Predicting The NFL Draft’s Top Ten Picks

By CIAN McKEOWN

After a long wait, this year’s NFL Draft will be held at the historic Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It brings an exciting and loaded group of first-round prospects without a consensus number one player. Decoding how these fickle front offices will act is one of the most difficult things to predict in terms of overall accuracy. Even some of the more accurate mock draft charlatans prove that it’s more of a guessing game with occasional hints than a science. Mel Kiper Jr., one of the longest tenured draft analysts going back to the late 1970s, only predicted the correct landing spot for the right player one point five out of every thirty-one draft picks. Here I will be taking educated guesses based on team needs, the best player available, as well as factors like “how awesome would that be if ____ played with ______.” I also write this assuming there will be no trades in the top ten, it’s unclear whether this will hold until the beginning of draft day on April 24. 

1. Tennessee Titans- Cam Ward, Quarterback from the University of Miami 

Initially believed to fall to the quarterback-needy Browns at pick number two, the Titans organization has fallen in love with Cam Ward. Practically the whole payroll showed up at Ward’s Pro Day earlier this year as he tossed off-platform dimes with that bionic cannon attached to his right shoulder. Ward even named Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks as one of the best in the league(he’s not) when asked on a recent Fortnite stream. The only knock on Ward is that he can do anything. This means that he might try to do everything on the field and turn the ball over when he’s not careful. 

2. Cleveland Browns- Travis Hunter, Cornerback/Wide Receiver from the University of Colorado 

As mentioned earlier, the Browns are in desperate need of a quarterback given Deshaun Watson’s injuries, poor play, and off-the-field controversies. This is compounded by the fact that they haven’t been able to bring in any starting-level talent in the offseason, signing glorified backup options Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett. That being said, they would be fools not to pounce on Hunter. He is easily the most electrifying player in the draft, with Browns General Manager Andrew Barry recently comparing his dynamic versatility to two-way Major League Baseball phenom Shohei Otani. Hunter can play both positions at a high level, and judging by Barry’s comments, the Browns intend to take full advantage of his unique abilities. If they’re lucky, they could pick up a quarterback with Jaxson Dart or Tyler Shough in the second round. 

3. New York Giants- Abdul Carter, Defensive End from Pennsylvania State University 

While this isn’t as glamorous as taking Travis Hunter’s teammate Shadeur Sanders, the Giants have shored up their quarterback room with the addition of veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. There is no such thing as having a defensive line that is too stacked. Carter could be a dominant pass rusher in the Giants’ young and hungry defensive scheme. 

4. New England Patriots- Armand Membou, Offensive Tackle from the University of Missouri

The Patriots have gaping holes in their offensive line, and taking Membou would be a great confidence booster for young quarterback Drake Maye. Membou has enough agility and ability to finish blocks to keep up with Maye’s scrambling style of play. While the Patriots may trade down, a practical pick like this will address a need they haven’t fulfilled in free agency. 

5. Jacksonville Jaguars- Mason Graham, Defensive Lineman from the University of Michigan 

Jacksonville has been in love with Graham for many months now, and this selection is one that draft analysts have been virtually in agreement on. Graham is a perfect fit for the Jaguars and can add so much-needed young talent to their underrated defense. 

6. Las Vegas Raiders- Ashton Jeanty, Running Back from Boise State University 

Robbed of the Heisman Trophy by Travis Hunter after a dominant season, Jeanty is a bell-cow bruiser who could become Pete Carroll’s new Marshawn Lynch in Vegas. While Vegas could also spring for Sanders with this pick, Jeanty is a necessary addition to an offense that was last in the league in rushing in 2024. 

7. New York Jets- Tyler Warren, Tight End from Pennsylvania State University 

Jets Head Coach Aaron Glenn may want to invest in the trenches with this pick, building the team from the ground up. But adding a pass-catching weapon to Justin Fields’ arsenal, who is a solid blocker as well, conveys this sentiment. Whether Warren is a hit or miss, taking a tight end in the top ten just seems like a very Jets thing to do. 

8. Carolina Panthers- Jalon Walker, Edge Rusher from the University of Georgia 

Walker is a homegrown talent from South Carolina who fills their major need at outside linebacker. Given Bryce Young’s recent ascension, adding to a weak pass rush in the draft would be a smart move for the Panthers. 

9. New Orleans Saints- Shedeur Sanders, Quarterback from the University of Colorado

Scouts and talent evaluators were scattered on where Sanders would land until some surprising news out of New Orleans last week. Presumptive starting quarterback Derek Carr had suffered a shoulder injury that would keep him out of most of next season. Sanders is a lot like Carr in many ways. He has decent escape ability, relies on touch and accuracy rather than a strong arm to complete his passes, and is a confident locker room leader. Although some analysts believe that his confidence and close relationship with his famous father, Pro Football Hall of Famer and Colorado Head Coach Deion Sanders, may lead some away from Shedeur. This is not helped by recent news that Colorado is retiring Shedeur’s number, a clear publicity stunt by his father. Despite this, picking a less highly touted quarterback like the aforementioned Dart or Shough would be a misstep for New Orleans. It’s unclear if Sanders can simply be thrown to the wolves in week one, but once he gets his feet under him, he should be worth the ensuing media circus. 

10. Chicago Bears- Will Campbell, Offensive Tackle from Louisiana State University 

Overcoming stubby T-Rex arms, Campbell carved out a place for himself as an elite run-blocker in the SEC. New Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson can further ingratiate himself with young quarterback Caleb Williams with another crucial addition in the trenches here. 

Featured image: Bleacher Report