Jeff's Beyel's Corner

...

 

GOTW Poll


Vote in the GOTW Poll

 

 

   PFL Audio Updates

Audio of articles and weekly updates

Website Update

Jeff's Divisional Week Vocalized

 

 
 

  Alfred Inkley's Corner

....Alfred's opinions and picks may differ from those of Paydirt Football.com or Jeff's articles

...    

2025 NFL DRAFT PREDICTIONS

1st Round Mock Draft    32 Picks    Needs-Based Selection

My picks may differ from the idiotic owners draft choices

Pick 1 — Los Angeles Rams (3-14)

Needs: QB, HB (QB is old, RB is slow)

The Rams went 3-14 and have the first overall pick, which is the football equivalent of winning a Darwin Award — congratulations on surviving, here's your consolation prize. The good news: this year's prize is outstanding. Jeremiyah Love (HB, OVR 85) is the highest-rated halfback in this class — a 93 SPD elusive back who would immediately inject life into an offense that currently moves at the pace of continental drift. However, with an aging QB being the bigger long-term crisis, the Rams must consider Fernando Mendoza (QB, OVR 77), the top-rated quarterback in this draft class. A franchise QB is the harder commodity to find. Los Angeles takes Mendoza with the first pick and begins the slow, painful process of rebuilding. The RB can wait. The QB situation cannot.


Pick 2 — Atlanta Falcons (3-14)

Needs: QB, WR, Multiple LBs, CB, SS

Atlanta went 3-14 in a tie with the Rams — a shared achievement in mediocrity that would make any fan base reconsider their life choices. The Falcons have so many needs that their draft board probably looks like the classified ads section of a very sad newspaper. With the top QB gone, Atlanta looks at Avieon Terrell (CB, OVR 84), the premier cornerback in this entire class. A 84 OVR corner at pick 2 is the kind of value that makes scouts weep happy tears. Atlanta desperately needs secondary help, and Terrell fills the biggest defensive hole immediately. They'll find WRs and linebackers throughout the draft. Elite corners don't grow on trees — although Atlanta has been composting enough losing seasons that something should be growing by now.


Pick 3 — Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-14)

Needs: LB, QB

Three teams went 3-14, which means the NFC South collectively forgot that winning football games is the objective. Tampa Bay needs both a QB and linebacker help. With Mendoza gone at 1 and Terrell at 2, the Buccaneers look to Caleb Downs (SS, OVR 85) — the highest-rated player in this entire draft class. Wait, but Tampa's needs are LB and QB... Here's the thing: a 85 OVR safety is a franchise cornerstone regardless of positional need, and Downs can play hybrid roles that blur into linebacker territory. If they want to be strict about it, Dante Moore (QB, OVR 76) is still on the board and Tampa needs a quarterback badly. However, Moore vs. an 85 OVR Caleb Downs is not a close call. Take the generational talent. Tampa has been 3-14. Generational talents don't visit twice.


Pick 4 — Seattle Seahawks (4-13)

Needs: QB (should try to get one)

Seattle went 4-13 and desperately needs a quarterback — the kind of need that turns normally rational front office executives into people who would trade their entire draft for a guy who threw for 2,400 yards in a conference that played in the rain every week. With Mendoza gone, Dante Moore (QB, OVR 76) is the best available — a strong-armed prospect with Lamar Jackson-style mobility who projects as a starter. If Moore is somehow gone, Ty Simpson (QB, OVR 75) is right behind him. Seattle takes Moore, hopes for the best, and tries not to think about the Russell Wilson era too hard. Every Seahawks fan has been through enough. Give them a quarterback and let them breathe.


Pick 5 — Houston Texans (4-12-1)

Needs: DT

Houston has one primary need — defensive tackle — and this draft has exactly what they want. Dontay Corleone (DT, OVR 81) is the highest-rated defensive tackle in the class. And yes, that is his actual name. Dontay Corleone. A nose tackle named after a fictional mob boss. At 335 lbs with elite strength, Corleone will make opposing offensive lines an offer they genuinely cannot refuse, because he will physically push them into the backfield. Houston's defense has been getting walked over at the line of scrimmage all season. The solution has arrived, and it has an absolutely legendary name.


Pick 6 — Cleveland Browns (4-12-1)

Needs: WR, C, FS

Cleveland needs receiver help and a free safety, and the class still has elite options at both. Dillon Thieneman (FS, OVR 83) is the second-best safety in the draft — a run-support free safety with outstanding athleticism and awareness who would transform the Browns' secondary. However, if Cleveland prioritizes the skill position, Antonio Williams (WR, OVR 77) is a deep threat wide receiver with genuine big-play ability. Given that FS at 83 OVR is rarer than a quality WR at this stage, Cleveland takes Thieneman and addresses the wide receiver room in rounds two and three. The Browns have been bad long enough that they've developed a sort of zen acceptance of suffering. Thieneman won't end the suffering, but he'll make it more comfortable.


Pick 7 — Minnesota Vikings (5-12)

Needs: LB (big need)

Minnesota needs a linebacker so badly they've probably been Googling "can a safety play linebacker in a pinch" at 2 AM. The good news: this draft is absolutely loaded at linebacker, and at pick 7, the best ones are still there. Arvell Reese (MLB, OVR 81) is the top middle linebacker in the class — a run-stopper with 91 ACC and 86 awareness who would immediately upgrade Minnesota's defense. An 81 OVR middle linebacker at pick 7 is outstanding value. The Vikings take Reese and finally have someone reliable patrolling the middle. Their fans deserve this.


Pick 8 — Dallas Cowboys (5-12)

Needs: QB, HB, RE, Multiple LBs

America's Team is picking 8th after a 5-12 season, which is either humbling or on-brand depending on how long you've been watching. Dallas needs a quarterback, but with Moore gone at 4, they look at Ty Simpson (QB, OVR 75) — a pocket passer with a strong arm who fits a vertical scheme. Alternatively, with multiple LB needs and Deontae Lawson (LOLB, OVR 79) available, the Cowboys could take the linebacker and address QB later. However: the Cowboys haven't had a reliable franchise QB in years, and at 75 OVR with college development upside, Simpson represents real potential. Dallas takes Simpson and gives him time to grow. Or they panic and trade the pick. Because Dallas.


Pick 9 — Washington Commanders (6-11)

Needs: HB, TE, RE, Multiple LBs

Washington has numerous needs and the draft is still delivering. With multiple LB needs atop the priority list, Deontae Lawson (LOLB, OVR 79) is a versatile run-stopper with outstanding instincts who would anchor the linebacker corps immediately. Washington's defense has been a porous mess — the kind of defense that allows opposing offenses to feel good about themselves. Lawson changes the culture at linebacker. They can address the HB and TE in later rounds. One position at a time, Washington. One position at a time.


Pick 10 — Jacksonville Jaguars (6-11)

Needs: LG, SS, LB (big need)

Jacksonville needs linebacker help desperately, and at pick 10, there's still quality on the board. CJ Allen (LOLB, OVR 79) is a run-stopper with elite strength and football IQ who has slipped due to the sheer volume of quality linebackers in this class. He's the kind of player who makes coordinators smile and opposing running backs reconsider their career choices. The Jaguars' linebacker room has been a rotating cast of disappointment. CJ Allen is the first step toward making it something else — ideally something that involves fewer pre-snap confusion moments.


Pick 11 — Denver Broncos (6-11)

Needs: LBs (biggest need)

Denver needs linebackers the way a desert needs rain — urgently and with consequences if it doesn't happen. With two excellent linebackers already off the board, Jaishawn Barham (MLB, OVR 79) is still available and outstanding. A run-stopper with 83 strength and elite pursuit speed, Barham fits Denver's defensive system and fills the most pressing hole on the roster. Denver's defense has been giving up points faster than their offense can score them, which is saying something. Barham stabilizes the middle. The Broncos breathe again. Marginally.


Pick 12 — Detroit Lions (6-10-1)

Needs: RE, LG, LB

Detroit has three needs and picks 12th in a draft that has been generous. With LG and LB both addressed heavily in the top picks, the Lions target their RE need. Keldric Faulk (RE, OVR 79) is the top-rated right end in this class — a speed rusher with outstanding athleticism who can also hold the run. He's exactly what Detroit needs to complete their defensive front. Lions fans have been through enough — they deserve a pass rusher who actually gets to the quarterback without needing three false starts first.


Pick 13 — Los Angeles Chargers (7-10)

Needs: RG, DT, LB

The Chargers have interior needs and the draft still has answers. With Corleone gone early, A'mauri Washington (DT, OVR 79) is the next-best defensive tackle — a nose tackle with outstanding run-stopping ability who fits a 3-4 scheme beautifully. At pick 13, Washington represents outstanding value and fills the DT need immediately. The Chargers always seem to be a year or two away from contending. Washington on the interior defensive line pushes them closer to the "contending" side of that equation.


Pick 14 — Carolina Panthers (7-10)

Needs: RT, LBs, SS

Carolina desperately needs a right tackle, and at pick 14, there are still quality options. Isaiah World (RT, OVR 78) is a College Star prospect — a 6'8" power tackle who projects as a long-term starter. Alternatively, Jennings Dunker (RT, OVR 77) is right behind him. World gets the edge based on development designation and physical upside. Carolina's offensive line has been a liability, and the right side has been the worst part of a bad thing. World shores it up immediately, and their quarterback will likely send him a fruit basket.


Pick 15 — Buffalo Bills (7-9-1)

Needs: WR, C, LB, LG (biggest need)

Buffalo's biggest need is left guard, and at pick 15, they can get a good one. Olavaga Ioane (LG, OVR 83) is the highest-rated left guard in this class — a powerful run-blocker at 331 lbs with elite strength and pass protection ability. An 83 OVR guard at pick 15 is outstanding value in a draft where the top positions went early. Buffalo's offensive line has been inconsistent; Ioane fixes the most critical gap. The Bills have been good enough to be frustrating and not good enough to be satisfying. A dominant left guard won't fix everything, but it fixes the one thing they keep listing first.


Pick 16 — Pittsburgh Steelers (8-9)

Needs: QB

Pittsburgh needs a quarterback and at pick 16, the class is thinning but still has options. Ty Simpson (QB, OVR 75) may already be gone, which means the Steelers look at Garrett Nussmeier (QB, OVR 75) — a pocket passer with strong arm ratings and solid awareness who has the football IQ Pittsburgh's system demands. If both are gone, Diego Pavia (QB, OVR 73) is a scrambler with exceptional athleticism who would be an intriguing developmental option. The Steelers have been cycling through quarterbacks with the enthusiasm of someone trying different coffee brands after their favorite was discontinued. It's time to commit to someone.


Pick 17 — Kansas City Chiefs (9-8)

Needs: TE (weak at tight end)

Kansas City has been built around tight end as a position of offensive identity. When that position weakens, the Chiefs feel it immediately — like a jazz band losing its bassist. With the first round of tight ends potentially starting to thin, Kenyon Sadiq (TE, OVR 76) is an outstanding vertical threat who can stretch the field and create matchup nightmares. Joe Royer (TE, OVR 75) is right there too. Sadiq gets the nod for his big-play upside and physical tools. Kansas City knows exactly what a good tight end looks like. They've had a few. It's time to get another one.


Pick 18 — Cincinnati Bengals (9-8)

Needs: C, FB, RG

Cincinnati has specific interior needs, and the class delivers. Jake Slawter (C, OVR 80) is the top center in this draft — a powerful snapper with exceptional toughness and long-snapping ability who would anchor the middle of the Bengals' line immediately. A center is the intellectual hub of the offensive line — the person responsible for making the pre-snap calls that keep everyone from colliding with each other. Cincinnati's version of this hub has apparently been miscommunicating. Slawter fixes that. The Bengals take him and don't look back.


Pick 19 — San Francisco 49ers (8-9)

Needs: Huge need at OL, LB help also needed

San Francisco has massive offensive line needs, and at pick 19, the class still has quality blockers available. Kadyn Proctor (LT, OVR 80) is a 6'7" left tackle with outstanding power ratings and college impact development who fills the most premium OL position on the market. Alternatively, Jaeden Roberts (LG, OVR 80) is an elite guard who also grades at 80 OVR. Given that LT is the more premium and harder-to-replace position, Proctor gets the call. The 49ers' offensive line has been a mess — the kind of mess that makes a good quarterback look like a mediocre one. Proctor protects the most valuable piece of the puzzle.


Pick 20 — New York Giants (9-8)

Needs: TE, RG, LB

New York has three addressable needs and picks 20th in a draft that's given generously to the top picks. With TEs potentially thinning, Eli Raridan (TE, OVR 75) is a vertical threat with outstanding athleticism who would immediately upgrade the Giants' receiving corps. At 6'7" with 86 speed, Raridan is the kind of tight end who makes safeties look at their coverage assignment and question their life choices. The Giants take him, plug in a TE, and address RG and LB through the later rounds.


Pick 21 — Indianapolis Colts (9-7-1)

Needs: QB, LB

Indianapolis needs a franchise quarterback with the urgency of someone whose house is on fire. With multiple QBs already off the board, the Colts look at Garrett Nussmeier (QB, OVR 75) or Diego Pavia (QB, OVR 73) — whichever remains. Nussmeier is a pocket passer with football IQ and leadership traits that fit Indianapolis's system. If he's gone, Pavia's athleticism makes him a developmental wildcard worth the investment. The Colts take whoever is available at QB and commit. The LB can be addressed in round two. QB uncertainty is the one thing that poisons an entire franchise.


Pick 22 — Tennessee Titans (10-7)

Needs: RG, LB

Tennessee is a winning team with specific needs. With RG and LB on the list, Giovani El-Hadl (RG, OVR 75) is a pass protector with outstanding toughness who fills the right guard spot immediately. He's the kind of player who doesn't get highlights but gets wins — the offensive line equivalent of a reliable accountant. Nobody cheers for accountants until you need one. Tennessee needs this one. Take El-Hadl, fix the right side, and the offense becomes considerably more functional.


Pick 23 — Miami Dolphins (10-7)

Needs: TE, LB, SS, K

Miami has multiple needs and picks 23rd, which is the draft equivalent of arriving at a buffet after the good stuff is mostly gone but before they bring out the sad wilted salad. With a TE need and the class thinning, Max Klare (TE, OVR 74) is still available and is a legitimate receiving tight end with good speed and route running. If Klare is gone, Trey Reveron (TE, OVR 72) is the fallback. Miami takes their tight end and addresses the linebacker room through later picks. On the kicker situation: nobody drafts a kicker in round one unless they're having some kind of episode.


Pick 24 — Green Bay Packers (11-6)

Needs: None (Best Available)

The Packers pick 24th with no real needs, which means they get to play the role of the smug friend who finishes their taxes in January while everyone else is panicking. Green Bay simply takes the best available player — which at this stage could be Mansoor Delane (CB, OVR 83), the second-best cornerback in the class. An 83 OVR corner at pick 24 is highway robbery. Green Bay adds elite talent to an already strong roster. Their opponents will not enjoy this.


Pick 25 — Baltimore Ravens (11-5-1)

Needs: RE

Baltimore is a good team with one specific defensive weakness — the right end position. With the top REs gone, the Ravens look at Dani Dennis-Sutton (RE, OVR 79) or T.J. Parker (RE, OVR 78) — both are outstanding prospects with first-round grades. Dennis-Sutton gets the nod for his power rushing ability and elite jumping ability that disrupts passing lanes. Baltimore's defense is already formidable; adding a quality RE turns it into something opposing offensive coordinators need therapy to deal with.


Pick 26 — Las Vegas Raiders (12-5)

Needs: QB, LBs, CB (defense is weak)

The Raiders made the playoffs with a 12-5 record and still have glaring defensive holes — impressive in the way a house with a beautiful exterior and no plumbing is impressive. With the top CBs gone early, Las Vegas looks at Malik Muhammad (CB, OVR 82) — still available and elite. A 82 OVR corner at pick 26 is remarkable value. The Raiders' defense has been described internally as "week" (their word, not ours), and patching the secondary is the fastest path to improvement. Muhammad provides immediate starter-level quality at a position of desperate need.


Pick 27 — Chicago Bears (12-5)

Needs: LT, LB, FS

Chicago went 12-5 and still has multiple needs — testament to either the depth of their weaknesses or the strength of their strengths compensating. With LT as a premium need, Spencer Fano (LT, OVR 81) is still available and excellent. A powerful left tackle with championship pedigree, Fano would protect the Bears' quarterback and unlock the run game simultaneously. At pick 27 with an 81 OVR grade, this is one of the better values in the draft. The Bears take Fano and reinforce the most important position on the offensive line. Their quarterback will stop looking over his shoulder so much.


Pick 28 — Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)

Needs: RT (coach has weaknesses)

The Eagles went 14-3 and need a right tackle, which is either a small hole in a great team or evidence that their coach is genuinely bad at evaluating that position (per the team's own scouting notes, apparently). Jennings Dunker (RT, OVR 77) should still be on the board here — a powerful run-blocker with good technique who fills the right tackle spot immediately. Philadelphia is a contender. A quality RT removes the one exploitable weakness. The Eagles take Dunker and pretend their coach didn't need a draft article to tell them this.


Pick 29 — New England Patriots (14-3)

Needs: LB

New England drafts linebackers the way most people buy groceries — reliably, consistently, and with the conviction that you can never have too many. At pick 29, the linebacker class has been heavily picked over, but Landon Barton (MLB, OVR 79) might still be available — a pass-coverage linebacker with outstanding size and quickness. If Barton is gone, David Bailey (LOLB, OVR 75) is a solid fallback with college elite development. The Patriots always find a linebacker. It is their gift. It is their curse. It is their identity.


Pick 30 — New Orleans Saints (15-2)

Needs: WR, LG, LBs

New Orleans went 15-2 — the best record in the NFC — and still has needs, which is the football equivalent of having a perfect report card except for one C in gym class. With LG among the priorities, Chase Bisontis (LG, OVR 79) is an outstanding power guard still on the board, offering immediate starter quality. If they prefer to address the skill position side, Denzel Boston (WR, OVR 79) is a physical playmaker wide receiver who would upgrade the Saints' passing attack. Given that the 49ers took their LT need and guards last longer in the draft, New Orleans leans toward Boston — adding a weapon to an already dangerous offense. The WR is the right call here. Make opposing defenses suffer more.


Pick 31 — Arizona Cardinals (16-1)

Needs: WR, LB

The Cardinals had the best record in football at 16-1 and pick second-to-last. This is the natural order of things. Arizona should simply take the best remaining player at a position of need. Carnell Tate (WR, OVR 80) is a physical wide receiver still on the board — a 6'3" playmaker with elite catching ability and development upside who would add another dangerous weapon to an already excellent Arizona offense. At pick 31, an 80 OVR receiver is a genuine steal. The Cardinals go from great to greater and make opponents despair accordingly.


Pick 32 — New York Jets (16-1)

No listed needs — Best Available

The Jets went 16-1, tied for the best record in the entire league, and pick last. There is a certain poetic justice here for Jets fans who have spent decades suffering and can now watch their team pick 32nd while being excellent. With no listed needs, New York takes the absolute best available player — which at this stage might be Sonny Styles (MLB, OVR 80), an elite middle linebacker with outstanding field general instincts and awareness. Or it could be Anthony Hill Jr. (ROLB, OVR 78), a run-stopping outside linebacker with excellent athleticism. Either way, the Jets add depth and quality to an already championship-caliber roster. Jets fans: you've waited your whole life for this. Enjoy it. You've earned the right to be smug for at least one offseason.


That's your 2026 PFL Draft first round. From the Rams rebuilding through the number one pick to the Jets luxuriating at 32nd with no real needs — this is a class that offers something for everyone. May your picks develop quickly, your salary cap survive the contracts, and your quarterbacks find the open receiver before the fourth quarter.

As always, draft grades will be available in three to five years, when we discover which of these prospects became legends, which became cautionary tales, and which one the Cowboys inexplicably traded away for a third-round pick and a bag of practice equipment.

See you at the podium.

 

enc
 

 

97- 2/24

 
....