New NFL Mock Draft: Tannenbaum’s Unique Approach to First-Round Picks
As the NFL offseason progresses, the focus of general managers and top decision-makers is shifting from free agency to the 2025 NFL draft, which is now less than a month away. The excitement is building as Round 1 is set to kick off on April 24.
For those of us who have been in the trenches of NFL management, like myself during my time as the general manager and executive vice president of the Jets (2006-12) and then executive vice president of football operations for the Dolphins (2015-18), studying the draft class and predicting how the board might fall is always a thrilling exercise. This year, for the fifth straight year, I’m stepping into the shoes of the GM for all 32 teams to make my own picks for the entire first round.
Now, this isn’t your typical mock draft. While draft analysts often project what they believe will happen based on insider information, I’m taking a different approach. I’m putting myself in the general manager’s chair for each team and making my own picks. This means it’s not necessarily what I’m expecting to happen but rather how I’d personally approach each Day 1 selection. My choices are based on my own evaluations, preferences, philosophies, and rationale.
Let’s dive into my GM selections for the first 32 picks, starting with the Tennessee Titans at No. 1 overall. For more on these picks, be sure to check out my “SportsCenter” special from Tuesday.
1. Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward, QB, Miami
While I’m not ready to completely write off Will Levis as an NFL starter, I think there’s a clear separation in talent between him and Ward. This is an easy decision for Tennessee. The team signing tackle Dan Moore Jr. and guard Kevin Zeitler, moves that allow JC Latham to kick over to right tackle, leads me to believe that it’s heading in this direction.
Ward has a sturdy frame (especially in his lower body) at 219 pounds, and he displays outstanding pocket movement. I like how his eye level stays down the field as he moves around and avoids pressure. Last season, Ward led the country in TD passes (39) and passing plays of 20 or more yards (74).
2. Cleveland Browns
Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
Cleveland needs a quarterback, so I considered Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders here. But it also needs cornerback and receiver help. Hunter is an extremely rare player, having played more than 1,100 career snaps at both of those positions.
The Browns really struggled on defense in 2024; their opponent QBR ranked 26th (59.2), yards allowed per play ranked 24th (5.6), and interception rate ranked last (0.8%). So while I have no doubt Hunter can excel at receiver in the pros, I would start him at corner, where his length and change-of-direction quickness should make him an elite man-to-man defender from day one. As an extra bonus, Cleveland could give him 15 to 20 plays per game at receiver, specifically in the red zone and on third down.
3. New York Giants
Updated pick: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
When I released this mock draft on Tuesday morning, I had Shedeur Sanders here. But the signing of Russell Wilson — just a few days after the signing of Jameis Winston — complicates things. I thought about still going with Sanders. After all, Wilson is 36 and on a one-year deal, and both passers are stopgap options. But this team just has too many other issues to use this pick on a third quarterback.
That’s why I’m now taking Graham. He has excellent physical traits and plays with great technique. His wrestling background is very apparent when you watch him play; he has great balance and leverage, which helped him produce 3.5 sacks and 26 pressures last year in Ann Arbor. I like the idea of dropping him next to Dexter Lawrence II and letting him get after the quarterback from the inside. (I also considered Penn State’s Abdul Carter, but edge rusher isn’t as high on the “need” list.)
4. New England Patriots
Armand Membou, OT/G, Missouri
Last season, the Patriots were 31st in pass block win rate (50.9%), and their 52 sacks allowed tied for the fifth most. So that’s my focus. Membou played in 36 games and started 30 at Missouri, and he allowed one sack last season. I believe he can shift from right tackle to left tackle, too. He moves really well and shows solid hand placement. He’s also very explosive, posting the best broad jump (9-foot-7) and second-fastest 40-yard dash (4.91 seconds) of all offensive linemen at the combine.
The idea of new Pats coach Mike Vrabel taking a tackle reminds me of Jim Harbaugh selecting Joe Alt in his first draft with the Chargers, and I think bringing in Membou would be a similar tone-setting pick.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
Even this high on the board, this would be tremendous value. Carter got pressure on 18.5% of his pass rushes last season, helping him register 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss. His ability to play both off the ball and off the edge will draw comparisons to Micah Parsons, and I think Carter might actually have more power in his game. Even with Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, Jacksonville struggled with its pass rush last season, finishing 28th in sacks (34). So I’d be running the card in if I were the Jaguars and Carter was still available when they got on the clock.
- More on the NFL draft:
- All of our mock drafts
- Position rankings
And there you have it, the first five picks of my mock draft. Stay tuned for more insights and analysis as we continue to break down the 2025 NFL draft.
Originally Written by: Mike Tannenbaum
