Official NFL Draft Thread - Bear Fans Only - Loveland - Number 2 Scheme Fit

[playthrough2001]

Ok, this is pretty interesting. It’s a mock draft if every college football player were eligible.

1. TENNESSEE TITANS: QB ARCH MANNING, TEXAS, 2026​

The Titans take a swing on Arch Manning with the first pick. Obviously, he garners a ton of attention due to his last name, but he earned an 88.0 PFF overall grade in limited action last season and should be set up very well for success at Texas after two years as an understudy. If he proves himself consistently against SEC competition, he very well could be the first pick whenever he decides to leave school.

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2. CLEVELAND BROWNS: QB DJ LAGWAY, FLORIDA, 2027​

Lagway oozes potential. The true freshman showed why he was the top quarterback recruit in the 2024 cycle by leading the Power Four with an 8.8% big-time throw rate. His 95.6 PFF passing grade on deep throws this past season ranked third in the country.

The Florida quarterback may have more arm talent than anyone else in college football. He just needs to fine-tune his footwork and accuracy to potentially become a prospect whom teams like the Browns trip over themselves to select in a couple of years.

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3. NEW YORK GIANTS: QB CAM WARD, MIAMI (FL), 2025​

It’s no secret that the Giants would select Cam Ward in this year’s draft if he is still on the board. They get that chance in this exercise. Ward was the highest-graded quarterback in college football in 2024. His combination of decisive downfield passing and improvisational skills make him the perfect candidate to run New York’s offense. Ward throwing to Malik Nabers would be thrilling to watch.

Subscribe to PFF+ to unlock full access to PFF's 2025 big board and the world's most advanced football database!

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4. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: WR/CB TRAVIS HUNTER, COLORADO, 2025​

The Patriots nab the best player in this year’s class. This past year’s Heisman Trophy winner is a superstar on both sides of the ball, tying for third among FBS cornerbacks in PFF coverage grade (90.3) while tying for the most receiving touchdowns in the Power Four (15). If that two-way stardom continues into the NFL, Hunter will immediately become one of the most valuable non-quarterbacks in the league.

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5. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: S CALEB DOWNS, OHIO STATE, 2026​

The Jaguars had the lowest-graded safety unit in the NFL last season and lost the best player in that group, Andre Cisco. Caleb Downs is a truly generational prospect at the position who earned PFF grades above 85.0 as a true freshman and a true sophomore. His ability to morph himself to fit into any role in any defense would completely change the outlook of Jacksonville’s secondary.

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6. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: WR JEREMIAH SMITH, OHIO STATE, 2027​

Smith already has a couple of connections to the Raiders' organization. He would catch passes from his cousin, Geno Smith, and reunite with Las Vegas’ new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who coached Smith during his freshman season last year as Ohio State’s offensive coordinator.

Even without those ties, the Raiders would still sprint this card in. Smith was the most valuable receiver in the nation as just a true freshman, according to PFF’s Wins Above Average metric. He also tied for the Power Four lead in receiving touchdowns (15) while his 1,311 receiving yards trailed only Tetairoa McMillan in that same group.

Smith is an athletic freak at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds with an incredibly refined skill set for someone who turned 19 years old in November. He has all the makings of a generational prospect in a couple of years and is already the best active player in college football.

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7. NEW YORK JETS: DI MASON GRAHAM, MICHIGAN, 2025​

The Jets took a major step back in run defense in 2024, due in large part to the lack of interior production aside from Quinnen Williams. Mason Graham was the best defensive tackle in the FBS over the past two seasons. He led the FBS with a 91.1 PFF overall grade and a 92.6 PFF run-defense grade in 2024. He and Williams would immediately create one of the NFL’s most dynamic interior duos.

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8. CAROLINA PANTHERS: EDGE ABDUL CARTER, PENN STATE, 2025​

The Panthers desperately need help at edge defender, and they’re lucky enough to have their pick here. Carter was the most valuable edge defender in the nation this past season, according to PFF’s Wins Above Average metric, while his 92.4 PFF pass-rush grade ranked second. He will likely go within the first three picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, but Carolina is lucky to grab him here in this mock.

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9. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: QB GARRETT NUSSMEIER, LSU, 2026​

Between the short trip down from Baton Rouge and Doug Nussmeier, Garrett’s father, recently being installed as the Saints’ offensive coordinator, we’re connecting some dots when projecting this pick. That’s not to say Garrett Nussmeier isn’t a first-round talent, though. In his first season as LSU’s starter, he ranked 19th in the nation with an 81.3 PFF passing grade and tied for seventh with 26 big-time throws.

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10. CHICAGO BEARS: RB ASHTON JEANTY, BOISE STATE, 2025​

In a selection that could very well happen in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bears select Jeanty. His 99.9 career PFF rushing grade is the best in PFF college history, and he also earned an 81.7 career PFF receiving grade. Jeanty is up there with Bijan Robinson and Saquon Barkley as the best running back prospects in recent memory.

Continued...

2025 NFL Mock Draft: The first round if every college football player was eligible

If all college football players could enter the 2025 NFL Draft, here's what a first round could look like.

www.pff.com

 

[bears51/40]

I consider myself one of the trenches guys. However, I would just say that I don't mean that as OT or bust. I want the best trenches guy at #10 - and I would be fine it that being either OT or DL/Edge.

Really what I want is for Poles to just stand pat or maybe trade down at #10. I don't want him to sacrifice #10, 39, 41, or even 72 in a trade up. Please just don't start pulling Pace moves out desperation. There is enough depth to this draft at enough positions that I would loathe anything trade up.

Thing about that is there are so many Edges, DL that fit Allen's defense in round two but almost no chance to get a LT after the first round.

 

[Applefan]

Unfortunately...

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1912602412386246877

If true, I don't even see the point of working out, especially Mykel.

 

[knoxville7]

Not all 22 but can see every banks play

the push he gets on the running play at the 2:20ish mark shows he has plenty of strength ability in the run game

he does lunge at times, but it is typically when he feels he is engaged and has the leverage to do so on the defender. he will have to be careful with that in the NFL, as guys have some more counter ability to that.

i saw him on the ground a time or two, but at least one of the times he was clearly tripped from behind

 

[playthrough2001]

The Georgia and Michigan games for starters. I didn't see any film study on the OSU game. If you've watched as much Texas as you say, you'd know Sark's offense is RPO heavy, and he is really smart using concepts like pressure ice that freeze the defensive line. That's why his tackles have shorter sets than NFL offense and his system is very tackle friendly . Of course Banks is further along than Braxton coming out, but doesn't mean he will be a significantly better pro. Banks ceiling to me as a tackle is about mid tier. I think Wright was a much better prospect coming out. As for Membou I have no idea if he can play left tackle, but him and Campbell have much better strength, athleticism, and ceilings than Banks and Connelly. Those two are a real reach at 10 for me, but I prefer Connelly.

If the Michigan game is him playing bad, you’ve made my point.

It doesn’t matter if Sark’s system is “smart" if the QB can’t run it efficiently. Ewers puts pressure on his tackles.

Every NFL team is implementing college concepts. Did you watch any Washington football last season? Also, there’s probably not a system league wide that doesn’t utilize RPOs. Any team in the NFL that has a QB that can move at all is using mesh handoffs on running plays at a higher rate than ever before. Daniels had 148 rushing attempts last season not counting the playoffs. Also, what teams in the NFL don’t emphasize getting the ball out quick these days? Tell me how many 5 and 7 step drops you see on a regular basis? Baltimore under Monken looks like Saturday football and they put up a ton of production.

Johnson will put Caleb under center and use play action to freeze the rush and pull up the LBs.

Give me a Texas game you’re not regurgitating from another poster.

 

[DefNextYear]

Ok, this is pretty interesting. It’s a mock draft if every college football player were eligible.

1. TENNESSEE TITANS: QB ARCH MANNING, TEXAS, 2026​

The Titans take a swing on Arch Manning with the first pick. Obviously, he garners a ton of attention due to his last name, but he earned an 88.0 PFF overall grade in limited action last season and should be set up very well for success at Texas after two years as an understudy. If he proves himself consistently against SEC competition, he very well could be the first pick whenever he decides to leave school.

---

2. CLEVELAND BROWNS: QB DJ LAGWAY, FLORIDA, 2027​

Lagway oozes potential. The true freshman showed why he was the top quarterback recruit in the 2024 cycle by leading the Power Four with an 8.8% big-time throw rate. His 95.6 PFF passing grade on deep throws this past season ranked third in the country.

The Florida quarterback may have more arm talent than anyone else in college football. He just needs to fine-tune his footwork and accuracy to potentially become a prospect whom teams like the Browns trip over themselves to select in a couple of years.

---

3. NEW YORK GIANTS: QB CAM WARD, MIAMI (FL), 2025​

It’s no secret that the Giants would select Cam Ward in this year’s draft if he is still on the board. They get that chance in this exercise. Ward was the highest-graded quarterback in college football in 2024. His combination of decisive downfield passing and improvisational skills make him the perfect candidate to run New York’s offense. Ward throwing to Malik Nabers would be thrilling to watch.

View attachment 45133Subscribe to PFF+ to unlock full access to PFF's 2025 big board and the world's most advanced football database!

---

4. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: WR/CB TRAVIS HUNTER, COLORADO, 2025​

The Patriots nab the best player in this year’s class. This past year’s Heisman Trophy winner is a superstar on both sides of the ball, tying for third among FBS cornerbacks in PFF coverage grade (90.3) while tying for the most receiving touchdowns in the Power Four (15). If that two-way stardom continues into the NFL, Hunter will immediately become one of the most valuable non-quarterbacks in the league.

---

5. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: S CALEB DOWNS, OHIO STATE, 2026​

The Jaguars had the lowest-graded safety unit in the NFL last season and lost the best player in that group, Andre Cisco. Caleb Downs is a truly generational prospect at the position who earned PFF grades above 85.0 as a true freshman and a true sophomore. His ability to morph himself to fit into any role in any defense would completely change the outlook of Jacksonville’s secondary.

---

6. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: WR JEREMIAH SMITH, OHIO STATE, 2027​

Smith already has a couple of connections to the Raiders' organization. He would catch passes from his cousin, Geno Smith, and reunite with Las Vegas’ new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who coached Smith during his freshman season last year as Ohio State’s offensive coordinator.

Even without those ties, the Raiders would still sprint this card in. Smith was the most valuable receiver in the nation as just a true freshman, according to PFF’s Wins Above Average metric. He also tied for the Power Four lead in receiving touchdowns (15) while his 1,311 receiving yards trailed only Tetairoa McMillan in that same group.

Smith is an athletic freak at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds with an incredibly refined skill set for someone who turned 19 years old in November. He has all the makings of a generational prospect in a couple of years and is already the best active player in college football.

---

7. NEW YORK JETS: DI MASON GRAHAM, MICHIGAN, 2025​

The Jets took a major step back in run defense in 2024, due in large part to the lack of interior production aside from Quinnen Williams. Mason Graham was the best defensive tackle in the FBS over the past two seasons. He led the FBS with a 91.1 PFF overall grade and a 92.6 PFF run-defense grade in 2024. He and Williams would immediately create one of the NFL’s most dynamic interior duos.

---

8. CAROLINA PANTHERS: EDGE ABDUL CARTER, PENN STATE, 2025​

The Panthers desperately need help at edge defender, and they’re lucky enough to have their pick here. Carter was the most valuable edge defender in the nation this past season, according to PFF’s Wins Above Average metric, while his 92.4 PFF pass-rush grade ranked second. He will likely go within the first three picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, but Carolina is lucky to grab him here in this mock.

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9. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: QB GARRETT NUSSMEIER, LSU, 2026​

Between the short trip down from Baton Rouge and Doug Nussmeier, Garrett’s father, recently being installed as the Saints’ offensive coordinator, we’re connecting some dots when projecting this pick. That’s not to say Garrett Nussmeier isn’t a first-round talent, though. In his first season as LSU’s starter, he ranked 19th in the nation with an 81.3 PFF passing grade and tied for seventh with 26 big-time throws.

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10. CHICAGO BEARS: RB ASHTON JEANTY, BOISE STATE, 2025​

In a selection that could very well happen in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bears select Jeanty. His 99.9 career PFF rushing grade is the best in PFF college history, and he also earned an 81.7 career PFF receiving grade. Jeanty is up there with Bijan Robinson and Saquon Barkley as the best running back prospects in recent memory.

Continued...

2025 NFL Mock Draft: The first round if every college football player was eligible

If all college football players could enter the 2025 NFL Draft, here's what a first round could look like.

www.pff.com

I don't care how generational a safety may be, I'm finding another position to take 5 overall if I'm picking from the entire crop of college kids. On a similar note, I have access to all of the college talent and I'm taking a RB at 10 instead of an OT or edge? Noooooooo way.

 

[bears51/40]

The Georgia and Michigan games for starters. I didn't see any film study on the OSU game. If you've watched as much Texas as you say, you'd know Sark's offense is RPO heavy, and he is really smart using concepts like pressure ice that freeze the defensive line. That's why his tackles have shorter sets than NFL offense and his system is very tackle friendly . Of course Banks is further along than Braxton coming out, but doesn't mean he will be a significantly better pro. Banks ceiling to me as a tackle is about mid tier. I think Wright was a much better prospect coming out. As for Membou I have no idea if he can play left tackle, but him and Campbell have much better strength, athleticism, and ceilings than Banks and Connelly. Those two are a real reach at 10 for me, but I prefer Connelly.

I think we both believe that Campbell and Menbou will be gone by the time the Bears are on the clock at #10. That leaves Conerly or Banks if the Bears do go with a LT. I do think both of them can play LT at a pro level, but Conerly is definitely more athletic. Banks has more things to clean up as a pro, but it can be done.

 

[Discus fish salesman]

I think we both believe that Campbell and Menbou will be gone by the time the Bears are on the clock at #10. That leaves Conerly or Banks if the Bears do go with a LT. I do think both of them can play LT at a pro level, but Conerly is definitely more athletic. Banks has more things to clean up as a pro, but it can be done.

I'd take banks over conerly. Conerly has a lot of Braxton getting pushed into the qbs lap to his game.

Personally I'd just take Walter nolen and let him dominate games on the iDL though.

 

[bamainatlanta]

@DaaBears tell us about Jacob Parrish

 

[Discus fish salesman]

@DaaBears tell us about Jacob Parrish

Better yet, tell us about Giddens because that's the only player I care about on KSU for 2025 draft purposes. Parrish is good but if bears pick a cb in the first 3 rounds, I won't be thrilled

 

[thenewguy]

If the Michigan game is him playing bad, you’ve made my point.

It doesn’t matter if Sark’s system is “smart" if the QB can’t run it efficiently. Ewers puts pressure on his tackles.

Every NFL team is implementing college concepts. Did you watch any Washington football last season? Also, there’s probably not a system league wide that doesn’t utilize RPOs. Any team in the NFL that has a QB that can move at all is using mesh handoffs on running plays at a higher rate than ever before. Daniels had 148 rushing attempts last season not counting the playoffs. Also, what teams in the NFL don’t emphasize getting the ball out quick these days? Tell me how many 5 and 7 step drops you see on a regular basis? Baltimore under Monken looks like Saturday football and they put up a ton of production.

Johnson will put Caleb under center and use play action to freeze the rush and pull up the LBs.

Give me a Texas game you’re not regurgitating from another poster.

Lol. You're pretty fired up Mr. Banks. We see the player a different way. No big deal. I's not an uncommon opinion that Banks has some limited movement and athleticism, and it's pretty well understood he will have to do different things in the NFL than he did at Texas.

 

[msadows]

Lol. You're pretty fired up Mr. Banks. We see the player a different way. No big deal. I's not an uncommon opinion that Banks has some limited movement and athleticism, and it's pretty well understood he will have to do different things in the NFL than he did at Texas.

The thing I dislike is when people mention "this player only gave up these many pressures and this little sacks in college".

Thats true for all the lineman taken in the first few rounds typically and most of them suck in the NFL.

 

[thenewguy]

I'd take banks over conerly. Conerly has a lot of Braxton getting pushed into the qbs lap to his game.

Personally I'd just take Walter nolen and let him dominate games on the iDL though.

Agree, that could be Conerly's fatal flaw. He's so athletic in his kick step to deep sets that you could just see him being a dominating pass blocker if he gets NFL strong. I agree DL is the better option over both those OT's, but I'm starting to want Harmon.

 

[thenewguy]

I think we both believe that Campbell and Menbou will be gone by the time the Bears are on the clock at #10. That leaves Conerly or Banks if the Bears do go with a LT. I do think both of them can play LT at a pro level, but Conerly is definitely more athletic. Banks has more things to clean up as a pro, but it can be done.

I just don't like the value of either of them at 10. It think it's drafting for need at that point. @Enasic has pointed this out about Campbell, but it holds true for Banks too. Neither have ever played a game at guard, and their games don't necessarily translate perfectly to guard. I'd prefer Jeanty, Harmon. Warren, Walker, or Williams over reaching for a maybe LT. Those guys all have pro bowl potential.

 

[Enasic]

I just don't like the value of either of them at 10. It think it's drafting for need at that point. @Enasic has pointed this out about Campbell, but it holds true for Banks too. Neither have ever played a game at guard, and their games don't necessarily translate perfectly to guard. I'd prefer Jeanty, Harmon. Warren, Walker, or Williams over reaching for a maybe LT. Those guys all have pro bowl potential.

While this is true about Banks, I think he translates to guard much better than Campbell if need be. Campbell has to completely work his stance and I’ve seen him get pushed around quite a bit. Def needs to get stronger. He does have great balance and great technique, I will give him that. Either way, I think Banks is definitely a LT in the NFL. Everyone already knows my stance on Campbell haha

 

[pseudonym]

Let's say we go Jeanty or Warren at #10, how far do you think Conerly will fall? Can we get him at #39 or would we have to move up to get him?

 

[Enasic]

Let's say we go Jeanty or Warren at #10, how far do you think Conerly will fall? Can we get him at #39 or would we have to move up to get him?

He’s going 1st for sure

 

[bearsfan1977]

I'd take banks over conerly. Conerly has a lot of Braxton getting pushed into the qbs lap to his game.

Personally I'd just take Walter nolen and let him dominate games on the iDL though.

Exactly. I hope they take someone like Nolen or Grant and maybe Ersery in the 2nd rather than Banks at 10. I don’t think he could beat out Braxton for the starting LT spot.

I understand the need at LT. I really wish there was a T like Fuaga from last year in this draft that would fall to 10. But I’m not going to somehow convince myself Banks is that cornerstone LT when I don’t think he can even beat out Braxton, just because I really wish he was because they need a LT to take over next year.

If they pick him, obviously I hope I’m wrong and he turns out to be the best LT in the league.

 

[Enasic]

Exactly. I hope they take someone like Nolen or Grant and maybe Ersery in the 2nd rather than Banks at 10. I don’t think he could beat out Braxton for the starting LT spot.

I understand the need at LT. I really wish there was a T like Fashanu from last year in this draft that would fall to 10. But I’m not going to somehow convince myself Banks is that cornerstone LT when I don’t think he can even beat out Braxton, just because I really wish he was because they need a LT to take over next year.

If they pick him, obviously I hope I’m wrong and he turns out to be the best LT in the league.

Was Olu even that good last year? I didn’t watch a lot of NYJ games but he barely graded out as average. He definitely would not have beaten out Braxton.

 

[bearsfan1977]

Was Olu even that good last year? I didn’t watch a lot of NYJ games but he barely graded out as average. He definitely would not have beaten out Braxton.

I didn’t watch a lot of Olu. The 2 guys I was hoping for were either Bowers of Fashanu. Fashanu would have looked great in a Bears uniform.