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NFL mock draft, top 10 picks: Raiders’ Week 16 win creates early QB chaos

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NFL mock draft, top 10 picks: Raiders’ Week 16 win creates early QB chaos

Logjams in the NFL standings don’t last forever, and the Raiders have blinked first.

Las Vegas’ 19-14 comeback win over Jacksonville in Week 16 has thrown a wrench into the race for the No. 1 pick — and the conversation about where the top quarterback prospects will land in 2025.

Let’s look at where the top 10 stands with just two weeks left in the regular season.

1. New York Giants: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

It’s certainly possible the Giants favor Shedeur Sanders, but I gave them Ward here in part to highlight that we don’t really have a consensus QB1 right now. Normally, by this time, we would. Some of the positional debate will come down to team/coach preference, much of which is difficult to project this early in the process (especially when it comes to the Giants).

The pre-draft interviews are always important, and that could be especially true this cycle given that there might not be separation at the top. Either way, New York is now in the driver’s seat to be able to choose between the two QB prospects.

2. New England Patriots: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

New England feels like the best overall fit for Hunter, for many reasons, including that corner might be the Patriots’ top draft need at the moment. If that’s not the case, then cornerback and wide receiver certainly are in their top three or four needs. Hunter, of course, can play either spot — or, at least play one very well while moonlighting at the other.

The Patriots also need to be able to give fans more reasons to stay tuned, as this rebuild isn’t over and will test the patience of many. Hunter’s a star and maybe the best player in this class. It’d be a win-win.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

When we started our weekly top 10 check-ins a few weeks ago, Graham landed toward the bottom of those picks, rather regrettably. This selection, on the other hand, illustrates the top of his range. Some teams may have the powerful, twitched-up, versatile Michigan defensive lineman just behind Hunter on their draft boards.

Obviously, Jacksonville also needs help at corner and offensive tackle, but Graham is the type of defensive culture-setter who could help change this franchise.

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4. Las Vegas Raiders (projected trade with Tennessee): Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Ameer Abdullah’s game-winning TD Sunday did some real damage to Las Vegas’ shot at an easy path to a new QB in this draft. If the draft started today, the Raiders would be picking No. 6, behind both the Giants and Tennessee — the Titans, like the Giants, absolutely need a quarterback and could well be interested in either Sanders or Ward.

But the Raiders really need a quarterback. And though that win over Jacksonville certainly could make that pursuit a bit more complicated, the good news for Las Vegas is it has plenty of draft capital this year, including four picks in the top 75. If the Raiders have to make a deal, they can.

5. Cleveland Browns: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Last week, we gave Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty to the Browns. This week (and likely every week through April), we’re sticking with the run game as a top need for Cleveland — because it is, one way or another.

I also don’t hate the idea of trading back if another team’s interested in jumping the line for OT1 or a pass rusher. Cleveland needs to maximize this pick. This is not dice-rolling time.

6. Tennessee Titans (projected trade with Las Vegas): Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

This feels like the bottom of Carter’s range. SMU was hardly the best opponent Penn State has seen this year, but Carter had some terrific athletic flashes of dominance in that College Football Playoff game and now will get a chance to let it rip in the Fiesta Bowl. Win there, and he’d get to work against either Georgia or Notre Dame’s offensive line in the semifinals.

Carter might be the player with the most to gain of all those remaining in the Playoff field. The Titans, meanwhile, need picks more than they need a new QB. My opinion. Being able to squeeze a desperate Vegas team, without dropping too far in the top 10, might be a great play.

7. Carolina Panthers: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia

If Carter isn’t the guy with the most to gain, Williams might be. The freaky Georgia edge has had availability issues due to various injuries, but he’s now been able to rest for a bit after a terrific six-pressure day vs. Texas in the SEC Championship Game.

Scouts want to see dominance — or at least flashes of it — from Williams, as there just isn’t much tape to go on right now. A terrific Playoff stretch would help in that department.

8. New York Jets: Jalon Walker, Edge/LB, Georgia

We don’t know who will be running (or coaching) the Jets come the offseason, so it’s difficult to totally project their plans. However, whether or not New York opts to move on from Aaron Rodgers, the new front office will need to add quality young talent with pass-rush ability.

With or without Rodgers, the Jets have to get better at the line of scrimmage and around the football.

go-deeper

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9. Chicago Bears: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

Caleb Williams has improved despite going through a coaching change in the middle of his rookie year. He’s often been at his best with the Bears already trailing by multiple scores, and they’ve been in those holes for many reasons — turnovers among them. However, the Bears’ lack of a credible run game to support Williams is a glaring hole.

Williams has to be perfect in every game, basically wire-to-wire, for Chicago to have a chance. That’s just an unfair ask. The Bears need O-line help, which would bolster the ground attack.

10. New Orleans Saints: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Defensive line remains a need for the Saints, but their roster also needs a general boost in playmaking prowess. And this is another team that’ll be going through a coaching change prior to the draft, so we can’t really rule out anything.

No matter which way New Orleans goes at QB, it needs more help outside offensively. This landing spot would be a bargain for McMillan, the best receiver-only prospect (as opposed to Hunter’s two-way stardom) in this class.

(Top photo of Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders: Dustin Bradford / Getty Images)

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