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The first round of free agency has passed with major moves altering draft strategies for several teams. The 2025 NFL Draft is just over a month away, so there’s plenty of time for more mock draft analysis. CBS Sports’ Kyle Stockpole recently put out a mock accounting for the first wave of free agent moves.
A common theme in pre-free agency mocks was the New York Giants acquiring the first overall pick. That theme has continued as Stockpole expects New York to move up. Ward has a stranglehold on being the first quarterback taken in many mocks, and with the Giants missing out on Matthew Stafford it makes sense they offer the Titans whatever they can to get their guy.
The Cleveland Browns spent a boatload of money to keep their best player in house, giving $40 million a year to defensive end Myles Garrett. The team traded for quarterback Kenny Pickett, had Russell Wilson in for a visit, and is still linked to Kirk Cousins. If Ward was their QB1, it makes sense for them to pass on another quarterback and bolster their pass rush with Carter. Garrett and Carter together would be a formidable pair, but Cleveland would have to ignore its glaring quarterback need.
The Patriots focused on building Mike Vrabel’s defense during the early free agency window, and filled the defensive tackle need they were expected to handle in the draft. With so much new defensive blood in the building, New England can give Drake Maye a new weapon by adding arguably the best receiver available. McMillan will likely make an instant impact wherever he ends up, and the Patriots desperately need a legit receiver.
The Las Vegas Raiders got a head start on free agency by trading for veteran quarterback Geno Smith. That move has potentially taken them out of the quarterback market heading into the draft, and they pivot by landing arguably the most explosive player available in Jeanty. The Boise State product will have his work cut out for him with the Raiders rushing for a league-worst 1,357 yards.
This year’s Combine workout warrior continues to show up high on mock draft boards with Stewart going 13th-overall in this edition. He may have tested like Myles Garrett, but performing like him on the field is another story. No. 13 is pretty high for a guy who has just 4.5 career sacks, but his natural athleticism could be too much for Miami, or many other teams, to overlook.
Cam Ward going first overall is not shocking. Shedeur Sanders falling to the back half of the first round is. Sanders was in the first-overall discussion as the NFL offseason began, and has settled in as the presumptive QB2 in this year’s class. If the Pittsburgh Steelers grab Sanders at No. 21, it would be a major coup for the quarterback-needy team. However, it’s hard to believe he makes it through Cleveland at No. 2 or Tennessee at No. 3.
This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: Mock draft watch: Takeaways from CBS Sports post-free agency edition
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Giants move up to No. 1 for Cam Ward…Shocking
A common theme in pre-free agency mocks was the New York Giants acquiring the first overall pick. That theme has continued as Stockpole expects New York to move up. Ward has a stranglehold on being the first quarterback taken in many mocks, and with the Giants missing out on Matthew Stafford it makes sense they offer the Titans whatever they can to get their guy.
Abdul Carter goes second
The Cleveland Browns spent a boatload of money to keep their best player in house, giving $40 million a year to defensive end Myles Garrett. The team traded for quarterback Kenny Pickett, had Russell Wilson in for a visit, and is still linked to Kirk Cousins. If Ward was their QB1, it makes sense for them to pass on another quarterback and bolster their pass rush with Carter. Garrett and Carter together would be a formidable pair, but Cleveland would have to ignore its glaring quarterback need.
Tet McMillan taken by New England
The Patriots focused on building Mike Vrabel’s defense during the early free agency window, and filled the defensive tackle need they were expected to handle in the draft. With so much new defensive blood in the building, New England can give Drake Maye a new weapon by adding arguably the best receiver available. McMillan will likely make an instant impact wherever he ends up, and the Patriots desperately need a legit receiver.
Ashton Jeanty at No. 6
The Las Vegas Raiders got a head start on free agency by trading for veteran quarterback Geno Smith. That move has potentially taken them out of the quarterback market heading into the draft, and they pivot by landing arguably the most explosive player available in Jeanty. The Boise State product will have his work cut out for him with the Raiders rushing for a league-worst 1,357 yards.
Dolphins grab Shemar Stewart at No. 13
This year’s Combine workout warrior continues to show up high on mock draft boards with Stewart going 13th-overall in this edition. He may have tested like Myles Garrett, but performing like him on the field is another story. No. 13 is pretty high for a guy who has just 4.5 career sacks, but his natural athleticism could be too much for Miami, or many other teams, to overlook.
Shedeur Sanders falls to No. 21
Cam Ward going first overall is not shocking. Shedeur Sanders falling to the back half of the first round is. Sanders was in the first-overall discussion as the NFL offseason began, and has settled in as the presumptive QB2 in this year’s class. If the Pittsburgh Steelers grab Sanders at No. 21, it would be a major coup for the quarterback-needy team. However, it’s hard to believe he makes it through Cleveland at No. 2 or Tennessee at No. 3.
This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: Mock draft watch: Takeaways from CBS Sports post-free agency edition
Continue reading...
