11th Annual Football Garbage Time Twitter/X NFL Mock Draft! – Round 1

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By the Football Garbage Time Staff

Howdy, y’all!

We all know that the NFL Draft is right around the corner, beginning on April 24th.  And we all know that the choices that teams make that night will be a significant part in whether they end up with the Lombardi Trophy and the 32nd pick in a future draft, or if they end up with the first overall pick looking to rebuild.

Seeing as how important these decisions are, we here at Football Garbage Time again got together and decided to conduct a mock draft.  In fact, this will be our 11th Annual Twitter NFL Mock Draft!

This year, seven different writers & podcasters from four different sites participated, including:

Each one took part as GMs of several teams in the draft and conducted the mock draft live over several weeks on Twitter (feel free to check out the back and forth on Twitter/X by searching for #FGTMock).  A few trends became clear and we certainly had more than a few surprises.

Missed it?  Don’t want to check Twitter/X?  Well, you’re in luck, because we have Round 1 of that mock draft below along with the reasoning for some of the picks.  And also don’t forget to check out Round 2!

1 – Tennessee Titans

Pick: Cam Ward – QB (Miami)

Staff: Joanne Kong

The Tennessee Titans are in dire need of a quarterback and Cam Ward is the number one quarterback in the 2025 draft.  Sometimes it’s just that simple.

Cam Ward Passing Stats
Season Team Class G Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Y/G Rate
2022* Washington State SO 13 320 497 64.4 3232 23 9 248.6 130.7
2023 Washington State JR 12 323 485 66.6 3736 25 7 311.3 145.4
2024* Miami (FL) SR 13 305 454 67.2 4313 39 7 331.8 172.2
Care Care Care 38 948 1436 66.0 11281 87 23 296.9 148.8
Miam Miam Miam 13 305 454 67.2 4313 39 7 331.8 172.2
Wash Wash Wash 25 643 982 65.5 6968 48 16 278.7 138.0

Some analysts consider Cam Ward to be a “high risk and high reward” type of player with his scouting report using words like “plays hero ball” and “reckless backward scrambles.” But many quarterbacks can be considered the same. Disciplined in foundation, Ward shows the ability to quickly release the ball, great arm strength, and the ability to read the field, capable of moving through progressions to find open receivers and holes in coverage. A team player, Ward is known to step up to back his team when most needed. He’s the perfect pick for the Titans.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Also check out our prospect preview of Cam Ward!

2 – Cleveland Browns

Pick: Abdul Carter – DE (Penn State)

Staff: Scott King

Mock draft season is in full swing, and Twitter has become the battleground for bold predictions, fan theories, and some under-the-radar brilliance. In a recent mock draft that’s making waves, four picks stood out for their blend of upside, team fit, and long-term potential. Let’s break down the selections and see why these picks might be remembered when we look back at this draft class in a few years.

Talk about a tone-setter. The Browns snag Abdul Carter, the freakishly athletic linebacker from Penn State, and it’s a perfect fit for a team that’s already built on aggression and physicality. Carter has drawn Micah Parsons-lite comparisons, and while that’s a high bar, his explosive first step and sideline-to-sideline range make him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Cleveland’s defense could use a young leader in the middle, and Carter has the tools and swagger to become that guy quickly. This pick could end up being one of the steals of the draft.

3 – New York Giants

Pick: Travis Hunter – WR/CB (Colorado)

Staff: George Templeton

In this scenario I am sure the Giants would’ve at least inquired about moving to #1 to take Cam Ward but the Titans said no. And the Giants are happy anyway because Travis Hunter falling to them is a bonanza. Instantly upgrades their defense and can be another weapon to help that struggling Giants offense.

4 – New England Patriots

Pick: Mason Graham – DL (Michigan)

Staff: Ryan Whitfield

5 – Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Will Johnson – CB (Michigan)

Staff: Wole Akinso

6 – Las Vegas Raiders

Pick: Ashton Jeanty – RB (Boise State)

Staff: George Templeton

The Raiders would try to move out of 6 if this is the way the board fell as they would be disappointed that Mason Graham or Will Johnson didn’t make it to them. As we are doing no trades, Las Vegas wants to get Geno Smith a running game to help him. And Ashton Jeanty will certain provide that!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Also check out our prospect preview of Ashton Jeanty!

7 – New York Jets

Pick: Shedeur Sanders – QB (Colorado)

Staff: Ha Kung Wong

I’ve already discussed Shedeur Sanders a lot when I wrote up his prospect profile earlier this off season, and if you read it, you know I don’t 100% believe he’s destined to be a star QB in the NFL.  That being said, his poise under pressure, fast release and accuracy do provide a high ceiling for where he might be in the NFL given some time.  And that’s exactly why I think the Jets are a good fit.  They already have Justin Fields to start the season, giving Sanders time to learn on the bench over his first season, something the Jets will definitely want to do given their terrible track record starting rookie QBs (see, e.g., Zach Wilson and Sam Darnold).  Chances are that Sanders will get drafted at some point prior to the 7th pick, but if the Jets get lucky, they’d be nuts not to take him.

8 – Carolina Panthers

Pick: Jihaad Campbell – LB (Alabama)

Staff: Scott King

Another linebacker goes off the board, this time to a team in desperate need of identity on defense. Jihaad Campbell may not be a household name yet, but anyone who’s watched Alabama’s film knows he pops on tape. Tough, instinctive, and relentless—Campbell fits the Panthers’ desire to rebuild with high-motor, high-IQ players. Pairing him with the young core Carolina is building gives them a foundational piece who can grow into a captain-level presence.

9 – New Orleans Saints

Pick: Jalon Walker – LB (Georgia)

Staff: Ryan Whitfield

10 – Chicago Bears

Pick: Will Campbell – OT (LSU)

Staff: Ha Kung Wong

Yes, the Bears already signed a bunch of top offensive linemen in free agency, including Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Drew Dalman.  That being said, left tackle is still a question mark with Braxton Jones still in line to start, so there’s still room for improvement.

Will Campbell is the top offensive lineman in the draft and could be the answer at left tackle.  He was a Consensus All-American, First Team All-SEC, and won the SEC’s Jacobs Blocking Trophy (presented to the top offensive lineman in the SEC).  Of course, there’s been some concern about his arm length measured at 32 5/8-33 inches at the NFL Combine and strangely being measured at 33 inches at his LSU Pro Day, both of which being less than most typical top tackle prospects.  But Campbell was the best offensive lineman in the SEC and allowed just one sack over his final 30 games at LSU, so I’ll let his play do the talking, not his measurements.

The Bears have brought Campbell in for a Top 30 visit, so he’s clearly on their radar.  If he slips this far, I’d be surprised if they don’t take him immediately and laugh all the way to the bank.

11 – San Francisco 49ers

Pick: Kelvin Banks Jr. – OT (Texas)

Staff: Joanne Kong

The San Francisco 49ers will eventually have to replace left tackle Trent Williams. Kelvin Banks Jr.might just be the optimal option. Banks has played the left tackle position his entire college career. All 2774 snaps in the last three years. At 6′-5″ and 315lbs, Banks has only allowed four sacks and four quarterback hits over the last three years, and could play the position out of the gate if needed.

Broadly built with athleticism, Banks shows a solid foundation for the position with advanced footwork and hands. He explodes off the line, quickly getting into position as a blocker. Banks has shown the ability to read and react to defensive linemen with good movement. He has good stability and a wide base to stand his ground and sustain blocks.

Although his arm length raises some concern for the next level, Banks’ natural ability, technique and progressive growth throughout his college career are all qualities that would attract several teams.

12 – Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Tetairoa McMillan – WR (Arizona)

Staff: Ha Kung Wong

Even though this year’s draft class, unlike last year’s class, isn’t known for its wide receiver prospects, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any. Tetairoa McMillan was the highest rated recruit in Arizona football history and didn’t disappoint once he got there ultimately being name a consensus All-American and a first-team All-Big 12 selection in his third a final season. McMillan caught 84 passes for 1,319 yards and 8 touchdowns last season one season after catching a career-high 90 passes for 1,402 yards and 10 touchdowns.  And in his first season, he led all true freshman nationally with 702 receiving yards.

The Cowboys have been looking for a wide receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb, and McMillan is the perfect compliment. Lamb plays primarily out of the slot but has versatility to take advantage of matchups anywhere on the field, while McMillan plays primarily outside with an equal amount of versatility, giving Dallas maximum flexibility to take advantage of defensive matchups.  McMillan would also be the biggest and tallest receiver in Dallas making him a threat on go routes to win 50/50 balls over opposing corners as well as a large target in the redzone, where the Cowboys have struggled of late.

If he’s there at 12, this would be a no-brainer for the Cowboys.

13 – Miami Dolphins

Pick: Malaki Starks – S (Georgia)

Staff: Joanne Kong

Malaki Starks is considered a “do-it-all” defensive back by most analysts, who can play deep, come down into the box and compete with both slot receivers and tight ends. With size (6’1″ and 200lbs), athleticism and good instincts, Starks has shown his natural ability in the position during his college career covering ground in the safety position and covering man to man with a good ability reading the quarterback; As well as, an ability to attack the football in the air, causing disruption and making plays, and capable of shedding blocks and make stops near the line of scrimmage. A versatile defensive player that can make a difference not only in the secondary but in the overall defensive game.

14 – Indianapolis Colts

Pick: Tyler Warren – TE (Penn State)

Staff: Kaiden King

15 – Atlanta Falcons

Pick: Mike Green – DE (Marshall)

Staff: Kaiden King

16 – Arizona Cardinals

Pick: Armand Membou – OT (Missouri)

Staff: Scott King

This one’s a chess move. The Cardinals go trench warfare with Armand Membou, the versatile and technically sound tackle out of Mizzou. With Kyler Murray’s mobility and Arizona’s long-term offensive line questions, this pick is all about protecting the franchise QB. Membou may not have the buzz of some of the bigger-name tackles, but he’s quietly one of the most consistent and coachable linemen in the draft. His ability to play multiple spots across the line gives Arizona much-needed flexibility up front.

17 – Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: Walter Nolen – DT (Mississippi)

Staff: Ha Kung Wong

The Bengals have locked up both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins meaning the offense along with Joe Burrow is in good hands for the foreseeable future.  What isn’t in good shape is the defense, which is one the most significant reasons why the Bengals haven’t been as successful since their Super Bowl run.  One of the best interior linemen in this year’s draft class is Ole Miss’s Walter Nolen. Nolen earned First-Team All-American honors last year on the back of being one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in college football tallying 14 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.  He’s been solid both as a solid run-stopper and a pass-rusher, and we know that the Bengals need both.

The Bengals not only met with Nolen at the Combine, but also invited him in for a pre-draft visit, so it’s pretty clear he’s on their radar.  I think he’d be a day one contributor well worth the 17th overall pick.

18 – Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Jahdae Barron – CB (Texas)

Staff: Ryan Whitfield

19 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: James Pearce Jr. – Edge (Tennessee)

Staff: Joanne Kong

Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr.led the SEC in sacks (17.5), tackles for loss (28) and pressure (107) in his last two seasons. AT the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Pearce posted the fastest 40 yard dash (4.47) and 10-yard split (1.56 sec) among edge rushers. Analysts believe Pearce is a little undersized for the position at 245lbs, but that hasn’t taken away from his abilities in the position.

Pearce has athleticism, a dynamic burst of speed off the line, good weight distribution and movement at the point of attack, quick hands which prevent offensive linemen to push off his chest, ability to shed blocks and make plays in the run game, and good wing span to lock out offensive tackles.

Although Pearce needs to develop more power in his legs, his natural ability should allow him to step into the position in his rookie year.

20 – Denver Broncos

Pick: Matthew Golden – WR (Texas)

Staff: George Templeton

Courtland Sutton is entering the final year of his deal. Behind him Denver’s next best wide receiver was Marvin Mims with 39 receptions and 503 yards. Bo Nix overachieved last season, but he needs weapons. And with the best WR (McMillan) and the best TE (Warren) off the board, the Broncos get the next best weapon in the draft. Matthew Golden is a ready-made #1 WR if Sutton leaves at the end of the year and starts as an excellent #2 WR.

21 – Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: Omarion Hampton – RB (North Carolina)

Staff: Joanne Kong

The Pittsburgh Steelers have shed both Russel Wilson (NY Giants) and Justin Fields (NY Jets), and are rolling with Mason Rudolph and Skyler Thompson. At pick 21, the top prospect quarterbacks would be off the board. Also gone is star running back Najee Harris (Los Angeles Chargers). With two top potential prospects in round 1, the Steelers should consider Omarion Hampton.

Experts consensus say in any other draft class, Omarion Hampton could have been RB1 with his size (5-11 and 221lbs), speed, burst (38-in vertical and 10-foot-10 broad jump) and lateral ability. Currently RB2, he and Ashton Jeanty sit as the top two first round prospects. Hampton is known to have good vision of the field, balance and the ability to contribute as a passing back. All skills that would enable a rookie running back to take the field out of the gate.

22 – Los Angeles Chargers

Pick: Luther Burden III – WR (Missouri)

Staff: Wole Akinso

23 – Green Bay Packers

Pick: Eumeka Embuka – WR (Ohio State)

Staff: Kaiden King

24 – Minnesota Vikings

Pick: Nick Emmanwori – S (South Carolina)

Staff: Ha Kung Wong

Even with the Vikings getting safety Harrison Smith back on a reworked deal for up to $14 million, they still need to add a safety and probably need to start building for the future as well.  Nick Emmanwori is the perfect answer.

Emmanwori had a huge showing at the NFL Combine that included leading all safeties group in 10-yard split (1.49 seconds), vertical jump (43 inches), broad jump (11 feet, 6 inches) and bench press (20 reps). His 88 tackles in his last season were a career-best and he also picked off four passes returning 2 for touchdowns.  We liked him on the podcast even before the Combine and really liked him after the Combine.  The Vikings would be lucky to get him at the 24th overall pick.

25 – Houston Texans

Pick: Josh Simmons – OT (Ohio State)

Staff: George Templeton

Houston must not believe their luck. Yes Josh Simmons is coming off an injury but without that he would’ve been the first offensive lineman off the board. And somehow Simmons falls to the Texans who just traded Laremy Tunsil? There’s your Tunsil replacement and Houston comes out smelling like a rose.

26 – Los Angeles Rams

Pick: Isaiah Bond – WR (Texas)

Staff: Scott King

Sean McVay loves weapons, and Isaiah Bond is a human joystick with upside through the roof. After Cooper Kupp’s injuries and some inconsistency in the receiving corps, Bond brings elite speed and YAC potential that could complement Puka Nacua beautifully. Bond is still refining his route tree, but once the Rams get him into their system, expect fireworks. He’s a modern-day offensive chess piece—slot him inside, stretch the field vertically, or manufacture touches—he can do it all.

27 – Baltimore Ravens

Pick: J.T. Tuimoloau – DE/Edge (Ohio State)

Staff: Wole Akinso

28 – Detroit Lions

Pick: Jack Sawyer – DE (Ohio State)

Staff: Scott King

The Detroit Lions made a bold move in the first round of the draft by selecting Ohio State edge rusher Jack Sawyer, pairing him with former Michigan standout Aidan Hutchinson. For fans of The Game, seeing a Buckeye and a Wolverine line up on the same side is surreal—but for Detroit, it’s genius. Sawyer brings raw power, length, and relentless pursuit, a perfect complement to Hutchinson’s polished technique and motor. Together, they form one of the most exciting young pass-rushing duos in the league.

This move also signals Detroit’s continued commitment to building a dominant defense under Dan Campbell. The Lions are shifting from scrappy underdogs to legitimate NFC contenders, and pairing these two former Big Ten stars could be the missing piece. Both Sawyer and Hutchinson bring fire and edge—literally and figuratively—and their past rivalry might just fuel a new level of competitiveness on Sundays. Campbell has to love the idea of two former enemies pushing each other to new heights in practice.

Beyond the Xs and Os, there’s something poetic about this pairing. Michigan and Ohio State fans may never see eye to eye, but their fiercest warriors now wear the same jersey. Detroit isn’t just building a roster—they’re crafting a culture of toughness, pride, and grit. And if Sawyer and Hutchinson can put aside the past and dominate the future, the rest of the NFC better watch out.

29 – Washington Commanders

Pick: Donovan Ezeiruaka – DE/Edge (Boston College)

Staff: Wole Akinso

30 – Buffalo Bills

Pick: Shavon Revel – CB (East Carolina)

Staff: Kaiden King

31 – Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Josh Conerly Jr. – OT (Oregon)

Staff: Ryan Whitfield

32 – Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Nic Scourton – DE/Edge (Texas A&M)

Staff: George Templeton

So Philadelphia has another great player fall in their lap. The Eagles defensive line dominated the Super Bowl (and should’ve had the MVP given to one of its members) and lost players from that line. So what does Howie Roseman do but continue to replenish one of their great strengths. Roseman might run over his own mother to sprint to the podium to take Scourton.

Second round picks coming soon!

 

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