AP’s Last Mock Draft: Ward, Hunter, Carter Top Picks and Saints Move Up

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    The Tennessee Titans thoroughly considered all possibilities with their number one selection in the upcoming NFL draft but couldn’t resist the lure of a potential franchise quarterback. Coach Brian Callahan emphasized that some players are so valuable that a trade is not worth the risk if you believe they possess that kind of talent. Consequently, the Titans retained their top pick to potentially secure Miami’s Cam Ward, signaling a strong belief in his abilities.

    The focus then shifts to the Cleveland Browns, who pick second and also need a franchise quarterback. While Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders is an option, the multifaceted Travis Hunter and Penn State’s formidable edge rusher Abdul Carter seem likely candidates for Cleveland.

    In the latest 2025 mock draft predictions:

    **1. Tennessee Titans: CAM WARD, QUARTERBACK, MIAMI**
    Cam Ward has captured the attention of the Titans with his outstanding talent and leadership qualities. Following a record-breaking season at Miami, Ward appears to promise long-term stability at quarterback for Tennessee, having thrown 39 touchdown passes and nearly 4,313 passing yards to lead the Hurricanes to a 10-3 season.

    **2. Cleveland Browns: TRAVIS HUNTER, CORNERBACK/WIDE RECEIVER, COLORADO**
    The dual-threat star and recent Heisman winner Travis Hunter seeks to contribute both as a cornerback and wide receiver. Cleveland, in need of reinforcements at both positions, finds in Hunter a valuable asset following strategic moves involving quarterbacks Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco.

    **3. New York Giants: ABDUL CARTER, EDGE RUSHER, PENN STATE**
    With no immediate need for a quarterback due to Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, the Giants look to bolster their defense with Carter’s impressive pass rushing skills. Carter stands out as a premier pass rusher, credited with 12 sacks and 24 tackles for a loss the previous season.

    **4. New Orleans Saints (via New England Patriots): SHEDEUR SANDERS, QUARTERBACK, COLORADO**
    The Saints, previously eyeing options amidst Derek Carr’s shoulder injury issues, move up to ensure they get Sanders, blocking the Jets’ potential interest in him. Trading strategically with the Patriots, they make a long-term investment in Sanders.

    **5. Jacksonville Jaguars: MASON GRAHAM, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, MICHIGAN**
    Graham shines as a versatile interior lineman, deemed one of the best available in the draft, offering a significant boost to the Jaguars’ defensive front.

    **6. Las Vegas Raiders: ASHTON JEANTY, RUNNING BACK, BOISE STATE**
    Jeanty’s extraordinary talent presents an immediate upgrade for the Raiders’ underperforming rushing game. With quarterback needs addressed through Geno Smith, Jeanty’s arrival promises a more balanced offensive attack.

    **7. New York Jets: WILL CAMPBELL, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, LSU**
    Campbell, known for his athletic prowess, addresses the Jets’ needs at right tackle, enhancing their offensive line with his flexibility to adapt to multiple blocking schemes.

    **8. Carolina Panthers: JALON WALKER, EDGE RUSHER, GEORGIA**
    Amidst struggles with their defensive record, the Panthers are eager to enhance their defensive strategies, taking on Walker for his leadership qualities, hoping to turn their defensive woes around.

    **9. New England Patriots (via the New Orleans Saints): ARMAND MEMBOU, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, MISSOURI**
    Trading down, the Patriots leverage their position to bolster their offensive line with Membou’s adaptability, enhancing their future competitiveness at various positions.

    **10. Denver Broncos (via the Chicago Bears): TYLER WARREN, TIGHT END, PENN STATE**
    Warren provides a comprehensive skill set fitting seamlessly into the Broncos’ offensive gameplay, thanks to his record-breaking season as a pass-catching tight end.

    The sequence continues with players like Kenneth Grant, Tetairoa McMillan, Jahdae Barron, and others enriching teams such as the 49ers, Cowboys, Dolphins, and Colts respectively, as strategic picks shape the draft’s narratives.

    Even more notable selections, like Derrick Harmon for Buffalo or Grey Zabel for Kansas City, reflect the teams’ commitments to strengthening key weaknesses as they venture into another competitive season. Meanwhile, savvy trades and thoughtful selections display the strategic foresight teams exercise in capitalizing on opportunities.

    This draft class embodies a pivotal moment for numerous franchises striving for excellence and long-term growth, each pick carefully considering the balance between immediate impact and future potential in a rapidly evolving league landscape.