With several talented edge rushers off the board, the Buccaneers elect to bolster the second level of the defense with a highly-touted linebacker

Brianna Dix

As April has approached over the previous several draft cycles, Senior Writer/Editor Scott Smith and I have begun implementing a few trades. In this edition, version 8.0, I projected one, with the Broncos moving up to bypass the Colts in order to grab a dynamic tight end:

• The Denver Broncos move up eight spots with the Dallas Cowboys, from number 20 to number 12. In the exchange, the Broncos get the 12th overall pick and a fifth rounder (149), while the Cowboys get the 20th overall pick in the first round and a second-round selection (51).

Both quarterbacks go high after several veteran free agent signal-callers have found their homes, including Russell Wilson to the New York Giants, Geno Smith to the Raiders, Justin Fields to the Jets and Sam Darnold to the Seahawks. Time will tell where Aaron Rodgers suits up and for the purposes of this mock, the Titans and the Browns go after a young option under center, which creates a favorable result for the Buccaneers:

As the draft draws near, this pick seems more and more plausible. The Titans offseason structure points towards the acquisition of a rookie quarterback and Cam Ward is the consensus frontrunner in the 2025 class. He has a rocket for an arm and has the mobility element to escape pressure. Ward can attack voids in coverage, while altering the tempo of his throws.

The Browns could take Abdul Carter to create a tantalizing tandem with Myles Garrett on the edge in Cleveland but the franchise has to address the quarterback situation. Shedeur Sanders throws receivers open with outstanding ball placement and can dismantle defenses with top-notch timing and touch on throws. He is more of the prototypical dropback passer and displays patience, poise and accuracy.

With Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston added at quarterback, the Giants turn their attention to the trenches and take one of the most elite talents from the 2025 class in Abdul Carter. Carter's explosion gains him an early advantage and is he nearly unstoppable on a B-gap spin move when he rushes inside. With sudden change-of-direction, closing burst and elite body control, Carter fits the coveted criteria of defensive coordinators.

Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins should not prevent the Patriots from adding another weapon for Drake Maye. Travis Hunter, the Heisman Trophy Winner, is the best talent in the 2025 draft class at two of football's most nuanced positions: cornerback and receiver. The two-way athlete combines stellar ball skills with a large catch radius to win in high-point situations. Hunter is quick in and out of breaks and dominates with strength, extension outside of his frame and speed to take it to the house.

Armand Membou to the Jaguars has gained traction in recent mock drafts but adding an interior defensive lineman is paramount. Mason Graham is the consensus number-one prospect at that position and would help shore up Jacksonville's frontline. Graham wins with leverage at the point of attack and possesses elite first-step quickness. His range and lateral agility show up in his tackle production and Graham adds an instant upgrade.

This just feels like a cookie-cutter pick and a Pete Carroll guy. With Carroll's physical and run-first philosophy, having a player of Ashton Jeanty's caliber would help the Seahawks create their offensive identity. As the pendulum swings back in favor of the ground attack in the NFL, Jeanty brings great vision, burst, contact balance and power to Seattle. With tremendous leg drive and wiggle, Jeanty creates yardage.

The Jets signed Justin Fields to a multi-year deal and it seems the next step for the franchise is to build around the new quarterback. New York saw the departure of both Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses and the club needs to add reinforcements. Armand Membou has risen on mocks and is touted as one of the best in the class. Membou reacts quickly to blitz/twists and is smooth in mirroring edge rushers. He finishes blocks and possesses stellar core strength and has the quickness/range to spur runs in space.

Mykel Williams has been projected to go later in round one (I mocked him at 19 to the Buccaneers in my last edition) with an injury-wrecked season and small sample size; however, he has fascinating upside. The Panthers surrendered the most points in league annals in 2024 and Williams has the tools to fortify Carolina's defense. In a post-Brian Burns world, Williams explodes off the line and covers ground in a flash with superb closing burst to elevate their front. He keeps his arms active to disrupt passing windows for batted passes or strip sacks and has an effective speed-to-power conversion.

Will Johnson is coming off a mid-season knee injury and will require vetting but the Saints conduct their evaluation and take the top cornerback in the draft to bolster the secondary. Johnson has the coveted big frame and ball production. He plays with stout awareness and instincts, while anticipating routes at a high-level. Johnson has the ability to disrupt and re-route receivers and has smooth transitions.

The Bears could take a pass rusher here but with Mykel Williams already off the board, along with Ashton Jeanty, they continue their offensive line overhaul and snag Will Campbell. Campbell commands reps with a powerful punch and tenacious disposition. He has the ability to move when needed on down blocks and finishes blocks with aggression.

The 49ers reinvigorate their pass rush. The Niners lost both linebacker Dre Greenlaw and edge Leonard Floyd and Jalon Walker could help out in both respects. He has the ability to blitz on third down and serve as an off-ball linebacker on early run downs. Walker fires downhill with closing burst to the football and varies his rush attack with different angles to create havoc.

The Broncos signed Evan Engram to strengthen the position but that should not prevent Sean Payton from making a splash to select one of the elite talents at the hybrid position to help out Bo Nix. Denver leaps over Miami and Indianapolis to improve their chances of locking-in Tyler Warren. With running back Ashton Jeanty already off the board, the Cowboys move down. Warren plays with charisma and has the ability to take over a game. The Penn State product can stress defenses by aligning all over the formation and uses tempo alterations in his routes to create separation. Warren is smooth in and out of breaks and has the physicality to win in contested catch situations. His style of play galvanized the Nittany Lions, and Sean Payton and company get their guy.

The Dolphins draft a player to fill the vacancy left by Terron Armstead. Regarded as one of the best tackles in the 2025 class, Kelvin Banks fits Mike McDaniel's play-action-centric offense that relies on the run game. Banks is known for his rancorous run blocking and plays with active feet. He showcases his athleticism in space and has the quickness to counter speed.

With Tyler Warren off the board, the Colts take Michigan's Colston Loveland to address their need at tight end. Loveland can take on an integral role in the Colts' offense as a pass-catching threat. Loveland can be moved around as a mismatch weapon and runs an advanced route tree. He can do it all: Contort his body to make challenging grabs, win versus press and generate separation in the short-to-intermediate area with effective cuts.

I think it has become a bit of a broken record to mock an edge to the Falcons but I do it anyway. Atlanta needs a young infusion of talent in the pass rush department and Shemar Stewart continues to rise on mocks with an impressive performance at both the Senior Bowl and the Combine. Stewart's profile consists of rare explosion, a nasty bull-rush, solid bend and outstanding pursuit speed. He is effective when reduced inside and would fortify the trenches for the Falcons.

The Cardinals boost the interior of the defensive line with the best player available in Walter Nolen. Nolen, a twitchy athlete, gains an early advantage with suddenness into contact. He can take over gaps with play strength and can absorb double teams. His prowess at rushing the passer gives him three-down potential at the pro level.

Off-the-field issues have caused Mike Green's placement on mocks to vary and interested clubs will certainly have to do their due diligence, but his toolkit prompts intrigue and the Bengals take the plunge. Green possesses an advanced pass-rush repertoire and he can win with power or finesse. He plays with a high-motor and explosive power. With a violent disposition in the trenches and menacing forward charge that leaves offensive tackles reeling, Green makes an impact.

The Seahawks have a void at guard and Tyler Booker fits their run-heavy offense. Booker excels as a downhill run blocker and is quick into contact. He is adept at mitigating twists and plays with stout upper-body strength. Booker commands the second level with ease and would help ignite Seattle's ground game in 2025.

The Buccaneers could take an edge rusher or a cornerback but with Alabama's Jihaad Campbell available at 19, the club bolsters the second level of the defense. Tampa Bay picked up Haason Reddick and re-signed Anthony Nelson to bolster the depth at outside linebacker. With the departure of K.J. Britt in free agency and SirVocea Dennis working his way back from shoulder surgery (an injury that nagged him at Pittsburgh), the Bucs add a complement for 35-year-old Lavonte David. Campbell, a rangy athlete, thrives on third down as a blitzer or in coverage. With effective pursuit speed, consistency as an open-field tackler and the ability to threaten as both a pass rusher and in man coverage versus backs, Campbell would solidify the Bucs' defense. Tampa Bay's defense is predicated on creating pressure and Campbell's prowess at getting to the quarterback would free up David to roam.

The Cowboys moved down and still get their receiver to boost the offensive arsenal around Dak Prescott. Tetairoa McMillan would provide a perimeter counterpart for CeeDee Lamb. McMillan is physical at the top of routes and has a good feel for coverage. He creates yardage with long-strides and utilizes his size in jump-ball situations. McMillan works the boundary to his advantage with precise footwork and would be a friendly target for Prescott.

The Steelers have addressed their need along the offensive line and turn their focus to the trenches on the opposite side of the football. Kenneth Grant wins with length and power when isolated in one-on-one's and possesses the strength to dislodge blockers with ease. Grant imposed his will at the collegiate level and would add another dimension to the Steelers' defensive line.

Justin Herbert gets another weapon in the Chargers' offense to join Ladd McConkey. Matthew Golden has the flexibility to play all three receiver spots and has the speed to get over the top of defensive backs on vertical shots. When working the middle of the field, Golden varies his route tempo to keep defenders guessing and has the body control to excel in contested situations.

Jahdae Barron could end up going higher, but for this installation the Packers get a value pick at 23 with a large nickelback that can cross-train at safety. Barron showcases his instincts in zone coverage and plays with sticky coverage in man underneath. With outstanding route recognition, Barron will elevate the Packers' defense in the Frozen Tundra.

The Vikings have bolstered their lines and now they address the secondary, finding a future successor for Harrison Smith. Nick Emmanwori has the ability to play in the post, in the box or cover tight ends. He utilizes his length to disrupt the catch point and his range is evident in space. He has the speed to outpace rushers to the sideline and pairs elite length with outstanding ball skills.

With solid tape in 2024 and dominance at the Senior Bowl and Combine, Grey Zabel has raised his stock and the Texans take advantage. He brings rare versatility, having played four out of the five positions along the offensive line, and has the play strength to create push at the point of attack.

The Rams revamp the line and take Donovan Jackson. He plays with immense power and is able to counter bull rushers. Jackson is a finisher in the run game at the second level and has fluid movements for pull duties. He has the prototype build for a guard long arms, large hands, broad hips and would provide an upgrade in the trenches for Los Angeles.

Baltimore needs to load the edge and the club does so with a proven sack artist in James Pearce Jr. He boasted 17.5 sacks over the previous two seasons at Tennessee and hit a 4.47-second 40-yard dash in Indianapolis. Pearce pairs an explosive get-off with an instinctive feel for generating leverage in his rush. He has a lethal speed-to-power attack and would immediately add value to the Ravens' pressure packages.

The Lions have several options at edge and go with Donovan Ezeiruaku to pair with Aidan Hutchinson. Ezeiruaku won the Ted Hendricks Award (nation's top defensive end) and ranked second in the FBS in 2024 with 16.5 sacks. He quickly slips past blockers with agility and bend. He changes direction with ease and rushes with an aggressive demeanor the latter being a prerequisite in Dan Campbell's system.

The Commanders added Deebo Samuel to pair with Terry McLaurin but also saw the departure of Dyami Brown. Emeka Egbuka adds another weapon that Jayden Daniels can rely on in the offense. Egbuka surpassed the 1,000-yard marker last season and averaged 12.5 yards per reception. Egbuka creates subtle separation and slows releases/adjustments to keep defenders at bay. He is adept at working back to the quarterback on comebackers and boxing out coverage.

Maxwell Hairston turned heads running a blazing 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the Combine in Indianapolis and Buffalo takes the lanky, quick-twitch athlete. Hairston is effective in both man and zone coverage, with proven ball production on his rsum. Over his last 20 games, Hairston tallied six interceptions and three were returned for touchdowns. He phases routes well and effectively diagnoses routes from zone.

Derrick Harmon may not be available at 31 but the Chiefs get a bulldozer to upgrade the defensive line. He is powerful at the point of attack and amassed 10.5 tackles for loss in 2024. Harmon is proficient at both clogging holes as a two-gapper or penetrating into the backfield with force as a one-gapper. He is a challenge to move and quickly gains momentum with an arm-over or rip maneuver.

The Eagles are known to dip into the Georgia talent pool so what is another Bulldog on their roster? He could likely be off the board but in this case, Vic Fangio gets a versatile safety. Starks flies downhill to mitigate running backs and has the speed to stay with vertical threats. He has the body control and athleticism to prevent contested catches and would invigorate the Eagles' last line of defense.