Zak Drapeau's NFL Mock Draft 1.0: a Sportz Nation Special Report
- Zak Drapeau
- 1 day ago
- 18 min read
by Zak Drapeau 10/12/2025 Sportz Nation
Welcome To My First NFL Mock Draft of the 2025-26 Season. I will keep this header brief but I want to give a few notes about this exercise and about the class as a whole:
Draft Class Notes
1. This draft class is not very good especially in the top end.
2. This Quarterback class is not good compared to years prior. With no one running away with a QB1 ranking, watch for the first non-QB #1 selection since Travon Walker in 2022.
3. The best positions of this class are WR, Edge and CB
Mock Draft Notes
The draft order for this exercise is based on Fan Duel Super Bowl Odds as of 10/18 in reverse order.
There are NO TRADES in my Mock Draft 1.0's
Let me know if you would have drafted different for your team by tweeting at me, (@DrapeauZak).
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1. New York Jets
Rueben Bain Jr
Edge Rusher, Miami
6'3" 275 lbs.
Rueben Bain has arguably been the best player in College Football this year and has definitely been the best non-Quarterback. The bigger shock is the fact a non-Quarterback goes #1 overall and I have 3 reasons for it.
The first reason is the fact that this draft class is very weak for QBs. Mendoza and Moore are in contention for QB1 and neither have done enough to me to make them bonafide first pick-candidates. The second reason is that Justin Fields has been a good enough Quarterback for the Jets for them to consider adding to other positions that sorely need it, (which is every other position.) The third reason is their new Head Coach Aaron Glenn is a defensive specialist that would salivate over what his defense could do with a player like Bain.
If this pick isn't traded, (which it probably would be if the draft order landed like this) the only other way the Jets would go is a Quarterback like Fernando Mendoza out of Indiana.
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2. New Orleans Saints
Fernando Mendoza
Quarterback, Indiana
6'5" 225 lbs.
The Saints are a very similar team to the Jets where they have a decent enough Quarterback with a terrible supporting cast. I believe the difference will be Head Coach Kellen Moore's offense and mindset that will have him decide to go with a Quarterback.
Fernando Mendoza has thrived at Indiana this season and his transition from school to the Saints could be a great fit. The Saints have Kamara, Olave and a decent and young O-line that should be improved even further this offseason. Mendoza will be allowed to come in and start from Day 1 without an insane amount of pressure in a QB-friendly scheme with a decent-okay offense around him.
By the end of the draft season this pick could be either Mendoza or QB Dante Moore out of Oregon but if the Saints decide to go another route, look for Edge Rusher T.J. Parker out of Clemson.
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3. New York Giants
Spencer Fano
Tackle/Guard, Utah
6'5" 304 lbs.
Truth be told this selection is too high for Spencer Fano but that shows how weak the top end of this class is and also how much the Giants will look to better their O-line this offseason. A problem for the G-men ever since they used a #7 selection on Evan Neal in 2022, Spencer Fano could be the piece that brings everything together.
The best lineman in an above-average class, Fano can play either Tackle or Guard and will slot in wherever he is needed. Like I said, #3 is too early for a player who may pan out as a Guard but that's what they said about Will Campbell last year and I think the Patriots are pretty happy with him.
If the Giants are too shook to draft Fano this high, look for DT Peter Woods out of Clemson to go here especially if Dexter Lawrence is moved in the offseason.
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4. Tennessee Titans
Peter Woods
Interior Defender, Clemson
6'3" 315 lbs.
Speaking of Woods, even though his team has had an amazingly disappointing season he has played as billed. Able to play any position on the D-line is extremely valuable and should help the Titans immediately who have one of the lowest Quarterback-pressure rates in the league.
As it's impossible to guess who the Titans' Head Coach will be next season, I picked the BPA and fit for the team and Woods checks all of the boxes. Pairing Peter Woods with Jeffery Simmons on this D-line is frightening for any O-line in the league and will give the Titans a much needed kick for their defense.
If the Titans aren't sold on Woods or they draft an offensive minded coach, this pick could certainly be WR Jordyn Tyson out of Arizona State to pair with Cam Ward.
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5. Las Vegas Raiders
Caleb Downs
Safety, Ohio State
6' 205 lbs.
I had this spot as Dante Moore's floor for when he goes but this pick makes way too much sense. Caleb Downs is the ONLY blue-chip prospect I have graded in this class and due to his position there is a chance he drops even further than #5 come April. The thing is, when the combine comes around Downs will start shooting back up boards and I can't think of a coach who will fall in love with him more than Pete Carroll.
The next Earl Thomas will be his billing and I believe he may even surpass it. Downs can do everything not only as a Safety but in any position. A true Swiss-Army knife who could become the league's best Safety in his rookie year... that's how good he is and how good he could be in Caroll's defense.
Like I said earlier, if Downs isn't selected here this will be QB Dante Moore out of Oregon.
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6. Miami Dolphins
Francis Mauigoa
Tackle/Guard, Miami
6'6" 315 lbs.
I believe the Dolphins will have a new coach for 2026 and whether he is a defensive guy or offensive-minded, (more likely) this pick has to be offense. I think Tua gets another year to prove himself in the hot seat for 2026 so why not give him as much help as you can and take the next best O-lineman, Frankie Mauigoa.
A True Tackle who could slide in to Guard if needed, Mauigoa is the hometown kid from the Hurricanes who would become the Dolphins' new LT to replace Terron Armstead. Not much flash here, this pick is a smart move and one that will help Tua or whoever comes in to replace him.
If Mauigoa doesn't go here, look for the Dolphins to help Tua another way and take WR Jordyn Tyson out of Arizona State.
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7. Cleveland Browns
Dante Moore Quarterback, Oregon
6'3" 210 lbs.
If this happens on Draft Day the Browns will make their pick 1 second after their on the clock. Dante Moore has been outstanding for Oregon this year aside from his performance against Indiana which was half-decent at worst.
A big and mobile Quarterback who can throw the ball deep and move on to his 3rd progression, Moore's biggest test will be ability to adjust to a team like the Browns when coming from a powerhouse like Oregon. Truthfully, if the Browns were smart, (HEADS UP, they're not) they would keep Gabriel and Sanders above him for a year and allow Moore to "redshirt" 2026.
If the Browns somehow don't take Moore, look for them to help the QBs they already have with WR Jordyn Tyson out of Arizona State.
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8. Carolina Panthers
T.J. Parker
Edge Rusher, Clemson
6'3" 265 lbs.
This pick would be an absolute steal as the best Edge Rusher of his class falls all the way to #8 to a Panthers team that really needs one. Parker is a freaky athlete who uses great speed and hand usage to get past Tackles. His average size is the main reason he isn't a Top-3 pick in the draft even though he absolutely has a chance to come April.
The Panthers need a better pass rush, currently averaging less than 1 sack per game. Parker will be a perfect 3-4 pass rushing OLB in Ejiro Evero's system... if he's still in town next season.
The only way the Panthers don't make this pick is if Parker has been taken earlier, and if he has another name to look for would be CB Mansoor Delane out of LSU.
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9. Arizona Cardinals
Jordyn Tyson
Wide Receiver, Arizona St
6'1" 194 lbs.
Tyson has been my "backup pick" three times already because of how much of a difference maker he will be to an NFL offense. For this pick, he gets to stay in Arizona and pair up with Marvin Harrison Jr on the Cardinals for what has a legitimate chance to be a future best pairing in the league.
Tyson's speed, athleticism and route running are elite and should make everything in Arizona blend better. Currently, the Cardinals are relying on an improvised and high-movement spread offesne but with a Tyson-addition, could have gaps in coverage be exploited so much easier either in short yardage from Tyson or deeper from Marv.
If the Cardinals pass on Tyson, look for LB Arvell Reese out of Ohio State to be the only other pick they'd make.
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10. Cincinnati Bengals
Mansoor Delane
Cornerback, LSU
6'1" 187 lbs.
The Bengals may have shocked Pittsburgh this Thursday but they are still far away from competing for the rest of the season without Joe Burrow. When Burrow is healthy, their offense will be one of the best in the league so let's focus on defense here.
Mansoor Delane may be the best athlete in this draft period. A twitchy and fast man corner, Delane would instantly be CB2 in Cincinnati behind D.J. Turner but will become their lead D-back after a year or two. Delane won't solve Cincy's defensive woes immediately but will be a great start.
If the Bengals don't covet their Secondary and draft Delane or CB Avieon Terrell from Clemson, they could go after Edge Rusher Keldric Faulk from Auburn or even DT Christen Miller from Georgia.
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11. Dallas Cowboys
Arvell Reese
Linebacker, Ohio State
6'4" 243 lbs.
Another perfect case scenario goes to the Cowboys in Arvell Reese. Quite possibly the best defender in the FBS this season, Reese has the size, speed and awareness to run the Buckeye's defense while also being a perfect prototypical blitzing linebacker in the NFL.
The Cowboys sorely need every position on the defense besides Cornerback and Arvell Reese could be the second-most versatile defender in the nation behind his teammate Caleb Downs. Reese would be a starting Linebacker in Dallas from Day 1 and could be the first and most pivotal step in turning that unit around.
If the Cowboys didn't want to go Linebacker, look for them to take Edge Rusher Keldric Faulk out of Auburn.
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12. Chicago Bears
Jeremiyah Love
Running Back, Notre Dame
6' 206 lbs.
The Next Jahmyr Gibbs. This pick has been projected ever since Ben Johnson took the Chicago job in January and it may be the best fit of this class. What the Lions did with Gibbs and Montgomery will be the exact blueprint the Bears will follow with D'Andre Swift and Jeremiyah Love.Often referred to as the "most vertical" running back we've ever seen, Love's athleticism and speed make him the EASY RB1 in this draft and close to a blue chip prospect. Love has also shown his toughness and ability to score at the goal line this season that should make his prospect even better come April.
If the Bears decide to go elsewhere, I can see either Edge Rusher Keldric Faulk from Auburn or a Cornerback like Clemson's Avieon Terrell.
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13. Minnesota Vikings
Avieon Terrell
Cornerback, Clemson
5'11" 180 lbs.
Speaking of Terrell, his fall will stop here and he has potential to be CB1 on Draft Day ahead of Delane as well. If Delane is the premier athlete of the class, Terrell has the mechanics and size to be the best slot corner of the class, (While McCoy is the best Zone corner.)
Terrell certainly has boundary-corner upside thanks to his man coverage ability and in Minnesota he will certainly be used there. The Vikings have been weak on the outside for a few years now and whether Terrell follows the slot or stays to the outside, he will be an immediate upgrade and should have a floor of CB2 in the league for a long time.
If Terrell or even Tennessee's Corners Colton Hood or Jermod McCoy don't go here, I can also see Auburn's Center Connor Lew going here or even Georgia's DT Christen Miller.
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14. Los Angeles Rams
(via ATL)
Ty Simpson
Alabama, Quarterback
6'2" 215 lbs.
Ty Simpson is having as close to a Mac Jones-season stay Alabama as you can this year. Efficient and smart, Simpson has been slinging the ball as good as anyone in the SEC this year and has even show some mobility to add to it.
Far from a finished product, Simpson's only started 6 games in college football in his career but certainly looks like he has Pro Bowl-potential in the league. If the Rams are patient, Simpson will have an ABSOLUTELY PERFECT scenario to walk into, learn for a year under a Hall of Famer like Stafford for a year or two, and take over one of the best franchises in the sport.
If the Rams don't go QB here with either Simpson or even Oklahoma's John Mateer, watch for CB Colton Hood out of Tennessee.
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15. Pittsburgh Steelers
John Mateer
Quarterback, Oklahoma
6'1" 219 lbs.
The Steelers may very well try and trade up on Draft Day for Simpson but if Mateer is still available, they'll gladly take him. Mateer is every bit of Brock Purdy as I've seen as a prospect in the past few years with his ability to make plays with his legs or run a scheme to perfection.
Mateer's thumb-injury and catastrophic performance against Texas may have his draft stock at a low right now, but by the end of the season and after combine visits, I fully expect the Sooner to climb right back into First Round discussions. Mateer doesn't have as high of a ceiling as other QBs in his class but he may have as high of a floor as Mendoza or Moore.
If the Steelers don't go QB here, look for USC's WR Makai Lemon instead.
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16. Houston Texans
Kenyon Sadiq
Tight End, Oregon
6'3" 245 lbs.
This class's top Tight End prospect may have the largest range of any First Round-graded player. Sadiq's skill, athleticism and performances could have him as high as a Top-10 pick but his size and blocking could put him closer to mid-20s.
I believe he is a less-athletic and less-acclaimed Brock Bowers and could really thrive in the right environment. The Texans have been adding receivers for the past two season for Stroud and I think this is the year they give him a premier Tight End as well especially after seeing how much it helped the Colts.
If the Texans pass on Sadiq here, I can see them going LB Sonny Styles from Ohio State.
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17. New England Patriots
Keldric Faulk
Edge Rusher, Auburn
6'6" 288 lbs.
The Patriots have been an underrated drafting team over the last few years when it comes to First Round Picks. From Mac Jones to Christian Gonzalez to Drake Maye. The Patriots have been one of the very best teams when it comes to mid-round !st rounders and Keldric Faulk would absolutely add to that list.
Faulk is an Edge Rushing 3-4 Outside Linebacker that should NOT fall to #17 but the way this class shakes out could very well be here. Faulk is the perfect size for Vrabel's defense and could become the perfect pairing to Harold Landry right away then become the best pass rusher on this team for years to come.
If Faulk gets passed on or he gets drafted before this pick, I can also see Center Conner Lew from Auburn being the pick.
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18. Washington Commanders
Makai Lemon
Wide Receiver, USC
5'11" 190 lbs.
The Commanders are a bonafide playoff team for the next decade as long as Jayden Daniels is healthy but they could definitely give him some more help.
Makai Lemon would be "help" and then some. In a surprisingly under-hyped receiver class, Lemon may have the best big play-potential. With Deebo Samuel likely a Free Agent in 2026, the Commanders will be looking for a WR2 next to Scary Terry and Lemon could be the perfect compliment to terrorize the 3-10 yard passes with McLaurin being the bigger-yardage threat.
I can also see the Commanders taking a lineman like Alabama's OT Kadyn Proctor with this pick.
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19. Cleveland Browns
(via JAX)
Carnell Tate
Wide Receiver, Ohio State
6'3" 191 lbs.
After having Dante Moore fall into their lap at #8, the Browns have the enviable position of taking a second player within the Top-20 and Carnell Tate is a PERFECT fit.
A classic route runner with true NFL-size and athleticism, Tate will come form the Ohio State "Receiver U" and is a realistic Jaxon Smith-Njibga mold within a few years that the Browns could build around with their "hypothetical new QB" for years to come.
This pick could also be a way for the Browns to keep stacking their defense with Edge Rusher L.T. Overton out of Alabama or even David Bailey from Texas Tech.
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20. Seattle Seahawks
Sonny Styles
Linebacker, Ohio State
6'5" 243 lbs.
To be honest with you, the Seattle Seahawks have been one of the hardest teams to mock draft for for the past few years because of their irregularity in drafting certain positions.
For that reason, I have selected Sonny Styles for the reason that the Seahawks have drafted LBs high before and he could actually complete their already very good-defense. Styles could captain the middle of the field in coverage while also being a dangerous threat for any runner in the middle of the field.
An unlikely shoutout for them would be another first round-O lineman in Alabama's OT Kadyn Proctor.
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21. San Francisco 49ers
Kadyn Proctor
Tackle, Alabama
6'7" 363 lbs.
Depending on Proctor's combine in March, (which I believe will shoot him up draft boards for his size and athleticism) this... SHOULD be his floor?
Even though he has had a iffy 2025 season I still have Proctor as my OT1 in the class due to his potential. At 6'7" and 360-ish pounds, Proctor is an ideal NFL-right Tackle but I truly believe he could be a Left Tackle in a... Hold for dramatic pause... Hall of Fame-caliber Left Tackle with the right tutelage. Surrounded by Trent Williams and Kyle Shanahan, I think would be his best possible landing spot.
If the 49ers look elsewhere, I can really see D-Lineman like Christen Miller from Georgia or L.T. Overton from Alabama.
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22. Baltimore Ravens
David Bailey Edge Rusher, Texas Tech
6'3" 250 lbs.
Bailey has been one of the most productive edge rushers for the past two season but is a bit undersized and thus is looked at as a mid-to-late First Round pick. Bailey has been terrorizing Quarterbacks at Texas Tech at an all time rate and if Baltimore is to take advantage of their lowest pick since _____, I can think of no better player to do so then him.
Bailey would instantly take David Ojabo and Tavius Robinson's spot of Edge2. His blend of athleticism and poise could seriously put him in DROY talks is he lands in a spot like Baltimore.
Another player to look at for Baltimore is WR Denzel Boston from Washington.
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23. Denver Broncos
Connor Lew
Center, Auburn
6'3" 302 lbs.
I had Denver as my sleeper team to make a n AFC-championship run this year but if they land at #22 they should be looking for a player that can still transform their team for years to come.
I realize that Center is not a "sexy pick" but for the Broncos could solidify their status as the best team in the league for BOTH trenches. Lew is as good of Center as you'll find in the draft and could easily become the next Frank Ragnow for a Broncos team that itheir offense from the line first.
*Watch for the Lions to trade up to this spot or even a few picks higher to draft Lew
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24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jermod McCoy
Cornerback, Tennessee
6' 193 lbs.
Fan Deul's Super Bowl Odds still have the Buccs at #24 which is WAY TOO LOW in my opinion but if they are here, they would laugh up to the podium for a player like Jermod McCoy.
In the same light as the Cardinals' rookie Will Anderson, McCoy is only going this low because of an ACL injury and would be a Top-15 player if not. The Buccs' secondary already could use some help and this pick would almost eb unfair for this caliber fo team when looking 2 or 3 years in the future,
If they don't take McCoy or his teammate CB Colton Hood, I can see the Buccs taking Edge Rusher L.T. Overton from Alabama.
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25. Los Angeles Chargers
Christen Miller
Interior Defender, Georgia
6'4" 310 lbs.
This pick is one of my projected picks because Christen Miller is only garnering late-1st to 2nd round pick status right now. The thing is, after the NFL Combine in March I can see him reaching Draft projections around the mid-First Round.
If the Chargers were to still have a freak like Miller available at #25, they should jump on it. The Chargers defense is very good up front but a player like Miller will instantly make them one of the best in the league from a run defense-standpoint.,
If the Chargers wanted to look elsewhere, I can see them adding to their O-line with Penn State's Olu Ioane.
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26. Indianapolis Colts
L.T. Overton
Edge Rusher, Alabama
6'5" 283 lbs.
As a Colts fan, I really believe their season won't end well enough to earn the #26 pick but if they do have pstseason success, L.T. Overton would be a cherry on top.
Likely to lose Kwity Paye in the offseason, adding Overton would honestly be an upgrade for pass rush. Still needing some improvement against the run, Overton has the size and leadership that the Colt would jump all over and should make their pass rush go from good to deadly instantly.
If Paye is resigned and Overton isn't needed, look for a Tackle like Isaiah World from Oregon to be the pick.
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27. Los Angeles Rams
Colton Hood
Cornerback, Tennessee
6' 194 lbs.
I had the Rams backup pick as Colton Hood for when they drafted Ty Simpson at #14 and he's still here 13 spots later. Hood is a sticky and fast man corner from Tennessee and should really make an impact on the Rams' defense from Day 1.
Currently using Cobie Durant and Darious Williams as their starting corners, the Rams could use an injection of youth and talent and Hood is it. Able to use his range and speed to cover the boundary or even the slot when needed, Hood would be fantastic on an already very good defense.
If the Rams don't go with Hood here, look for a Tackle like Oregon's Isaiah World.
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28. Philadelphia Eagles
Caleb Lomu
Tackle, Utah
6'5" 295 lbs.
The Eagles don't look quite up to standards from last year's Championship team and I can't quite put my finger on why. For now though, I think they could use a guy on the interior like Caleb Lomu who can also be the Lane Johnson-retirement plan.
Lomu is a large and skilled lineman who has the power and agility to play all 5 positions on the O-line. His arm length will be a huge measurement for him and could decide whether he will be a Tackle or Guard but either way, he would be outstanding in some tush-pushes.
If the Eagles pass on Lomu, watch for Texas A&M's Edge Rusher Cashius Howell here.
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29. Detroit Lions
Jake Slaughter
Center, Florida
6'5" 308 lbs.
The Lions have drafted whoever they want regardless of media prospect grading or anyone else for that matter and that's why I've gone after a guy who is much lower on most boards in Jake Slaughter.
Undoubtedly a great Center, Slaughter is physical and a great athlete too. The Lions could really use a centerpiece like him for their O-line after Frank Ragnow's surprise retirement.
If the Lions go for a more "common" pick, watch for Ede Rusher Cashius Howell out of Texas Tech here.
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30. Dallas Cowboys
(via GB)
Cashius Howell
Edge Rusher, Texas A&M
6'4" 245 lbs.
And here is where Howell's slide likely hits it's floor as the Cowboys take another defender. With Arvell Reese already on the team, the Cowboys take Howell as well to really beef up their Front-7 and I love it.
Howell is one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the nation this year and uses his speed and frame for great bend when getting after the Quarterback. He isn't Micah Parsons, but he may be their best rusher in his first season in Dallas.
If the Cowboys pass on Howell, I can also see Safety Dillon Thieneman from Oregon being taken here as well.
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31. Kansas City Chiefs
Matayo Uiagalelei
Edge Rusher, Oregon
6'5" 271 lbs.
The Chiefs defense has been one of the best in the league over the past three years but is starting to slip in 2025. Adding a game wrecker like Uiagalelei (pronounced Oon-guh-lay-lay) could beef up their pass rush and edge run defense.
Uiagalelei is a perfect mold for the Chiefs and is very close to a clone copy of Geprge Karlaftis already. His size and strength would make him an instant starter for this defense and that is already saying something.
If the Chiefs want to go elsewhere, I could see the Chiefs also going SAF Dillon Thieneman out of Oregon.
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32. Buffalo Bills
Quincy Rhodes Jr.
Edge Rusher, Arkansas
6'6" 275 lbs.
Last but not least, I'm going to take a third edge rusher in a row in Quincy Rhodes out of Arkansas. Rhodes is a BEAST who will uses his violent hands and bull rush to overwhelm Tackles then use a rip move to blow by them when they're not expecting it.
Great size and a very smart guy, Rhodes would be a brilliant addition to the Bills and even if he doesn't start right away, has the potential to be a Pro Bowler under Sean McDermott.
If the Bills want to go another route, I also like them taking WR Denzel Boston out of Washington.
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Make sure to stay tuned as we continue coverage of the 2025 NFL Draft.
-Z.D. (@DrapeauZak)