As the NFL calendar flips to Week 15, just a few groups have already clinched playoff spots, whereas others have began planning holidays.
The faculty soccer common season is over, as is convention championship weekend and the bowl season is in full swing.
So, what higher time for a mock draft? Here are Sports Illustrated’s newest projections.
Note: The NFL draft order is predicated on present data.
Biggest wants: QB, OT, WR
The decide: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
It’s solely becoming that Sanders, for his Rolex-driven flash and gamble-centric improvisation abilities, winds up in Las Vegas. The Raiders don’t seem to have a long-term quarterback answer on their roster, and Sanders will get the nod at No. 1 over Miami’s Cam Ward. Among quarterbacks with at the least 100 makes an attempt, Sanders’s 74.2% completion fee was one of the best within the nation this previous season. He completed second within the FBS with 35 passing touchdowns and third with 3,926 passing yards.
Biggest wants: QB, OT, CB
The decide: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
The Giants are final within the NFL in scoring at 14.9 factors per sport. Led by Ward, Miami led faculty soccer with 44.2 factors per sport. If solely it have been that easy, proper? There is, nevertheless, cause for the Hurricanes’ offensive mastery, and it begins with Ward, whose moxie, arm expertise and accuracy helped him throw a nation-leading 36 landing passes. He’s a artful thrower with manipulative eyes and has made substantial strides as a decision-maker. Ward nonetheless has room to mature on the sphere, however the Giants must swing for the fences, and Ward’s upside warrants this decide.
Biggest wants: OT, WR, Edge
The decide: Travis Hunter, WR/DB, Colorado
The Patriots must encompass rookie quarterback Drake Maye with higher items. New England is final within the league in passing offense, averaging solely 170 yards per sport, and wishes assistance on its offensive line and with its skill-position expertise. How particular is Hunter? He’s prime six within the nation in receptions (92), receiving yards (1,152) and receiving touchdowns (14), and no one’s sure whether or not he’s higher suited to play receiver or cornerback on the subsequent degree. He intercepted 4 passes this fall, two of which got here in his ultimate three video games. No matter the place the Patriots put him, he’ll be a star.
Biggest wants: WR, Edge, CB
The decide: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
Once a quarterback spot, Bryce Young has proven sufficient to earn one other 12 months beneath middle. If Carolina desires to win with Young subsequent season, it ought to concentrate on addressing a protection ranked twenty ninth within the NFL in sacks (25) and is permitting an NFL-worst 170 dashing yards per sport, over 20 yards greater than the following closest workforce. Enter Graham, who’s recorded 3.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss and 34 pressures this season. He additionally has the second-best run protection grade (92.4) amongst defenders with at the least 100 snaps, based on Pro Football Focus.
Biggest wants: OT, OG, DB
The decide: Will Campbell, OL, LSU
Protecting quarterback Trevor Lawrence ought to be a prime precedence for Jacksonville, and Campbell is a ready-made blocker. He began at left sort out every of his three years at LSU, however he lacks premium size and will should kick inside to protect on the subsequent degree. Regardless, he’s a technically sound, smooth-moving lineman who allowed just one sack in his previous two seasons, based on Pro Football Focus. In 2024, he gave up 4 hits and 9 hurries on 557 pass-blocking snaps.
Biggest wants: WR, OT, Edge
The decide: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Titans even have quarterback questions, as Will Levis has battled inconsistency and a few frustratingly low valleys, however it’s doable, if not possible, that he will get one other 12 months. In such a actuality, Tennessee wants to offer him a greater supporting forged. McMillan is a quarterback-friendly goal at 6’5″, 212 kilos, and he caught 84 passes for 1,319 yards—third most in Division I—and eight touchdowns this season.
Biggest wants: QB, OT, DL
The decide: Abdul Carter, LB/Edge, Penn State
The Jets are anticipated to pursue a quarterback at this spot, however can they actually cross on Carter right here? He’s the newest game-wrecking linebacker from Penn State, and his instincts, versatility and athleticism mix nicely along with his 6’3″, 252-pound body. A 3-time All-Big Ten choice, Carter logged 19.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 53 pressures and a 21.5% pass-rush win fee this season. He’d give the already strong Jets protection a dynamic playmaker.
Biggest wants: QB, OT, DL
The decide: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
The Browns can go a number of totally different instructions, however their floor sport is subpar and so they have a big query round the way forward for their quarterback place. Milroe, if he hits, solves each. That’s an enormous if. He rode the rollercoaster of highs and lows this season at Alabama, however scored 35 whole touchdowns—20 dashing and 15 passing—whereas connecting on 65.9% of his passes for two,652 yards. He accounted for 3,371 yards from scrimmage.
Biggest wants: OL, OT, DL
The decide: Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas
The Bears have misplaced seven consecutive video games, largely due to a clumsy offense and offensive line. Banks, a left sort out at Texas, has the scale and talent set to play both sort out or guard. He’s athletic and robust, which allows him to deal with each velocity and energy rushers. A second-team All-American in 2023, Banks has been stellar in ’24, permitting just one sack, one hit and 4 hurries.
Biggest wants: OL, WR, DL
The decide: Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M
Perhaps nonetheless not as extremely touted as he ought to be, the fast-rising Stewart carries a 6’6″, 290-pound body however performs a lot lighter. He’s athletic, laterally fast, a fluid mover and performs with super tenacity. With his bodily instruments, Stewart can play each inside and outdoors. On the floor, his numbers—1.5 sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss—depart quite a bit to be desired, however he’s registered 25 hurries and 30 whole pressures, based on Pro Football Focus. New Orleans wants assist in the trenches, and Stewart’s versatility could be a welcome addition.
Biggest wants: CB, WR, DL
The decide: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
Cincinnati is second-to-last within the NFL with 24 sacks, one among many points on a protection losing an MVP-type season from Joe Burrow. Williams, whereas nonetheless in want of extra consistency, has one of many highest ceilings of any defender within the class. At 6’5″, 265 kilos, he’s explosive, athletic and highly effective. Whoever drafts Williams might be banking on him turning his manufacturing towards Texas—4 sacks and 4 tackles for loss in two matchups—into the established order.
Biggest wants: RB, DT, WR
The decide: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Dallas Cowboys
It will take a seismic shift to maneuver off this match. The Cowboys have one of many NFL’s worst dashing assaults—they’ve ranked among the many backside of the barrel in dashing yards per sport all season—and Jeanty is among the many greatest collegiate operating backs of the previous decade. The nation’s main rusher by 837 yards, Jeanty has rushed 344 occasions for two,497 yards. He’s averaging 7.3 yards per carry and is tied for the nationwide lead with 29 scores on the bottom.
Biggest wants: OL, DT, WR
The decide: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
With 24 sacks, the Dolphins are within the backside three league-wide. Grant, who stands a bodily 6’3″, 339 kilos, entered this season with solely 5 begins, however his explosiveness and instincts make him one of many draft’s premier defensive linemen. And he’s delivered on expectations. Capped by a five-hurry efficiency towards Ohio State, Grant has registered three sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss and 27 whole pressures this season. At his measurement, he’s additionally a difference-maker controlling the road of scrimmage on dashing downs.
Biggest wants: CB, S, TE
The decide: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Earlier this season, Johnson was a secure guess to be a top-10 decide. After battling a lower-body damage that price him the second half of the season, it’s actually doable he slips to the mid-teens. But when wholesome, Johnson’s twitch, instincts and ball abilities—he had two pick-sixes this season—make him a real No. 1 nook. The Colts are permitting opponents to finish 70.4% of their passes, the second-highest mark within the league, so Johnson could be an enormous assist instantly.
Biggest wants: Edge, CB, S
The decide: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
The Falcons had 10 sacks of their first 11 video games, however they’ve recorded 9 sacks in two video games since coming back from their bye week. And, nonetheless, they’re final within the NFL in sacks with 19. Pearce might not be a three-down participant, however he’s a high quality cross rusher. At 6’5″, 243 kilos, he’s third in Division I with 40 hurries and ninth with 52 pressures throughout 9 video games, based on Pro Football Focus. He has a 23% pass-rush win fee, fourth-best amongst these with at the least 100 pass-rushing snaps.
Biggest wants: Edge, DL, CB
The decide: Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
The Cardinals have ridden the highs and lows of their cross rush, however the previous three weeks have confirmed close to deadly to their postseason hopes. Arizona’s collective progress dashing the passer was an encouraging improvement, however the Cardinals nonetheless need assistance. Harmon, a switch from Michigan State, has starred in his lone season with the Ducks. He can play inside and outdoors on the defensive entrance and is fourth within the nation with 39 hurries, based on Pro Football Focus.
Biggest wants: CB, OT, OG
The decide: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
San Francisco’s down season might be attributed to a wide range of regressions, particularly its offensive line. Ersery, a three-year starter at left sort out, is a strong run blocker and athletic cross protector. He had a robust 2024 marketing campaign, permitting just one sack, one quarterback hit and 13 pressures. He additionally has temporary expertise at proper sort out if the 49ers decide to exchange Colton McKivitz after 2025.
Biggest wants: LB, OT, CB
The decide: Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
There’s a official likelihood Walker gained’t final this lengthy. At 6’2″, 245 kilos, Walker brings sideline-to-sideline velocity and might play each on and off the road of scrimmage. He’s recorded 57 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, headlined by a three-sack, seven-pressure efficiency in Georgia’s first assembly towards Texas. Los Angeles has a proficient younger core of defenders, and Walker’s versatility provides one other robust layer to the second degree.
Biggest wants: CB, Edge, iOL
The decide: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
The Buccaneers have gained three consecutive video games to take over first place within the NFC South, however their secondary stays suspect. Tampa Bay permits 253.4 passing yards per sport, third-worst within the NFL, and opposing quarterbacks are finishing 67% of their passes, the ninth-worst mark. Revel tore his ACL after three video games this season however already had a pair of interceptions. He’s large, lanky, athletic and has robust ball abilities, comprising a talent set that ought to attraction to Bucs coach Todd Bowles.
Biggest wants: OT, CB, WR
The decide: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
As the Commanders construct round star rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, elevating the skill-position expertise round him makes a whole lot of sense. Burden is an explosive big-play risk who’s a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his arms. At 5’11”, 208 kilos, Burden had 61 catches for 676 yards and 6 touchdowns whereas including 9 rushes for 115 yards and two scores. He’s able to making game-changing performs as a rookie, which ought to be music to Daniels’s ears.
Biggest wants: WR, RB, TE
The decide: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Perhaps it’s too simple, however the Chargers have a obvious want at tight finish and Loveland was a private favourite of Jim Harbaugh throughout their time collectively at Michigan. The 6’5″, 245-pound Loveland pairs measurement with velocity, and is able to stretching defenses vertically. Loveland was the first goal on an underwhelming Michigan passing offense however nonetheless completed the 12 months with 56 receptions for 582 yards and 5 touchdowns in 10 video games.
Biggest wants: RB, TE, CB
The decide: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
There’s an actual argument for Warren to be the primary tight finish off the board, however Denver gained’t complain if he’s nonetheless round. Warren blends old-school measurement at 6’6″, 261 kilos, with new-age traits. He’s athletic and extremely versatile—he performed wherever from in-line tight finish to huge receiver whereas taking just a few snaps within the backfield as nicely at Penn State. He’s a dependable safety blanket able to making performs after the catch, and he produced at a excessive degree in 2024, catching 88 passes for 1,062 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Biggest wants: OT, Edge, OL
The decide: Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama
The Seahawks have a long-term query at proper sort out, the place Abraham Lucas has battled accidents and inconsistent play, however in addition they need assistance on the inside. Booker, a everlasting workforce captain at Alabama, can remedy both if wanted. He began one sport at left sort out for the Crimson Tide this season however performed each different sport at left guard. He didn’t enable a sack, and he gave up simply two quarterback hits and 9 pressures. He’s a greater cross protector than run blocker, however his physicality suggests he’ll develop a extra well-rounded talent set.
Biggest wants: OG, WR, DB
The decide: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Baltimore has the NFL’s worst cross protection, permitting 264.9 passing yards per sport. Kyle Hamilton is likely one of the league’s greatest safeties, however the Ravens need assistance on the again finish. Starks can do quite a few jobs because the final line of protection, together with rolling into the field and enjoying nickel nook. A protracted-jump champion in highschool and a former five-star recruit, Starks brings athleticism, instincts and playmaking pedigree to a Ravens secondary in want of assist.
Biggest wants: DL, CB, OL
The decide: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Houston’s protection is statistically robust, however Nolen would elevate its inside defensive position. Nolen, who’s 6’3″ and 305 kilos, is explosive and disruptive—he notched 4 sacks, eight tackles for loss and 24 hurries this season. A switch from Texas A&M, Nolen is powerful towards the run, too. He posted the fifth-best run protection grade (91.9) amongst defenders with at the least 100 snaps, based on Pro Football Focus, and he’s tied for second within the FBS with 31 run stops.
Biggest wants: CB, LB, Edge
The decide: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
The Packers have obtained subpar play from beginning cornerback Eric Stokes, whose contract expires after this season. Needing assist in the secondary, Green Bay turns to Morrison, a robust cowl nook with high quality ball abilities and approach. He had six interceptions as a freshman in 2022 and three as a sophomore in ’23. Before struggling a season-ending hip damage in his sixth sport this 12 months, he’d allowed solely 12 receptions for 125 yards and no touchdowns on 27 targets.
Biggest wants: WR, DL, DB
The decide: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Pittsburgh’s passing offense is constructed round receiver George Pickens, tight finish Pat Freiermuth and operating again Najee Harris. Apart from Pickens, no different wideout has greater than 23 receptions. Regardless of who’s enjoying quarterback for the Steelers subsequent fall, Pittsburgh wants so as to add extra weapons to its receiver room. Egbuka, who had 1,151 yards as a sophomore in 2022 and has began the previous three years at Ohio State, caught 60 passes for 743 yards and 9 touchdowns this season.
Biggest wants: CB, DT, OL
The decide: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has performed a terrific job in Minnesota, and his unit ranks among the many NFL’s greatest in an unlimited assortment of classes—apart from cross protection, because the Vikings have allowed the fourth-most passing yards per sport at 250.6. The 6’1″, 186-pound Hairston is lengthy, athletic and, in 2023, completed fifth within the nation with 5 interceptions. He missed 5 video games this 12 months as a result of a shoulder damage and recorded one interception, 4 cross breakups and a pair of pressured fumbles. His aggressive, ball-oriented play type suits Minnesota’s mould.
Biggest wants: DL, WR, Edge
The decide: Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M
The Bills are within the backside half of the league in each sacks and run protection. Buffalo’s defensive position play could in the end dictate how far it goes this postseason. While strong, the Bills’ entrance would profit from the 6’4″, 285-pound Scourton, who had 5 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 34 whole pressures this season. He’s robust on the level of assault, a high quality run defender and Scourton led the Big Ten with 10 sacks in 2023 at Purdue.
Biggest wants: OT, DL, TE
The decide: J.T. Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State
The Eagles have gained 9 consecutive video games largely as a result of one of many NFL’s greatest defenses. Still, Philadelphia may use one other piece off the sting, and Tuimoloau has been a first-team All-Big Ten participant every of the previous three years. Tuimoloau, a 6’5″, 269-pounder, units a bodily edge and ought to be an early-downs impression participant to begin his NFL profession. He starred for the Buckeyes this season with 11.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, 9 quarterback hits and 30 pressures.
Biggest wants: CB, OT, DT
The decide: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
One method or one other, the Chiefs proceed successful regardless of suspect performances from their offensive line and an innate skill to complete shut video games. Kansas City has given up 35 sacks this season, tied for twelfth most within the NFL, and has battled points at offensive sort out all through the season. Conerly, a 6’4″, 315-pound left sort out from Oregon, steadily rose up draft boards this fall, permitting just one sack, one quarterback hit and 5 pressures on Dillon Gabriel.
Biggest wants: Edge, WR, CB
The decide: Landon Jackson, Edge, Arkansas
The Lions are winners of 11 consecutive video games, and shedding star cross rusher Aidan Hutchinson to a season-ending leg damage hasn’t derailed Detroit’s fast success. However, the Lions want one other piece reverse Hutchinson, and the 6’7″, 280-pound Jackson makes loads of sense. His body, physicality and constant manufacturing over the previous three seasons at Arkansas have him firmly within the first-round combine. He totaled 9.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 38 pressures and eight quarterback hits this 12 months.
