McVay more creative options. Burden has reliable hands and quick acceleration, along with the ability to play both in the slot and on the outside. The Rams need to maximize their Super Bowl window, and adding Burden can help give Matthew Stafford a weapon to utilize at the tail end of his career.

27. Baltimore Ravens-Walter Nolen-DL-Ole Miss

Baltimore faces some of the best quarterbacks in football within their own conference. They add to a solid defensive line in the form of selecting Nolen, who can give Nnamdi Madubuike a sidekick when rushing the passer. Nolen has solid athleticism for the position and showcases solid strength when attacking the quarterback.

28. Detroit Lions-Grey Zabel-IOL-North Dakota State

The Lions still want to keep their offensive line one of the best in the game, and they add to it with the selection of Zabel. Zabel played left tackle for the Bison but dominated inside at the Senior Bowl, and projects more of an interior offensive linemen. His physicality fits into what Dan Campbell is wanting in his players.

29. Washington Commanders-Mike Green-EDGE-Marshall

The Commanders had an electrifying season with Jayden Daniels in his rookie year, so they turn to adding to the defense with this pick. Mike Green led the FBS in sacks last season, and showcased his potential in converting speed to power during Senior Bowl practices. He also displays solid hand use and a reliable motor, which Dan Quinn loves in his pass rushers.

30. Buffalo Bills-Kenneth Grant-DT-Michigan

The Bills were shopping for defensive tackles at last year’s deadline, and they added Joey Bosa this year to help the defense. The Bills take Grant here due to his size and ability to take up multiple linemen. He has good athleticism for his size, and can potentially open up some looks for Ed Oliver and company.

31. Kansas City Chiefs-Josh Simmons-OT-Ohio State

The Chiefs added Jaylon Moore in free agency, but I do not believe that he is the long term answer at left tackle. They invest again in the offensive line by taking Simmons, who could have been OT1 in his draft had not for a season-ending injury. Simmons can work his way to full health, and can add to the offensive line that needs to protect Patrick Mahomes.

32. Philadelphia Eagles-Josh Conerly-OT-Oregon

I would believe that the Eagles will trade down from this pick, as the need for quarterback will cause teams to trade up. However, I am keeping the Eagles here and selecting Josh Conerly. Conerly is a big offensive tackle who has solid athleticism and showcases the ability to play swing tackle. He can develop with Jeff Stoutland and could potentially become Lane Johnson’s successor.