The new Giants manager, John Harbaugh, isn’t too worried that only two safeties have been selected fifth overall in the last two decades—Sean Taylor in 2004 and Eric Berry in 2010. He’s eager to grab a third to really boost his secondary behind the pass rushers. Denard Wilson, the new defensive coordinator with a strong defensive backs background, even brought Harbaugh a gift card for Elias in East Rutherford.
On the other hand, for Aaron Glenn, Servy Mock 2.0 will offer a keen pass rusher. This player is expected to quickly emerge as the standout on defense and become a threat in the red zone for Frank Reich, the new offensive coordinator.
Interestingly, there are four players from Ohio State within the top ten.
1. Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Clint Kubiak coaches the Heisman-winning national champion, and even Tom Brady shares some advice. It sounds like the ideal situation for a rookie quarterback.
2. Jets
Abel Reese, LB, Ohio State
His explosiveness when rushing the passer, along with his off-the-ball skills, should help Aaron Glenn enhance his defensive calls.
3. Cardinals
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Rookie coach Mike LaFleur is keen to land Paris Johnson to fill the slot of unconfirmed quarterback Kelvin Beachum’s replacement.
4. Titans
David Bailey, LB, Texas Tech
If manager Robert Saleh signs Will McDonald, he’ll be adding the best pure pass rusher in this draft, giving DT Jeffery Simmons some relief. Meanwhile, Brian Daboll doesn’t need to consult GM Mike Borgonzi about selecting a quarterback now that he’s replacing Cam Ward.
5. Giants
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
A control tower, culture setter, and outright leader—he’s undoubtedly the best player in this draft class. Harbaugh can’t resist his new Kyle Hamilton. Even Joe Sean, known for valuing positions, is celebrating in the war room.
6. Browns
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Florida)
Coach Todd Monken has an eye on the offensive line as it approaches free agency; he’ll seize the opportunity to draft this talent to give Shedeur Sanders a solid chance.
7. Commanders
Colonel Tate, WR, Ohio State
With Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel both nearing 30, new coordinator David Breaux will find young deep threats to assist Jaden Daniels in bouncing back from a tough sophomore year.
8. Saints
Jeremiah Love, RB, Notre Dame
As Alvin Kamara approaches 31, he remains a dual threat for Tyler Shaw.
9. Chiefs
Ruben Bain Jr., DT, Miami (Florida)
A dynamic force for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, contributing alongside Chris Jones and George Karlaftis.
10. Bengals
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Who will Day outrun this impressive tackling force at 6-foot-5, 243 pounds?
11. Dolphins
Mansour Deran, CB, LSU
With free agent Rasul Douglas aging to 32, rookie coach Jeff Hafley will be looking for a top-notch cover corner.
12. Cowboys
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Jerry Jones desperately needs help in the secondary with Trevon Diggs gone and Daron Brand rehabbing a significant injury. He might take a chance on a player who missed last season due to an ACL tear.
13. Rams
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Alongside star Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sean McVay has another talent who can make a notable impact as Matthew Stafford gears up for what might be his final run.
14. Ravens
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Despite an injury-filled past, rookie coach Jesse Minter has replaced Lamar Jackson with the 6-2, 200-pound Zai Flowers.
15. Buccaneers
Cassius Howell, OT, Delaware, Texas A&M
Yaya Diaby has stepped in for Haason Reddick as a 6-2, 248-pound bookend pass rusher.
16. Jets
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
At 6-4, 210 pounds, he could form a strong pairing with Garrett Wilson as the franchise quarterback.
17. Lions
Vega Ioane, OL, Pennsylvania
A tough interior lineman that might excite Dan Campbell, potentially stepping in for Graham Glasgow if he retires.
18. Vikings
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Isaiah Rodgers is set to become a free agent soon, and defensive coordinator Brian Flores would be interested in this 6-0, 195-pound player who had 10 pass breakups last season.
19. Panthers
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
A 6-1, 235-pound linebacker who will likely take the place of unrestricted free agent Christian Roseboom.
20. Cowboys
Akheem Messidor, DT, Delaware, Miami (Florida)
Jerry Jones may not worry about this 6-3, 280-pounder turning 25, especially since he needs a pass rusher.
21. Steelers
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Aaron Rodgers might want to give coach Mike McCarthy another shot, making a redshirt quarterback a sensible choice.
22. Chargers
Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
Jim Harbaugh would be thrilled to bring on this 330-pound powerhouse known as “The Refrigerator.”
23. Eagles
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
GM Howie Roseman is prepping for a future without Lane Johnson, who is 36 and plays at 6-6, 315 pounds.
24. Browns
Keldric Folk, Auburn, Delaware
While doubling down on offensive linemen might be tempting, they opt instead to grant Myles Garrett this 6-6, 285-pound player who can play both inside and out.
25. Bears
Emmanuel McNeil Warren, S, Toledo
A versatile athlete at 6-2, 205 pounds, especially as safeties Kevin Byard III and Jaquan Brisker enter free agency.
26. Bills
TJ Parker, Clemson, Delaware
New coach Joe Brady might think about adding another weapon for Josh Allen, but given AJ Epenesa and Joey Bosa heading to free agency, a 6-3, 265-pound pass rusher may be the pick.
27. 49ers
Caleb Lom, OT, Utah
With no sacks in 2025, this 6-6, 308-pound player could be the successor to 38-year-old LT Trent Williams.
28. Texans
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
An explosive run stuffer at 6-3, 310 pounds, providing support alongside Daniel Hunter and Will Anderson Jr.
29. Rams
Avion Terrell, CB, Clemson
This 5-11, 180-pound player needs to build strength, but with LB Nate Landman, he could help earn a nickel medal right away.
30. Broncos
Kenyon Sadik, TE, Oregon
A reunion with Bo Nix, and a 6-3, 245-pound option for creative coach Sean Payton.
31. Patriots
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
With RT Morgan Moses about to turn 35, the performance of rookie LT Will Campbell in the Super Bowl was noteworthy, to say the least.
32. Seahawks
Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
He’s an elite athlete with 4.45 speed and may need some time to develop, especially with Josh Jobe and Tarik Uhlen nearing free agency.
