Rain City Rivals First NFL Mock Draft

With the NFL Combine over, all eyes have turned to the draft. Today, I will do something different: I have decided to post the first official Rain City Rivals mock draft. Based on publicly available rumors and my analysis, this mock draft is solely based on what I think will happen. It will also not contain any trades; I am a sports writer, not a wizard. Without further delay, here is Mock Draft 1.0.

1. Tennessee Titans: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

Most reports say the Titans want to trade this pick, but they stay put in this mock draft. Abdul Carter is undoubtedly a top-five talent in this draft, with freakish athleticism that made him nearly unblockable in college. This offseason, the Titans gave last season's sack leader Harold Landry to seek a trade, leaving the Titans needing a new top edge rusher, which Carter provides in spades.

2. Cleveland Browns: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

The consensus from the combine is that the Browns plan on taking a quarterback with this pick, and Cam Ward has become this draft's clear-cut number-one quarterback over the last few months. Cam Ward has great raw athleticism and elite passing traits, such as arm strength. If the Browns can clean up his poor footwork and spotty decision-making, they can make a franchise signal caller out of Ward.

3. New York Giants: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

This pick will likely raise some eyebrows as I have the Giants passing on a quarterback; allow me to explain. I predict the New York Giants will sign quarterback Sam Darnold to a massive contract in free agency, removing their need to draft one and allowing them to take the best player available, which in this case is Travis Hunter. Travis Hunter is unlike anything we have seen before and is my #1 prospect in this year's draft. Hunter will likely take most of his snaps as a cornerback, where he brings elite athleticism and ball skills equal to none, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him get some action at wide receiver as well.

4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OL, LSU

If the Patriots want Drake Maye to reach his full potential and become their franchise QB, they must improve their offensive line, which was the worst in the league last season, and they can do that with Will Campbell. While Campbell's short arms will likely keep him from playing left tackle in the NFL, he can be an elite blocker at right tackle or slide inside to one of the guard spots. At LSU, Campbell showed that he is a polished blocker both in the run and the pass, and at the combine, he showcased elite athleticism that would allow him to contend with the league's top pass rushers. Campbell can become a star for the Patriots on an offensive line that desperately needs one.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

For better or worse, the Jacksonville Jaguars have always been a team that values athletic traits over all else, something Membou showcased at the combine. At 332 pounds with long enough arms and running a 4.91-second 40-yard dash with good jumping scores, Membou likely put himself on many team radars. While the Jags certainly need to address their terrible defense, they will also be looking to maximize Trevor Lawrece's potential, given the financial commitment they made to him; building a good offensive line would go a long way in doing that.

6. Las Vegas Raiders: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Shedeur Sanders is easily one of the most divisive picks in this year's draft. Some analysts have Sanders being taken number 1 overall; others have him falling out of the first round entirely. Sanders is an intriguing QB prospect; he is likely more pro-ready than Cam Ward, but there are questions surrounding Sanders's ceiling due to his average physical traits. Sanders's pre-existing relationship with the new part-owner, Tom Brady, and the Raider's desperation for a long-term answer at quarterback will lead to him ending up in Vegas.

7. New York Jets: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan

The Jets will likely try to trade up for a quarterback, but taking Mason Graham is the next best thing if they cannot. Many analysts have made a big deal about Graham's arms being shorter than what is typically required for defensive linemen, but for a team to let that stop them from drafting him would require them to ignore the dominance he displayed during his tenure at Michigan. Graham is a true game-wrecker on the interior; his combination of explosive power and technical refinement allows him to eat double teams in the run game and collapse the pocket on passing downs. It is worth noting that Quinnen Williams is the only defensive lineman currently under contract for the Jets; drafting Graham will give him a long-term running mate. While the Jets will have many questions they need to answer in the coming seasons, if they draft Graham, they can rest assured that the defensive line won't be one of them.

8. Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Bryce Young's resurgence after being benched last season was a godsend for the Panthers, who will be looking to do everything in their power to maximize his potential; this means finding a true #1 receiver for him to throw to. While many have voiced concerns about his upfield speed and ability to get separation, Tetairoa McMillan has the tools to be Young's top target on day 1. Standing at 6'4" and weighing 219 pounds, T-Mac towers over most corners; combine that with his outstanding ball skills and route-running, and you have a player who will significantly help Young develop his deep ball.

9. New Orleans Saints: Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M

The Saints are a mess and could use help at every position, but with a long rebuild ahead, taking the player with the highest upside is their best bet. Shemar Stewart is this draft class's true boom-or-bust player. At the combine, Stewart showed that he is a true freak of nature; he ran a 4.58-second 40-yard dash with a 40-inch vertical and a broad jump of 10 feet, 11 inches at 6-foot-5 and 267 pounds, finishing in the first percentile in pretty much every category. The downside with Stewart is that despite this freak athleticism, his production in college leaves a lot to be desired, with only 4.5 sacks over his three seasons with the Aggies. Stewart is a project, but if he can put all the pieces together, he could be one of the best defensive linemen in the league.

10. Chicago Bears: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

The Bears have traded for two offensive linemen this week, filling their team's biggest hole. This allows them to use this pick on Ashton Jeanty. The most prominent feature of new head coach Ben Johnsons' offense in Detroit was the dynamic running back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery; I imagine if given a chance, he would like to replicate that in Chicago, this time with Deandre Swift and Ashton Jeanty. There is not much I can say about Jeanty that has not been said a million times: he is a transcendent talent at the running back position that will instantly elevate any offense he is a part of.

11. San Francisco 49ers: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Before last season, most analysts expected Will Johnson to be a guaranteed top-five pick in this year's draft; unfortunately, he suffered an injury that shortened his final season with the Wolverines. Johnson's bad luck might be good luck for San Francisco as they get to draft one of this class's best players. The 49ers are coming off a disappointing season that saw the team get ravaged by injuries; it doesn't help that their number 1 corner, Charvarius Ward, is a free agent, leaving them with a gaping hole in the secondary, a hole Johnson is more than capable of filling. While there are concerns about Johnson's speed, his decent length and high football IQ allow him to compensate for this shortcoming. Johnson brings excellent ball skills that allowed him to rack up six interceptions at Michigan, along with a mean streak you love to see in a corner.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas

The retirement of future Hall of Fame guard Zach Martin made this pick easy for the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have always been at their best when the team has invested heavily in the offensive line. Kelvin Banks's arm length will likely keep him from playing tackle in the NFL, but he has all the traits to become a dominant guard, where his great leverage and explosive power could make him one of the best in the league. The Cowboys already have multiple intriguing young players on their offensive line; adding Banks to the mix would be a cherry on top and could help the Cowboys end their 30-year championship drought.

13. Miami Dolphins: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama

It became abundantly clear to the Dolphins this year that if they want to succeed, they need to protect Tua, and so protect him they will. Tyler Booker isn't an exciting or interesting player but an absolute mauler at the guard position. At 6'5" and 320 pounds, Booker is a massive human who plays like it, using explosive strength to move defenders as if they were nothing. Booker is a better pass blocker than a run blocker, where his lack of mobility can often get him in trouble, but as far as getting Tua a bodyguard who will ensure he stays upright, Booker is the guy.

14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

At the combine, Colts General Manager Chris Ballard said the team is looking to upgrade at the tight end position; you can't get a much better upgrade than Warren. At Penn State, Warren was the ultimate weapon; his ability to line up all over the field allowed him to pick and choose his matchups, creating mismatches he was happy to take advantage of. Warren brings a combination of crisp route running, high football IQ, and incredible athleticism, enabling him to become a true weapon for the Colts and help elevate Anthony Richardson to the next level.

15. Atlanta Falcons: Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

The Falcons desperately need a disruptive presence on their defense, and Jalon Walker can provide that. Walker played both linebacker and edge rusher at Georgia, and while he played linebacker more, most in the NFL see his future at EDGE. Walker's experience as a linebacker, coupled with his elite athleticism, could make him a real force as a pass rusher while also being able to drop into coverage if necessary.

16. Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss

The Cardinals have spent the last few years trying to strengthen their defensive line, with varying levels of success. After securing their edges with their first-round picks the past two years, I expect them to look towards the interior in this draft. Walter Nolen has rare explosiveness for a man of his size; combined with his refined technique and natural leverage, Nolen looks like a player who can contribute on day 1.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

The Bengals are faced with significant uncertainty regarding their defensive line. Trey Hendrickson requested a trade, Sam Hubbard retired, and BJ Hill is a free agent; I fully expect them to address the position with this pick. Mike Green has been on a meteoric rise leading to this year's draft. Green burst onto the scene last year when he led all of college football in sacks with 17; he followed that up with a dominant performance at the Senior Bowl. Green lacks the length many teams look for in pass rushers, but he has made up for this with his elite speed and technique.

18. Seattle Seahawks: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

Seahawks fans, PLEASE put down your pitchforks and at least let me explain myself. I know that Nick Emmanwori is not the offensive lineman most fans (myself included) want them to take here, but this team has always undervalued offensive linemen, and I do not see that changing anytime soon. Multiple sources have reported that the Seahawks have become infatuated with Emmanwori after his historic combine performance, which saw a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, a 43-inch vertical jump, and an 11-foot, 6-inch broad jump at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds. It is easy to see why the Seahawks have fallen in love with Emmanwori due to his similarities with Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton, who was the driving force in Mike Macdonald's defense during his tenure with the team.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

This one is straightforward: as of now, the Buccaneers do not have a single linebacker on their roster. The Buccaneers will likely address the position in free agency, but they will still want a long-term solution, something Jihaad Campbell provides. Campbell brings elite athleticism, allowing him to move from sideline to sideline and disrupt screen passes. Campbell especially shined when blitzing at Alabama, and considering the Buccaneers run a blitz-heavy defense, this pick seems like a no-brainer.

20. Denver Broncos: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Only the Saints got less production out of their tight ends last season than the Denver Broncos; this needs to change if this team wants to take the next step and begin competing for their division. While there were some concerns about Loveland following his surgery to repair the AC joint sprain he suffered last season, it seems like he will be good to go. Loveland is a full-package package that combines athleticism, sharp route-running, and size, allowing him to become a threat in the middle of the field the Broncos are currently missing.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

Last season, the Pittsburgh Steelers did not hide their dissatisfaction with their wide receiver room; I expect they want that to change this year. Before the Combine, Golden was considered a fringe first-round pick; that is no longer the case after running a 4.29 40-yard dash. Golden is an absolute burner, especially regarding his upfield speed, and pairing him with George Pickens could make for a terrifying offense.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee

James Pearce Jr. is one of the toughest players to predict in this year's class. With his raw talent, Pearce is a top-ten pick, but real concerns about his character exist. Multiple coaches at Tennessee saw Pearce as "undeniably uncoachable." Per Walter Football, multiple sources at different teams said Pearce was being dropped off their boards. I expect many to be scared off by his poor character, but Jim Harbaugh likely won't. The Chargers desperately need an impact player coming off the edge, and Pearce can provide that.

23. Green Bay Packers: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

Jaire Alexander's time with the Packers is ending, leaving them with a massive hole to fill. Jahdae Barron is not the type of corner the Packers usually draft; they target long and athletic corners, but his skill set is worth breaking tradition. While only 5'11", 194 pounds, Barron showed both in college and at the Combine that he plays like he is way bigger. Barron stands apart regarding his football IQ and controlled aggression; he is excellent at baiting quarterbacks into throws before diving in front of the catch in a way that belies his size. At worst, he will be a great slot corner, but he has the skills to be exemplary on the outside.

24. Minnesota Vikings: Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan

There is a 0% chance that the Vikings will use this pick. Holding just four draft picks this year, the Vikings will most likely trade back to gain more, but Kenneth Grant is the pick since there are no trades in this mock draft. While the Viking defense was excellent last year, they often struggled against the interior run game, and Grant can fix that. Grant is likely up there with Shemar Stewart as the best pure athlete in this class, with an unnatural speed and agility for a guy weighing 331 pounds. Grant needs a lot of polish regarding his technique, but he can be one of the best defensive liners in the league.

25. Houston Texans: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

The Texans desperately need offensive linemen, but the chance to pair CJ Stroud with one of his college receivers might be too tempting. Emeka Egbuka is not the fastest, biggest, or strongest receiver in this class, but he is probably the best in technique. Egbuka is easily the best route runner in the class. Using great footwork and subtle tempo changes, Egbuka can carve up a defense with surgical precision. Egbuka also likely had the best hands in the class; while many other prospects have struggled with drops in the past, Egbuka has repeatedly proven himself a reliable target. While Egbuka doesn't have the highest ceiling in this class, he likely has the highest floor.

26. Los Angeles Rams: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

With the Rams looking to move on from Cooper Kupp, they must find a new running mate for Puka Nacua; Luther Burden III would be perfect. While many people have Burden falling out of the first round due to his lack of production during his final year at Missouri, I am not buying it. Burden has shown time and time again that he can be an electric playmaker when he has the ball in his hands; he's got good speed and is a shifty runner, which allows him to turn short passes into chunk plays. Luther's skill set pairs very well with Nacua's more physical play style, creating a nice 1-2 punch passing attack that McVay will adore.

27. Baltimore Ravens: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

The Ravens will likely lose either Ronnie Stanley or Patrick Merkari in free agency, and a good offensive line is a must for them to play the way they want to. In another timeline, Josh Simmons is likely the first offensive lineman off the board, but he suffered a severe knee injury early last season, which might cause him to fall. Simmons plays with ruthless aggression in the run game and has elite technique in the passing game; if he can stay healthy, the Ravens might end up with the steal of the draft.

28. Detroit Lions: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

Mykel Williams is a challenging prospect to analyze due to how inconsistent he was at Georgia. Still, Williams showed signs that he could be a difference-maker on the defensive line. The Lions must find a long-term partner for Aiden Hutchinson, and Williams has the upside to be just that. The Lions will have to work heavily with Williams regarding technique, but he has all the athletic tools to be a difference-maker if given the time to develop.

29. Washington Commanders: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

The Commanders watched the division-rival Eagles win the Super Bowl with a dominant rushing attack. After acquiring Deebo Samuel from the 49ers, the Commanders could get a dominant rushing attack with the addition of a dynamic running back like Omari Hampton. Hampton is unique in that he is both a hard-hitting bell-cow running back and a consistent home run threat. Weighing 221 pounds, Hampton has the strength to get down and dirty as a downhill power back, but his 4.46-second 40-yard dash shows he can rip off huge chunks as well.

30. Buffalo Bills: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

They say good things come to those who wait, and in this case, the Bills are getting to draft an elite prospect like Malaki Starks. Talent-wise, Starks should be drafted in the upper half of the draft, but he might fall victim to positional value. Safety is not considered a high priority for many teams, but don't get it twisted; Starks is a special player. Starks is the very definition of back-end safety; with his football IQ, route recognition, and high-end ball skills, he is excellent at preventing big plays. The Bills defense ranked 30th last season. If they genuinely want to get to the Super Bowl, they need a difference-maker, and that is precisely what Starks is.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Grey Zabel, North Dakota State, OL

After the Chief's offensive line was embarrassed in front of the whole world at the Super Bowl, it has become abundantly clear the Chiefs plan to overhaul their offensive line completely. The Chiefs recently traded away veteran guard Joe Thuney, signaling they intend to remake the line from the ground up, and that is where Grey Zabel comes in. Zabel has been shooting up draft boards since his strong performance at the Senior Bowl; he continued this upward momentum with a strong showing at the Combine. Zabel is a quality player with good strength, athleticism, and technique, which should allow him to start immediately for the Chiefs.

32. Philadelphia Eagles: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College

After his dominant Super Bowl performance, Josh Sweat has likely earned himself a payday the Eagles might not be able to give him, meaning they will have to find his replacement. Donovan Ezeiruaku is an intriguing prospect who showcased elite athleticism at the Combine but also has clear physical limitations. At Boston College, Ezeiruaku showcased himself as an elite speed rusher with excellent burst and technique, but he has a very thin frame that causes him to struggle against bigger linemen. Ezeiruaku might never be able to be an every-down rusher, but he has all the skills to be an outstanding pass-rush specialist.

That warps up the first-ever Rain City Rivals mock draft. I plan on making another mock draft closer to the Draft, so be on the lookout for that, but until then...

Go Hawks!